Wallis Designs

An Evening with Rick Mercer

2012-01-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

Earlier in the fall I was lucky enough to snag 4 tickets to the taping of the Rick Mercer Report. So Friday arrives and it's just one of those days...you know the kind I mean. I think any one of us could have said let's forget it and just stay home and we would have. So the girls put their studying away for the evening (exams next week) and we get in the van (albeit 1/2 an hour later than originally planned) to drive downtown to meet Al.

So apparently the snow came in earlier than forecasted. We were driving a whopping 40 clicks down the DVP and you could barely see in front of you. Finally we drive out of this snow squall to almost bare roads. (So strange when that happens.) The Gardiner was backed up from Yonge to the 427 - ok that's quite a back up - so I scooted underneath to the Lake Shore. This was a good idea but somehow I missed the Spadina exit. I feel like I know my way around Toronto fairly well but not on Friday night I guess. It was dark, snowing, the lights were reflecting off the windshield and there were lots of pedestrians scurrying to get home. Cars were blocking the intersections and pedestrians were running across against the lights. Bedlam I would like to call it. I was the first car turning left onto Spadina and all of the sudden I realize I'm on the designated streetcar right away. Mild panic as I manoeuvre my way off the oncoming track to the northbound and then off - "girls we're going to feel a 'bit' of bump now" onto the road again. Accident thwarted we were close to our destination. Late and shaken we only have time to grab a bite of dinner in the food court that was quickly shutting down. We're going fancy tonight...Mickey D's.

It was all worth it though. They whisked all 400 of us up the elevators to the 10th floor studio and like a well oiled machine we were all in our seats in minutes. Rick came out to welcome us and the show began. It took less than an hour to tape the whole thing with comments and jokes in between from Rick. It was a lot of fun for all four of us and the laugh that we all needed.

It was fun to meet him after the show.

There were lots of funny bits in this week's episode but the 'commercial' for the forehead/smile tape really caught me funny. If you get a chance watch it on Tuesday, 8p.m., CBC.

To cap it off on our way back to the parking garage we stopped in Second Cup. We found out they were closing but they treated us to free lattes and hot chocolate. How nice and unexpected! A perfect way to end the evening.

Waiting...

2012-01-19T17:36:00.001-05:00

Even Mabel is mesmorized by this wind and snow. Our front window is one of her favourite places in our house. She does like to keep tabs on the kids going to school, dogs being walked and cars driving past. She's our personal neighbourhood watch system - at least for half of the day. The other half she's occupied sleeping, rolling around the floor and resting up for the next excitement. So this part kind of defeats the first part.

We haven't had alot of snow yet this year so although this storm blew in hard it's not unwelcome. It feels right to have snow in January. I've heard by the weekend we'll be above zero again and rain is in the forecast but we'll just enjoy while it's here.

By mid afternoon Mabel instinctively knows to wait for the girls. She looks out the window, paces around and sometimes even sits right at the door - so close to the door that you can barely get in. Mabel is most content when we are all safely home and I have to say so am I.

One more to go. Dinner is on the stove. Soon we will be gathered around the table sharing our day with each other. Sometimes it can be a pretty brief moment as homework needs to be done, hockey played and pirouettes are twirled but it's these moments that are worth waiting for at the end of the day.

...numbers and bunnies...

2012-01-16T15:39:00.000-05:00

Today I am knee deep in accounting. Blah. It's my own fault. I just kept pushing it aside over the year. I mean it's not hard to pick choosing beads, twisting wire and creating over gathering receipts, plugging in numbers and other as equally boring items. Although I am quite organized with keeping all my paperwork together I'm not so dedicated to the accounting part of it. I have been trying to play catch up all year but have been easily distracted with more creative things. As a creative person I don't think that's such a bad thing! As a business owner though, and the owner of every job title that goes along with my company, I do need to keep up to date with all aspects of the business for my own sanity. Even the non-creative ones. After a full day of numbers and spreadsheets I can proudly see the light.

In moments of distraction this sweet little fellow hopped into my etsy shop. What a cutie!

I'll leave you with words of advice from my daughter: "Why don't you just update it (accounting) every week or at least every month?" Sounds like such a mom thing to say...but good advice I'll try to keep to this year. Thanks Syd. xoxo

Rustic Ricotta Tart with Blood Oranges

2012-01-13T08:22:00.001-05:00

A group of my on-line friends have started a food challenge. Once or twice a month one ingredient will be chosen and we all have to find and make a recipe with that item. The first item chosen was CaraCara or Blood Oranges. I had heard of Blood Oranges but I've probably only bought one time many years ago. I had never heard of CaraCara oranges. This was going to be fun. I love to try new foods and recipes as it's easy to get stuck in a rut - especially at this time of year...and also I have alot of accounting to catch up on that I would love to put off to another day. :)

I purchased a bag of Red Moro Oranges. Funny enough there was a bag of CaraCara oranges right next to them. If it weren't for this challenge I would have never noticed them. The first cut into a Blood Orange is a bit alarming but the colour is so amazing. These ones are slightly tart but sweet at the same time.

I had something in mind for a recipe. A rustic tart type dessert using a ricotta cheese base and topped with the fruit. I couldn't find just what I was looking for but managed to piece enough ideas together to come up with this.

Rustic Ricotta Tart with Blood Oranges

I used puff pastry as my base. What a great product and so easy to use. I used President's Choice brand Butter Puff Pastry. (You can find it in the freezer section). It comes with 2 pre-rolled sheets (about 10x8"). You can either connect these to make one big tart, make two smaller ones (which I did) or ½ the recipe for the filling and fruit and use just one sheet.

Preheat oven to 375°F
Puff Pastry
Thaw out the puff pastry according to box instructions. You can lightly roll it out on a floured surface. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Pinch around all the the edges to make a lip. This will help to hold your ricotta cheese mixture in.

Filling
1 cup ricotta cheese
3 Tbsp. cream cheese
2 Tbsp. honey
¼ - ½ cup sugar (taste it before you add the eggs to determine your sweetness)
¼ tsp. nutmeg
grated orange zest
2 eggs
¼ cup flour
1 Tbsp. cornstarch

In an electric mixer, combine the ricotta cheese and cream cheese. Add honey, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and zest. Add the eggs until combined. Sift in the flour and cornstarch. Pour onto puff pastry. If using one pastry sheet only pour out ½ of the cheese mixture.

Fruit Topping
2 lbs blood red oranges - slice two of the oranges and section the rest
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. honey (optional)

Thinly slice 1 or 2 of the oranges and set aside. With the rest of the oranges peel, removing the bitter pith (white part), seeds if any and section. (Don't worry if the sections break up.) Place the sections in a sieve and allow most of the juice to drain off. The juice is amazing and the rich colour is exotic looking. Drop the sections on the cheese mixture. Sprinkle about 2 tsp. of sugar on top.

I know these look like tomatoes but they really are oranges!

Bake for 15 minutes.

Remove pan from oven. Brush on honey on the edges of the pastry to give the tart a bit of a shine.
Layer the orange slices on top. Sprinkle about 1 tsp. of sugar on top.
Bake for an additional 15 minutes or so.

Remove from oven when golden.

Slice and serve warm or cold. My tart turned out only slightly sweet (which I was aiming for) allowing the sweetness of the oranges to shine. It could even be served for a special breakfast....or an afterschool snack as that's what happened here.

Two dessert posts in one week. I guess next week should be about salad and workouts. :)
Have a great weekend friends!

The Crème de la Crème of Desserts

2012-01-09T08:52:00.002-05:00

Last year my daughter Erica gave me a butane torch and a set of ramekin dishes for Christmas. I had made Crème Brûlée once for us right after the holidays and then sadly I had run out of fuel (literally and probably figuratively at the time) and my torch quickly got lost in the back of the cupbaord. The recipe I used had come from a French cook that I love. It tasted delicious but it was pretty rich and I don't dare to think of the calories involved.

I've always been a pudding type kind of girl but when you add a thin layer of carmelized sugar to the top it's absolute heaven. I had been thinking about trying to make it again for a while but this time a lighter version. With my torch refueled and ready to go I was on a quest for a recipe. I couldn't quite find one that had what I wanted but made up this version based on different recipes and what I had on hand. Even though I've used light cream (when most ask for heavy) and exchanged some for low fat milk the result is still a creamy custard lightly infused with vanilla.

Crème Brûlée with Vanilla Bean
(serves 6)
1 3/4 cups light cream
3/4 cup 1% milk
1 vanilla bean, split
6 egg yolks (use the egg whites to make a nice omelet the next day)
1/2 cup fine sugar

Preheat oven to 300°C. Place six 2/3- cup ramekins in a large roasting pan.

Pour cream and milk into a medium saucepan. With a knife make a slit down the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the cream. Add 1/2 the bean to the cream mixture. Place the other half in your sugar bowl to make vanilla sugar (mmm!) for a rainy day or roll berries into and use as a garnish. :) Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer (do not boil).

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a medium bowl until well combined. Gradually whisk the cream into the egg yolk mixture until well combined. You need to do this gradually or you will cook the eggs which would be rather like eating scrambled cream eggs. Remove and discard vanilla pod. Pour through a sieve (optional) and into the ramekins. Pour enough boiling water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the dishes.

Bake in oven for 30-40 minutes or until just set. Remove from oven. Transfer the dishes onto a cooling rack to cool. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill.

After chilled, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of sugar on the surface of the custard. Get out the torch (fun!) and with a subtle circular motion melt the sugar until it bubbles and turns a caramel colour. Let cool to a hardened surface and serve.

The great thing about Crème Brûlée is not only does it look a lot harder to make than it is (always alot of kudos to the chef) it also can be made in advance and then torch it just before serving. (If you don't have a torch you can also use your oven on broil.)

I think next time I might look at lowering the egg content or maybe using the whole egg. I'm not sure if that may change the consistency of the custard too much but it's worth a try.

Happy Monday. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Happy Weekend.

2012-01-06T10:39:00.005-05:00

I've been enjoying this week. Slowly getting back into work while spending some time with the girls. Uneventful time, just hanging out together which is just the way I like it. I guess this weekend we'll finally have to take down the Christmas decorations. It's so strange for me this year as I didn't have the urgent need to pack it all up right after New Year's like I usually do. The girls are back to school on Monday and I do prefer to have everything taken down and stored away before then. Together, the four of us can do it pretty quickly.

Mabel on Christmas Day.

I've got the painting bug again. Which feels nice. The living room is almost finished. We're still waiting for a chair and lamp to arrive in February and the walls are a bare canvas for some artwork. When it's all done I'll post the big reveal. Now I'm ready to start thinking about the front hallway and maybe even the tv room in the basement.

Today's big job involves me replacing our front door lock. All of the sudden it has decided that enough is enough. Hopefully I can find something reasonably priced that can get us by for now and that doesn't require alot of adjustment from our current one...and more importantly that it doesn't take the better part of my day and multiple trips to Home Depot. I guess I should be happy that the temperatures are unusually warm today (7°C) which will help while working with the door open.

* yeah, I've already changed the lock and didn't spend a dime. I remembered that when I changed the hardware years ago I didn't change the actual lock. The miracle is not that it didn't take me too long to install but that I had remembered and found the lock in our basement. Go me! Love knocking things like this off the list!!

Have a great weekend everyone. See you next week.

A Rainbow of Hugs

2012-01-05T12:06:00.001-05:00

Before Christmas rainbows became more significant to our family. My mom had surgery scheduled and it was our way of sending her our virtual hugs of love and support. It was started by my sister Kathy who saw a rainbow the day we found out. Daughters, grandchildren and friends submitted photos, paintings and cupcakes of rainbows to my sister's blog.

I had been thinking about what I could contribute. At the time I was working on a secret Santa gift for a friend who had inspired me to revisit a felt mouse I had made while I was a teen. My friend is an avid knitter so it seemed appropriate that her mouse be knitting. It was then I realized a mouse wrapped in a rainbow hug would be what I would make for my mom.

I'm happy to say my Mom's surgery went very well. (The rainbows must be working.) The whole family, all 16 of us, managed to gather over the holidays for a Christmas dinner at my parent's house. She is recovering nicely from her surgery and our visit! :)

xoxo.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T09:13:00.001-05:00

I'm slowly returning from holiday mode. My sister and her family left yesterday for the last of our holiday visits. It was a good holiday with time just for the four of us, as well as hosting Christmas dinner for Alan's family, visiting with my family up at my parent's cottage and sharing some time with friends. A little bit of everything and a little bit of every kind of food!

I'm just easing back into it though. The girls aren't going back to school until next week so I'm going to hang out with them for the next few days. I'm hoping to spend some time with my new camera as well. (So exciting!) There's a lot for me to learn but I'm really enjoying it.

Here are some pictures I took near my parent's house in Muskoka. It was so amazing to see snow as we had an unusual green Christmas this year. It was especially nice how the snow stayed on the branches making every turn of our walk look like a winter wonderland.

So this year I hope will be filled with joy, good health, family visits, hugs, laughs, excitement, friends, a couple of adventures thrown in for good measure and time to enjoy. I hope to see and appreciate the little things. Read more books. Go for more walks. Take more pictures.

I can't wait to start working with my beads again and that's a great feeling. So although our holidays included few moments to rest I have landed in the new year rejuvenated and ready to go.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

2011-12-24T10:19:00.001-05:00

I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas!

We have no snow outside right now so we've tried to bring a bit of winter indoors. It's cold though today and there might be a chance of a light dusting of snow if we're lucky. That would be nice.

Hope you get to spend some time with your family and friends. Relax and Enjoy!

Black Friday Sale

2011-11-25T10:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Black Friday!

Please enjoy 15% off all items in my etsy shop from now thru Monday.
Use the coupon code HOLIDAY2011 in checkout.

I hope everyone has a fabulous holiday weekend. I'm feeling rejuvenated. Yesterday I went out and bought paint samples for our livingroom. I always like to paint a sample board(s) to test the colours in different areas and different light before I paint. I haven't painted a room for a while and it feels good to be back thinking about design and decor especially since it's for our house. I'm doing something a little different than I have in the past. I'm planning to go with very neutral walls and bring out the colours in my pillows, accessories, etc. I can't live in a monochromatic space - I have to live in colour - but I thought pops of colour might be fun. This also allows me flexibility to change things around over the year. I've taken the 'before' pictures so hopefully I will have some after pictures to show in the coming weeks.

Have a great one!

Happy Thanksgiving Friends

2011-11-24T16:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends south of the border. I hope you have a wonderful weekend of family and friends and good food. Cheers!

I'm having a Black Friday /Cyber Monday sale in my Etsy shop. Use the coupon code HOLIDAY2011 and receive 15% off ALL items. The best savings of the season! Let your shopping begin!

Cool Treats!

2011-11-17T09:33:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure what happened to November as it just seems to be flying by. I seem to be going a million different directions lately and not quite feeling accomplished in any of my endeavours. Such is life I suppose and the time of year.

There is definitely a chill in the air this morning so it does feel like winter might be on it's way but it's bright and sunny. I really don't remember a nicer November. Usually it's cold and rainy.

This morning I was thinking about our trip to NYC and this fabulous store we came across while walking in Greenwich Village. It's called Popbar at 5 Carmine Street.

How much fun is that?!! They make the best handcrafted Gelato on a Stick. The flavour choice is amazing and the taste is outstanding. I had pistachio dipped in chocolate and crushed pistachios. Yum!

New York, New York

2011-11-07T10:22:00.002-05:00

In a bit of a daze today after a whirlwind trip to New York with my hubby...but a lovely daze it is. It's amazing how much you can pack into a short time...dinners, Wicked, Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Plaza, Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, Hot Pretzels, Shopping, Bryant Park (one of my favourite spots), taxis, subways, Grand Central Station, Greenwich Village, walking and more walking.

Here are some pics from our first day.

Central Park

Rockefeller Plaza

The Public Library

Bryant Park.

Grand Central Station

...and now I must get ready for my show this weekend. I've got the Wicked Soundtrack blasting...it's always fun to play the music really loud when no one else is home.

If you have a chance come visit me at the Victoriana Show this Saturday, Novembr 12th 11a.m. - 6 p.m., in Cobourg at the Best Western.

New in the Shop Today

2011-10-24T15:06:00.000-04:00

I found these fabulous stone beads on a trip to downtown Toronto last Friday. I couldn't wait to get home and play with them. I just love how this necklace turned out. For me you can never go wrong when combining blue and green.

Another addition to my Glam Allure earrings. I've always been drawn to sparkly things and my collection of vintage glass jewels is a favourite of mine. Today I listed these fabulous green earrings that would be perfect to wear or give as a gift for Christmas. Yes, I said it Christmas...only 61 shopping days left!

Wordplay - Grateful

2011-10-18T10:30:00.000-04:00

Hand embroidered wall art by Violet.

So simply said. Print by vol25.

Perfect for journal keeping by worldofwhit.

I'm a sucker for play on words and love this print by albiedesigns.

Some lovely things I found on Etsy this morning.

Thank you for looking.

Summer Fades to Autumn

2011-10-14T10:18:00.001-04:00

It is feeling much more like fall today. It's still a decent 18 degrees but it's cloudy and raining on and off. Within a couple of days leaves have fallen and you can hear them crunch underfoot. We've quickly gone from summer weather to more of what you would expect for fall. We still haven't had the heat on yet although I'm sure that's just around the corner and I'm still wearing sandals and capris. Quite quickly I'm going to look out of place, not to mention chilly.

Last weekend we were still enjoying our garden in sunshine and t-shirts. I loved having a moment to watch the birds and I love the unexpected fall blooms.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Time for a Facelift

2011-10-11T16:28:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you just need a change. A pick me up. Perhaps a new shade of lipstick and a little makeover. I was feeling this way with my website design. When I originally opened up my online shop I loved the look of brown and turquoise blue with the soft florals. That was well over three years ago now and I was growing tired of it and longing for a change. So, I decided to give my website a bit of a facelift. It wasn't the best of timing with the busy Christmas season just ahead but once it was in my head I just couldn't look back. I've been working very hard behind the scenes updating, freshening up and ironing out any wrinkles and now it's finally ready for it's grand entrance.

See my new website here: nancywallisdesigns

I love the black damask paired with the pink. It's modern and feminine and I think it's the perfect complement to showcase my designs.

Newly listed pearl and black onyx necklace.

What do you think?

Do you remember about the surprise I mentioned yesterday? Well this is part of it but there's more to come! Stay tuned!

My new look has also been carried over to my etsy shop where you can also find all my designs.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-10-10T19:45:00.000-04:00

What an amazing weekend of weather, food and family time.

The apple trees were bare but there were a few fall raspberries left to pick. You had to go in deep to get the ripe ones so we sent in Sydney. :)

Pumpkin hunting in tank tops and sandals. It really felt strange. You were feeling summer but seeing fall all around you.

Sydney took this cool shot of us on the wagon ride. You're never too old for a wagon ride are you?!!

Now here's your more typical at the farm picture on Thanksgiving weekend.

Who could have predicted 27 celcius and humid? We'll have to remember this in the depths of winter.

Hope you all had a relaxing and happy Thanksgiving weekend.

I've got some surprises coming up this weekend. Shh! It's a secret!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T15:13:00.000-04:00

..mmmph...um....ok..ok..I have a hard time being wordless.

I love this last one...a rainbow of rocks from the ocean.

Hidden Falls in Sheaves Cove, Newfoundland.

A time for Comfort Food

2011-10-04T09:27:00.000-04:00

I made this delicious cake on Sunday. It's one of the best desserts I've made in a while. It's the kind that produces oohss and aahs as the first bite is tasted. The light textured cake is filled with fresh apple chunks and cinnamon. It's lovely and moist and not too sweet. It becomes absolutely mouth watering, gorgeous when you drizzle the warm, homemade caramel sauce on top. The sauce definitely raises the sweetness level but when you mix in the cake and apple with each forkful it's bliss for your mouth.

(If you find this recipe a little too small to read

just click on it and the link will take you to the full size version.)

The recipe is from Trish Magwood's latest cookbook, In My Mother's Kitchen. I bought it for myself in the spring and have made several recipes from it so far. It's filled with recipes that are great for the family and gatherings. They're easy and accessible and produce delicious results with lots of accompanying photos (which I love). None have disappointed and some have left me feeling nostalgic for my childhood.

I even love the picture in the inside cover of recipe cards sprawled over a table. Some yellowed and stained, bent with use, most are handwritten. I miss recipe cards. Do you remember when most homes would have a little stack of blank recipe cards tucked in a drawer ready for the coveted question...Can I have the recipe for that?

recipe cards and box by 1Canoe2

We'll be making this again this weekend to serve at Thanksgiving dinner.

Letting Go and Jumping Right In

2011-09-28T11:17:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of me ziplining this summer. Yes, it's me hanging over a canyon with almost 300 feet to the ground. It was amazing! It was exhilarating! It was so scary! My hands were red and sore after the first zip because I was gripping on the cable for dear life. Altogether there were nine zip lines and somewhere in the middle I actually managed to free both hands in the air for a few seconds.

It's a strange feeling as they attach your cables to the first line. You don't really even have time to think about it. Both my daughters had already fearlessly lept off the platform and now it was my turn. All I had to do was run off the platform (eek!) and trust that my harness and cords and cables were all secure (don't think about it!). It was somewhat comforting to know that this was all I had to do. Stopping was left to a device on the cable that slightly slowed you down about 15 feet from the end and then one of the young, hunky crew members would catch you in his arms....{{snap out of it}}...oh, sorry about that...

It's one of those activities that gives you a real boost. I think my husband and girls were pretty impressed that I didn't give a second thought to doing this (well, not out loud at least). And for me I'll have the feelings and memories to fall back on whenever I feel that self doubt creeping in.

Deep Teal - Fall 2011 Pantone Colors

2011-09-27T11:44:00.000-04:00

Teal and Brass Necklace by nancywallisdesigns.

Deep Teal is a strong, blue-toned green. It can reveal the ocean depths and the colours of the sky at twilight. It's one of my favourites and I am forever being drawn to this colour whether it's in the form of a fabric, wall paint or jewellery upon my neck.

Wear it.

Silk Satin Dress by larimeloom.

Merino wool fingerless gloves by Neeka Knits.

Live in it.

House & Home January 2011 issue

Go for the dramatic with deep teal walls.

Chauncey chair by West Elm

My Creative Mess

2011-09-21T11:51:00.000-04:00

My obsession with beads is a constant struggle. I have quite a collection. I also have bought more organizing containers than you would ever believe all in the hopes of having one of those super clean and organized houses (you know the kind you see in magazines). One day I'll show you them in all their glory when I get closer to finishing my studio. It is amazing when they are sorted and organized. I love being able to go right to the box and find just what I'm looking for. I have a bit of a strange system some are sorted by colour, some by type and some by size but it works for me pretty well.

The thing is though I find I'm the most creative when I'm surrounded by inspiring things. Lovely piles of little glass beads can literally make my heart skip a beat. Colours everywhere. Turquoise, green, pinks and shiny things can make me giddy. Sometimes the best things happen when working this way. An unexpected roll of a bead into another pile can stir the most interesting ideas.

I've decided I'm just going to roll with it. I'm just going to live in my creativity and I guess so is my family. I'm still working on my studio space but I do like our dining room the best. It's bright here and I can have the window open and listen to the birds outside. My computer is close by, the coffee pot is steps away and of course so are my beautiful beads. So for now I guess I'm just going to let my beads have their own dinner party at my dining room table.

My new creations.

Coffee Liqueur - Fall 2011 Pantone Colors

2011-09-19T09:39:00.003-04:00

Chocolate Bronze Beauties by Wallis Designs.

Rich and decadent Coffee Liqueur brings a sense of elegance to fall. It's a beautiful alternative to basic black.

Wear it.

Felted scarf by Jumi Felt.

Off the shoulder long sleeve tee by tangente.

Live in it.

Source: House and Home February 2011 issue

Sepia toned feather photo by The Gingham Owl.

Smell it.

Mocha latte soap by Tracy Gurley Bath and Body.

Dune Collection: Pink Sand

2011-09-18T15:52:00.002-04:00

Here's a peek at some of my new designs. I fell in love with these beads at first sight. A beautiful rustic look with its marbled edges but perfectly pink and feminine.

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay

2011-09-14T10:37:00.002-04:00

Our dog Mabel prefers when we are all together and she prefers that togetherness to be on land. While my husband and our youngest were out for a sail a weekend ago Mabel paced the dock and waited patiently for their return. She could barely contain herself as they got closer to the dock.

What's really cool though is this is my husband's childhood sailboat - it has to be forty years old (or maybe even more!). He has such fond memories of sailing with his dad when he was younger it's nice to be able to see him extend that to a new generation. It's great to spend some time with the girls with no distractions, electronics or texts. Just the wind, water and some new memories.

Who's eating our tomatoes?

2011-09-12T09:06:00.001-04:00

We didn't plant any new tomatoes this year but while weeding in the spring my husband uncovered a small tomato plant that must have reseeded itself from last year's crop. Unusual I would think in our climate but a welcome sight nonetheless. He potted it and staked it and watered it and the little sprig grew. We were so proud when it actually was growing it's fruit. Only a handful mind you, but really these were like 'borrowed' tomatoes.

There is this fine line when growing your own tomatoes. How ripe do you let them go on the vine? We were going for just the perfect red...and we almost had it...

...and then 'someone' took a few nice bites.

I think the culprit might have looked like this after pulling off this deed.

Squirrel photo by ara133photography.

Cheeky little fellow.

Additional note:
My sister Kathleen just directed me to some amazing baby squirrel pictures. I've never seen pictures of baby squirrels so close up! Check out this blog Resurrection Fern. It definitely gives me a different perspective on these critters!

Quarry - Fall 2011 Pantone Colours

2011-09-09T09:42:00.000-04:00

Jade and sterling silver bracelet
by nancywallisdesigns.

A reliable medium blue grey that feels chic and modern.

Wear it.

Chunky knit cowl by Happiknits.

Burnout blues t-shirt by ellembee.

Pleated purse by EdensWake.

Live in it.

(Source: House and Home Condos 2008 issue)

Pillow by Valerie Johnson of Pillowville.

L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland

2011-09-08T10:45:00.000-04:00

A beautiful day to remember from our August holidays in Newfoundland.

L'Anse aux Meadows is a National Historic Site located on the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland. At this archeological site you'll find reconstructions of three Norse buildings, the earliest known European settlement in the New World. The archaeological remains at the site were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

The history and discovery of this area is very interesting. It's also a very pretty place to visit with a lovely walk and trails around the shoreline.

Fall 2011 Fashion Colours

2011-09-07T09:26:00.001-04:00

Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the most directional colours. Earlier this year they released the 10 most important colours of the season for women's fashion.

(Image: Pantone)

Taking cues from the great masters, sepia tones of old Hollywood, Chinese opera, cityscapes and countryside, designers are paying close attention to texture, contrast and color for fall 2011 – pairing menswear with feminine twists, warm prints with cool metals, incorporating both old and new influences, and creating an intriguing balance between colors. (Pantone)

“Designers take a painterly approach to Fall 2011 by artfully combining bright colors with staple neutrals, reminiscent of how an artist would construct a stunning work of art,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

A lovely mix of neutrals with bright pops of colours. This is a colour palette that I liked right away. I can easily visualize wearing these colours (except for maybe bamboo which I think I would have a hard time pulling off). As well, I can see these colours extending right into my home. Orchid Hush and Quarry would look lovely on a living room wall, pared with charcoal grey. Nougat, Coffee Liqueur with Deep Teal would be a stunning combination as well.

What colour do you like?

Fall is in the Air

2011-08-31T20:42:00.000-04:00

It's already dark at 8 p.m. The air conditioner is off and there is a cool, but welcome breeze coming through the window. Summer is fading away. New pencils and erasers have been purchased. Binders and notebooks are being sorted. New shoes have been bought. School will begin next week and the house will be quiet during the day. Even after all these years I still consider September as the start of a new year for me. A time for change, a time for new experiences. An inspired energy is awakening.

This lovely autumn inspired acorn is a new addition in my etsy shop.

Enjoy your last week of summer!

The Moose are Loose in Newfoundland

2011-08-25T10:08:00.001-04:00

With an expanding population of over 150,000 moose on the island you wouldn't think it would be too hard to spot one. Funny enough though when you are looking for them you don't see any for miles and miles. We had to see one - it was on 'the list' - and we had already crossed off whales and icebergs.

Our first moose sighting was on the road into L'anse aux Meadows. A baby, or perhaps better described as a teenager moose, was there and he was very active. Running back and forth and playing (which I have never seen). We were all thinking that his mom must be around and next we spotted her coming out of the brush. It was quite a sight to see the teen running around and back to his mom and then running back again. It reminded us of our dog who every now and then gets a spurt of overcharged energy and runs like a maniac around our main level.

Our second sighting was a day or two later in Gros Morne just north of Western Brook Pond. A mom with twins. Which was quite exciting to see together, however they refused to be in the same picture. Sibling rivalry already!

In the daytime, and off the road, it's exciting to see them but moose are a real hazard for night time driving. We only drove once at night and it was a tense drive with fog and mist coming off the ocean and no lights on the highway. Luckily we only spotted one ourselves as his eyes reflected in our headlights and he was safely off to the side of the road...although we did have the feeling that they were lurking in the brush and snickering as we drove past! Mainlanders!

Icebergs in Newfoundland

2011-08-23T08:20:00.001-04:00

St. Anthony, Newfoundland

On August 5, 2010, a large piece of the Petermann Glacier in Greenland broke off and became a massive ice island measuring about 251 square km in size. Wow! I remember hearing about this at the time but didn't think much beyond the news story. A year later it has worked its way south and is now is visible off of St. Anthony at the northern tip of Newfoundland. Over the last few weeks it has been breaking up producing dozens and dozens of icebergs.

For our August trip to Newfoundland we didn't expect to see any icebergs as they typically disappear by the end of July. Here it is mid August and there are hundreds for us to see. A definite once in a lifetime viewing!

Smaller ones close to shore in St. Anthony.

We spoke to a fisherman from St. Carols who has never seen anything like it. Pieces of ice much larger than houses drifted into this cove earlier last week. The waves and wind crashed them into each other and the shore breaking them into smaller pieces and also left heavy damage to their docks.

These icebergs in St. Carols immediately reminded me of a Lawren Harris painting.

"Icebergs, Davis Strait", Lawren Harris.

Beautiful and unforgettable experience.

Home, Sweet Home

2011-08-22T12:22:00.000-04:00

We arrived home last night from a wonderful week in Newfoundland.

Today is filled with unpacking, laundry, packaging orders, sorting through mail and emails, scrounging through the fridge and cupboards to find some food for a meal, loading photos and walking our dog. I have a lot of great trip photos and memories to share with you soon.

Up and Away in Paris

2011-08-11T08:46:00.001-04:00

Here's the first of my creations from yesterday.

So sweet and charming. A little bit of Paris to adorn your neck!

You can find it here in my etsy shop.

Charmed Inspirations

2011-08-10T11:56:00.001-04:00

I was so happy when I found these gorgeous verdigris patinaed brass balloon charms this morning. I bought them months ago but they somehow managed to evade me in the last while. As you can imagine I have alot of beads...but that's another story and one I'll share in a future post as I slowly get my studio in order. After our trip to Paris two years ago you'll find it is a constant source of inspiration for me.

Today I'm working from my kitchen. With the windows open and a slightly cooler breeze coming in I can hear the songbirds and the inspiration for another necklace.

I should have these new necklaces listed in my etsy shop shortly. Stay tuned!

What's so Funny?

2011-08-06T14:54:00.000-04:00

A little joke between friends.

Wish I knew what was so funny!

Meeko and Mabel.

Mystery in the Garden

2011-08-05T11:14:00.000-04:00

The other day I came home to this. Some of my plants in my front containers had been uprooted.

Using my awesome detective skills I learned while reading mysteries when I was younger, watching the original and early years of CSI and of course being a mom I figured this mystery out.

Upon closer inspection and deductive reasoning (well I actually just lifted one of the plants) and look what I found. A peanut. Well that narrows it down. I have never tried to grow peanuts nor do I tend to hide them for future use.

I know who you are. I believe you're the same fellow that has recently come to enjoy straddling the pole of my birdfeeder. You haven't quite figured that one out as well as I watch you reach the top, arms and legs fully stretched out slide back slowly down the pole. You're left with eating what's fallen to the ground. The sparrows win again. I know you'll be back but just remember I'm watching you!

I found my new addiction!

2011-07-26T14:35:00.000-04:00

My name is Nancy and I'm becoming a stamp addict. I made this bird after lunch today and the flower and heart yesterday. My mind is busy thinking of images, drawing and carving out these beautiful stamps. Playing with the ink is equally as fun. The best part though is lifting up the stamp and seeing what printed underneath. It's like opening a present.

A day with Geninne

2011-07-25T10:10:00.002-04:00

This weekend I took a step out of my somewhat routine life and went to the most fabulous workshop. In fact my sister and one of her daughters drove in from Montreal to attend as well and make it a weekend visit. The workshop was led by Geninne a talented artist from Mexico. When I 'discovered' Geninne's shop on Etsy I fell for her work immediately. Gorgeous, vivid colours, birds and nature mixed with postcard images and lettering. A girl after my own heart.

It was held at Bookhou a bright and gorgeous shop on Dundas Street in Toronto filled with textile work by Arounna. It was lovely to be in the company of such creative women and artists. For me it was a definite change of pace from jewellery making. I haven't drawn (except for my constant doodling while on the phone) and I haven't picked up a brush for years except to paint my walls. It definitely pushed me artistically.

My handdrawn image is transfered onto a soft block and I'm beginning to carve out the flower.

Experimenting with different coloured inks.

Finished off with a mini lesson of watercolour painting.

A sample of the amazing stamps from the class.

I came away with a wonderful creative energy and my eyes open to new ideas.

Yesterday we picked up supplies so we can make more stamps today. (I think we've become slightly obsessed). With my sister here it feels like I'm on holiday so no worries about the household things - laundry and vacuuming can wait for another day. Today we're going to pop some tunes on the ipod and sit down with our daughters to make more stamps.

The Season of Rhubarb

2011-06-21T11:03:00.000-04:00

Lovely pink stalks with bright green leaves are a sure sign that summer is here. This week we received our first delivery of our organic farm share. Eager to use rhubarb for the very first time, I found a delicious recipe for a rhubarb upside down cake. Not too sweet, not too tart. The cake is moist and has a light vanilla flavouring and is perfect when served warm out of the oven with it's buttery carmelized topping. Best of all you can make it in minutes.

Upside Down Rhubarb Cake

Ingredients:

Base:
•2 tbsp (25 mL) butter
•1/2 cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar
•3 cups (750 mL) coarsley sliced Ontario Rhubarb

Cake:
•1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, softened
•3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar
•2 eggs
•1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
•1-1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
•2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
•1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
•1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) nutmeg
•1 cup (250 mL) sour cream or plain yogurt

Preparation:
Base: In 8 inch (2 L) square non-aluminium baking dish, heat butter in 350°F (180°C) oven for about 5 minutes or until melted. Sprinkle brown sugar and then rhubarb evenly in dish; set aside.

Cake: In bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. Stir together flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Stir into creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, making three additions of each.

Spread batter over rhubarb. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until top springs back when lightly pressed. Let cool on rack for 15 minutes. Run knife around edge of pan; invert cake onto serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe from Foodland Ontario.

Other things inspired by rhubarb.

Rhubarb Rose Chalcedony Necklace handmade by Fiveforty.

A gorgeous rhubarb coloured ceramic button from White Clover Kiln.

Delicious rhubarb orange jelly to liven up your morning toast from Bovinebubbles.

Containing the Garden

2011-05-25T16:15:00.001-04:00

Before

After

Bringing some life to our otherwise dreary front door. It's a little thing compared to some people's front walks but I love how these turned out. I've never been much of a petunia person but this year the nursery was carrying the newest colour - Black Velvet. Really, more of a deep, dark purple. Some are deeper than others and others have these lovely pinstripes. In my quest to shake things up in the garden I went for it and decided to try out these black beauties. Complemented with some lilac on purple dianthus, white lobelia and I especially love the lime coloured licorice plant that will trail down the front.

Tips for Container Gardening:

1. Choose a great container - terracotta, ceramic, fabulous new fibreglass that gives the look of cement but are light and easy to move around, salvaged pieces such as old buckets, watering cans, etc. - use your imagination just make sure that they have adequate drainage.

2. Plan before you plant - choose plants that suit the location of the pot - sunny or shady. Place taller plants in the middle of the pot and work your way out.

3. Fertilize - I tend to buy Miracle Gro but any fertilizer formulated for flowers should work.

4. Water, water and water - containers easily get dried out, especially if they are small like mine. Of course, to counter this don't overwater or you'll drown those poor roots. Once you see water coming out of the drainage holes stop.

5. Use the best potting mix instead of just soil from your garden. Often our garden soil is too heavy or contains too much clay. Available now are some great soils for containers that are formulated to retain moisture.

6. Luck and a prayer. Just saying from experience our hot summers and vacations away can interfere with the success of your containers but I'm determined this year!

P.S. Do you like my garden statue?

In the Garden

2011-05-24T11:30:00.000-04:00

I love this time of year. After a long winter it's such a relief to be outside in the fresh air. I don't even mind working in between the intermittent showers of rain we've been having. It's so much fun planning and thinking about the garden. I find myself at the garden centres oodling over the tables of flowers and imagining the scent of fresh herbs at my doorstep. Pinks and purples and dainty little white flowers.

Self control is not easy surrounded by all those beautiful flowers. If I don't go with some plan in mind I have been known to buy more flowers than our garden can accomodate. That's probably why we're in the situation we are in. It's time to reevaluate the garden. Now that some of these perennials and shrubs have matured they just don't look quite right. Cut back, move, divide...this is my quest for the week. I shall be ruthless, but loving.

We have to stop meeting like this!

2011-05-19T09:56:00.001-04:00

I am a sucker for little animals. I have a real love-hate relationship going on with the little rabbit family from the neighbour's deck. They can be so destructive to my garden but I can't resist these little guys! I think they come over every afternoon not just for their garden meal but for the picture taking session. They seem to be getting quite used to me!

With all the rain that we've been having, and the grass seeds we've just applied, we haven't been able to cut the lawn for almost two weeks now. As you can see these little guys are quite pleased about this!

Yesterday, I finally had proof that there are two bunnies as they were visiting together. But too quick for me to catch in a photo. I'll just have to wait until our afternoon viewing today.

Thank you!

2011-05-18T09:48:00.001-04:00

Thanks so much to LuAnn of Back Home Again for featuring my jewellery on her blog today.

Serendipity: Handmade Jewelry Vintage Vibe!

The Metamorphosis of a Banana

2011-05-17T18:32:00.001-04:00

I'm not exactly sure when this happened to me but at one point in my life I began to feel my stress level rise over the fruit bowl and the vegetable drawer in the fridge. When carefully trying to decipher what is still good to eat, what's still ok for the guinea pig and what is definitely not good for consumption I'm washed with guilt for the waste. Slimy peppers and wet bags of green goop that I believe once was lettuce. Quite disgusting as I slop them into the compost. For me though, it's not the veggies, or the bruised up apple, or even the dried up plum that makes me feel as guilty as an overripe banana does. In terms of the fruit bowl what is sadder than seeing a bruised up dejected banana?

Truthfully in our family the banana has a very short edible life. For me it has to be just past the green stage. It's ripe, but it's still firm. I can thoroughly enjoy this dear fruit at this moment, soaking up all its potassium and goodness. But mere hours from now, as it softens and slightly browns I can barely think of it without causing a gag reflex.

I can't eat it but I can't bear to throw it out at this stage. I guess it's just knowing the potential of this little guy. I mean I could save it and repurpose it at this stage. With my help it could be something incredible again - a gorgeous, golden top muffin, a moist slice of banana bread or any number of baked goods. This is where the guilt comes in. I have the power to remedy the situation just by baking a batch of muffins...but I rarely do. Banana cake?...occasionally. Usually though it stays there in the bowl until the very last moment, no recipe could save it from it's inevitable trip to the composter.

Recently, I can proudly say I did save a banana from it's impending doom. I made this amazing banana cake with a thick cream cheese frosting. Delish!

P.S. I know you can freeze a banana to use at a later time but this hasn't worked out so well for me yet. I've done this only months later finding some ice encrusted glob of indeterminable brown substance in a squashed ziploc bag. Maybe one day, when the freezer and it's contents are sorted and organized...one day.

In My Backyard

2011-03-01T10:54:00.001-05:00

Well there was quite a bit of commotion outside my window a few minutes ago. A slight bang on the window, the sounds of wings flapping and such. I went to the window and looked out to the ground below the birdfeeder thinking I would see a bird that had been stunned by his misguided flight into our window. Instead, there was nothing...until I looked up at the fence...and this is what I saw.

Wow isn't he spectacular. I think it's a peregrine falcon or maybe a hawk but I'm not actually sure.

Maybe someone knows?

Anyways, quite a treat to see so close up and he was quite accommodating to stay while I ran for my camera and snapped these pictures.

The Sweet Scent of Spring!

2011-02-16T19:44:00.000-05:00

I know for some of us it's still hard to believe, with the snow and the cold blowing winds, but spring is really on it's way. It's a mere 32 days away to be exact. I can handle that!

While we wait for the snow to disappear and the crocuses peaking above the ground, here are some of my latest spring inspired designs.

Sweet as candy pink jade earrings.

Romantic rose necklace.

Love Blooms.

A new line of sterling silver stud earrings.

You can find all of these and much more in my Etsy shop.

nancywallisdesigns.etsy.com

and my website

nancywallisdesigns.com

Wear a Little Love!

2011-02-11T11:18:00.002-05:00

...and I'd like to share a little love!

I'm having a Valentine's Sale in my etsy shop this weekend. You can save 14% off everything!

Also, if you spend $35 or more (after the discount and not including the shipping charge) you will get FREE Shipping to U.S. and Canada. International shipping will be reduced to $4.

Coupon Code: VALENTINE

Happy Shopping!

Must use code to get the discount.

If eligible, the shipping charges will be refunded through paypal after the transaction.

(See my shop annoucement for full details.)

In My Backyard

2011-01-19T14:37:00.000-05:00

I do enjoy the birds in the garden and I love that we can enjoy them through all the seasons. It's especially nice to see them in the winter when the rest of the garden is just twigs and bare branches and snow. This year, along with the sparrows and occasional visit by a cardinal or bluejay I've been enjoying juncos. Maybe they've always been around and I haven't paid enough attention to realize what they were but I've never really noticed them before. In fact, I'd never even heard of the name junco before even though they are quite common. These little ones often come in groups and share the seeds that have fallen to the ground. I love them with their dark grey body and puffy white belly. They are pretty camera shy though so any time I try to snap a picture they are long gone. Today I had a bit of luck while some perched in our tree.

As I was watching these guys a friendly visitor came by and I couldn't help but wonder, could this be one of the Mourning Dove babies from the spring? I hope so. I like to think they will always think of our backyard as home.

One Smart Cookie

2011-01-11T16:53:00.002-05:00

There have been two things I've wanted to try out since Christmas. My new Kitchen Aid Mixer and a cookbook I gave to my husband - Quinoa 365. We 'discovered' quinoa in the summer at Costco. So I guess it had probably been discovered a long time ago but for us it was new! It can be found in 'grain' (seed) form or flour in any of our local grocery stores (sometimes in the organic section).

What excited us about quinoa is that it is not only packed with nutrients but it's protein rich. It's easy to make as well. It virtually cooks like rice and takes about the same time. We often make it and mix in roasted vegetables with a little olive olive and and maybe a sprinkle of cheese. Presto it's dinner!

Today I made the Healthy Cookies from Quinoa 365, written by Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming

Healthy Cookies
2/3 cups water
1/3 quinoa
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 quick cooking rolled oats
1 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup flax (ground or whole seeds)
1/3 sesame seeds

Bring the water and quinoa to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook 10 min. Turn the heat off and leave the covered saucepan on the burner for 6 min. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool. (I made extra so that I could use it for our dinner tonight).

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the butter with the brown sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla.

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in medium bowl. Add the oats, cooked quinoa, coconut, sunflower seeds, flax and sesame seeds to the flour mixture and stir until well mixed. Combine with the butter mixture.

Roll the dough in 1 1/2" balls. Place 2" apart on a baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake on centre rack for 8-10 min. until bottoms are light brown. Allow cookies to completely cool on the baking sheet.

Makes 5 dozen. Store the cookies in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Mmmm....yum!
Chewy, much like an oatmeal cookies but with a little more interest. You would never guess that there is cooked quinoa in these. Not too sweet and a little nutty. Perfect with an afternoon tea.

Now my only criticism would be the name. When the girls came home they were excited to see I had been baking but their excitement was a little quashed when they heard what it was. Healthy? Oh, that doesn't sound too tasty (even though they really are). I think Smart Cookies might suit them better.

This recipe is definitely Family Approved .

It's a New Year. It's a New Look.

2011-01-07T11:09:00.002-05:00

Well, it was definitely time and long overdue. My old blog design was getting a bit dull and I wanted to brighten it up and have something that was more a reflection of me (or at least the me I want to be on some days).

Positive thinking, happy, thankful and making each day matter. (Don't worry I'm not going to go all "Oprah" on you.) One can't change completely overnight - and that's probably a good thing but I guess with the new year comes a sense of a new beginning.

In the past while, I've been struggling with things to post (hence my very few postings). What could really be interesting enough to write about let alone have someone else want to read? I'm still not really sure but I thought I'll just share the things that interest me...my designs, the ups and downs of owning your own business, cooking, recipes, photography, home decor, travel and of course my family.

So in the spirit of new beginnings, I know a good breakfast is the best start to the day (one of my new year's resolutions), but after that it's definitely a fresh, hot cup of coffee for me. As my computer opens to a new day I pour some into one of my favourite mugs. I imagine you might even do the same as we share a moment. The house is quiet for a few hours now and I can organize my day. A new day.

Coffee's on...welcome to a little bit of my life.

Under Construction

2011-01-06T13:27:00.000-05:00

A new year. A new look.
I'll be back soon!

New York State of Mind

2010-10-19T09:28:00.005-04:00

My treasury made it to the front page of etsy last night. (A coveted event!)

New York is definitely on the list for places to visit. The last time I was there was 1993! Well, at least for now I can live vicariously though these creative moments of treasury making.

Inspirations

2010-10-01T13:46:00.007-04:00

I thought you might be interested to see where my inspirations come from. I'm often inspired from traveling. I recently visited Laguna Beach, California. Absolutely beautiful and the perfect fall escape.

This was taken from our hotel balcony. Divine!

...and this is what it inspired me to make when I got home.

Listed in my etsy shop.

New Arrivals

2010-09-29T15:28:00.005-04:00

Not only has summer passed but we're closely approaching October! ouch! That really does snap you into reality. Well that's really ok with me. The arrival of fall is always welcome. I love the colours, the cooler breeze, fresh picked apples and warm sweaters, not to mention the opportunity to put a little sparkle in your life.

New Glam Allure Vintage Jewels.

Just listed in my etsy shop.

A perfect party date!

Muskoka Arts and Crafts Summer Show

2010-07-21T09:15:00.000-04:00

Our first showing at this beautiful show was a success! The 48th annual show this past weekend featured over 200 vendors and it was an absolute pleasure to be included among these quality artists. A really beautiful park setting alongside the Muskoka River helped to bring a small breeze through the intense heat and humidity. Whew! It was a hot one for sure!

I was lucky enough to have both my daughters help me prepare for the show, set up and work in the booth. I really couldn't have done it without them!

By the third day we had it down to an art!

I was really happy with the displays. They worked well for showing off the jewellery and for withstanding the occasional gusts of wind.

For three days this 10' x 10' space became our home sweet home. Thanks to all that came to visit! It was a pleasure to meet you.

What's in your Garden?

2010-06-25T09:00:00.003-04:00

Look what I spotted in our garden this week.

I know these rabbits can be so destructive in the garden but this sweet little baby was so cute to watch. I'm sure his family was pretty happy when we planted our new vegetable garden this year. 'What? All of this for us? Ah, you shouldn't have.' So far so good though as we do seem to be sharing it. They have helped themselves to a couple of lettuce plants but not all of them. Hopefully we can coexist happily.

Today we will get our second shipment from the farmshare that we purchased this year. It's exciting to see what vegetables we will get this week. Stay tuned...

Bon Voyage!

2010-06-02T14:37:00.006-04:00

I wanted to make sure to post my last photos of Annie and Oscar's family. It was such a short time from when we discovered them in our tree to hatching, growing and the inevitable flying away. I certainly enjoyed our time together.

They grew up so fast it was hard to keep up!

By May 18th the biggest of the two babies took his first flight and landed in this nearby tree.

By May 19th, one day later, they abandoned the nest. Here is the last view I had of the larger baby. He sat perched on this chair for a good hour before he flew off.

Now luckily enough they do visit our yard frequently. I have only seen one young one at a time but they are so similar looking I have no way of knowing if it's the same one or both at different times.

Anyways, I wish the best to Annie and Oscar and their young family. It was awesome how they let us become a part of their life for a few short weeks!

Bon Voyage my friends!

The Adventure Continues

2010-05-14T11:42:00.005-04:00

A little update on Annie.

Annie and Oscar enjoying a tender moment.

The babies are getting so big!

Where did the time go?!!

Feeding time!

The Adventures of Annie

2010-05-06T10:51:00.004-04:00

Last night we had quite the storm. Luckily it was short lived. Darkened skies at 5:30 p.m., so windy, thunder and lightening and rain. I'm not sure if it was the wind that knocked Annie out of the nest or if the thunder had startled her but we heard alot of commotion and flapping against the window and then she was gone. This was the first time we had seen her away from the nest. I teetered on a chair and could look into the nest hoping to see the eggs would still be there and not blown out. To our surprise, there are already baby birds there. At first I thought two but afterwards I think I could make out three little ones.

I was kind of worried that Annie might have injured herself . I found myself looking for her in the backyard. Silly really but I was worried about the little babies getting cold. Three hours later she returned to the nest. Relief.

This morning the sun was back and the wind has died down somewhat and Oscar showed up to check out and probably bring some food to the troops.

What a handsome fellow!

Robin in the "Rain"

2010-04-29T08:37:00.008-04:00

It was almost two weeks ago when we spread a blanket of topsoil on our lawn, sprinkled grass seeds and crossed our fingers that we would have a lawn again. Since that day, and probably for days before that, we have not had any rain. So strange for the month of April.

So, I have a new morning ritual. After the girls leave for school I go out and position the hose and sprinkler and water the lawn. We don't have a large front yard but in order to do this with the least amount of waste, catch all the lawn area and not soak anyone while walking on the sidewalk (which is strangely not considered by many neighbours) I have to position it three different ways. It really doesn't take that long and has become a soothing, calm way to start the day.

Almost immediately, when turning on the sprinkler two little robins arrive. I look forward to their arrival and amuse at them skittering in and out of the sprinkler. They are just like a couple of kids. In getting closer to them over the days I'm pretty sure one is a mature male (maybe Dad) and the other one looks like a teenager, though I'm not much of a bird expert.

Here's the little guy from this morning. Isn't he cute? I must sound just like a proud Mama. Well, Mama Nature maybe - at least that's what I'd like to think. It's such a great feeling when you've had a hand in growing something and the fact that I can make a couple of birds have a better day as well is even better.

Annie update: For those of you who read my blog from a couple of days ago you would know that we have mourning doves nesting outside of our kitchen window. Annie is still in the nest (we have not seen her leave it). She is vigourously protecting her eggs through the fairly heavywinds and cool air. And, Oscar did make an appearance again a day ago - although he is a bit camera shy.

Oh What a Beautiful Morning...

2010-04-28T08:41:00.002-04:00

So nice to turn on the computer to see my necklace on the front page!

Thanks to Jennifer of patinaphotography and her beautiful Lemon Pepper Treasury!

Let me introduce...

2010-04-27T08:59:00.004-04:00

...Annie, a lovely mourning dove.

We discovered Annie, and her somewhat absent mate Oscar on Sunday night while eating our dinner. They have most graciously set up shop on our large climbing shrubs just outside one of our kitchen windows. They have even managed to place their nest low enough that while standing on a chair we will be able to peek into the nest. So far, Annie has not moved from the nest when we are looking but from what I've read it's likely there should be two eggs.

For such a large bird, the nest is quite flimsy looking. They have also picked a spot where the branches easily get caught in the wind. In fact, we were just about to trim this shrub quite far back because the branches brush up against the window until we made this discovery.

Today it is pretty cool and windy but Annie is calmly sitting there as she is blown back and forth. Hopefully Oscar shows up with some food soon.

Start Spreading the News...

2010-04-26T09:14:00.002-04:00

It is just over a year ago when I 'met' Lisa from NYC. She bought a pair of my earrings from my Etsy shop. A sweet, friendly customer who had great taste in jewellery! Lisa also happens to be a film director which is pretty cool! So in March, when she purchased earrings from my shop again I was pretty excited as a returning customer is the biggest of compliments but I was even more excited to hear that she would be wearing them while shooting her next film.

The earrings are from my Glam Allure series.

Gorgeous vintage glass jewels that date back to the 1950's.

Lisa picked a pair that are in a beautiful pale aqua.

Here's Lisa wearing my earrings on set in New York City.

"The earrings look amazing on camera - they really glint in the light!

Almost like they are glowing.

Love it!... best, Lisa."

Lisa plays a character based on the Greek myth of Daphne. The film is a pilot for a web series called "The Wild Hunt". Click here to the see the trailer.

The film weaves together the legend of the Wild Hunt and Furious Host with the myth of Daphne (and Apollo) and is set in a fantasy Victorian world. It follows two characters, Marie - a simple, yet troubled young wife, and Sullivan - the sarcastic butler of a Gentlemen's Club, as they try to outrun and outsmart the Captain of the Furious Host. To earn their hold on life, each must discover the Captain's weakness to beat him at his own game. What they must also consider in is how Daphne, once the Captain's prey and now his muse, factors into their own mortality. In turn each battles with their own beliefs and in myth and how much of a part it plays in our lives.

Ultimately, one will champion, and one will fail.
One will survive and one will not....

written and directed by Lisa Stock.

You can check out other films by Lisa by going to InByTheEye.

...if I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere.

It's up to you, New York, New York.

Happy Etsyversary!!

2010-04-23T10:11:00.004-04:00

This weekend I'm celebrating my 2nd year anniversary of the opening of my Etsy shop.

I want to thank all my customers for their support! I can't say enough how much I appreciate you and all the kind words you have said.

Save 20% on all items from now until April 25th!!!

...but there's more...

Buy 2 items and also get your shipping free...

Buy 3 or more items and also get a free pair of surprise earrings included in your order!!

See my shop announcements for all the details.

Thank you and Happy Shopping everyone!!!

Naturally Beautiful

2010-04-21T09:50:00.005-04:00

I was so happy to see that this beauty made it to the front page of etsy this morning.

Thanks so much to Mary of marysworkshop for including me.

Song Birds

2010-04-20T11:33:00.007-04:00

"...for you there'll be no more crying,

for you, the sun will be shining,

And I feel that when I'm with you,

It's alright, I know it's right..."

excerpt from "Songbird" written by Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac.

I've had a fascination with songbirds for a while now. I'm not sure why. Maybe I connect to their sweet, optimistic songs.

A few years ago I heard "Songbird"for the first time performed by Rosie Thomas. It is one of my favourite songs and I love this version, by Eva Cassidy.

Let your emotions soar with this pretty little necklace.

Pretty Little Things

2010-04-05T12:40:00.004-04:00

Sneak peek at some new items coming to my Etsy shop. Check out Vivid, the blue and brass earrings that were just listed and the red ones soon to follow. I haven't thought of name for those ones yet. Any ideas?

Love prizes and giveaways?!!

Check out this blog, Or So She Says, if you would like a chance to win a $25 gift certificate in my etsy shop.

Or So She Says.... April Giveaway.

Look What I've Been Up to This Week

2010-03-31T17:45:00.006-04:00

I just let my designs go where they want. I don't have an agenda when I create. Whatever it is ~ the colours that inspire me, shapes, a special bead I've found ~ I usually just go with it. I'm happy with these results - from glam to modern simplicity to rustic sophistication to boho fun ~ a very eclectic mix for sure. I definitely was in a blue mood this week but didn't realize it until I created this collage ~ must be all the blue skies and sunshine we've been enjoying.

Great Canadian Art Project

2010-03-12T08:16:00.009-05:00

I belong to a daily chat group of fellow Canadian etsyians. After a few months on Etsy I found them in the forums and it was an essential support tool for me. At first it was great to meet a friendly bunch while increasing product exposure and gaining Etsy tips. But it evolved into much more. They are my friends, we do support each in our shops and online selling but we support each other on a daily basis through our triumphs and daily struggles, kids, illnesses and family holidays. Behind the computer they can be my only human interaction until the school bells ring.

Earlier last year one of the members, Gabriele Maurus, of emmarts and fluur started an art project amongst the thread members and TheScribbleGroup was born. My first participation was in the 2nd project. This one involved childhood portraits of ourselves, transferred onto artboard and essentially embellished by someone else. Here's a good link to understand the process of photo transfers.

So this is how it started, all photos were scanned and sent to Gabriele where she transferred them onto artboard and then mailed out to everyone. You did not receive your own back. In fact, you didn't know who you were going to find underneath and that was the fun part. Even if we have seen pictures of each other these art projects were of childhood pictures so it made the guessing even harder.

This is the start of mine. Dipping the cloth carefully into water you start to rub off the top layer of paper to reveal the image underneath.

I was sure I had taken a picture mid-point in the project but I cannot find it. But once the image is revealed and all the paper bits are removed you are left with a black and white image of your mystery person. At this point I was not sure who it was but I had this feeling it was Cara from Bovine Bubbles.

Now it's time to start to embellish with anything you like, paints, collage really anything you wanted. It was definitely difficult to start for me. What if I ruined it? With encouragement from Gabriele to let our worries go and be free I finally had brush in hand I began to paint. For some reason, almost immediately after revealing the cute little face on the paper I wanted to do an outdoor scene at night. I clipped pictures and captions from magazines and this is what I ended up with.

So did I guess the right person? No, turns out it is Emily from Emms Gems. Of course, once told I don't know how I missed it.

For this project the portraits were not sold but returned to the person. Through interesting circumstances, Emily visiting Ontario from Winnipeg, we had tickets to Stratford and let's face it the stars must have been aligned that weekend, I was able to hand deliver the portrait to Emily at an art show she was participating in. What fun it was to meet her!

If you would like to see some other projects done by our group you can find them at The Scribble Group. Money generated from these sales are donated to charity. In the next while you'll see some new projects being listed from our last "Rip-Off" project.

Stay tuned for my own portrait revealed and more art projects.

Golden Sepia...My Latest Treasury

2010-03-11T18:23:00.006-05:00

Check it out here.

Go Canada! Go!

2010-02-13T10:19:00.008-05:00

Yesterday, I finally did something I've been wanting to do for years. Hmmm, what could it be you say? Complete a 5K marathon? Absolutley not. Finally finish the last chapter of War and Peace? Highly unlikely. Book a trip for an African safari? I wish.

No, no I finally made a sock monkey!! Yeah!

It was a nice creative break for me. So meet, well, um, sock monkey. He doesn't have a name yet. Any suggestions?

Of course he had to have the latest sock monkey Olympic gear in support of our Canadian athletes.

Go! Canada Go!

What Happened to January?!!

2010-02-02T09:54:00.010-05:00

Can it really be February already? What a strange winter so far. It's has been cold but we just realized that we have only shovelled our driveway once this winter. Usually at this point, we have piles of snow surrounding our driveway. In fact, the grass is actually visible under patchy coverings of ice and snow and on a sunny day it appears quite green. I wonder what February and March have in store for us?

In January I started to focus on some new designs. Especially those that involve gem stones. I love the look of wrapped wire and especially against the sparkling facets of a gem stone. Here's a look at what I've been up to.

Tanzanite Blue Chalcedony with Oxidized Sterling Silver.

Carnelian with Oxidized Copper.

Aqua Chalcedony with Copper Swirl ear wires.

Happy Winter Solstice!

2009-12-21T13:42:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to share a wonderful gift I was given. Several amazing, Canadian Etsy talents that I have the pleasure of chatting with almost daily decided to exchange gifts this year to celebrate the winter solstice. What a great idea! And how much fun is it to open a gift a few days before Christmas.

My package arrived early so I have been staring at for the past week as it sits next to my computer. Sitting there, tempting me...but I was strong. My lovely gift was from Monika of Emburr , who has a shop full of gorgeous pottery.

This is what she sent me; an amazing hand quilted bookmark, gorgeous clay buttons with a sunburst and a greeting card with an original drawing by one of Monika's favourite local artists.

Thanks so much Monika!

Happy Solstice Everyone.

So much fun at the Open House!

2009-12-10T15:17:00.008-05:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting in person, two people I met on the Canadian Thread on Etsy. This group of mostly women, and a couple gents, have been a daily connection for me and it was fun to finally now put a face to the name of two more. Shannon from ShannonsIrishBliss generously let us take over her house for the show and indeed we did. There were seven of us displaying our goods. Included in that seven was Wendy from Pook&Thy. If I say it was pleasure to meet them it will sound cliché but it really was a pleasure. What could be better than a relaxed atmosphere, friendly conversations, lots of laughs and the most amazing shortbread cookies by Shannon. Yes, Wendy, (I still like to call you Pook) I liked the cheese you brought as well!!

Here's a couple pictures of us:

Shannon, me and Wendy.

Don't ask me about this one but Wendy made us do it!

Hopefully we can do it again sometime!

Ready for a Little Shopping?

2009-11-13T08:38:00.008-05:00

Weekend Sale November 13th - 15th

Save 10% off all items in my etsy shop!!

Check out these fabulous weekend deals from TEAMT!

(Scroll down for easy viewing)

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Enjoy!

Drop by nancywallisdesigns for 10% off all purchases November 13th - 15th.

(Refunds by Paypal after transaction, does not include shipping.)

What a Nice Thing to Wake Up To

2009-11-03T08:42:00.002-05:00

This morning when I turned on my computer I was greeted with this nice surprise. It's always a treat to be on the front page.

This beautiful treasury was created by Pegg of fiveforty. Pegg not only weaves her magic when creating her beautiful treasuries but also in her gorgeous woven rugs made out of recycled textiles and fabulous, one of a kind jewellery.

Thanks so much!

Can I say Whoo Hoo!?!!

2009-10-15T11:03:00.004-04:00

Well today I was lucky enough to be featured in an Etsy front page early this morning.

Love this autumn treasury by smallearthvintage. Thank you Karen!

...and then not even 6 hours later my treasury was featured on the front page.

Congrats to all! I know that fiveforty's bracelet sold. Whoo hoo!

Happy Shopping with Weekend Deals!!

2009-09-24T20:30:00.002-04:00

This weekend, in my Etsy shop, I'm participating in a special

'Weekend Deals' sale.

From Friday, September 25th to Sunday, September 27th

you can enjoy a savings of 10% off all purchases.

Yes, everything. Even sale items.

Necklaces

Earrings

Bracelets

All savings will be refunded after purchase through paypal.

Discount does not include shipping.

In order to qualify for the sale you must put Weekend Deals in message to seller when checking out.

Returning Customers, if you have a current 10% Gift Certificate from a previous purchase you may use it. I will combine the two offers together for a total savings of 20%.

In order to qualify for the extra savings you must put Weekend Deals and the code given on your Gift Certificate code in the message to seller.

See shop announcement for more details. Please convo me if you have any questions.

.. and if you are looking to get an early start on your holiday shopping, check out the weekend deals offered by my fellow TEAMT members (Etsy group Team Treasury). Simply search at Etsy all items for TEAMT and start saving... here is a list of the TEAMT members participating in the weekend deals special, each offering 10-25% off specialty items ranging from art, bath and body, knits, jewelry, pottery, clothing, bags, vintage and more... take a look on the individual shops for instructions.

Happy Shopping!!!

My Point of View

2009-09-24T09:35:00.003-04:00

We woke up to a temperature of about 28 degrees (celcius). Bright sunshine, almost cloudless sky and it was getting hotter by the hour. By the peak of the afternoon it reached 33 or 34 degrees.

Out from our hotel, across the Bay of Naples you can see Mount Vesuvius faintly in the distance. To the right of the mountain is where you would find Pompeii. This is where we were headed on our first full day in Italy.

It was on August 24th, 79 A.D. that the volcano of Mount Vesuvius erupted. Smoke, mud, flames and burning stones spewed from the summit of the mountain sending a rain of ash and rock. It completely immersed Pompeii killing about 20,000 people.

It's hard to believe but before Pompeii was excavated the remains of the volcano were higher than the tallest buildings here. The eruption actually captured a moment in time. Under the ash everything remained as it was at the time of the eruption...buildings, artwork and even people in their most desperate hour.

Along the way it was discovered that instead of digging up the skeletal remains of the person plaster could be injected into the ground and allowed to dry. When excavated it captured exactly what the person was doing, the skeleton remaining complete inside the plaster 'mold'. Here a man crouches down, his face in his hands waiting for death. You can't help but feel the pain that these people went through. It was a very emotional experience and even now writing it brings me right back to those feelings.

Many urns and pots have been discovered and housed now in this outdoor warehouse.

The body of a dog was discovered. His collar was easily visible.

These round pits in this counter would actually hold food that would be bought by the villagers. Similar in a way to the fast food of our time.

To the right are ovens where bread would be baked and sold.

Rest in Peace our sweet Sunni

2009-09-19T09:06:00.009-04:00

For such a small little animal you brought us alot of smiles. You will be remembered for your adventurous spirit, your acrobatics and your never-ending quest to make the perfect home. You were a very caring and good sister. We will miss you Sunni.

Sunni (the gold one) with her sister Sophie behind her.

Inspirations...

2009-09-11T09:45:00.005-04:00

It's not hard to find inspiration when you see colours like these.

Gorgeous blues, teals, aquas and olives.

'Watercolours' a new bracelet listed in my Etsy shop.

My Point of View

2009-09-10T13:20:00.002-04:00

We arrived in Naples to gorgeous sunshine and hot, hot temperatures. It was about 32 celcius and it didn't stray too much from this for the entire trip. Apparently Southern Italy was experiencing a bit of a heatwave and even the evening temperatures did not dip much below 28! So let's just say we were continuously hot and had sweat dripping down our backs most of the time! (lovely visual isn't it?!!)

After about an hour shuttle ride we arrived at our hotel...

...this is the view from the hotel terrace.

...and here from the sea.

Every direction you looked was filled with beauty. I think I must have landed in heaven.

My Point of View

2009-09-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

My husband and I were very fortunate this year to have been able to travel to Italy this summer. It was an amazing eight days! The first leg of our trip was with my husband's company and then we spent the last three together on our own.

With incredible timing we managed to take off before the tornadoes hit Toronto. I am really glad I heard about this weather after the fact! We later learned we must have been one of the last flights out until after the storm had passed. We knew other friends with later flights that sat on the tarmac for over 3 hours. Of course, for others there were many missed connections due to the delays, redirections and needless to say many lost bags.

So really, our flight was quite uneventful - the way that I like it. We were on a big jumbo jet, the kind that has the second level and to our surprise that's where our seats were. They're just regular, economy seats in the upper deck, no bar or disco dance floor as my husband had hoped but kind of fun anyways. We flew Toronto to Paris and then Paris to Naples. With only an accumulation of 15 minues sleep on the first flight I was pretty tired landing in Paris but we made the most of our 2 1/2 hours. We bought a great cup of coffee and a fresh pastry in the Paris terminal and we managed to snag two lounge chairs and rest our eyes a bit before our next flight.

I think we were served a light breakfast on this next flight. I no longer knew what meal my body wanted or even if it wanted anything at this point. I just ate what was put in front of me. On a flight it's like an event, you earnestly watch the flight attendant as they approach your seat until they pass you your plastic tray. You carefully eye the food as you unwrap your plastic dinnerware. I've never been so excited about a plain semi-fresh muffin and a strawberry yogourt before! Ah, 15 minutes have passed. What will happen next? Coffee, tea some water perhaps? How am I going to wake the guy next to me so I can get up and go to the washroom? Should I wake him up? I have to wake him up! I can't sleep on a plane. I haven't slept at all. I have to get some sleep! I want to get off this plane. I wonder if my luggage will be there?...ah, the ramblings of my mind while flying. Next thing I know, as I finally feel like I've started to doze off a rather loud announcement is made declaring that we are making our descent and we will arrive in about 30 minutes. Couldn't they tell us this in 30 minutes?!!

We arrive in Naples.

...stay tuned.

That's Amore!

2009-09-02T14:42:00.005-04:00

So here it is September already and I'm just finally adjusting back to our time zone. Italy was beautiful. Most definitely a trip of a lifetime for me and the inspiration behind this Etsy treasury.

Over the next few weeks I'll share some of my photos and memories from the trip, some great views, fabulous foods and I will try my hardest to describe the incredible flavours of the gelato that we indulged in.

You'll find all the above products in these fabulous Etsy shops.

ThePeachTree, oliveandollie, ipaintpictures, eclu, vintageaimee, RickRackQueen, jennyndesign, crabvilleinautumn, giardino, trendyknitting, BlueNostalgia, bovinebubbles.

Love Wins...

2009-08-12T09:23:00.003-04:00

Ah...I've been very neglectful of my blog this summer (not to mention my own website). C'est la vie! (I suppose.) I am always very productive in September when I get in my back-to-school mode (even though it's been quite some time that I've actually gone back to school) so I have vowed to myself to blog more regularly in the fall. In the meantime here's a little peek at my latest etsy treasury.

Check out these fantastic artists.

elefint, JewelsofEden, cyndiesmithdesigns, carvelcountrysoaps, fiveforty, InboundThread, eightfold, glassetc, eclu, PipingHotPapers, Sooooound, JenSanCandles

In My Backyard

2009-07-14T16:56:00.005-04:00

This afternoon I was outside on the patio taking pictures of my jewellery when I noticed a mourning dove sitting underneath our bird feeder. It's a pretty common occurence for us to see this but this time I had my camera in hand.

When I was younger I thought they were called 'Morning' Doves, made perfect sense I often saw them in the morning but when I later learned it was 'Mourning' I always had a strange appreciation for them. Their sombre cooing sound always made me feel a bit sad for them and their propensity for just sitting on the ground always made me a bit worried for their safety.
You wonder if these birds are just so naive that they think they are safe there, confident that they could fly away if danger arose or just hopeful of the world and it's surroundings around them - a trust in the world that they will be safe. Be safe little bird.

Long time no see...

2009-06-23T11:07:00.010-04:00

...can it really be almost a month since my last post? Where does the time go? Well I've been pretty busy.

Here are a few of my new designs.

Freshly squeezed 'Fuschia Lemonade'.

'Fresh' , gorgeous green and turquoise glass with antiqued copper.

'Paprika Waters', hot and spicy paprika red is a beautiful complement to the cool water colours of aqua and green.

Food for Thought...

2009-05-27T13:39:00.010-04:00

...a feast for the eyes.

The smell of warm bread wafting through the street...

A woman in a business suit and heels carrying a warm baguette home for dinner - not even placed in a bag but clutching the narrow loaf with a small square of wax paper...

chocolate, raspberries, whipped cream...

works of art in their glass cases...

an ice cream cone presented in the shape of rose petals...

...such care and pride taken in the making and presentation of food. This food was meant to be enjoyed, each mouthful tasted, digested. It is the complete opposite to our hurried, grab what you can fast food culture. Few cafe's even provide take out coffee cups. Sit down, enjoy and have a conversation. What a concept!

...it's easy to stop and smell the roses when you're on holidays and especially when it's made of vanilla bean, coffee and pistachio flavoured ice creams...but it does make you realize that somehow our fast and 'I'm so busy' lifestyle is missing something...and I'm not speaking of fancy french pastries...there's just something you can't get while racing through the drive through line of Tim Horton's.

My Point of View...

2009-05-25T12:30:00.012-04:00

...from the Eiffel tower...

....sigh.

Inspirations....

2009-05-22T13:03:00.006-04:00

Claude Monet

No vacation has ever affected me like this one did. Full days of walking through museums, churches and old buildings provided what was almost an overstimulation of artwork and history. Weary feet and tired eyes at the end of the day could barely take in any more beauty. This time away allowed me to rest my head of everyday stresses and open my mind. Creatively, my head is in a wonderful place. It's full of colours and visions and thoughts. The visions I can't complete at the moment I scribble and draw on scraps of paper so I won't lose the image.

Although this image of Waterlilies, Matin is small and so tiny compared to the floor to ceiling sized canvases I was lucky enough to see in the Musee de L'Orangerie it still can pinpoint my inspiration. The right hand side of this painting is a gorgeous mixtures of aqua blues and greens.

Here's my interpretation ....Waterlilies ~ glass and copper earrings.

Capturing the Moment...

2009-05-21T10:32:00.006-04:00

Little snippets of our trip.

Telephone booth near Trafalgar Square, The Fountains in front of the Louvre, The 'Adventures of Squishy the Turtle" ~ here he is up the Eiffel Tower, Joie de Vivre!

Back Home

2009-05-20T08:27:00.006-04:00

I'm still slightly in a fog as I write this. Not a groggy, headachey type fog that I can often find myself in but more of a gentle, relaxed, at peace with myself haze as I try to work through my daily life. It's a lovely, dreamy haze to be in and I don't want to let it go. We recently returned from a short but wonderful family trip to London and Paris. Only 9 days long but the time together was a memory itself to hold on to as our young teenage daughters are growing up so quickly.

We walked for hours every day. We carried no cell phones, read no newspapers or watched tv and only once briefly touched in with reality when we had to check our emails for our return flight home confirmation. We engrossed ourselves in the history, art and architecture and of course the food. We all came back a little different. Our daughters now live in a bigger world. Once what was only read about they have now seen. Their eyes are wider now and they have seen a small glimpse into a big world.

Our first night in London.

Looking across the Thames at the Parliament Buildings and the Clock Tower (Big Ben).

The steps of St. Paul's Cathedral. Absolutely breathtaking inside.

History and traditions. The changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.

Westminster Abbey provides more than a 1000 years of British History within it's walls.

Come Share in the Celebration!!

2009-04-24T08:54:00.009-04:00

Happy 1st Etsy Anniversary!

Tomorrow is the big day but let's start the fun now.

As I mentioned in my post below I've created some really beautiful earrings for the occasion. These are specially priced and won't last long. I've also reduced the shipping charges for these particular earrings and added even another bonus. If you purchase any other item in my shop with these earrings your shipping will be FREE to Canadian and US destinations and reduced for International shipments. Check out the listing for details.

Olive green and champagne earrings...

...and...

Pink and champagne earrings.

Thanks to everyone for making this year a great one!

Happy 1st Etsy Anniversary!!!

2009-04-21T10:42:00.006-04:00

I'm coming up to a really special day...on Saturday I will be celebrating my 1st year on Etsy...my etsy-versary, so to speak.

Wow, did that ever go by quickly! I want to thank all my wonderful customers, friends and family for all their support this year. As a way to thank my customers I've created some gorgeous special anniverary priced earrings to celebrate.

Teal, Turquoise and Olive Earrings

and...

Violet Beauty Earrings

Thanks again everyone! I can't wait to see what next year will bring.

...stay tuned...more anniversary specials to come...

Random Acts of Kindness - Act XXIII

2009-04-09T13:34:00.014-04:00

Made a birthday cake from scratch

It was my youngest daughter's 12th birthday yesterday and I wanted to make a birthday cake for her this year. I knew a store-bought, regular type birthday cake was just not going to do. She has quite a reputation for making incredible birthday cakes and treats for her family on special occasions and I wanted to do the same for her.

It's funny but when the girls were little I went to great lengths to make special birthday cakes for them. They were less about the cake and more about the decorations and icing back then. I made clown shaped cakes and Mickey Mouse cakes, I made the most incredible Barbie cake with the cake as her dress, I've made castles with blue jello moats, candied fish cakes, under-the-sea cakes and cupcakes that spell words. I literally spent hours thinking, preparing and making these cakes. A few years ago I just decided to ease my time commitment and start buying them. Which was fine but I must say it was fun to look in the recipe books and choose what cake to make. It was also nice to know that I could make something not so traditional and it would be appreciated.

So yesterday morning I got myself ready and started baking a Dulce de Leche Cream Cake. (It sounds alot more complicated than it really was.) Essentially it's an almond-scented cake, whipped cream and a Latin American caramel sauce called dulce de leche.

There is something really nice about making something from scratch. You know exactly what's in it. You aren't adding unnecessary preservatives and strangely named chemicals.

It's amazing what you can find in everyday life. When I looked down in the bowl after beating I found this beautiful design. I have been really inspired by design and textures this week after reading a blogpost from a friend I met through Etsy who I like to call RikRak. (check it out!)

Another great thing about baking a cake yourself is how great the house smells....mmm...

In between baking and serving you have to whip real whipping cream and add a 1/2 cup of of the dulce to leche. You can make the caramel sauce yourself, and it doesn't look that hard but I actually had bought a jar from President's Choice after it had been promoted over the holidays. It's really good and it's not really cheating when you make everything else by scratch, right? I'm a good mom but I no longer consider being 'super' mom a necessity!! I just lightly warmed it up to make it more runny rather than spreadable

...and here's the result. Not your average birthday cake. Each piece is actually put together individually. It starts with a spoonful of the caramel sauce on the plate followed by the bottom half of the cake, then more caramel and a couple spoonfuls of the whipped mixture. Top with the other half of the piece, more caramel and then whipped cream. Sydney doesn't like nuts so hers was plain but the rest of us had toasted slivered almonds on the top.

Beautiful and yummy.

Happy Birthday!

It's nice to be back...it's been a while. Sometimes life just takes you in unexpected directions and you have to just go with it. I'm glad to be back and return to my acts of kindness. There's nothing like having a little kindness in your life.

Spring has Sprung!

2009-03-14T21:33:00.002-04:00

Look what I say in our yard today! The first robin is always such a wonderful sight!

You know what song I started singing...even if it was a beautiful, sunny day here.

Robin in the Rain

Robin in the rain,

Such a saucy fellow.

Robin in the rain,

Mind your socks of yellow.

Running in the garden on your nimble feet,

Digging for your dinner with your long strong beak.

Robin in the rain,

You don't mind the weather

Showers always make you gay.

Bet the worms are wishing you would stay at home,

Robin on a rainy day -- don't get your feet wet,

Robin on a rainy day!

Random Acts of Kindness -Act XXII

2009-03-09T08:23:00.003-04:00

Taking care of the family

Good morning everyone! It's been quite a weekend in the Wallis household. It started on Friday with our youngest getting sick and over the weekend it spread to my husband. So I guess I've been able to perform many acts of kindness over the weekend as I've kept the family going as a one woman show. Trying to take care of the sick ones and protecting the ones that are still healthy. I've done loads and loads of laundry, I've tried to clean and disinfect the entire house, I've bought gingerale, crackers and chicken soup. I've brought blankets and pillows and comforting words. I've taken temperatures, dispensed advil and insured they had enough fluids. I've kept sick ones company and healthy ones occupied. I'm happy to say that my daughter bounced back rather quickly (just like I used to when I was younger) and I'm hoping the worst is behind for my husband. My fingers are crossed that my older daughter and myself have avoided this menace.

In amongst all this our newish computer has completely tanked over the weekend. I think I should get a kindness award for not pulling the computer out of the wall and throwing it out the back door. I mean, taking care of the family just comes naturally you just want to make everyone better but with the computer it took some major restraint on my part!! It's pretty difficult to lead an on-line life when you can't get on-line! So please be patient as I may not be able to post as often as I wish to while we try to resolve it's problems.

...and now I must go to get another load of laundry in. Hoping to be back soon.

Kreativ Blogger Award!!

2009-03-06T09:17:00.005-05:00

Well I had a very kind thing done for me yesterday.

I was given a Kreativ Blogger award from Jacaranda Designs

Thank you so much Jacaranda Designs. You made my day!

Here are the rules:

List 7 things you love and then pass the award on to 7 people..tagging them and letting them know they won!
You can copy the picture of the award and put it on your sideboard letting the whole wide world know you are KReATIV!

So here are 7 things I love:

I love the feeling of having a really good creative idea.
I love a quiet night in with just the family and a good movie.
I love car trip vacations (although I would never turn down a plane trip) but I love to see the changes in scenery, feel the distance and there is just something great about all of us in the car, listening to the radio and playing silly car games.
I love a dinner alone with my husband.
I love the colours blue and green together.
I love that first spring walk when there is a cool breeze on your face.
I love the excited greeting our dog gives you on your return home (even if you were only out in the garage briefly).

I am awarding the KREaTIV award to:

lifecraftinessandeverythingelse