What I made today…

20 Monday May 2013

Posted by in crafty, DIY, fashion, What I made today...

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Knit button ring

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Happy Victoria Day everyone! Fun fact: I was born on Victoria Day but since it’s always on a Monday my birthday doesn’t often fall on that day. This year my birthday’s on a Friday! Anyways, back to what I made. While I was looking at instagram one day I saw some photos of knitted rings. They’re made by Claire Ward who lives in Sydney, Australia. Her line is called Bless Your Cotton Socks and her nautical knitted rings are so cute! You should check them out on her Etsy page www.blessyourcottonsocks.etsy.com She loves cats too! Since I have yarn and lots of buttons I thought I’d make one of my own. I think it looks fab! Thanks Claire, for the inspiration for such a cool, creative accessory.

I’d love if you’d follow me on instagram! Click on the yellow camera button in the top right hand corner or find me on instagram. My user name is victoria_day.

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I also got to visit my hometown this weekend and spend time with my family and this lovable pooch!

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Sometimes bigger (buttons) is better. I love finding new ways to take things I already own and create something fun to wear!

What I’m obsessed with today…

14 Tuesday May 2013

Posted by in fashion, What I'm obsessed with...

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Overalls!

I’m so happy overalls are back in style! And I think that this will be the summer where I find the perfect pair, I can feel it. Finding a pair of overalls that are both stylish and comfortable can be challenging. You need one that is fitted in the right spots, not too loose in the wrong spots, and doesn’t ride up your crotch! My roommate in college, Colleen, had the perfect pair and I loved borrowing them from her. Kind of wishing they would have wound up in my pile on moving day. sigh. There are also lots of styling options with overalls. You can cuff them up, wear both straps done up, only one strap up, or have both hanging down. I think it could be a great summer staple. Now it’s time to find a just right pair of my own!

 

 

 

 

conclusion

Hopefully this will inspire you to give overalls a try this year. I’m going to keep an eye out at thrift shops. Just please DO NOT get these ones. Sheesh.

What I made today…

11 Saturday May 2013

Posted by in crafty, What I made today...

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Washi tape adorned clock

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I bought a clock from Ikea to put in my sewing/craft room. It was super cheap at $2.99 but also super ugly. A clear smokeyish plastic. What a great opportunity to use washi tape to brighten it up! I stuck it on while watching Mad Men. Yay for multi-tasking! To fix the problem of some of the edges coming up off the rounded corners I gave it a coat of Mod Podge.

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Now this once generic clock looks like it belongs in a craft/sewing room!

5 reasons you should check out the Calgary Reads book sale!

09 Thursday May 2013

Posted by in out and about

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This is my second year volunteering with the CBC Calgary Reads book sale. After seeing the humongous selection of books last year I was hooked. I’m an avid reader and this is right up my alley! If you haven’t been yet, and you live in or near Calgary, I highly recommend going. But if you need a bit more persuasion here are 5 reasons you should check it out.

1. There is a huge, and I mean ginormous, selection

I was awe struck when I saw how many books there are, and that’s after volunteers weed out all dirty/old/worn ones. The books are well categorized too. Fiction on one side, non fiction on the other, and then sorted into groups such as art, travel, humour, ect, ect. I can almost guarantee everyone can find a subject that would interest them.

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2. Your supporting an amazing charity

All of the funds raised go to Calgary Reads which is an early literacy initiative devoted to changing the lives of struggling grade 1 and 2 readers and their families in Calgary and area schools. Increased literacy in Children can boost their confidence and academic achievement and also enables curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Happier and healthier kids turn into happier and healthier adults. Yay!

3. You could meet that someone special

Ok, this one might seem a little far fetched but I heard a story on CBC Radio 1 about a couple that met at a Calgary Reads book sale, he asked her out for coffee and they ended up getting married! Maybe you might connect with someone over your shared love of sports trivia or vegetarian cooking. Maybe you might reach for the same book, your fingers touch, and sparks fly. Hey, you never know!

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4. It will help you stay young

Confucius says “you cannot open a book without learning something.” Patty Berg, founding member of the LPGA says “Always keep learning. It keeps you young.” So therefore read a book and stay young!

and if reading doesn’t appeal to you….

5. Book crafts!

If the thought of cutting into a book send shivers down your spine skip this one. There are some books out there that might not get chosen to read but have very pretty covers or would be perfect for that craft project you’ve been meaning to try. Why not use a book to make a lamp, clutch, or table runner. there’s even a book all about making crafts using books!

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So do I have you convinced that you should head down to the Calgary Curling Club from May 10-12? If you want more information about the hours, address, or how you can get involved next year check out the website. www.calgaryreads.com or follow them on facebook or twitter!

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Looking at the haul I brought home I think I might be spending a lot of time on the deck this summer with a book and a cold beverage.

Right on Target

06 Monday May 2013

Posted by in beauty, fashion, out and about, shoes

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This morning I had the wonderful opportunity to go for a tour of one of the new Calgary Target stores a day before it opened. This one in Market Mall, as well as the stores in Chinook Center and Forest Lawn and seven other locations in Alberta will be soft opening May 7th. The Target in Shawnessy will open May 14th and the grand opening for all is scheduled for May 24.

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It was quite the experience to be in a new store in which no one has shopped in. The “team members” were all busy with final touches, looking sharp in their Target red and khaki outfits. The layout is totally redone from when Zellers previously occupied the space and it’s all shiny and red and white.

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Target carries a lot of great brands such as Papyrus, Mossimo Supply Co, Dyson, Apple, Kitchen Aid, Sonia Kashuk, Pixi, and tons more. They also do limited time collaborations, Roots and Sam & Libby, and are planning to do more with Canadian designers. I was quiet impressed with how fashion forward the maternity collections are.

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Nate Berkus Collection home accessories

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There are lots of ideas and products for organising.

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Unicorn bank anyone? When I went to a target in the states years ago I bought a set of Simply Shabby Chic sheets in a cabbage rose print and they are still my favourite! They’re great for summer as they always feel nice and crisp. I’m so excited that Target still has this line!

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Our tour guide, John Morioka Sr. Vice of Merchandise, told us that Target is testing these bright beauty displays in Canadian stores. With three rows of every beauty product imaginable I’m sure they’ll be a hit.

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Mr. Morioka is explaining about how Target tries to stay freah and on trend with their products. They have an Expect more. Pay less. brand promise which is sure to please plenty of new customers.

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You might be wondering, like I was, why there are no lights on in the ice cream freezer? Simple, the lights come on as you walk by! How cool is that? Sorry about the pun. Lol

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These cereals, a target exclusive brand, include chocolate chunk hazelnut biscotti and French vanilla almond crunch. Yum!

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This packaging is designed by textile designer Orla Kiely. Another Target exclusive.

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Because who wants a sales person hovering around you. When I need help I’ll just summon someone with the press of a handy button.

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This has got to be the cutest gift card ever!

So who’s excited to go see what all the fuss is about? I’m definitely stoked to go back when I can actually purchase instead of just looking at longingly.

You can learn more at their website www.target.ca or follow them on facebook www.facebook.com/TargetCanada or twitter www.twitter.com/target.ca

What is your favorite thing you’ve purcheased at Target? Or what are you looking forward to buying?

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I had such a informative and fun time on the tour. I can’t wait to get my hands on all the cute things I saw!

Wandering Whales and other creatures

03 Friday May 2013

Posted by in Alberta made, illustrations, Local talent

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I love local markets and craft fairs. Without them I don’t think I’d own any cool things made locally. I bought the 2 prints above, Aurora Borealis and Mooswa Nebula, from a market in Calgary. They hang on my wall in frames I found on my buildings “take it or leave it” table and I love them.

The artist, Andrew Olivier, lives in Edmonton and seems to have a passion for art, animals, and science. All the illustrations below come from his Polymorphism series that focuses on channelling scientific exploration into artistic form.

I find these “animals” very thought provoking. This style merges a natural tribal flow with industrial and mechanical elements. Some of the lines are very sharp and harsh while others are soft and circular. There is a push in pull, nature against science, which in the end comes together to create something amazing.

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If you live in Edmonton your in luck! Andrew will be at Tribal Nation Saturday May 4th selling his paintings and prints and on May 25th you can check him and other local artists out at Harcourt House for an Art market in the Gallery.

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5 Questions with Andrew Olivier

1. What is your favourite colour?

That is an incredibly hard decision, and changes often. I more appreciate color palettes and combinations. Lately I’ve been loving soft blues, coral together.

2. Polymorphism is a biology term. Do you think in nature fact is stranger then fiction?

Well, Polymorphism is a term to describe the infinite variation of characteristics that exist with any given species. For instance, each butterfly has the possibility of infinite variations for the patterns of its wings. they never repeat. Always experimenting and inventing new colors and details never seem before. Life is stranger then fiction if your looking closely.

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3. If you could be a ‘morph’ of any animal which would it be?

Definitely a whale. They are mythical and peaceful creatures, most have no natural enemies, and the whole ocean is their playground. what more could you want.

4. What is your favourite medium to work with?

A 0.5mm pen will always top that list. however lately, I have been liking good old standard house paint too.

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5. Where is one of your best loved places in Edmonton?

The River Valley, and more specifically Hawrelak park. great big pond to ice skate on in the winter

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Andrew is a recent grad from the design studies course at Grant MacEwan University. Check out his website to see more illustrations, digital, and web design work. http://wanderingwhale.com/

And you can also follow him on Facebook! www.facebook.com/thepolymorphist

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conclusion

Being able to see the world in a different way is a good thing. Being able to share your view and have it respected by others is what makes a cultured society. Yay for art!

What I made today…

01 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by in chow, What I made today...

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Oatmeal raisin cookies

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These cookie bars are really good! Unless your one of those people who don’t like chewy, raisiny, moist, oatmealy fantasticness. If that sounds like you then DO NOT make these cookies! You’ll absolutely hate them!

I got this recipe off allrecipies.com. It’s the first place I look when needing a recipe. What makes this my fave recipe site are the reviews. Thanks to the helpful reviewers, their tips and substitutions can take a dish from ho hum to oh yum! For instance, in this recipe I took Chef Tara’s advice and boiled the raisins in the microwave to make them super plump. I also used LizL’s tips for adding a 1 teaspoon of baking powder because I didn’t have self rising flour and doubling the amount of cinnamon. Reading what changes can be made gave me ideas for a few of my own. I only used 1/4 cup each of white and brown sugar (it was plenty sweet for me) and added shredded coconut on top.

Click HERE for the recipe if you want to make up a batch of your own! And read some reviews for suggestions that would work well for you and the people you want to share them with.

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conclusion

I enjoyed these cookies a lot, but I wonder what changes I can make next time? Maybe chocolate chips or a nut of some kind. hmmmm….

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