the adventures of the wannabe housewife

The Witticisms of Facebook.

2009-07-13T14:54:00.001-07:00

Found this while digging through my facebook inbox. This is probably the best conversation I've ever had with a random person on facebook. Enjoy.

Guy: Dear Ms. R--,
You (or a friend of yours who hijacked your account) seem to have poked me.

I see that you're friends with C---, so you can't be all bad, but I was just wondering if we knew each other (and if I had forgotten...).

DG

Me: Dear Mr.G---,
I must admit to being your attacker (poker), and humbly apologize to have stirred such turbid thoughts of victimisation upon my pokee.

Pure animal instinct and the basest use of the feared "poke" feature resulted in my mouse hovering over the "poke" option after having seen some of C--'s recently updated photographs.

My most sincere apologies for the distress that pokeage may have caused.

VR

Guy:Dear Ms. R---,

Thank you for responding promptly with both sincerity and frankness of intent.

At one time or another, we have all found ourselves uncontrollably lured in by comely siren of the poke, the basest of our intentions surging from heart, to spinal cord, to index finger.

Please know that my distress at this unexpected pokeage was gilded with a dash of delight, and that I immediately stopped screaming upon reading your explanatory missive.

Considering the happy ending to this once foreboding road, I shall endeavour to have my photo taken (and, I hope, posted) by C--- in the near future.

A little bit excited and a little bit relieved,

DG

Guy: ahem..."lured in by THE comely siren of the poke"

how embarrassing.

Me: Dear Mr. G---,

I am pleased to hear that you yourself have been faced with the peril of intentionality that arises from the forboding presence of the poke feature. It is reassuring, as your poker, to know that your reception of the aformentioned poke has also been viewed with the rose-tinted glass of being a poker yourself.

I must admit, in a moment of unprecedented sincerity to my pokee, that I have never (nor hope to have again) such a pleasant exchange with my victims. --Please do not misconstrue this statement to cheapen the value of my pokeage, for indeed I do not poke often, and when I poke it is done with adamant conviction and feeling-- But nonetheless, I commend your acceptance of your function in the action and reaction of pokeage.

Once again, I must commend you for your clear physical attributes which led to my poke, and furthermore for your obvious wit which has made this exchange all the more pleasant. You, sir, are not just a pretty face.

I shall endeavour, should another instance in which your photograph finds itself on my news feed, to poke you again- without fear of consequence.

Affectionately yours-

VR
(p.s. I did not judge you for your absence of the article "the", I attributed it to poetic license and was impressed with the eloquence of the line, truth be told)

The Week Of Being Vegan - Day 5 & 6

2009-07-05T23:52:00.000-07:00

So I didn't post yesterday - but mainly because it was a busy saturday.

Breakfast was Kamut puffs with almonds (dry of course, but I hate milk with cereal.. i like the crunch.)

Lunch was eaten while hiking through Lynn Peak, and was humous with fresh veggies: peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers - yum. Cherries were for dessert - score!

Dinner was leftover risotto, and I'm glad I made so much!

Then today breakfast was virtually non existant - we were in a rush. But I did discover I don't dislike soy milk, like I thought I would. I went to Dulcinea, my favourite coffee shop and was sad I couldn't order their delicious hot chocolate - until the barista offered to make it for me with soy milk. Sat and played chess with my delicious drink - score! Home and had some more left over risotto, and a couple rotis. Then went for a coffee at starbucks with a friend, and felt perfectly comfortable asking for my caramel macciato to be made with soy milk - hurrah!

Went rock climbing later in the evening, so all in all, a good day.

And in other news, I had 3 wonderful things happen today.
1. My friend Anna told me someone stopped her while she was shopping on 4th to ask her where she got the handbag I had made for her. She gave the girl my website info. Yes!
2. Recieved an email on my etsy account from someone who had seen the steampunk style pendants I make on craftster.org and she asked if they were available for sale. Flattered beyond belief, I made an etsy shop for them: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5927191
3. At the climbing gym, the girl who was working the desk commented on the bag I was carrying - one I had made from my dad's old blazer and tie. I immediately, however blushing, told her I made it and gave her the card for my website.

wow - talk about a good day for business!

The Week Of Being Vegan - Day 4

2009-07-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

So I haven't really been good at being vegan.. until today. I've been lazy and haven't really bothered to prepare a good meal. I've been the equivalent of someone who just eats mac'n'cheese - except since I cant do that, it's been veggies, fruit, and roti.

Today started out no different:
breakfast was a handful of sunflower seeds and a banana and a plum
Snacked on another plum, and a roti
had a bowl of cut up tomatoes and balsamic vinegar and a roti for lunch, then ate some almonds to tide myself over.. but dinner.. dinner is where I cleaned up my act!I decided that since i love risotto with saffron and peas and corn, instead of making it with chicken like I usually do, I'd do it with chickpeas! So - this juicy dish is onions, garlic, olive oil, chickpeas, petite pois, sweet corn and brown rice - with saffron and sumac!

I served myself a 1.5 fistful portion, and the equivalent in salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, yellow peppers and cucumber, with seeds and nuts and dried cranberries.

YUM!

And I made leftovers, so even if I'm lazy, it'll be healthy lazyness!

The Week Of Being Vegan - Day 3

2009-07-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

Breakfast:
Handful of Sunflower seeds
Plum

Snack:
Starbucks lemonade
Starbucks fruit bar (only vegan thing!)

Lunch:
2 roti
Bowl of chopped tomatoes in balsamic vinegar in olive oil
2 plums

Dinner:
attempt at canned indian food - didn't taste good.. so bailed on that and ate a roti, a tomato, and some soy icecream.

I'm definitely eating wayyy less than I usually eat, which I guess is a good thing, and i'm not feeling it affect my mood or anything.. again, good. Starbucks was way easier to navigate than blenz, as they have some non-dairy foods as well as offering soy milk (which i didn't want). I had to ask what was vegan friendly in the foods dept, and they only had one bar, a fruit bar, which wasn't too bad - a bit bland though.

Still too early to tell, but I think my body is enjoying this break from heavy foods. I think i'm definitely going to have to have some more protein or energy foods, as there isn't a whole lot for me to burn through. I still feel lethargic and not wanting to work, but at least my eyes havent closed on me in the middle of the day like they are usually prone to do.

The Week Of Being Vegan - Day 2

2009-07-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

So I'm noticing that this is a bit stressful - a friend asked if I wanted to go out for a beer, and I told him to come over instead, since trying to find vegan friendly food in a bar sounded daunting.

Breakfast was a banana, a plum and a handful of sunflower seeds.
I feel like my appetite has gone down, mainly out of wanting to avoid hassle.. but lunch consisted of a roti.. and another plum. I was planning on having some canned indian food that I bought yesterday, but I was feeling lazy. So tonight Indian for dinner!

Not sure I've noticed any physical changes yet.. but.. we'll see.

If anyone has any food suggestions that don't involve fake cheese, fake meat, or fake.. anything, pls let me know :)

The Week Of Being Vegan - Day 1

2009-06-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

So I've decided for various reasons to try out veganism for one week. Mainly I want to see if meat and dairy affect my lethargy - but also I figured it'd be nice to take a little mini-break - I'm sure I'll reward myself with a grass-fed organic steak at the end.

So Day 1.. I woke up and ate a handful of almonds and an orange. I don't like tofu or soy, and I think it's kinda cheating to have imitation dairy/meat products while being 'off' of them.. so i'm staying away as much as I can.

I went to Blenz to do some work and found myself stuck for what to order - being that I don't really like tea. I've got a yerba mate that I'm drinking - which I'm not hugely fond of, but alas.

Then hunger sets in - and everything they have is pastry/meat/cheese/egg based.. I'm thinking celery sticks with peanut butter would be fantasmic right now.. I think i'll work a few more hours then head over to have some tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Let the cleansing begin!

Edit:
Had a bowl of Kamut puffs, and then a bowl of tomatoes and avocado drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil.

Got hungry again, and so far have had 2 bananas on top of that. Then went to do grocery shopping - man, vegan shopping is hard! I got a few ready made indian meals since they're pretty much free of all dairy and meat products, picked up more fruit and veg, some VEGA drink mixes for energy, some indian roti bread (the only thing that didn't have wheat, yeast or egg - I'm personally trying to do without yeast and wheat), and some soy choco/peanut butter icecream incase I completely cave.

Any suggestions? (remembering I dont really like or want to eat Tofu or soy based products.. I'd rather keep that to the min.)

Betsey, the dress.

2009-06-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

New Sewing Project! Yay!

I made this dress using an upcycled bustier and building from it. I love how it turned out. I used a great polkadot netting/tulle type fabric. The dress is fully lined, with an invisible zip at the side and a very low back for a sexy line. The sweetheart bust is thanks to the bustier, and there is rouching down the center to pronounce the bust line. The skirt of the dress is A-line, with three layers of fabric and gathers for a fuller skirt.

All in all, this was my first dress like this, and the 3rd dress I've made in total.. this is the only one I've liked so far. I used no pattern, just.. started sewing away..

I'm wearing it to a gala tomorrow, and if it is warmly received I might consider offering it in my shop on Etsy.

It took about 5 hours to make, give or take.

Jewellery Creation Update

2009-05-03T23:53:00.000-07:00

So the first item up is my pea pod. Made from PMC, this is my first piece. I fired the clay and then embedded the green fresh water pearls. Then I drilled a hole in, and voila - hang it on a chain, presto! I made this for my mother, as the pearls represent me, my sister, and her.

Next is one of my Pieces Of Time, called April Shower. Made from upcycled watch parts with silver accents, a black crystal bead with an amber swarovski crystal briolette.

Another Piece Of Time, Belle Du Jour: Made from upcycled watch parts with a fleur de lis accent on both sides.

More Pieces Of Time: Narnia. I'm pretty sure if Lucy had been wearing something as she slipped into the wardrobe and into Narnia, this would have been it.

Swarovski crystal briollette hanging off upcycled gears and watch parts

And last on the upcycled watch parts: Lyra. I picture Lyra, from Phillip Pulman's Dark Materials Triology using something like this as she went on her quest to the North with her Golden Compass. Made with a filigree stamping embedded in resin inside an old pocket watch shell.

Finally, some gorgeous new earrings, called Maria. Silver filigree with clay roses and black crystal beads .

BED TIME!

Helado De Dulce De Leche, and gardening.

2009-04-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

So I got to make some icecream over the weekend to test out my new ice cream maker. I went for an old favourite from Argentina, Helado De Dulce De Leche. Dulce De Leche is our version of caramel, made with milk and sugar. It's heavenly. I haven't found anything anywhere near as good here (and please don't you dare suggest HaaganDaaz as an equivalent!)
So I searched for recipes, and eventually find one from www.ciberchef.com that seemed worth trying (mainly because it had no egg in it, and I wanted mine to be nice and light, gelato style)

Churning in the Ice Cream Maker

mmm. looks good!

And was oh-so-tastey.

I was just a little annoyed - it wasn't as dark and dulce-de-leche-ey as the stuff in Argentina.. next time MORE! And after freezing it it was a little icy - I guess I have to take it out and let it warm up a little before serving. I think next time I'll try Marzipan icecream!

I also got around to sorting out the red radioflyer wagon where I plant my veggies. I ripped up last year's tomatos and cleaned up the sage and strawberries that survived the winter. Then it was all about planting the new tomatoes and peppers and leeks. I even made a trellis out of bamboo and elastic bands (recycling!) for my tomatoes to have. Bring on juicy fruits! I wonder what tomato icecream tastes like..

2009-04-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

I'm in such a gooood mood! The sun is shining, and I haven't had much sleep. Yesterday I picked up a friend from the airport (after waiting 3 hours) and headed over the border to Seattle to watch The Killers.

The concert certainly didn't disappoint. I'm not a fan of the new album - a bit too samey and mellow, but when the old stuff started playing everyone was jumping around. Crashed at a crappy dive hotel and were on the road for 6:30am. Picked up my icecream maker (!!!) and made it to work.

Now while the icecream maker is prepping, I'm looking for recipes for argentinian helado de dulce de leche granizado, my favourite when I go home to Argentina. I cannot describe how much I miss it! So while hunting around, I discovered this blog: http://www.fromargentinawithlove.typepad.com/from_argentina_with_love/

It's lovely - every recipe from my childhood, all right there in plain english! Fantastic!

And now, to make my favourite icecream - pictures will follow.

Icecream Makers and Dreams

2009-04-07T15:37:00.001-07:00

So I posted a dream gift on DreamBank a while back around my birthday time. Low and behold, today I got a little notification email saying someone had contributed the final amount to my Dream Gift! It's been fulfilled!

My Dream Gift was an icecream maker.. nothing too expensive, but an $80 icecream maker seemed to be a good bday present to ask for, since I absoltutely LOVE all things icecream. My nostalgia for argentinian gelato has left me wishing I could try and replicate it here in Canada.. ergo my IceCream Maker Dream.

I've gone on Amazon and ordered the CuisineArt ICE-25BC after reading the reviews.. Look at it!

It's so cute! I can't wait till it arrives so I can start icecreaming! M first attempt will be chocolate-peanut-butter me-thinks!

All in all, I have to say the whole DreamBank experience has been nice. I would have been super happy if people had contributed to my dream gift in time for my birthday (Oct. 13), but I like the surprise of being told my dream has been fulfilled in the middle of April.. Just in time for the hot summer weather!

Anyone have any good gelato/icecream recipes they want to share?

Weekend Missions and Taxes

2009-04-06T16:58:00.001-07:00

I had a lot of plans for this last weekend. I was going to look for happy eggs. I was going to do my taxes. I was going to do the laundry. I was going to find an armoire for all our junk. I was going to.

But I didn't. And I blame it mainly on starting out on Saturday morning by trying to do my taxes. Needless to say - they aren't done. And it put the whole mission-filled-weekend into a spin. So I didn't make it out to the farms to find happy eggs. I did manage a dinner with my mom at "Le Bistro Chez Michel", which we've wanted to try out since it opened 9 years ago (but never got around to). Lovely food- though the creme brullee was so bad that we left it. Ick.

But I earnestly attempted to find the armoire. I went to Ikea, United Furniture Warehouse, even walmart - but nothing. They had the right pieces in the wrong colour and the right colour in the wrong pieces. Finding a dark brown (espresson, dark cherry, mahogany) wood armoire seemed to be the hardest task of all. And so that ended up being abandoned.

It made no sense in light of all that to do the laundry - did it?

Augie March, the Hunt for Happy Eggs, and Blog Stress

2009-04-02T14:50:00.001-07:00

It's occured to me that what keeps me from writing is the worry that without pretty pictures, there's not a whole lot to keep someone reading.. but that's assuming I'm writing for others, rather than for myself. So I'm scrapping my earlier resolution to write more, and replacing it with writing more for myself. Now with that said and done, hopefully I can ramble to my heart's content - pictures or no pictures.

While blasting Augie March's "One Crowded Hour" through my newly aquired iPhone, I'm taking a quick break from writing for work to write a little about the world of Moi. After reading an article on GranvilleOnline.ca, "Understanding Cruelty Free Eggs" I decided to go on a little bit of an "Egg Hunt". It broke my heart to read that delicous eggs were such conflict items. Not only that all males of the species were killed off inhumanely as useless, but also that after the initial period of 2 years of optimum egg laying had passed, the hens were also killed off. Not to mention that the conditions in which they live involves having their beaks and feet cut off, and being crammed into tiny spaces - and this is the "free range" ones! So I'm now on a mission to find local farms that provide happier eggs. I hope to come out of this with success rather than failure, as I'm contemplating giving eggs up altogether if I can't find ones that don't suffer to give me an omelette every once in a while. In May the city will pass a law allowing us to have backyard chickens here in the city - now to convince the cat that chicken doesn't taste as good as catfood..

Wire Jewellery and T-Shirts

2009-03-20T11:55:00.001-07:00

I've made a lot of things lately - I just haven't stopped to take their pictures. I did quickly photograph some of my newest things, updates on the other stuff will come soon!

I have a broken wrist - thanks to an attempt at converting my skiing self into a snowboarder.. so I did this with a broken right wrist in a cast (and I'm right handed). Excuse the sloppyness!

Wire ring and Birds Nest pendant..

Closeup of wire ring

I also designed a graphic that I wanted on a T-Shirt. I put it on threadless.com, but it didn't get printed, so I took matters into my own hands and had it printed anyway - so it's the only one in existance..

It's the lion rampant, with a wax seal of the lion rampant on top of it. I designed this on photoshop, using an awesome pshero tutorial on how to make a wax seal.

more pieces of opulence

2009-02-20T11:30:00.001-08:00

So I told myself I'd be more dedicated, I'd really crack down and blog more, and here I am again neglecting you.

So, to make up for it.. jewellery porn from my newest hobby - making pieces of opulence :)

These are Isabel, the pendant and earrings..

Andrea (crystals sitting on hand curled wires)

Heather (with crystals hand wrapped in wire to look like dew drops)

And one of my favourites:

Gaya
Beautifully detailed, I absolutely love this - a damask resin piece that sits on the collarbone, and then two birds on a pendant dipping down.

Hope you likey!

Pieces of Time and Opulence

2009-02-01T19:40:00.001-08:00

so amidst the sewing and the baking and the cleaning and the working, my creative itch started.. well.. itching.. and I had some sort of urge to make some jewellery. So I decided to make some out of recycled watch parts..

this one is called freebird

couldn't think of a name for this one though :(

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh MY!

2009-01-24T12:37:00.001-08:00

So I decided I needed an apron, since I'm constantly cooking, and constantly making a mess everywhere. I had a look around - and realised I was never going to wear the dress I made for last halloween ( I went as Dead Dorothy, wizard of Oz).

So presto, Change-o

I added the pocket, red ribbon and bow. Now she's my Dorothy Apron!

I've neglected you - I'm so sorry

2009-01-21T13:39:00.001-08:00

I dont know what happened - we'll just say I fell off the face of the planet and leave it at that. And somehow- somehow, I've been placed right back on the planet where I left off, so I guess now is as good a time as any to update everything. I swear I'll try and commit better to blogging. Figures - I have commitment issues it seems, and it spreads to all facets of my life - argh!

So.. since I've been on "hiatus", I made "the ladies"

Country Betty, Christina, Queen Betty, and Sailor Kim.

Closeups:

And Snoopy, who decided she needed just as much attention as the purses:

I made these sometime over the summer.. its been so long that I can't really remember if there's anything noteworthy - other than that they're my favourites.

Fast forward, and for xmas I made these two ladies:

This is Anna, pronounced "Onna", and she's made for her namesake, a friend I've known since I was 13. She loves messenger bags, so I made this out of beautiful scrap brown leather. I lined it with pinstripe navy/red lining, and added the strap hardwear, a leather slider for the strap, and a magnetic snap closure. I finished her off with a gold sparrow to accentuate the funky shape of the messenger flap. Hurrah!

Then I made another Lady Kim, since my man's mother loved the first one I made so much when she came to visit.

Then I joined www.crafster.org, a really cool online community for people who love to.. craft! From there I got inspired to make my ugly-sweater-bag, Cindy:

That's it for the update, I'll try and be more regular from now on..

Jane bags and website launch!

2008-08-18T16:44:00.001-07:00

The other day I decided to take up my trainer's offer to showcase some of my purses at her gym. She called me the next day to say she had sold a purse and wanted more. She sold Li'l Kim, the one that I thought was the least attractive!

I started sewing like mad, and in one day managed to make a bunch of different Jane bags.. so.. without further ado:

Elegant Jane came about from Lady Kim. I set the cameo in Damask Ribbon, and it was all as an afterthought as I thought the plain polka dot pink bag needed a little something extra..

Lemonade Jane is just like Lemonade Lucy, since I had left over lemon print fabric. The ribbon adds a nice touch and looks much nicer in person!

Country Jane is my favourite from this batch I think. She's understated and ladylike. Perfect for a long white skirt and big sunglasses. I love the fabric!

How could I not call this "Cupcake Jane"? I mean, the pink polkadots and cute blue ribbon just lend itself to that cutesie cheesecake kind of look. I love the periwinkle silk lining. Yum!

I see this more as a little shopper bag, since the fabric makes me think of cooking. I think I may make an apron out of the rest of this fabric, no quite sure any one will want a handbag covered in chili peppers!

But.. on the upside.. MY WEBSITE IS DONE! of course, until I decide to change it all over again. for now, I love it. Check it out, since all the purses can be found for sale there..

Phew. Bad hair days and Jane.

2008-08-12T21:05:00.001-07:00

It's been a bit of a shit day- so I'm cheering myself up by blogging about my latest creations. After a crap day at work, I got home and had a drink. On an empty stomach, so I found myself slightly tipsy. Then I went to have a piece of cheese and managed to have the cheese cutter break in half (its got a porcelain handle) spontaneously, leaving me with a cut on my thumb that wouldn't stop bleeding. Add to that a bunch of other crappy things going wrong, and you get one grumpy housewife.

So.. cheer up pictures!

this is a new bag concept: Jane. She's simple but chic. I love the metal handle hooks. This one was my first one, which I made on the fly with no pattern. I just kinda liked the idea and went for it after sketching it out. She's made out of gorgeous pink, red and creme striped pattern fabric and red cotton lining.

That led me to making my next one immediately after, Sailor Jane

This bag is too cute for words! Right before I started sewing I got the idea to really enhance the nautical theme of the blue and white pattern by adding the red ribbon. She's also a little american patriotic- though I think of her more as nautical style. I might make one with blue ribbon next to be even more nautical. So I stuck the ribbon into the sides and sewed away. Then I realised the first Jane bag had no way of closing, so I added the magnetic clasp. I think this design was one of the easiest to perfect: second try and sellable!

This next one was actually a Kim bag gone wrong. It ended up not being quite the right shape, but I loved the fabric too much to throw it away. So I just added the metal handle hooks and lined it in red.

Lady Kim

2008-08-05T15:11:00.001-07:00

I've been sewing again today- guess I got the urge!

I made another "Kim" bag, and here she is:

Lady Kim

I was purely selfish in making this one. I love, LOVE, LOVE damask fabric. I splurged a little while ago and bought a ton of different types of damask print fabric, and this is the first of my endeavours with it. I really wanted this to turn out perfect because of how much i love the fabric, and of only having one fat quarter or it, so only being able to produce ONE bag out of it.

Anyways, I lined her with bright red silk, and then decided to top it off with a cameo. I used red ribbon to make the nest for the cameo, and then glued it in with silicon glue. Then added a pin to the back, so it's a removable brooch- makes it easy to dress the bag up, or dress it down for a more casual look (or if red isn't matching the outfit you're wearing)

I love it!

I like to think I'm getting better- or at least, I hope I am!

purses and chairs?

2008-08-04T23:35:00.000-07:00

Oh, the neglect!

With good reason though..
I've been holding back on creating any handbags, since I have so many and havent gotten rid of them yet. I dont feel that any of them are good enough to sell yet- since they're not perfect. BUT, tonight I had some time home alone, so I set about making a bag from start to finish with no flaws. I made sure to take my time, instead of rushing to the end like I usually do. The only thing I forgot was to put the feet on.. but other than that, I think she came out rather well.

Hawaiian Kim

Technique wise, this is probably one of the best I've made, if not the best. I put the straps on inbetween the lining and the outershell, so there aren't any unsightly ends. I also made sure this time to have my threads matching, so the outside has red thread and the inside, which is lined in a dark navy blue shimmery fabric, has black thread. Yay!

In other news, I decided that I couldn't stand the ugly pink velour chairs any longer. I've never upholstered before- but then again, most of my sewing efforts are trial&error, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Instead of buying one of those chair covers that never quite fits, I decided to have my hand at it. I managed to find a fabric that matched our couch perfectly in colour, so I thought I'd post the progress of covering the chairs (there are two, but no sense showing both!)

This is how they started out..

snug tailoring..

sewn and fitted..

Almost done..

Done! This chair gave me a bit of a headache because I wasn't thinking, did the whole thing, then opened it to recline it (they are reclining chairs) and snapped all the seams! Back to the drawing board.

I ran out of fabric so the bottoms were showing pink.. which I decided to fix by making magazine pockets on both sides..

Magazine pockets!

Hurrah!
Sleepytime now!

Food, glorious food!

2008-07-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

The other day we had such a pretty dinner that I felt the need to photograph it..

Tenderloin steak, Caprese salad, Baked potato, all washed down with a lovely malbec wine.

The caprese salad (with a twist),
I had no bocconcini, so instead I sprinkled feta cheese.

I also baked some sugar cookies, which, although not much to look at, tasted delicious!

I modified the recipe just a tad by adding lemon rind and a little maple syrup. Then I made two different types of toppings, so we had plain, chocolate, and lemon & coconut.
Yummy!

When life hands you lemons..

2008-07-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

I've been neglectful, I know.. but it's been busy in my non-housewife world..

I've been sewing less, but I still managed to make this little lady:

Lemonade Lucy

She's made of a gorgeous lemon print cotton, with a lush green lining and green handles. Magnetic snap closure, a pretty nautical themed button, and metal feet (my first time using these) so she'll stand.

I need to really get on with designing a website for my ladies, since I've been told they're not an effective use of closet space. In that vein, I registered the domain www.divina-denuevo.com, so keep an ear to the ground for my launch!

Luc(k)y 13

2008-07-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

Ta Da!!!

My 13th handbag, a "Lucy" style, with Henry Alexander's "Veronique" fabric, magnet closure, and a juicy black button. I love this bag! I made it yesterday despite the heat.

I also baked some delicious cookies, who's recipe I'll post soon. It's been quite the housewifey week. Yesterday was Canada Day, so we had a proper BBQ and watched the fireworks.

3 bags in two days - I'm my own sweatshop!

2008-06-25T17:37:00.001-07:00

In the last two days I've managed to make three different bags. This new design, Ariel, came about when I was planning on making a "Kim" bag. On a whim I decided to throw in a couple pleats (which, since were done last minute were difficult thanks to the sturdy interfacing). In order to conceal the top's jagged shape because of the pleats, I added another layer of fabric and folded it over- I think it gives it a nice clean look. But then I realised the bag was getting lost in its print, which is why the big black bow came to the rescue..

And voila, Ariel!

I fell in love with this fabric- I'm a sucker for houndstooth, tweeds, herringbone- all that goodness. But this, with the teal, well, how could I not? I'm thinking of buying more and even making a dress or a skirt - when I feel super adventurous.

But, not content to make "kim" bags only, I freestyled a new design. I just decided to cut and cut and sew and sew, and this is what I ended up with:

Her name is Alexandra, and she came to work with me today because I love her so much.

It was fun to make something different, though she came out more "sac" like than I would have wanted.. she's slouchy, I'm planning on using some interfacing next time for a sturdier look. She's only got the cotton shell fabric and the thick navy satin lining holding her, plus the super cute damask ribbon as handles. I love the trim idea, so I think it'll be making more appearances in the future!

And lastly, my first creation out of this little set, my ladybug "kim".

Dresssew was having a sale on the piping, which was going for $1.00 per ROLL! So of course I bought red, pink, green and blue! they're my new easy-cheat handles.. for the times that I can get away with non-matching handles..

But how cute are those ladybugs!?

Domestic Day

2008-06-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today was spent doing everything around the house. Vacuuming, mopping, dusting, laundry, sewing, dishes, the works. Liz came over with a bundle of clothes for me to fix for her, and I snapped my one and only needle on the bottom of her jeans while fixing their taper. So I'm "out of action" until I can run off and buy a new needle for my sewing machine.

Luckily, a couple days before, I had a chance to play around with a new design idea I had.
I don't really like it, but I suppose I had to make it to realise that! I'm not sure why I dont like it, since I like the idea of a curved bag.. there's just something not right. Could be that it's a bit sloppy looking. It's not sellable so I have no idea what I'll do with it- seems a waste.

I named her Diana, after the moon, since she's moon shaped. Turquoise lining is so yummy.

Then I made a Lucy bag out of the same old dress that I made the apron out of- this is for my DeNuevo line of reused fabric bags.

I gave her fushia lining since its so pretty and bright!

Now comes the little dilemma we've been having as of late. Now that the dining nook (and yes, its a nook.. this place is so tiny EVERYTHING is a nook) is finally coming together, I want to paint the trimming on the built in shelves. Only I cannot for the life of me decide what colour they should be, and whether we should paint just the frame, or the curvey inlay, or both.

Suggestions welcome!

(its that frame/built in shelf thingy on the left with all the pots and bowls).

Aprons from Dresses, ohmy!

2008-06-18T09:24:00.001-07:00

I had intended to write last night. And the night before. But with working and then coming home to cook dinner, sew, and garden, it's fallen by the wayside.

Trying to get a business off the ground is exciting but racked with small potholes that if you're not careful, you might just trip over and land flat on your face. I'm busy working on Divina//Denuevo, and this was my first reclaimed-clothing creation.

This apron, made from an old dress I bought in Thailand that never fit (silly me for buying something I couldnt try on!), is perfect for pottering around the kitchen and washing the dishes. I found I was getting water all over me more than anything as I'm still washing dishes by hand (some day, some day, a dishwasher will grace me).

I thought about making it fancier with pockets and the like- but really, when I'm cooking in the kitchen, what on earth do I want pockets for!? I don't really see the point, and I wanted to save the fabric as much as possible to be able to make one of my "Kim" handbags too. I made that last night (pictures to follow when I get home from work- blogging at work, naughty naughty).
I also have enough fabric to make another one.. so 2 DeNuevo bags and one DeNuevo apron! Huzzah for that little dress!

Recipe: Chicken in red wine tomato sauce with lemon and garlic mashed potatos

2008-06-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

I figure my first offering should be a recipe, so here's one that I sort of invented while being a madscientist in the kitchen (de rigour).

Ingredients: (serves 4)
-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or, if you prefer dark meat, substitute!)
-1 medium sized onion
-3 cloves of garlic (or less if you're not a fan of garlicky things)
-1 large tomato
-1 can of tomato paste
-1 bag of frozeb broccoli
-pureed basil (to taste, I usually use about 3-4 tablespoons)
-balsamic vinegar
-olive oil
-red wine (can be cheap!)
-4 large potatos
-margarine
-lemon juice
-parsley
-oregano
-salt, pepper to taste

Method:

1. Chop potatos into even cubes and set to boil while preparing the chicken.

2. Coat a medium sized pot with olive oil, and place on medium heat. Chop the onions and throw them in that pot- they should sizzle a little. Cook until clear.

3. Take 2 cloves of garlic, mince, and add to the onions, continuing to stir so they dont burn.

4. While the onions and garlic are cooking, be sure to occasionally stir the potatoes so they cook evenly.

5. Cut chicken breast into cubes if you'd like it to cook faster, if not, you can leave it whole- completely preferance based. Add it to the onions and garlic and continue stirring until chicken starts to brown.

6. As the chicken is cooking, add balsamic vinegar (to taste, I usually add about half a cup, because I like mine to have a tang to it). This will make the chicken juicy and tangy.

7.Continue cooking until chicken is almost fully browned on the outsides (not necessarily cooked through though!)

8. Chop the tomato and add it to the pot, continue stirring.

9. Add the can of tomato paste (and one can of water to match the proportion)

10. Stir well, until the tomato paste has dissolved with the water to create a sauce.

11. Add the basil puree. I love basil so I tend to add A LOT. I like to SEE it in the sauce.

12.Add oregano. Again, I add a lot. I'd say something like 2 tablespoons worth. Stir continuously.

13. Add the frozen broccoli, and stir so that it has a chance to defrost and be covered in the sauce. By now the chicken should be cooked the potatoes will be nearing done.

14. Take a fork and pierce one of the potatoes. If it slides right off the fork, then they're done. Drain and remove from heat.

15. Add about 2 tablespoons of butter, and begin to mash.

16. Add lemon juice - this depends on how 'lemony' you like your mash to be. I like it to be noticeable so I use about half a cup of lemon juice. It also makes the mash a little creamier/less dense.

17. Mince the last clove of garlic and add to the mash, continue mashing.
(in the meantime, check the chicken and stir occasionally to ensure the broccoli is cooking)

18. Add olive oil to the mash- this gives it a nice flavour and again, makes it creamier.

19. Finally, add parsley. Its great if you have it fresh- if not, go for the dried. It adds colour and tastes yummy.

20. Continue mashing to the consistancy you like. I like mine chunky (which is why I leave the skins on)

21. About 10 mins before serving time, drop in about a cup of red wine into the chicken and sauce. If you do it too soon, the wine evaporates and you miss out on the strong flavour- unless of course you dont want a strong wine flavour!

22. Make a well with the mashed potatos and place the chicken and sauce inside it when serving.

VOILA!

and the leftovers are great for work the next day!

Introduction to domestic disasters.

2008-06-15T00:27:00.000-07:00

I'm not actually that bad at this whole keeping-house thing. I love to cook, I clean to de-stress, and most recently I've found an addictive love of sewing. I often wonder if I'd have been more at home in the 50's than now. I'm quite content with my freedoms, but I love the excuse to bake, sew, clean, decorate, and be lazy.

And so.. here come the chronicles of my serious poseur-ness in the world of housewifery.