And Sew On

Knock Offs

Ah, well, my lofty goals for blogging twice a week have yet to come to fruition-- but here I am tonight, and I guess that's better than nothing, right?

First off, I should mention that there are big plans for me and my family this summer. I have been cast as Miss Stacy in the Charlottetown Festival production of "Anne of Green Gables". This is truly a dream role, in a dream locale, with a wonderful company and an excellent director. That said, this is not going to be easy! I leave for the Island in two weeks, and Quillan will join me with the girls when school ends. That means he is on his own for a month, and I am without my family. Then they are all trucking east where I'm sure we will have a dreamy summer-- it's just getting us all packed and moved 19 hours east that is the challenge! I am nervous about being away from them for so long. As a matter of fact, I plan to fly my dog out to keep me company! Thank goodness for skype...

Before I leave, I am determined to do a little sewing for me! I have made the girls a few things in the last little bit, but I am still chickening out when it comes to moi. This may have to do with my fear of darts/zippers/buttons/lining... you name it. Still, when I look at some of my fave on-line stores, I know that I can create some pretty great knock offs. Here are a few of my plans...and a few of my sewing dreams!

From The Gap:

This dress is linen. I have something similar in cotton, and I'm pretty sure I can make this-- although with a more sedate fabric. I am the queen of elastic casing, and I think that's the hardest part of this dress.

From JCrew:

Slightly more complicated, I still think this is mostly a long sleeveless top with a drawstring. Note to self: Don't forget the pockets.

The Gap again:

I bought some really cute striped knit fabric that would work well for this style. I think I will make the top a tank, though. The drawstring is great for creating a waist, although I might make it more empire.

And finally, my dream sew from JCrew:

I tried this on when I was in NYC and it was to DIE for! The price tag was a little crazy, though. This is a pretty simple tunic dress. I have a pattern...maybe that's what I will do with my evenings when I'm on my own for a month!

More sewing coming up. I made a cute dress for Audrey the other day. When Lily's is done I will post them both!

Midnight in Paris

I took myself to a movie last night. I could have brought a hot date, but I decided to leave him at home with the kids. Besides, he doesn't love Paris the way I do. (This may or may not be because I went there both times we broke up.) Anyhow, my friend, Deb, told me to prepare to want to hop a cab directly to the airport and fly to Paris. (I fight that urge daily.)

I can't say that I am a huge Woody Allen fan. I never hate his films, but I never love them either. This was sort of the same... except that I love Paris, and this film was such a love letter to the city that I couldn't help but be enamored. It was fun, and entertaining, and although it didn't move me, it did thoroughly entertain me. At the end, I sat the through the final credits mouthing all the french names of the grips/costume fitters/crowd scene co-ordinators. I have to give myself a french name... everything just sounds more beautiful in french!

A la prochaine!

A Return to Blogging

Hello???

 

Is anyone still out there???

 

It's a new year, and I'm announcing a return to blogging after a rather lackluster 6 months of the occasional post. I think I did a good job maintaining this blog for the first three years (way longer that I ever thought I would last), but then the last six months I just, well, stopped. I think life was just starting to move in a different direction. I felt like was (am) in a transitional phase. The girls are in school a bit more, I started working my Arbonne business, and I started looking to new hobbies and ways to spend my time.

That said, I look back on this blog and I see so much valuable documentation of day-to-day life. I see how wonderful reading these words will be for my girls as they grow, as they become women and mothers. I don't want to say to them that I only thought the first three/five years of their lives were worth talking about.

I also really enjoy writing and sharing photos. I've missed it. So, I'm returning to this blog as a semi-weekly activity. It will be more of the same-- recipes, kids, sewing, scrapping-- more every day life.

*************************

First topic-- Books! I think in the last six months I traded blogging and scrapbooking, for Arbonne and books. I only have a finite amount of time, so I have to choose what I do with it. For far too long, reading had fallen off the table. I used to be a voracious reader. I remember so clearly getting books from the library when I was a tween, and just curling up on my bed for hours and hours until the book was done.  As a grown up I always had a book on the go, but somehow having kids addled my brain, and I can probably count on one hand the number of books I read after Audrey came along...until now.

I bought an e-reader. I know! I never thought I would like an e-reader. What about the feel of the paper? The smell? The cover with the curled edge? I thought I was far too much a romantic to ever enjoy reading on an e-reader. I bought a Kobo Vox as a cheap alternative to an ipad. ($199) It's an e-reader that also has full browser and video capabilities. (It doesn't have a camera, though.)

I thought I would use it mostly when I was doing Arbonne parties and didn't want to lug my laptop all over. Turns out, I use it almost exclusively as a book and magazine reader. I find that if I keep it handy I read for 15 minutes, when I used to surf the internet. I read at night in front of the fire, instead of watching tv. I want to switch every magazine subscription to an e-subscription, because I really enjoy reading them on Zinio, the magazine app.

What am I reading? I would love to share it with you! Here's what I've read and what I'm currently reading:

What I've read:

(I've taken screen shots of all of these books, hence the battery power symbol, etc.)

"Rules of Civility" by Amor Towles

This was my first book on my Kobo, and I just loved it. So charming, so witty, so well-written. The banter between characters is straight out of an old black and white movie. (In fact, I will eat my hat if this doesn't get made into a film in the next year or two.) The characters are rich, and the plot is unexpected. I highly recommend this one.

"The Hunger Games Trilogy" by Suzanne Collins

I was completely unaware of the whole Young Adult/Dystopian genre. If I had read the back of this book, I wouldn't have picked it up in a million years. However, it was recommended by someone who knows her fiction, so I gave it a shot. I stayed up reading until midnight several nights in a row to finish this one. Unheard of! I don't really want to go into what it's about-- click the link--  but trust me, it's a good read.

"Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay

This one was good-- not fantastic. The characters and story were good enough to keep me reading, but it wasn't a life changer. I picked it up because it was set in Paris, of course. The story is quite tragic, but the historical details are important ones to know.

"Russian Winter"  by Daphne Kalotay

Another good story-- thought not really a great novel. A story of a ballerina, going back and forth between her young days in Stalin's Soviet Union, and at the end of her life in Boston. Ballet, Moscow, jewels, love... an enjoyable page turner.

Currently reading:

"Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan

A fictionalized account of the true love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and the wife of one of his early clients. This was also a recommendation from a friend, and it is beautifully written. I'm only a few chapters in, and already it speaks to the role of women in the early 20th century, and how trapped a lot of women were in a life that was not their own. Brilliant.

"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

A mysterious circus appears in the middle of the night and draws people in with its wonders. This is a fantastical feast for the mind, and a star-crossed love story. I'm savouring it.

The Birth House by Ami McKay

One of the features I like on the Kobo is that I can download previews of most books. Some of these previews are just a chapter, others are 70+ pages! If I read that much of a book and want to read more, then it's worth getting. This book, "The Birth House", came up as a suggestion on the Kobo website, so I downloaded the preview. The prose is evocative, and I'm intrigued by the story of a young girl learning the ways of midwifery from an old Acadian woman, Miss Babineau. At least, that's what it's about so far...

"Moonwalking with Einstein" by Joshua Foer

The only non-fiction selection on my list, this one is about memory. I have a horrendous memory, and it only seems to be getting worse. This author talks about the history of memory, techniques used throughout history to memorize things, how a good memory has become less important with all our digital gadgets that remember things for us, and how important it is to cultivate a good memory-- for what are we, if not a collection of our memories? I've only just begun this one...will report back on how good it is...if I remember.

That's all for now! If you have a book I should add to my list, I'd love to hear it!

My Arbonne

 

I've been holding out on you guys.

It wasn't on purpose-- I just wasn't quite ready share yet.

No. I'm not pregnant. :)

I've started my own business as an Independent Consultant with Arbonne International.

Have you heard of it? No?

Well, I started using Arbonne in January after a friend gave me a sample. Let me tell you, I am a product girl from WAY back. I love a beautiful product, and I have tried many, many things. I wasn't expecting to love Arbonne... but I did. I started buying it and using it without ever even thinking that I would do it as a business.

Then my friend, Sherry, started. I saw her succeed. I saw her succeed quickly, but without hard selling people-- which had always been my fear with network marketing. Knowing that my close friend was doing Arbonne made me take a second look. My husband researched the company and encouraged me to do it. So, after some more research and some serious soul-searching I decided to take the plunge.

Why?

• because I love performing, but I love being home with my kids just as much. I want to do shows that are fulfilling and important to me-- not any gig I can get, regardless of whether or not it's good for my family. My kids miss me when I'm gone, and Arbonne fits beautifully in the nooks and crannies of my life. Anyone. Can. Do. It.
• because I love the products and I really don't have to "sell" them. I present them, tell people about them, and they buy them or they don't. It's as simple as that.
• because I can feel good about products with no mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, phthalates, PABA, and other harmful chemicals. I've learned so much about what is in our personal care products, and even if someone isn't interested buying them products, at least they are more informed about what is on the label of what they do choose to buy. I like that I am teaching people to read their labels with a critical eye.
• because I saw a real opportunity to bring in a second income for my family in a reasonable amount of time.

I've been doing the business for exactly two months now. Yes, it is work, and yes, there are times it hasn't been easy-- but even in this short amount of time it is working.  I have reached my first promotion (which allows me to make a higher percentage on sales), and I have signed three consultants! What I love most about this is that I am not trying to sell thousands and thousands of dollars worth of products month after month. That's so intimidating! What I do is redirect my own spending for shampoo/skin care/vitamins, etc, and then I teach other people to do what I do. I do spa parties a couple of times a month, and I lend out samples for people to try.  I am always in contact with my team, and helping and encouraging them. When we all just do our bit everyone becomes successful. I'm already seeing that happen, and it's very exciting. I promise, this is not a pyramid scheme, or a scam. It's a 31 year old company whose C.E.O. used to helm both Proctor and Gamble and McDonalds!

So-- that's my news! That's why my blogging has been a little less regular. This isn't going to become an Arbonne blog, or anything-- but it was starting to feel weird not sharing this with you guys! I wanted to get all the info out there so that you would know what I was talking about if it comes up once in a while.

I have set up my own Arbonne website where you can check out product and purchase, if you'd like:

My Arbonne Website

 We are in the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia. I can sell to anyone in those countries and also have consultants there! It's exciting to think that I will have teams in different countries someday. If you would like to learn more about the products, or the business, feel free to write me at [email protected]   I am always happy to give info, or just chat! I know there are a lot of misconceptions out there about network marketing companies, so I'm happy to field any questions you might have.

Also have a look at this video to learn more:  

 

Thanks for letting me share. It was a big leap of faith for me to blog about this, so please think happy thoughts and wish me luck. :)

 

A Run-on Sentence

Making Moms Feel Bad

My computer is on the fritz, being nursed back to health by dad, and since I don't have any photos I can post I am going to address a big old myth about me and my blog.

A friend posted on Facebook recently that I write my blog, "to make other moms feel bad". I know she was joking-- she likes reading my blog-- but somehow I thought there was a grain of truth there. Sometimes people read my blog and think, "look at everything she is doing with her kids, look at the homemade bread, and the crafts, and the trips to french bakeries..."

I get it. I can see how it looks. I try to add a heavy dose of reality to my blog, too, but I do like to document the fun things we do for posterity. Those are the things I would like to kids to remember... those are the things that I want to remember, too.

So, just to put the myth to rest-- I am nowhere NEAR a perfect mom. I am flawed in MANY ways, and I strive every day to do better. In about five minutes I put together this list.... this list that I could add to every day for the next year:

Why I am Not a Perfect Mother:

• I often skip brushing my kids' hair. In fact, I often have no idea where the brush is. I think ponytails were invented for moms without brushes. When my mother sees my children she often greets them then pulls the brush out of her purse. I have also yet to trim my kids bangs. My mother does that. She no longer asks if I would like them done.
• Last month, in an effort to reduce laundry, I went into my kids room while they were watching tv downstairs and removed 50% of their clothes from the armoire. They are in a bin on the top level. I left all the dresses hanging where they were.
• I have felt guilty about going back to work. I have also felt not remotely guilty about going back to work. It depends on the day.
• I unceremoniously dump 97% of the kids' drawings into the recycling bin. They churn out more artwork than Etsy. I just can't adore it all.
• I do not believe in messy crafts. They have played with finger paints twice, and the pastels sent by their aunt are brought down from the top shelf by appointment only. I am marginally more generous with the glitter paints, as long as we are outside and Lily refrains from putting the paintbrush in her mouth.
• I make Audrey write cards for any holiday or birthday so that I don't have to buy/make one. I'm not sure about the child labour laws, but I'm willing to risk it.
• I've made it known to the children that I do not read books before I have finished my first cup of coffee in the morning. I often make the last few sips last longer than need be.
• I have been known to "forget" teeth brushing when it is late and I want them in bed ASAP.
• Pancakes, scrambled eggs, and toast with peanut butter have become dinner options when necessary. I just make sure there is either a fruit or vegetable along side.
• I once mixed water into cream to put on their breakfast cereal when I was unknowingly out of milk. (Or was it knowingly? I can't remember...) Audrey thought it was brilliant that I can "make" milk.
• I hate finding matching socks for them as much as I do for myself. I let them pick and unless there is a glaring mismatch I don't step in. (This rule does not apply to shoes, though, much to the chagrin of Miss Lily.)
• I do not own one bottle of hand sanitizer, nor do I have a travel size for my key chain.
• I yell sometimes. I try not to. I hate it when I do.
• I have been known to deny drinks from the water bottle when we are far from a usable bathroom. I also forget to pack snacks if we're only going to be gone a few hours, leaving the children to beg at the knee of whichever mom did remember snacks.
• I lay guilt trips if they don't want to wear the clothes I made them. "Well, if you don't want to wear the dress Mommy made you, I guess that's fine... sniff."
• I have no idea where the ear thermometer is, but I do know where the rectal termometer is. For now, I kiss them on the forehead to determine "fever/no fever" with my "Mommy Lip" thermometer and let it be. If I need to find out exactly how hot they are? Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

So, there you go. Not so perfect, right? Not perfect at all. Just trying, and writing it down as I go. You should write it down, too. It doesn't have to be on a blog, just open an e-mail and write to your kids about your day. I think my kids will be happy to know the Mommy I was when they were little, flaws and all. I bet yours will, too.

Smooching on Bloor St.

On Monday night we went out for Q's 35th birthday. We had dinner at a restaurant in Yorkville, where I ordered my new very favourite appetizer: Avocado Frites. That's thick slices of avocado dipped in panko crumbs and deep fried. Yum.

The birthday boy was looking handsome:

and I enjoyed a glass of Gamay while we waited for the entrees:

The restaurant was sandwiched between Bloor St. and the U of T campus, so we got a few shots with the ivy covered buildings:

...then headed up to Bloor St. for a little window shopping. Q didn't want me to bother a complete stranger to take a photo of us, so I embarked on some self portraits:

Take one: blurry

 Take two: blurry, but kinda cool.

 Take three: Q saw this store window and suggested we try that...

Take four: I took the same idea but made it a little more romantic. ;)

Then between shows yesterday I took the new Studio Calico "Boardwalk" kit, which I just LOVE, and created this layout:

I printed the photo off in 6x8, which is only .39 at my local photo developer. Such a great deal!

 I then intertwined the twine with brads around the page. It's fun to see what you can come up with when you're scrapping away from home and don't have all your regular tools about.

It's no secret that I love alphas, and between the main kit and the on add-on there were four alphas! Wee!

Running on Empty

This morning I am running on empty, to be honest. I was up late, up again in the middle of the night, and then up early with the girls. I'm struggling to find a balance between being a full time mom during the day, and an actor at night. My husband is extremely supportive and does so much for me, the kids, and the house-- but when I  am home the kids want me. I get it. I feel guilty that I have been working so much the past month, so when I'm home I try to do lots of activities with them, take them out places, and cook and clean as much as I can. However, being on stage takes a tremendous amount of energy. It's different from a desk job, or even retail (which I did for a year while we lived in Ottawa). I feel like a heel saying that, but it's true. Performing is like putting 100% of your daily energy into a two hour period. It's intense. In order to maintain that (not to mention keep my voice healthy) I need to sleep. I just can't do it on 6 or 7 hours a night. I know, I sound like a princess, right? I just know myself, and my craft, and what it takes to keep myself in top form.

Anyway, I'm just going to have so catch a cat nap this afternoon. I'm sure that will help!

Enough complaining...on to the layouts!

Catherine from Scrapbook and Cards Today sent me some beautiful Crate Paper products to work with-- perfect for my girls! I had time between shows on Wednesday so I scrapped in blissful peace and quiet!

Like a lot of scrapookers, I'm addicted to Instagram on my iphone. (It's free, and they print off well!) The girls and I were playing around in the backyard and I thought I'd get them down on a layout ASAP!

I also thought the retro style of this line would go well on a layout about my show. I used the packaging from the "Flea Market Buttons" as a background for my photos. I just used a sticker and some patterned paper to cover the writing:

 

The journaling here is very true and expresses my last month well. It's always good to do something that is scary. You learn so much about yourself. You learn how strong you really are.

Off to the dollar store today, and maybe the Jazz Fest for a hour in the afternoon-- it's right outside our front door!

Opening Night!

It's finally opening night for "The Marverlous Wonderettes" at Stage West in Mississauga!

 

I thought I'd post a few pics of me as "Missy". Here is Act I, 1958:

...and Act II, 1968:

Oh, the Petula Clark beehive!

Update By Facebook

Although rehearsals are done and we are now into previews, I am still catching up on all the things I have missed over last few weeks-- blogging included! I thought I'd update you by listing my status updates from when I first started the show. Even those have been less frequent than usual!

Rehearsing choreo while unloading/loading the dishwasher. One number, one level, one number, one level.June 25 at 9:15pm

Hubby just brought me prosecco with raspberries floating in it. One of the many reasons I love him so.June 26 at 8:47pm

Throat infection. Rotten timing.June 29 at 12:08pm

Audrey's last day of JK today. This morning she said:
"Next year I'm going to be a Senior. That means WAY harder activity sheets."

June 29 at 1:37pm

Why is it that during a dance call I always want to shout to the choreographer, "I will get it eventually, I promise! Just hire me!"June 30 at 9:08pm

What to study first-- lines? choreo? music? lines? music? choreo? choreo? choreo?June 30 at 9:50pm

The girls tried out the sprinkler today. Lily wanted her daddy to "make it warmer". I remember feeling the same way when I was little.July 3 at 7:07pm

Lily's new excuse for everything? It's bad for the earth. eg. I can't use the step stool to go potty by myself because "It's bad for the earf".July 3 at 10:29p

Must sleep. One day off doesn't count when you've got kids. It's just a tease.July 4 at 10:40pm

A raccoon pooped in our stroller. Blech.July 5 at 5:52pm

First audience tomorrow--- yikes!!!!July 6 at 9:04am

Perspective. Perspective. Perspective.July 6 at 11:55p

Feet are aching. Show shoes.July 7 at 12:10am

 

Preview two. Better.July 8 at 11:20pm

My kids definitely missed me while I was working all weekend-- but I think the dog may have not I was never coming back! She's been stuck like glue to me all morning.22 hours ago

A nice glass of red wine on the back porch-- one third imbibed, two thirds spilled all over me, my book and my magazines. I am seriously the biggest klutz on earth.12 hours ago

...and a layout from the weekend. I brought some stuff to scrap between shows, and printed off a photo collage of (mostly) hipstamatic shots from our trip to Boston