Easter: the cross equals love

Most people that know me, know that I love celebrations and holidays.  And Easter really is the most wonderful celebration.  For many it's about colour dipped eggs and chocolate but it's about Jesus dying on the cross for each and every one of us.  What a sacrifice.  It's the perfect example of love.  While heavy, it really is a time to rejoice because Jesus rose from the grave and is alive.  As we did Resurrection Eggs with the kids this year, I was reminded how brutal Jesus' death was.  I hope I never take it for granted nor my children.  I pray they are in awe of what Jesus did for them.  With this being said, I do want them to partake in all the fun actives and traditions that come along with holidays.  I don't think you have to pick one or the other.  Keeping the focus on Jesus and you can't go wrong.

We spent the week and weekend doing fun activities, reading the Easter story, singing new songs ['My God is so Strong' is the song of the week] and having family time.  

Good Friday was a beautiful day so we got outside and went to Campbell Valley Park for a picnic, egg hunt and exploring.  Took in all God's beautiful creation.

Later that afternoon, the Easter bunny came early and he came to the park this year.  Normally he comes Sunday morning but he was on schedule the year and showed up early.  I set up a chocolate egg trail into the park by our house to a little covered tree area to their Easter goodies.  I think the chocolate was more of a hit.  The kids got to pick one toy at Target for their Easter treat.

Decorating eggs is a must.  I always find it a bit stressful.  It's so unpredictable with kids.  Fragile eggs and dyed water can be a dangerous combo.  But the kids did great this year.  They used spaghetti spoons to dip the eggs which worked great.  I also baked the eggs in the oven for the first time.  With a large amount, it works nice.  However I realized my oven needs to be cleaned because a few had some spots on them that I'm guessing is from my oven doors.  Once rinsed they were fine.

Bake at 350 for 35 minutes

Started Easter morning having brunch as a family.  Made my Eggs Benedict casserole that is oh so yummy.  For recipe, see earlier Christmas Brunch post.

The kids were excited for church.  After the service, their was a candy buffet, petting zoo, games, crafts and egg hunt.  Oliver loved the petting zoo but Isla was not a big fan.  A goat tried to eat her dress.  Funny but scary for her.  

The afternoon was spent with family eating, playing Monopoly [which I won], jumping on the trampoline, playing basketball, Facetimed with Erik and a ate way too many goodies.  

Here is the Easter cake I made for the family.

Here is one of our Easter crafts.  I found these little bunny and carrot figurines at the thrift store and glued them on the lids of some old jars and spray painted the lids.  We filled with candy and they made for cute Easter decor.  I think we may have to give them away to avoid eating too much candy!

Hope you had a special weekend with family and stopped to remember the sacrifice that was made on the cross.

Off to the Market

Phew, we did it.  We pulled off our first market.  So many emotions throughout the weekend.  Started off with scared/panic which went to optimism and excitement and ended with joy and exhaustion.  My Vintage Wall and Lovely Little Day partnered up for the first time with a booth at the Vintage and Revamped Market in Cloverdale this past weekend.  So many unknowns going into the weekend but overall I was pleased with the outcome.  I learnt abit about the world of vintage markets, met some great people and had fun.  I know need to clean up the sequins tracked all through the house, the fabric drapping the kitchen table and paint supplies littering the garage.  What an adventure!  I need a break from all things 'crafty' and will eventually start focusing on the next steps which include setting up an Etsy store and rebranding my blog/Facebook page.  It's time for a facelift so to speak.  All in good time.  Right now I just want to enjoy the spring weather with my littles and use my spare time to just relax and be.  If I know myself though, it won't be long and I'll be at my sewing machine or heating up the glue gun.

Glad I took the risk and stepped out of my comfort zone to try something new.  

Here are some pictures from our weekend.  

Some of our happy customers.

My friend Ang from Ellahaus.

Erin from the berry project.

Cherise bought this wood rocking chair for her little one.

Photobook Review

I love taking pictures and documenting moments.  So it's no surprise I love photo books.  Once I realized how easy they were, I was hooked.  As I transitioned from a film camera to a digital, like many I had a plethora of pictures sitting on my computer.  What was the point of taking all these amazing pictures but not doing anything with them.  It was about the time Trevor and I got married that I adventured into photobook land.  I had just got my first digital SLR.  It was a wedding/birthday gift from my parents.  What a journey it has taken me on.  If only that camera could talk.  It's been on our honeymoon, to Europe, in the hospital rooms where our children were born, birthday parties, weddings and so many first moments as a family.  I'm on my second SLR and have to admit with iPhones being so convenient it doesn't get as much use but I have told myself I need to bring it out more this year.  It takes amazing pictures and for photobook purposes, you won't regret it because the quality for printing is way better.  I've kind of learned the hard way that pulling out the iPhone doesn't make for great photobooks even though it's so nice for posting online and capturing moments quickly.  

I've tried a few different company's and here is my opinion of my experience with them.

1. Snapfish:  they are similar to Shutterfly in that they always have really good deals and have plenty of design options. Quality is decent and the design options are pretty good.  For a nice, cost effective book it's a good option.  I have to say that I haven't used Snapfish for a few years and from what I can see on their website, they have made improvements with custom books and embellishments.  Not a high end feel but more fun and bright.  B

2.  Apple Print Products:  my sister in law made me a book of family pictures and I attempted one photobook but gave up on the book quickly because I wasn't completely impressed by it.  I found it quite basic and limited in design options.  Quality of the book was good.  I think they have found a niche in taking your pictures on your Mac or iPhone and easily transforming it into a photobook.  Quick and easy.  However, I would rather have a product I'm completely happy with rather than an easy one.  They are abit more costly too. Good options if you just want a photo album on pages.  B-

3.  Picaboo: I've only made one Picaboo book and it was a few years ago so again they may have made some changes but I found Picaboo limited in creative design and they were more expensive than some others.  Quality was good but the book didn't impress me.  They aren't about embellishments and don't have a scrapbook feel to it.  C

4.  Photobook Canada: I got a groupon for Photobook Canada before I had ever used them.  I was high dissatisfied.  The website was extremely hard to use and I lost part of my book at one point.  I tried contacting them and they weren't able to help me.  The book was decent quality but very basic and boring.  The book ended up being expensive even with the coupon.  I wrote to the company about some of my issues I had while making my book and that I wasn't happy with my experience and I never heard from them.  I would not recommend them. D

5.  Shutterfly:  Shutterfly is the company I have most recently made most of my books through for a few reasons.  I know their website and design options.  It's easy to use and I really like some their features.  I really like their storyboard feature.  You can organize all your pictures in the book as you want them to appear.  They hide the pictures also once it's been used so you don't accidentally duplicate a picture.  Their custom path is easy and has lots of options.  Multiple backgrounds, layouts and embellishments.  You have to be careful with the embellishments because it can look cheesy and overdone.  They have idea pages that enhance the book too.  They have good deals all the time so wait till a 50% off deals come along. A

I have heard good things about Blurb and hope to try Artifact Uprising with my next book.  Their books look high quality with nice, simple designs. 

Here are a few of my recommendations:  8x11 hard cover is a perfect size.  Pictures aren't too big so they are clear but not too small and hard to see.  Keep it simple with colours and backgrounds maybe 2-3.  Don't over load pages with stickers or embellishments.  I usually do one every other page or less.  I use the same background on both pages when the book is open.  Proofread, proofread, proofread.  Even have someone else do it.  it's amazing how you can miss an error.  Look for deals and wait if you can to order. 

I usually end of making 2 or 3 every year for my mother and mother in law.  It's my go-to Christmas and birthday gifts for them.  They love pictures of the kids and the whole family.  

Here is hoping I can find some time at the computer soon so I can finish my 2012 and 2013 photobooks.  It's easy to get behind and then feel overwhelmed.  

Since the new year, I have been using the Collect App with the hopes it will help organize my photos easily for my year end book.  Organzing photos for a whole year I find the toughest so I'm excited I may have eliminated that problem.  

Hope my review of a few different photo book companies is helpful.  Snap on and create beautiful memories!

What I Wore: Girls Night Out

I haven't really done any fashion posts since I can't really say I'm ultra trendy or fashionable but I thought I would do a few posts about some items I found in Arizona.  It's so nice to buy clothes when you are away on a trip.  I find I'm more adventurous, it's a different selection and you can always find good deals.  

Friday evening I went out for a friends birthday to Chambar and Salt in Vancouver.  One, it's a big deal to have a girls night, two to go downtown and three get out of yoga pants and a ponytail.  I'm sure other mommy's can relate.  I enjoyed getting dressed up and trying out a new outfit.  I bought these black pants in Arizona by Lauren Conrad.  I really debated about buying them.  They weren't my usual style but I decided to take a chance.  And I'm so glad I did.  I got home and started seeing similar types of pants on celebrities on Instagram and Pinterest.  I concluded they were probably closest to a harem pant.  Maybe not a true harem pant with the ultra low inseam and mine don't have elastic on the pant leg cuff but they are baggy, pleated and narrow at the bottom.  I'm still playing around with tops but they are super comfortable and I can see myself getting lots of use from them this spring and summer season.  It's nice that they can be dressed up or down.  In the picture below, I paired it with a Forever 21 top and Old Navy faux snake skin flats. 

What I Wore: Lauren Conrad // Forever 21 // Old Navy

Love these Old Navy faux snake Skin flats

Found on Instagram and Pinterest.

Spring Break 2014: Vegas + Arizona

Spring break has come and gone.  It was a mixture of a wonderful vacation and time spent at home relaxing.  Our spring break was split into about three parts.

Part One// Vegas

We flew into Vegas Friday evening where my parents met us.  We stayed off the strip at a hotel called the Southpoint Hotel and Casino.  It was great to be out of the city and it had lot's of restaurants, a bowling alley, movie theatres and a beautiful pool.  Well worth the money.  We met up with family which was one of the major reasons we went.  Trevor had never been so it was a no brainer for him.  We spent the days checking out hotels, swimming, eating and doing some of the attractions.  We did the Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage.  The kids were more into the tigers for sure.  The dolphin show was ok.  We have an amazing aquarium right here in Vancouver so it really didn't compare.  The tigers however were a hit and we got to meet Siegfried.  He gave Oliver a quarter with a tiger sticker on it.  The other attraction we checked out was the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay.  You can probably see a trend = animals.  Oliver loves animals (as does Isla) so we knew we were pretty safe that they would have a good time.  It was quite small but had a cool Indian Jones temple kind of feel and the sharks were very amazing to see.  The kids also got to touch stingrays.  Trevor and I got out in the evenings to check out the hotels, eat at some great restaurants and met up with friends and family.  We didn't come back big winners but we had fun.

Part Two// Arizona

Trevor had to leave after the weekend to get back to work so I went to Arizona with the kids back to my parents Arizona home.  We did a mini road trip from Nevada to Arizona.  Didn't make any stops at the Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon but still a nice drive.  Our week in Arizona mainly consisted of swimming, shopping, eating and relaxing.  It was just what we needed.  The kids and I got some new summer clothes, I made many trips to Hobby Lobby (like 5 or 6), gained about 4 pounds from going out to eat and got a bit of colour.   Made some great memories and the kids were spoiled by Nana and Papa.

Part Three// Home

We still had six days left of spring break.  We were recovering from our trip so we took it easy.  We celebrated Trevor's birthday with friends with a dinner out and bingo.  Us crazy kids.  And dessert and monopoly with family the next evening.

While it was a nice break from the norm, it's always nice to get back into a routine.  Kids need it and so does mommy.   The sun is shining, Oliver was excited to see his friends at school and I'm welcoming a quiet house while Isla naps.

A few highlights of our vacation

oil pulling: jumping on the bandwagon

So I'm jumping on the bandwagon this week.  Yes, the oil pulling wagon.  It's been all over social media this week.  Not sure why but I've seen it posted on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.  If I was on Twitter, maybe there too.  I've heard about it before but never really tried it.  It seems strange to me but it claims to have many benefits so why not.  It's not going to hurt to give it a go.  Maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.  I just started this week so I can't claim any marvellous results but in a month I hope I will be able to report back some amazing things.  

What is oil pulling?  Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvdeic natural remedy for improved health.  It involves the use of pure oils to pull out harmful bacterial, fungus or other harmful organisms in your mouth, teeth or throat.

How do I do it?  Put 1 tablespoon of oil in your mouth, either sesame or coconut (I use coconut because it have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties). Swish around for 5-20 minutes.  When you are swishing it becomes toxic so don't swallow.  Make sure to spit it out in sink or toliet.  Rinse mouth a couple of times.

There are many benefits to oil pulling.  Here are a few:
: whitens teeth
: strengthens teeth, gums and jaw
: prevents cavities and gingivitis
: banishes bad breath
: relieves headaches
: helps you sleep better
: clears sinuses
: detoxifies the body

I must admit took a while to get used to it.  20 minutes is a long time but keep busy.  Do something to distract yourself.  Find a time that you can do it on a regular basis, either in the morning or at night.  I have sinus issues so I'm hoping this will help.

It's not glamourous that's for sure.

ramblings of lent, life and journal cards

So it's been a while since I've blogged.  For various reasons.  I've been focused on crafting and making for the Vintage and Revamped Furniture Market that I will participating in mid April.  It's my first one and it's a big one so I'm equally excited and nervous.  I guess I have to start somewhere.  My plan is to try a few different crafty items to test out the market and see what is a hit and where I should pursue my efforts.  I've come across some cool ideas that have my mind consumed by wood hoops, fabric, lace, twine, mason jars, etc.  

But in the middle of all this is remembering what my real priorities are.  I need to balance. With Trevor focused on applications and interviews for firefighting, life is to say the least abit hectic.  This is a crazy season for us and it too will pass.  I'm trying to take it in and come out of it full and thankful.  We know God has a plan for our family and praying for patience for a door to be open.  

Lent starts tomorrow.  40 days leading up to Easter.  I've been doing abit of research about it and what it means for me as a Christ follower.  It is almost like I want to ignore it or forget about it because it means sacrifice.  Giving up.  Discipline.  Not necessary bad things to practice but it's not our first things to want to sign up for.  I'm new to Ann Voskamp.  I'm just starting to read her book One Thousand Gifts.  I follow her on Facebook and try to visit her website.  I'm learning alot through her writing.  

She is doing a March Joy Dare.  I started March 1st and trying to document three things I'm grateful for everyday in March.  This helps me be intentional.  

Today, March 4: 3 Things Hard to Give Thanks For

1] Wonderful + loving family who live far and that I miss.

2] Uncertainty.  Patiently waiting for a door to be opened for Trevor.  

3] Parenting.  Some days are long and challenging.  Desire to do the best you can without guilt.

Even as I wrote this, I realized the things that are hard right now are passing.  Not to be focused on.  Maybe uncomfortable but not unbearable. 

I've really noticed a trend of gratitude and joy.  Especially when it comes to social media.  Maybe it's the pages I follow which are largely 'mommy' related.  Many of them focus of finding the good everyday and focusing upward.  I like this movement, if I can say that.  One of the pages I follow is Momastery by Glennon Doyle Melton.  She is candid, humorous and encouraging.  Yesterday she posted on lent and instead of giving something up, like the token coffee or chocolate or Facebook, she encouraged readers to give up ingratitude.  Like Ann, she suggests writing down three things you are grateful for forty days.  Gratitude = peace + joy really.  While we can't change our circumstances, let's change how we see our circumstances.  

I like what Ann Voskamp wrote on her blog about lent today:

Why doing Lent is what we need — because it leads us to Christ:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

-Ephesians 2:8,9

I'm not much a of a journaler mostly due to lack of time but I found these journal cards at Target.  I'm going to use these to document my combo project rolled into one: [forty days of gratitude for lent and thirty days of joy] on them.  Probably post them on my bedroom wall or mirror.  What I like about both of these women's way of doing lent is it isn't filled with guilt.  Fasting is hard.  Giving up something too extreme is hard.  Not that we shouldn't do hard things but I don't think God wants us to be set up for failure or feel guilt as we journey towards a deeper relationship with him.  I will forget to document somedays but that is ok.  It's about an experience not a requirement.  Along with journaling my gratitude, I need to slow down.  Re-focus.  Be still.  In his word and in prayer.

How are you going to journey closer to Jesus in the next 40 days?