Treasures in the Trees

The Wool Fairy took a brief hiatus from her yarn basket this past weekend in exchange for some time in the workshop. Wool may be #1 on her list of favorites, but wood runs a close second!

A year or so ago, I made Chi-Chi and Muffy a set of “tree blocks”. Our family’s set of tree blocks continues to grow in size as new pieces are added on a regular basis. Each time a take a walk in our woods, I’m on the lookout for unique and interesting branches to add to our collection. These blocks are incredibly easy to make and are a great project for the “beginner toymaker”. All you need is a couple of branches, a saw, some sandpaper and some beeswax. My kids absolutely love assisting with this woodworking project and take great pride in their little works of art. Obviously, Hubby and I use the power tools! Chi-Chi and Muffy delight in carefully sanding and polishing each piece.

What I love most about these blocks is the fact that each one is so very different from the next. Every block has its own unique “personality” and it is truly fascinating to observe the children interact and create with them. One day they may choose to build an elaborate structure for their farm animals. The next day you might find them playing with just one special block, which has been magically transformed into a hammer, a pancake or a telephone! I make a point of using different species of wood to add interest and texture to the collection. Chi-Chi is actually able identify the dogwood, maple and birch branches! My father, a retired forester, would be proud.

As an adult, I find myself picking up the blocks every once in a while and building my own fairy tale castle! They really are a delight to handle and they make you appreciate the beauty of wood. Each block also tells it’s own story. Some branches were salvaged from my parent’s yard following a windy autumn storm. Some I simply stumbled upon during one of my walks in the woods, such as our blocks made of burls. I’ve tinkered a bit with carving very simple figures from the branches as well. A near trip to the emergency department put a bit of a damper on my carving endeavors. Ouch!

The little ones are also learning about caring for and respecting their belongings by performing regular “maintenance” on their block set. Every now and then, we pull out the beeswax and set to work waxing and buffing the shine back into their blocks. They absolutely adore this exercise, though they tend to get a little over-zealous with the beeswax! They watch in amazement as the patina and sheen emerges from the newly waxed piece and they delight in the aromatic scent of the beeswax. I’m excited to be putting together a little set of these blocks for Chi-Chi’s Montessori preschool! I’ve got a nice little selection of branches drying out just for this purpose. I have no doubt these little polishing blocks will be a hit with Chi-Chi’s classmates.

Anyone playing Santa this year might want to take a walk in the woods. You never know what treasure might be hiding among the branches!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas...

With all this snow on the ground, I can’t help myself from feeling festive! The Christmas season is just around the corner and with two and three year old boys in the house, it’s sure to be an exciting event.

Hubby and I are making a conscious effort to keep the gift giving fairly simple this year.  Santa will most certainly be paying a visit to Seaside Farms! He will leave behind a few sweet and thoughtful gifts for Chi-Chi and Muffy. Going overboard on the gift giving is always sure to backfire. The little ones quickly become overwhelmed and lose interest amidst the chaos of Christmas morning.

As was the case last year, some of the items under our tree will be lovingly crafted by The Wool Fairy and Mr. Wool Fairy (he would cringe to hear me refer to him this way!) These two elves have been slaving away in the workshop, creating a few special items for the big day.

I thought it might be fun to share some of the goodies I’ve got tucked away in my sack. I’m always on the look out for safe and natural toys for our family so I assume others are as well. There are so many unique and beautiful alternatives out there, I simply don’t understand why most people flock to the malls in droves.

Muffy is going to love his new birch block stacking ring set. I thought it would be fun to put a little twist on this timeless classic. The blocks were created with wood from our property. I left the bark on to retain the interest and texture of each piece. Hubby drilled holes in each block and tapped in a dowel. A bit of sanding, a coat of beeswax and voila, an easy do-it-yourself toy.

Over the next couple of weeks I'll share a few more ideas, so stay tuned. I'm assuming Chi-Chi and Muffy won't be hacking into my computer! Those two little monkeys never cease to amaze me!!

A Cup of Comfort

It’s a dreary, rainy, snowy November day in these parts. Perhaps my gray mood is a reflection of not only the weather, but my rather comatose/sleep deprived state this morning. Hubby was on a business trip last night and as luck would have it, Muffy came down with a nasty case of the tummy flu. It was a bit of a rough night with two little ones in my bed – one power puking to my right, the other screaming for attention on my left!

I was actually glad to see the light of day – an excuse to get us all cleaned up and to get myself a much-needed cup of tea! My morning tea ritual was actually a very special treat today because it was my first opportunity to use my new favorite cup! This warm, cheerful, earthy cup and saucer set just begs to be held. When filled with a steaming cup of brew, it’s the perfect size to wrap your hands around and warm up chilly fingers. Best of all, it was lovingly made by my artist cousin, the talented girl behind Branch Designs. My mom, sister and I attended a craft fair in the Annapolis Valley this weekend where my cousin was offering her wide array of creations and delights for sale. We went home with our shopping bags full. Mom treated me to this adorable little birdie cup and my sister went home with a beautiful bracelet and quilted headband. As a belated birthday gift, my sister had me pick out these ocean inspired buttons. I’m dreaming of the beautiful sweater these will adorn! Check out Branch Designs on Etsy!

As I sip my tea and admire my new teacup, my spirits can't help but be lifted. I’m thankful for this ho-hum, PJ kind of day. I’m so very lucky to have my two little ones safe and snug at home with me today. Muffy can recover from his bout of the flu in these warm, cozy and comforting surroundings. Of course, I’m still counting the hours down until Hubby returns! With a two year old vomiting around the house, one could always use an extra set of hands… (:

The Wool Fairy Plays Santa

Anyone who knows my little Chi-Chi is well aware of his fascination with dear old Santa. No matter the season, Christmas is a daily celebration in our household. My itunes “play count” for the somewhat irritating tune “Little St. Nick” by the Beach Boys is approaching 3000. The geeky accountant in me emerges once again as I calculate that we listen to this song an average of 9.09 times a day. As one would imagine, it is starting to get under my skin.

When seeking out Halloween costumes at the local thrift store, I was completely thrilled to stumble upon a Santa suit in size 3T. What are the chances? It must have been fate. While other trick-or-treaters were sporting Batman and Spiderman costumes, Chi-Chi was proudly disguised as his personal “super hero”. Muffy, of course, was one of Santa’s little helpers. His elf costume was the perfect match to his goofy little personality.

Inspired by these two festive little cuties, The Wool Fairy found herself in a bit of a giving mood. She has teamed up with April of Nurtured Products for Parenting and is giving away an adorable set of play food for one lucky person! Check out Nurtured's blog for a chance to win this adorable set of woolen fruits and veggies. Little budding chefs will have all the necessary ingredients on hand to host their very own fiesta. Perhaps they will whip up a bowl of fresh spicy salsa, or a creamy batch of yummy guacamole!

These wooly little creations would make perfect stocking stuffers so don’t lose out on your chance to call them your own! To enter, all you need to do is post a comment on April's blog. The contest runs from November 1 to 30th and is only open to residents of Canada. Good luck everyone and have fun! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Let The Magic Unfold...

For the past week, The Wool Fairy has been spending her evenings working diligently in the kitchen. Unfortunately for her family, all this time and effort at the kitchen stove did not result in new and exciting culinary creations. Her recipes were definitely not edible in nature - a pound of wool, a splash of rust, a dab of gold, a pinch of moss green…

I was over the moon when Deanne Fitzpatrick asked me to dye a collection of skeins for her rug hooking shop and studio! As a fellow rug hooker and an admirer of Deanne’s work for many years, I was confident I could fill her request. I chose a few beautifully textured yarns and drew on my inspiring surroundings to create vibrant and rich color combinations. This was an interesting exercise as my efforts ended in the dye pot. I would not be using these tempting reels of yarn for my personal creations. It’s actually rather exciting to think that my precious little skeins will find their way to the hands and hooks of others. These colorful strands of wool will be magically transformed into restless seas, soaring hills and windswept skies.

It’s interesting how our creative efforts evolve and shift over time. When I chose my slogan, “Let the magic unfold…” I was referring to the creative and imaginative play my wooly toys would evoke in a child. When I consider the beauty and mystery that exists within a hand dyed skein of wool, my “slogan” remains a perfect fit! It’s always so exciting to witness the unfolding of hand dyed wool, whether knitting a scarf or hooking a landscape. The hand-dyed aspect of the fiber offers a unique light, color and texture to a work that cannot be replicated.

So, now that my little project is complete, I guess it is time to pack up my skeins, kiss them goodbye and send them on their way. I hope they bring as much inspiration and joy to others as I experienced during their creation!

Reflections from the Woodpile

Although we tend to focus our attention on the glorious sights of autumn, there is something special about the scents of the season. The rich aromas that go hand-in-hand with fall have a tendency to bring out the nostalgic in me. The smell of decaying leaves blowing in the wind brings back fond memories of playing hide and seek in the piles of leaves in our backyard. Turkey and pumpkin pie baking in the oven stir up cozy thoughts of Mom. There is also something comforting about the earthy, woodsy scent of firewood. It brings me back to the cool fall days spent with my father, lugging and stacking firewood to heat our house during the frigid winters in Northern New Brunswick. How I loved hurling those logs down the wood chute with all my might!

After so many years, I’m thrilled to be spending my Sunday afternoons piling wood in my own garage! Like many homes in Nova Scotia, ours has always been heated solely with oil. We recently decided to install a wood stove in an effort to both save some dollars and draw on a more renewable energy source to heat our home. The wooded areas of Seaside Farms recently underwent a Hurricane Juan clean up effort. Although our forest is primarily comprised of spruce and fir soft woods, we were able to collect a fair number of hardwood logs, perfect for burning in our new stove! For the past couple of months, Hubby has been picking away at cutting and splitting the wood. The boys are always thrilled to observe Daddy’s efforts with chainsaw and axe. Chi-Chi and Muffy gladly offered their assistance in piling the logs. Both my husband and I were amazed at the amount of effort and sweat equity that goes into the harvesting and preparation of firewood. It’s been an eye-opening experience for the both of us and has given us a greater appreciation of the amount of energy our family consumes. I guess we had not given considerable thought to the amount of energy and money that goes into producing and transporting a tank of oil for our furnace to burn. It’s so easy to sit back and relax while the oil truck fills up ones tank. Of course, it’s not so easy to swallow those hefty heating bills…ouch! Just as growing a garden or shopping at a Farmer’s Market makes us more in touch with our food sources, being directly involved in our heating source makes us more aware of energy consumption.

Certainly, our family is just taking baby steps in all of these areas. Planting a few rows of beans, raising a couple of chickens and chopping a few cords of firewood are all a good start. Finicky little Muffy refused to touch a vegetable until he started gobbling up our own garden beans fresh from the vine. At the very least, being involved in the process might result in better eating habits for this little guy. He’s now hooked on apples and pumpkin muffins after our trip to the Annapolis Valley last weekend where we put him to work on the “harvest”. I’m hoping he’ll take a liking to farm fresh eggs in the near future. This kid could use some protein!

My Search for Inspiration

The postman landed on my doorstep late yesterday afternoon with a much-anticipated shipment addressed to The Wool Fairy. With the wee ones enjoying a restful siesta, I lugged the box up to my studio and excitedly tore open the package. I may have actually squealed at the mere sight of the contents – pounds of gorgeous natural undyed yarns just screaming to be dressed in color!

Despite the fact I’ve got a fairly significant dyeing project on my plate, I decided to put the dye pot aside this morning and hit the trails. What better place to seek inspiration and immerse myself in color than the autumn woods in Nova Scotia? I knew Chi-Chi and Muffy would jump at the opportunity to stretch their little legs and investigate nature. With the sun shining brightly, I wanted to take advantage of this beautiful fall weather while it’s around.

Hubby and I packed up the kiddies and headed down the road to the Salt Marsh Trail. What a gorgeous morning on the trail! Our senses were given a jolt as we found ourselves immersed in a rich, earthy palette of colors. Chi-Chi and Muffy had a blast dancing in the leaves, splashing in the puddles and zooming up and down the trails. I enjoyed simply breathing in the clean cool air and soaking up the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. I left the trail with a myriad of color combinations swirling in my mind – reds, golds, browns….

I can’t resist making a small note about the adorable little hats Chi-Chi and Muffy are sporting in the photo. My friend April’s mother has been knitting this pattern for close to 30 years! April says she has not-so-fond memories of this little cap, but I fell in love with it at first sight and requested a copy of the pattern. It’s called the “Patons Ribbed Set for Boys”. They are the perfect fit on my little guys and the snuggly chin straps keep them in place nicely. These hats are perfect for the crisp fall weather. Hubby thought my rainbow dye job on Muffy’s hat was a little over the top, but I think it suits his colorful little personality.

I’ve got about 30 blank canvasses waiting to be transformed. A mere walk in the woods and the possibilities are endless!

On The Road Again...

Nine years ago this weekend, my then boyfriend got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I have a reputation in my family for being a bit of a snoop so I was very impressed that he managed to surprise me. He wisely chose the day I ran my first ½ marathon to pop the question, knowing that my mind and energy would be focused on the race ahead. As I crossed the finish line, exhausted and relieved, he presented me with a dozen roses, a beautiful ring and a promise to be my husband. It turned out to be a perfect day despite my exhausted, pain-ridden state.

During my pre-mommy years, I was an avid runner. I would enthusiastically leap out of bed each morning at 5:30 to complete a two -hour workout before heading to the office. I was 110% committed to my carefully planned training schedules, all meticulously laid out in a series of Excel spreadsheets. My training included long rungs, short runs, hill sprints, energy drinks and calorie intake charts. Looking back, I was definitely overly obsessed with running, but wow I was in good shape!
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To commemorate the 9th anniversary of our engagement, I bravely decided to participate in the 2008 Valley Harvest ½ Marathon taking place this weekend in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. In reality, I think I signed up for the race in an attempt to prove to myself that I still “have it” even though I feel the exact opposite. Two pregnancies, lack of sleep and motherhood in general have taken a serious toll on my body. My running efforts these days have been half-hearted to say the least. The word pathetic comes to mind.

Interestingly, any significant race I entered in the past always ended in pain, frustration and desperation. Perhaps a change in approach is required….at least that’s what I’m banking on as race day looms ahead! This time around, my “training schedule” consists of nothing more than a few hasty scribblings on the family calendar. I’m now begrudgingly crawling out of bed in the morning as opposed to leaping and bounding. My pre-race meal will consist of my mother’s mouth-watering Thanksgiving dinner complete with a hefty serving of pumpkin pie and whipped cream. Despite all of this, I’m still planning on lacing up my running shoes this Sunday and giving it a go. I've convinced myself I'll be fine and this more "balanced" approach to life will ensure success. It will be very interesting to see how it all turns out. I’m hoping I will find motivation and inspiration in the two chubby little faces that will be waiting for me at the finish line. Wish me luck! I’m going to need it!

Hooked on Wool

How does a girl like me get so “hooked” on wool? It all started about 8 years ago, the day I set foot in the studio of Deanne Fitzpatrick, renowned Nova Scotia rug hooking artist. I was spellbound and speechless, completely mesmerized by her works of art. The truth, beauty and soul revealed in each piece touched me deeply. I left that day, my mind overflowing with inspiration and my shopping bag overflowing with wool!

Completely consumed by this newfound form of expression, I worked feverishly on my hooking that first year. I was simply unable to find enough hours in the day to flush out the ideas spilling from my mind. I used to rush home from the office during lunch hour so I could sneak in a few more precious minutes at the frame. Dressed in my dark navy business suit, I would drape myself in an apron and t-shirt to keep myself from looking like a lint monster upon my return to work. I spent countless hours sifting through bins at the local second-hand shops, seeking out inspiration in a has-been coat or a great old tweed blazer.

I created 31 works of art that first year. So deeply attached to the meaning behind each piece, I found myself unable to part with them. A large portion of the collection currently adorns the walls of my parents’ two hundred year-old farmhouse.

The years passed and my role and focus in life shifted. As a mommy, my number one priority and obsession these days is my family. My desire to create, however, still burns deep inside and it cannot be suppressed for long. Ideas soon start to surface and bubble over and there is no stopping me once that happens! The Wool Fairy evolved as a beautiful and natural combination of two passions in my life – my children and my love of wool (of course). Though not as time consuming and involved as a hooked rug, I consider each little carrot or strawberry a work of art on its own. It some ways the creations for Chi-Chi and Muffy provide greater satisfaction as I am able to witness first hand the innocent creativity and joy they evoke.

Not long ago, however, I did get an itch to get back to the rug hooking frame. I created this little rug, which depicts a landmark church in our community, as well as one of Hubby’s favorite surf breaks. I’ve decided to part with this creation and will be entering it in the upcoming Surf Show at the Laughleton Gallery in West Chezzetcook, NS. The show opens October 4th and runs until October 31st. You don’t have to be a surfer (believe me, I’m certainly not!!) to enjoy and appreciate the amazing works of art this show will display. It is a community affair that welcomes local artists, both professional and novice, to take part and celebrate surfing, the ocean, sea life and seaside people!

Although the hook in my hand may change from time to time, my love affair with wool burns as strong as ever!

A New Life for an Old Tree

Hubby and I have been married for eight years, together for ten. Somehow, he still manages to surprise and amaze me with his vast array of hidden talents. Today we can add “chainsaw sculptor” to his list!

The boys and I enjoyed a very exciting afternoon observing Daddy chunk logs into firewood for the coming winter. The combination of power tools and little boys is always a sure hit! Hubby must have been struck by a creative whim. Before I knew it, he was magically churning out wooden works of art.

I’m known to have a bit of a fetish for child-sized chairs. I may have just two little ones under my roof, but I’ve got a plentiful selection of seating options for them. I can now add two more to my collection! Hubby sawed up an adorable pair of log chairs for Chi-Chi and Muffy. They create a perfect resting place for cute little bums to watch Daddy work magic with his saw. What a cozy picnic nook for the wee ones to enjoy a snack of cherry tomatoes picked fresh from the garden.

These rustic little chairs were made from a poor tree that fell victim to Hurricane Juan five years ago. It’s great to see this dear old tree find new life! They will surely outlive those plastic kiddie lawn chairs from Walmart that barely survive one season.

Best of all, these dear chairs were crafted with love by Daddy! As Chi-Chi and Muffy sat on their new thrones, the look of pride and admiration on those two sweet faces said it all. Thanks Daddy, we love you!

Too Late To Chicken Out

Sounds of pounding hammers and screeching saws have been echoing through the house for the past couple of weeks. Our two-car garage was recently converted into a construction zone! Hubby, Chi-Chi and Muffy are all proud members of the crew working on the latest building project.

A month or so ago, I casually mentioned to my husband that it would be “very cool” to raise chickens. I guess I was feeling a tad cocky and inspired by the overwhelming success of my bean patch. Before I had time to “chicken out”, the local hardware store was delivering a load of shingles and lumber to our doorstep. A man on a mission, my husband wasted no time diving into the chicken coop design and construction project. With the enthusiasm of a young boy, he set his sights on building a safe, practical and extremely cute home for our feathered friends. He spent many an evening pouring over chicken coop plans on the net and researching the ins and outs of successfully raising hens. I’m actually quite impressed with the progress thus far. The coop is really starting to take shape.

Chi-Chi and Muffy are enjoying their “preschool shop classes” with Daddy. I’m impressed with the knowledge they are absorbing during the process. My three year old is teaching ME about levels, building paper and cedar shakes! They may, however, be a bit over zealous about the tools. We recently had to confiscate their adorable wooden tool kit. One of mommy’s dearly loved antique tables was severely damaged during Chi-Chi’s re-enactment of coop construction.

So, with the coop nearing completion, all I need to figure out is what comes first….the chicken or the egg?

Ode to Seaside Farms I

I’m often asked the question, “Do you live on a farm?” Although the name Seaside Farms II certainly implies this, the answer is sadly, no! We do like to play make-believe and so we christened our 16-acre property with this name when we built our house and settled in four years ago.

I thought I’d shed a bit of light on the origins of our chosen name. As a young girl, I spent my summers and weekends on Seaside Farms (the original) located on the picturesque shores of Northern, New Brunswick. My parents purchased acreage in the quaint little community of Seaside and built a family cottage. For anyone who knows my Dad, he’s quite a character, always ready and willing to jump into a new adventure or experience. Before long, Seaside Farms was home to a menagerie of animal friends – bunnies, cattle, quail, honeybees, and an African frog to name a few. My father also managed a wood lot, stand of sugar maples and a healthy vegetable garden.

Summer months were spent beach combing for sea creatures and fossils and collecting and identifying wildflower samples. My mother encouraged our artistic and creative efforts, supporting and assisting my sister and I during endless hours of craft sessions. Berry picking, honey harvesting, ice cream making, daydreaming, gardening…there was never a dull moment and certainly never a reason to turn the dial on a television! We spent most holidays and weekends at Seaside Farms, enjoying the variety of activities and experiences the seasons offered.

I believe that growing up in these warm, rich surroundings, immersed in beauty and nature, had a profound impact on me. My unscheduled summer days allowed me the freedom to explore at my own will, creating and initiating my own activities. I received a valuable informal education that no classroom could replicate. (I simply can’t figure out how I ever decided to become a Chartered Accountant! It probably had something to do with the fainting/nausea episode while job shadowing at a veterinary hospital. I guess The Wool Fairy has returned to her roots these days!)

My dream for “Seaside Farms II” is to follow in the footsteps of my own parents and create a beautiful, educational and rich environment for Chi-Chi and Muffy. My husband and I want to offer them hands on learning experiences in their own backyard that promote a love of nature and freedom of creativity. We’ve got so many plans, it’s hard to focus. It appears chickens will be the first barnyard friends to find a home on Seaside Farms II – more on that later!

My reminiscing makes me realize what a wonderful childhood my own parents provided for my sister and I. Thanks Mom and Dad! You are the best!

Laundry Daze

Bustling with the activities of day-to-day family life, the kitchen is most often considered the hub of a household. With two very busy boys residing at Seaside Farms, it is most likely the laundry room that earns this title. While I may serve up three square meals a day, my washing machine is most often running on an overtime shift. Muffy’s cloth diapers and Chi-Chi’s adventures in potty training ensure a steady flow of dirties in the hamper.

Needless to say, I cringe to think of the amount of energy that goes into keeping our clothes and linens fresh and clean. According to my calculations (the geeky accountant in me emerges yet again), I do about 3.6 loads of laundry a day. Ouch! My head goes into a “spin cycle” thinking of the amount of electricity, water and dollars going down the drain.

I’m doing what I can to minimize the impact of my laundry endeavors. When possible, I set the dial on cold in an effort to reduce my hot water consumption. Unfortunately, icy temperatures just don’t cut it when dealing with the contents of Muffy’s diapers pail! I always run a full load. This never seems to be a problem as there is no shortage of soiled items headed my way. Piddled on bed sheets are my most popular “customers” these days.

My favorite energy saving tool, however, is my beloved clothesline. During these sunny summer months, I use the line exclusively to meet my drying needs (unless I’m in a real pinch). Though I often find myself cursing the incessant wind in our seaside location, it certainly makes for ideal drying conditions!

Of course, the nostalgic in me loves my clothesline for romantic reasons as well. A person’s clothesline provides a tiny peek into their private world. I remember the first time I hung Chi-Chi’s newborn sleepers out to dry. It was an announcement to the world that he was now a resident of Seaside Farms. It’s always a fun exercise to adorn the line with Muffy’s rainbow colored Fuzzi Bunz. This is a sight to cherish as his potty training days are fast approaching. Who doesn’t love the sound of sheets billowing in the wind and the clean, cool smell of line-dried clothes?

My dearly loved clothesline is conveniently located right over Chi-Chi and Muffy’s sandbox. It’s a win-win situation for all three of us. While I’m busy hanging a load, the little ones are occupied and entertained. Of course, they are always keen to assist with the chores and laundry is no exception. They even have their own little clothesline! Not only are they having “loads” of fun, but they are learning a lesson in eco-friendly housekeeping!

Takin' Care of Business

The Wool Fairy’s studio has been bustling with activity over the last month. After much thought, I finally decided to take the plunge and start selling my little woolen creations.

Just over a year ago, I embarked on a quest to seek out beautiful and natural toys for my little ones. My readings on the Montessori and Waldorf approaches helped me realize that a child’s environment and playthings deserve the same attention, care and aesthetic considerations that we adults grant ourselves. I decided to take matters into my own hands and began creating toys for my children. I was astounded and very pleased with the results. Chi-Chi and Muffy were drawn to my handmade items. My simple offerings sparked their imaginations and provided the inspiration for hours of creative play. As a bonus, I learned a number of great new skills including crochet, knitting, felting and some very basic woodworking!

My wool produce creations quickly became a favorite in our household. Late at night, I would tiptoe into Chi-Chi’s bedroom and slip a tiny treasure under his pillow. His eyes would widen with amazement each morning as he discovered the special gift left behind by The Wool Fairy.

Despite the fact that Chi-Chi and Muffy’s play kitchen is overflowing with every fruit and veggie imaginable, I found myself simply unable to stop making the stuff! I saw this as an opportunity to share my creations with other little ones.

My goodies are available at Nurtured Products for Parenting. I’ve got some great fruit and veggie sets for sale, as well as crocheted cozies designed specifically for Klean Kanteens and glass bottles. These are a must in my house! They keep little hands warm and dry and they save my dear hardwood floors from yet another dent!

Staying true to my passion for wool and natural products, all the items are handcrafted with 100% wool and are stuffed with clean raw fleece. The wooden pint baskets included with some of the sets are made in Nova Scotia as well. I picked them up at Webster Farms in the Annapolis Valley, just a hop, skip and a jump from where my Dad houses is airplane!

I’d like to thank my dear husband and Nurturedmom for providing so much support and encouragement in this endeavor. I’d also like to thank Chi-Chi and Muffy for the inspiration they provide me each and every day and for the magic they have brought to my life!

Full of Beans

Chi-Chi and Muffy are full of beans these days. In fact, we all are, literally! We’ve been eating garden beans morning, noon and night just to keep up with the harvesting that’s been going on in our backyard garden.

When my husband and I built our house over four years ago, one of our first “projects” that spring was a gigantic vegetable garden. We spent endless hours working our soil and removing large fieldstones by hand. Unfortunately, our efforts fell short when it came time to plan and care for our garden properly. One bowl of very dry, pasty peas was all that resulted in the end.

This spring I decided it would be a good learning experience for the entire family to plan and plant a small-scale vegetable garden. Despite my tendency to go whole hog, I kept myself on tight reins, ensuring I did not bite off more than I could chew. I planted a small and reasonable garden bed and stuck to a few easy crops – carrots, bush beans, tomatoes and one pumpkin plant for fun! Sadly, the bunnies munched all the carrots before my husband got around to installing our bunny defense system. Our beans, however, have been a huge success. Chi-Chi and Muffy are simply fascinated with the magic that unfolded in their own backyard. Although slightly scarred by my past farming failures, I’m feeling quite proud that I managed to produce an edible plant. There is nothing more rewarding than sitting down as a family, feasting on the rewards of our collective efforts.
Of course, the wheels are churning in my head and I’ve got big plans for next year! The garden will be extended and I’m enlisting my inexperienced carpenter husband to build a chicken coop for me. Things could get “egg-citing” around Seaside Farms!

Happy Holidays!

Sadly, our family summer vacation is winding down. We recently returned from our annual pilgrimage to the Bay of Chaleur in Northern New Brunswick. I spent my summers growing up on these shores and I’m thrilled my little ones are able to share in this experience.

Traditionally, we spend our holiday lounging on the beach, enjoying the lazy days of summer. This year’s uncooperative weather presented us with an opportunity to explore the region, gaining a deeper love and appreciation of its magnificent natural beauty and rich Acadian Heritage.

Although our home base was Youghall Beach in Bathurst, New Brunswick, we ventured on several day trips and expeditions. The New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre in Shippigan was a hit with Chi-Chi and Muffy. They spent most of the time squealing with the seals and delighting in the creatures in the touch tank.

We traveled back in time during our visit to the Village Historique Acadien where we tasted a slice of the life experienced by the early French settlers of the region. A visit to the village is an antique lovers dream and I left feeling inspired to incorporate a simpler back-to-basics approach to life. I’m already drawing up plans for my chicken coop!

Our waistlines all suffered upon the discovery of a gem of a French bakery in Caraquet, Boulangerie Artisanale Grains de Folie . We gorged ourselves on fresh bread and pastries during our numerous visits.

We visited the inspiring studio and workshop of Andrew Ellis and admired his uniquely interesting and natural wood creations.  

Hands down, our favorite vacation pastime was treasure hunting! We spent hours beach combing the shores for sea glass. These ocean gems, worn by the sea and sand are truly treasures. Each one is unique and beautiful in its simplicity. A lover of the past, I’m drawn to the history behind these tiny treasures. As I caressed each smooth piece in my palm, I daydreamed about its origin and the journey it traveled to reach me. It turned out my mother had the keenest eye and found a very rare red piece as well as a pale yellow one. Hubby discovered an uncommon black piece. Even my father, who claimed he was bored about ten minutes into the hunt, set his sights on a shard of blue. I’m lovingly displaying my little gems in a set of antique milk bottles just above the kitchen sink. These pretty mementos will serve as a daily reminder to all of us of the wonderful vacation and the rich experiences we encountered.

The Rainbow Connection

My good friend Nurturedmom will be celebrating a milestone birthday in a few short days. I wanted to give her something unique and special that I knew she would love. I didn’t have to brainstorm for long. The gift of wool in any shape or form would be a sure hit since she shares in my passion for the stuff!

Nurturedmom is a colorful kind of gal who is quite partial to rainbows. Why not try to combine her love of wool and rainbows in a perfect gift! A quick rummage through my ever-growing yarn stash and a couple of kitchen cupboards provided me with all the supplies I needed to create this one-of-a-kind present.

My “wool inventory”, as I like to refer to it, includes a few dearly loved skeins of natural merino wool that I picked up at Gaspereau Valley Fibres in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. I thought it might be fun to tinker around with my dye pot again in an attempt to produce a skein as bright and beautiful as a rainbow. I believe I am now the proud owner of every color of icing dye manufactured by Wilton so I had a full palette to work with! The greatest challenge this project presented was achieving minimal mixing of the colors. By immersing just a portion of the skein in the dye pot at one time, I was able to achieve the desired effect. I’m so pleased with the results.

Today was yet another foggy day in our seaside community. I felt compelled to take this cheerful skein outside to add a splash of color and light to the pea soup atmosphere.

Happy Birthday Nurturedmom! I know you’ll think of a creative destiny for this vibrant and lively bunch of wool. A zany scarf? Warm woolies for the kiddies? Crazy hair for a punk rock Waldorf doll? It’s your choice! Have fun with it!

Mommy's Little Helper

As much as Chi-Chi and Muffy find enjoyment in the magical world of their imaginations, they’re definitely always game to roll up their sleeves and get to work around the house. It never takes much convincing when it comes to helping Mommy in the kitchen.

We just returned from a trip to Nanny and Graga’s house in the Annapolis Valley. After a visit to the strawberry u-pick and a stop at a roadside farmer's market, we came home with a plentiful supply of tasty, fresh local produce to feast on. With big plans for my berry harvest, there was plenty of work to be done!

Chi-Chi loves his chef suit and he takes his role very seriously when decked out in his apron and hat. It’s an adorable vintage Robin Hood Flour set that my mother gave to me as a child. It warms my heart to see him taking such pride and joy in wearing the set. I’m flooded with fond childhood memories of working alongside my mother in the kitchen, baking up a storm and making a huge mess. Whoopie pies were my speciality!

With Muffy napping peacefully, Chi-Chi and I enjoyed some quality one-on-one time this afternoon. We had a lovely time smashing berries for freezer jam. This no-cook jam is the absolute best option with little helpers around. Chi-Chi also assisted with dinner preparations by ever so carefully shelling a batch of fresh garden peas. He only dropped one pea, which he speedily retrieved.

It’s not always practical to have the little ones underfoot in the kitchen, especially when hot pots are boiling on the stove. There are often days I’m simply too tired and impatient to deal with the additional mess that inevitably occurs. I am, however, trying to make an effort to get them involved more regularly.  Even if it's just tearing a couple of lettuce leaves for our salad, it makes them feel a part of the meal preparation process.  I'm hoping this translates into better eating habits.  Chi-Chi certainly gobbled up his peas at dinner time.  The jury's still out on this theory when it comes to finicky little Muffy!

The Berry Binge

I actually squealed with excitement this morning when I spotted a sign displaying my favorite bright red berry at my local roadside fruit stand. I quickly maneuvered the car off the road and happily handed over a crumpled wad of cash in order to obtain my much-anticipated first taste of this year’s local strawberry crop. The “Berry Lady” remembered me well from last year and greeted me with a warm hello. She offered to lend me a large crate to transport my load of berries home.

Today’s menu goes something like this:

Breakfast – strawberry smoothies
Snack – fresh strawberries
Lunch – strawberries with milk and brown sugar
Snack – fresh strawberries
Supper – strawberry salad, pork tenderloin and rice
Dessert – strawberry shortcake
Late night snack – fresh strawberries

I’ll admit, at first glance it appears my family may experience some form of strawberry overdose. I did offer the wee ones a few more options to ensure they ingested a wider range of nutrients. I, however, indulged in my passion for strawberries. Sadly, the season is so short so I simply must take full advantage of this opportunity to berry binge.

I actually believe I inherited some form of “strawberry gene”. I come from a long line of berry lovers. My great grandfather was a strawberry farmer. My Nanny also shared my passionate love of them. Family folklore states that my mother was actually born with a “strawberry rash” because Nanny consumed such large quantities while pregnant. Strawberry season always brings back a warm flood of fond childhood memories. I can still envision the look of shock and disbelief on Papa’s face when the cashier rang in the total of our harvest at the U-pick. Nanny would not have had it any other way. There were plenty of berries for everyone. She and mom would spend the afternoon making jam while my sister and I gobbled up berries by the bowlful.

So for the next few weeks, I’ll be participating in my own personal strawberry festival!  I'll be spending my days baking shortbread, whipping cream, making jam and of course, eating all the strawberries my body can handle.  Even the Wool Fairy is participating in the festivities, crocheting baskets full of berries for Chi-Chi and Muffy.  Let the berry binge begin!

Just Say No To Junk Mail

Today was recycling day in our community. As the boys and I emptied our blue box this morning, I was struck by the amount of junk mail heading to the curb. Recycling is great, but I realize it should be my last resort. Reducing our household waste, whether it is garbage or recycling, should be at the top of my list.

I’ll admit, I’ve been rather lazy in dealing with the junk mail dilemma. Our mail is delivered to a large Canada Post community mailbox and I wasn’t quite sure how to communicate my desire to pass on the junk mail. I decided to perform a “Junk Mail Audit” to assess the situation. Yes, in my former life I was an accountant and auditor so this seems to be my method for tackling a problem! Once an accounting geek, always an accounting geek.

There are three classifications of junk mail coming into our home:

• Unaddressed items in our mailbox. These do not have our names on them.
• Addressed advertising in our mailbox. These items have our names and addresses listed.
• Flyers and community newspapers dumped at the end of our driveway.

My web search on the matter lead me www.reddotcampaign.ca. If you live in Canada, please take the time to review this site. It gives you all the information you need to take action to stop the flow of junk mail into your life. Visit the frequently asked questions section which explains the specific steps you need to take.

I decided to participate in the Red Dot Campaign and purchased a sticker to post in my mailbox. Just a note to anyone with a community or post office mailbox, you need to post your sign on the inside lip of your box and not on the inside our outside of the door. I’m also going to register with the Canadian Marketing Association's Do Not Contact registry. My personal “Junk Mail Audit” produced a list of catalogues I no longer wish to receive that may not be covered under the Canadian Marketing Association since they are US Companies. I’ve started contacting these companies directly to remove me from their mailing lists.

My biggest dilemma is the weekly dumping of flyers at the end of my driveway. In my view, this represents outright littering. Our strong coastal winds quickly send these flyers straight to the ditch. They are a pet peeve our mine!! I need to do a bit more digging on how to deal with this one. My short-term plan is to post a large visible sign at the end of my driveway. Somehow, I’m not convinced this will do the trick!

A quick look around my home reveals that my auditing work has just begun. I’ll be taking inventory of our garbage and compost over coming weeks. This could get messy!

Best Buddies

Chi-Chi’s doll Pedro has been feeling a little glum and lonely lately. After spending about twenty hours, seventy dollars and two tons of love on this little cutie, Chi-Chi has pretty much abandoned him. I have to admit, I’m not overly shocked. How can Pedro compete with the fleet of construction vehicles the Easter Bunny left behind? I concluded that Pedro needed a little buddy to keep him company. Besides, after spending so much time, money and energy on a doll for Chi-Chi, I figured little brother Muffy deserved one too.

His name is Casey and he’s pretty darn cute. Muffy has actually taken a liking to him, which helps heal my torn heart following Chi-Chi’s rejection of Pedro. Although Casey is my third attempt at a Waldorf doll, I still found this to be a very challenging, frustrating and fun project. The level of difficulty involved, particularly when trying to piece together the head, arms and body, makes me realize how skilled, talented and gifted real doll makers are. I have come to realize why these dolls are so expensive to purchase. The craftsmanship involved is amazing and the materials are of the highest quality. It’s likely no surprise that my favorite aspect of doll making is the hair styling. I love searching for the perfect mix of yarns to create a unique look. Casey’s locks were created with a wonderfully textured blend of mohair, angora, silk and merino wool.

I may be exaggerating just a tad about Chi-Chi’s rejection of Pedro. Pedro does remain untouched and alone most days, staring out the window longingly. Every now and then, about once a week, Chi-Chi will engage in an elaborate play scenario with Pedro. He is often Pedro’s father and he usually ends up cooking up a good greasy meal of fried eggs for his friend. The introduction of Casey into the family also increased the amount of playtime with Pedro. Witnessing little brother Muffy zoom through the house with Casey prompted Chi-Chi and Pedro to join in on the action.

I still believe that every little boy should have a doll at his disposal. Although males may not develop the strong bond that many females do with their dolls, there is still value in providing our sons dolls. Chi-Chi and Muffy undeniably both gravitate to more “action” themed toys. There are times, however, when the boys display a desire to demonstrate the nurturing sides of their personalities. Pedro and Casey are always there when they need them, ready and waiting to provide a warm soft hug and to happily gobble up a good old-fashioned greasy breakfast!

Confessions of a Neat Freak

At the end of each day, as the little ones finally drift off to dreamland, I’m usually feeling pretty fizzled out. The last thing I feel like doing is housework! Alas, with two active and energetic little boys in the house, it’s no surprise that our main living space looks like a hurricane hit it. The thought of greeting the day to this disastrous scene is not appealing to me. It seems to set me off on the wrong foot in the morning when I’m already struggling with the mind numbing effects of inadequate sleep!

I usually take the 15 to 20 minutes each evening to pick up and organize the kids’ toys. Most often my pick up routine happens while Daddy scrubs the boys in the tub. I’ve got it down to a fairly quick and easy system as everything has a place. Chi-Chi and Muffy have come to know this. When they descend on the living room each morning, the scene is bright, fresh, cheerful and yes, organized! They always know where to find their belongings and I’ve discovered they are better able to organize themselves and their play activities. The puzzle pieces are all in place instead of hiding under the couch. The blocks are ready and waiting for a construction project. My storage system makes use of attractive shelving and baskets as opposed to a traditional toy box. This allows the wee ones to quickly find what they are searching for, and also displays their items in a fun and appealing manner.

In my ideal world, Chi-Chi and Muffy would perform the clean up routine at the end of each day. I do try to engage them in the process. At 3, Chi-Chi’s efforts are improving. At 20 months, Muffy still has a way to go. He’s much more interested in dumping then loading it seems.

Am I a neat freak? It’s arguable. There are evenings I simply can’t muster the energy to lift a finger. I certainly don’t tidy, scrub and clean to perfection. It’s most often a very quick job. I will admit that at the age of 8 I vacuumed my bedroom every day before school. On the other hand, my housekeeping efforts during my university days were virtually non-existent. My dorm room was a disgrace of dirty dishes, crumpled clothes and scattered papers.

I guess these days I’m somewhere in the middle, looking for a balance. I do believe my children thrive in a setting that is beautiful, engaging and orderly. There is certainly no denying that Mommy thrives in a state of order and unravels in a state of chaos! Regardless, I do remind myself often that these are precious times with the little ones. The dirty dishes and laundry can certainly wait when there is a story to be read, a boo-boo to be kissed and a bum to wipe!!

Seeking Out Second-Hand

Being a bit of an antique nut, I’ve spent many years sifting through dusty shops, picking up treasures from the past. As a result, the vast majority of furnishings in our house are antiques. Not only are they more unique and interesting, but they are typically of superior quality and less costly than their new counterparts.   Admittedly, my past shopping habits were fueled simply by my love and appreciation of the antiques and my desire to collect and display them in my home. It wasn’t until the past year or so that I realized my antique fetish was a form of second-hand shopping that was good for the environment. Buying used instead of new, I was simply following one of the three 3’R’s – reusing!

I’m certainly not a committed second-hand shopper and I’m realizing this is an area I need to work on. In this world of ever-increasing instant-gratification, it seems anything and everything is available to us with the click of a button or a quick shopping trip to town. While I’ve always been very good at sourcing the little ones’ wardrobes at the thrift shops, there is room for improvement in my shopping habits.

Recently, my faithful little brown teapot broke and I quickly found myself in the market for a new one. Instead of trekking to the local mall, I headed to one of my favorite antique shops. In no time at all, I spotted a perfect “Brown Betty” pot. This made in England classic would add a touch of nostalgia to my daily tea rituals. My rummaging efforts also produced a simply adorable matching one-cup pot – absolutely perfect for little hands. Chi-Chi and Muffy will have a ball serving their peppermint tea in this cutie alongside Mommy.

I also picked up two sturdy cast-iron frying pans – perfect for our Saturday morning banana pancake feasts. I’ve been steering clear of non-stick coated pans so this was a welcome addition to our kitchen.

I've been taking stock of our household habits lately and devising a list of areas for improvement on the eco-friendly front.  Seeking out second-hand options is a small step in the right direction. 

Giddy-Up!

With two active little boys in the house, it’s not uncommon for one to feel that they are smack in the middle of a stampede of wild horses. Chi-Chi and Muffy are definitely a rambunctious duo and they keep me on my feet most of the day. Of course, I’ll admit I sometimes encourage this type of behaviour. My latest creations, Ranger and Silver, are definitely promoting a bit of “horse play” around here.

As a child, I was a devoted, passionate horse lover. I spent my summers at horse camp, dreaming of the day I’d have a pony to call my own. This dream never did become a reality (yet), though I do clearly remember the hand-made hobbyhorse my mother lovingly crafted for us as children. My childhood reminiscing provided the inspiration to try my hand at creating this traditional favorite for my wee ones.

I’ve become rather addicted to creating beautiful, natural, open-ended toys for my children. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. It’s incredibly rewarding from my perspective and they reap the benefits of some very cool toys! I’m simply fascinated by the magic that unfolds when my little ones are presented with my hand-made creations. I adore witnessing their imaginations take flight as they formulate an innocent, unbiased interpretation of the object. Chi-Chi immediately started showering Ranger with kisses and feeding him oats. Muffy, on the other hand, approached things in a more original and unique manner. He promptly turned Silver upside down and started mopping my floors. I can’t complain about his innate desire to clean house!

I drew on a couple of sources to create these two sweet ponies. I purchased a pattern on Etsy from Babymoon Boutique. I also followed this tutorial for a number of the techniques I used. These ponies were created from 100% wool fabric and were stuffed with raw wool fleece. I drew on my rapidly expanding wool stash to create their long, flowing manes. My dear husband picked up a couple of broomsticks from the local hardware store for me and sawed them off to the appropriate height. This was a weekend project that took surprisingly very little time.

Hi, Ho Silver…..Away!!