Spring Cleaning - For Real This Time

I always have such good intentions when it comes to spring cleaning. Somehow though, my plans always seem to get waylaid. Possibly because I'm a busy stay at home mom trying to run a business from home? Oh I could find all kinds of excuses not to spring clean. Of course, I do the regular cleaning every week (oh joy!) but it's the getting rid of clothes that no longer fit, sorting out messy kitchen drawers, getting some sort of organization into the front cupboard that I'm talking about - I'm sure you know what I mean.

Last night, I got together with a few crafty friends (we've decided to meet once a month and inspire each other, maybe take some courses, teach each other etc.).

Our fearless leader mentioned a blog called SimpleMOM that is hosting a challenge of sorts that involves spring cleaning over five weeks. It's called Project Simplify and over five weeks (starting March 7th) we're challenged to spring clean hot spots in our homes. Each Monday the hot spot is revealed and on a Friday we post before and after photos on our BLOGS. Sounds like a good challenge to me!

So I'm going to run with it and see what I can get done in this house of mine (with two boys and a husband probably sabotaging my efforts at every turn).

Are you up to the Project Simplify challenge. Check it out here and let me know how you fair.

Tsh Oxenreider (the genius behind SimpleMOM) has written a book called Organized Simplicity
which will be the foundation for the project and could help you on your way.


(Photo from SimpleMOM)

Don't forget to post your before and after photos and show us the links to YOUR blog.

Yes, we have a WINNER!

Thank you everyone for entering my latest giveaway for the birds nest necklace. I have selected a winner using random.org and it is....

HANA!

I really appreciate everyone tweeting and blogging about the giveaway. I shall be hosting another one in a few weeks. Stay tuned.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Etsy LOVE!

So many talented artists on Etsy it's often overwhelming. Here are a few of my faves from Etsy this past week!

A Silent Snowy Morning in Ontario

I woke in the early hours of the morning and noticed that it had snowed more heavily than expected during the night. From our bed, if the bathroom door is left open, I have a lovely view out of the window. I lay in bed this morning, feeling very lazy, contemplating whether to get a little more shut-eye or not. Eventually the picturesque view from the window won me over and I grabbed my camera a took a few photos.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Jacaranda Designs Birds Nest Necklace Giveaway

Spring is almost here and what better way to celebrate than to give away a birds nest necklace from Jacaranda Designs. It's a symbol of new beginnings, life and motherhood. A lovely Easter gift or surprise your Mom for Mothers Day....

It's EASY to enter. The rules are below.

Please leave a comment on this post, including one word you would use to describe the style of jewelry at Jacaranda Designs.

You can enter once per day and you must include your first name and etsy username or email address with every entry. If you're worried about spam email, you can spell out the 'at' and 'dot' rather than using the standard email format.

Receive additional entries:
- if you follow or subscribe to my blog
- twitter about the giveaway and/or blog about the giveaway
- become a fan of Jacaranda Designs Facebook Page
- feature any of my items on your blog
- follow me on twitter
- purchase any item from Jacaranda Designs (5 additional entries!)

Just comment/leave a link letting me know!

Go ahead, have fun and spread the word please!

This giveaway is open to everyone, worldwide. Giveaway ends Tuesday March 3rd 5pm.

Etsy LOVE!

Some of my faves from Etsy this past week!

New Spring Jewelry at Jacaranda Designs Jewelry

A sneak peek at a few of the new additions to Jacaranda Designs Jewelry. I'm having so much fun making these designs. They're colorful and fun and a perfect match for your spring and summer wardrobe.

Worms 'n Dirt - Easy Childrens' Dessert

Jake is having his birthday party tonight and he's really not one for cake so I suggested this dessert that I haven't made in a few years. Kids love it, especially if they can partake in the preparation. It's very easy! You can also purchase the tiny terracotta plant pots from a hardware store and serve the worms 'n dirt in those...it's looks perfect. For today, I used the small glass dessert dishes.

So this is how to make it...very complicated (not!)

1. Prepare some chocolate instant pudding and spoon it into the bowls/pots.
2. Crush up some chocolate cookies into crumb sizes so they resemble soil.
3. Sprinkle the "soil" on the top of the chocolate puddings.

4. Lastly, insert the gummy worms into the chocolate puddings.


You're done! Now eat up!

It's a Hockey Tournament Weekend

My younger son lives for ice hockey. His daily ritual when he awakes each morning is to watch the replays from the previous night's NHL games. He tells me about various plays he's seen and how he's going to try them during the next game. This has been his first year in house league hockey and I just love watching him play. He gives it everything he's got.


This weekend, we have tournament games Friday, Saturday and Sunday so you won't be hearing much from me until Monday.

Let's hope his team make it through to the finals!

Put a Spring in Your Step

Put a Spring in Your Step ... a beautiful treasury put together by ARTinVENICE