lovely little day

A Complete Project: Our New Entrance Chair

This project is a special one. It's the first piece of furniture I refinished over a year ago. I found it at a local thrift store. When I found it, I didn't realize that it would take more skill and expertise than I had. I contacted Deen at Revamp in Langley and she took me through a few projects and this was one of them. I wanted to learn how to refinished furniture for myself but didn't know back then it would turn into more. I'm still learning project by project. This chair is a Morris Chair. They were made between 1890-1930. I'm not sure how old this one is but I'm sure it has a few years on it. Once painted, I needed to redo the cushions. This was where I was stopped in my tracks. I knew I was beyond my skill level. I contacted a friend to help but that is a lot to ask someone and she was willing to help me but I didn't want to take the chance of ruining nice, expensive fabric. Not really a project to learn on. The cushions sat for over a year. I finally found some nice quality fabric at Hobby Lobby and was determine to get this chair finished. A side note, I love Hobby Lobby and wish we had one closer. I think I went about 6-8 times in one week while I was in Arizona. With their coupons, I couldn't stop myself. This past month I took the fabric and cushions in to a seamstress I have used before and had her make new cushions. By far the most expensive part of the project. I needed to source this part out and I'm glad I did. As much as I wasn't thrilled with how much I paid to have the new cushions made, I can appreciate those who do have those skills I don't and feel they deserve to be paid for them. As I start to do custom work, I need to realize I have skills and abilities that people are willing to pay me for. So it needs to be worth my time and energy. I appreciate when people see that and let me create for them.

Please note: some pictures have a small black mark on them due to a error on my camera.

A wreath to match on our front door I made from burlap

Thoughts on Mother's Day and Bowen Island

Mother's Day was just yesterday and I sit here feeling blessed and grateful. For so many things. For a wonderful mom who is caring, generous, loving and would do absolutely anything for her children. A mother in law that is helpful, kind and loves those around her. For so many amazing women in my life ..... grandmothers, aunts, cousins, friends and a daughter. I love my children because they made me a mom. They love unconditionally and I learn from them everyday. It's true when they say that until you have kids, it's hard to understand a mothers love. I get it now. I looked at them yesterday as they played on the beach looking for crabs and throwing rocks in the water, and delighted in them. Almost in wonder that God created and gave me two perfect little beings to love and care for. It is a weighty task that is hard, exhausting and feels impossible at times but I trust and pray God will give me the strength, wisdom and patience I need.

"Motherhood is a choice you make everyday - to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is .... and to forgive yourself, over and over, for doing everything wrong." Donna Ball

Motherhood isn't an easy journey but is one of the best things I've ever done. It really isn't about you anymore but I wouldn't want it any other way.

My day started with Trevor getting up with the kids not so much so I could sleep in but have quiet time to rest and stay in bed. Trevor made breakfast and coffee for me. I asked if he could make the DeDutch Hash pannekoken I love. And he came pretty close. He made crepes with a hash and topped it with hollandaise sauce.

The kids made me a homemade card and Trevor picked up a few goodies at Chapters which made me feel special. The kids nailed it when they said that Mommy likes to 'make things'.

We then headed to Bowen Island. If you have never been, it's a great quick get away. We drove to Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal and parked. Kids were free and adults were $12 each for both ways. We have only walked on so we haven't explored the whole Island but hope to one day. It has some great restaurants, little shops, hiking, a marina and beaches. It's only a 20 minute ferry ride from the mainland but you feel like a world away from the city. It's quiet and relaxed. Just what you need sometimes.

We stayed close to the main marina since we only had a few hours. We went straight away for lunch at Doc Morgan's. Got a great table outside in the sun looking over the water. I treated myself to a cocktail and enjoyed fish and chips.

It was then onto finding crabs. Oliver's favourite part of the day. He could have done it for hours. Trevor would lift a rock and the kids giggled as the crabs scurried to find shelter. Oliver had no fear of grabbing them and holding them. Isla threw rocks in the water and was content with that.

We went for a quick hike and then finished the afternoon with ice cream. Poor Isla got abit of a sunburn. It was surprising warm.

We got home and family arrived for a barq. Spend the evening in the backyard and then moved into the kitchen for a FaceTime session with my mother. It was nice to see her beautiful face and hear her voice. These are the days that are hard being away from family. Thankful for technology that makes the distance seem not to far.

We finished the night with a competitive game of Monopoly. I was one of the final three. As 10pm came around, we shut down the game.

Happy Mother's Day and every day to mom's everywhere.

My heart is full.

Friday Favourites: My top 10 on Etsy

I thought it would be fun to do a post every week or so on Fridays of some of my favourite internet finds. Maybe some great pins on Pinterest, great gifts on Etsy or a new blog or an Instagram account you need to follow. Sometimes you just randomly come across great stuff and sometimes it's through someone else. Sharing is caring, right :).

So this week I found some little gems on Etsy. With Mother's Day right around the corner, these would make perfect gifts.

Here are my top ten for this week on Etsy:

1. Best Mom Ever dish.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/186462323/made-to-order-5-dish-best-mom-ever?ref=favs_view_1

Perfect for jewellery and coins.

2. Jade Green Faux Leather Retro Coin Purse with bow
https://www.etsy.com/listing/184757664/jade-green-faux-leather-retro-coin-purse?ref=favs_view_7

Great size for gong out with the girls.

3. iPhone Case Rose Floral Pattern
https://www.etsy.com/listing/152071709/iphone-5c-case-rose-floral-patternblack?ref=favs_view_2

Forals are big right now.

4. Mint Green Opal Crystal Stud Earrings
https://www.etsy.com/listing/151129562/mint-green-opal-crystal-stud-earrings?ref=favs_view_21

Love the green and gold.

5. I'd Be Your Tribute Card
https://www.etsy.com/listing/100058086/id-be-your-tribute-hunger-games-romantic?ref=favs_view_13

If you like Hunger Games, you will appreciate this.

6. Floral Watch, Vintage Style Leather
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173525176/floral-watch-vintage-style-leather-watch?ref=favs_view_20

Good mix of floral and vintage.

7. Ombre Measuring Cup. Set of four.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/153484302/ombre-measuring-cup-set-of-four-coral?ref=favs_view_12

Measuring cups and nesting bowls in one.

8. Industrial Lighting. Mint Green Wire Cage Light.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/170927117/industrial-lighting-mint-green-wire-cage?ref=favs_view_8

Industrial but pretty.

9. Floral Silk Kimono Crossover Robe
https://www.etsy.com/listing/154784009/one-bridal-robe-white-kimono-crossover?ref=favs_view_17

So pretty.

10. Turn Off your Curling Iron Door Mat
https://www.etsy.com/listing/154784009/one-bridal-robe-white-kimono-crossover?ref=favs_view_17

This is me everyone morning going out the door and wondering if it's off.

Happy Mother's Day! May you have a wonderful day of being celebrated. We appreciate all that you do.

Bloglovin'

If you love to blog or love to read blogs, Bloglovin' is a great way to keep up on all your favourites. It's nothing new but I finally got mine set up. A few of my favourites and some new ones I came across. Mine is a mix of crafting/DIY, decorating, style, food and fitness. Bloglovin' is a free app that allows your to follow and keep up to date on all your favourite blogs. Plus find new ones. With over 1.5 million followers, there is lot's of great stuff to be found. Feel free to check out some of my favourite blogs and follow me @mdejong.

Here a few of the blogs I'm following and what your feed will look like .....

Derek + Alyssa's Maternity Photos

Last weekend I spent the afternoon with a very special couple, Derek and Alyssa. They are expecting baby number one in July. We are very excited for them and can't wait to meet baby boy Blok. They asked me to document in pictures Alyssa's pregnancy. I hesitated at first only because I have never done a formal photo shoot before. I really only photograph my own family and have no formal training but I took on the challenge. I haven't picked up my SLR in ages because of my iPhone. It was a great opportunity to expand my creative abilities and get out of my comfort zone. So I switched my camera to manual mode and went for it. They were very patient and easy to work with it so it made it easy for me. And we had great weather and scenery at Campbell Valley Park. While some of my ideas didn't really pan out as I hoped, we got a few great shots. Here are some of my favorites.