Work life balance - easier said than done!

Today was not a good day!  My youngest daughter, Annie, has decided she doesn't want to go to pre-school.  This is a surprise as we started the year with such high hopes.  Just 3 weeks ago this was her going off for her first day

She's beyond excited about starting pre-school.

However 3 weeks is a long time for a 3 year old. This is what she thought of it today.

We had tears all the way there and constant cries of "I don't want to go to pre-school'' - just take a dagger to my heart.  I dropped her off and she made a run for it, this was definitely a new development, thankfully I caught her, pried her off me and left feeling like the worst Mum in the world.

Now as we've had a few issues with pre-school this week her gradual entry has been lengthened, so for the hour and half she's there it's not worth negotiating 3 lots of roadworks to get home, turning on the computer for five mins and then heading out to pick her up, in the process using half a tank of gas and destroying the planet.  No problem, I had the lap-top with me and so headed for the coffee bar, free internet access and caffiene to boot.  The first problem was no electrical socket, the second was although my lap-top battery said it had 53 mins left within five of those minutes it had died - and I still had half a cappuccino to drink.

I then discovered my ever helpful husband had removed the large bunch of extra keys from my keyring that I'd had to carry 'round for him yesterday (don't ask) and had inadvertently removed the house keys!!! So I wandered aimlessly 'round waiting to pick Annie up then hastily scooted to my husbands work, picked up his keys and then had to stop at 2 grocery stores before dashing homewards, picking up the eldest daughter on the way who only had a half day of school due to parent teacher interviews. It was all far too much for everyone.  Annie was still worked up about school, I was worked up about not getting any work done, my eldest was worked up about the fact she's so tired she can't function, Grade 1 is really taking it out of her.  So my Mummy vision should have spotted the checkout meltdown a mile away, all over a packet of Tic Tacs, we had screams, stomping of the feet and tears - and that was just me!!  When things get that bad I like to think of my kids like this, asleep, cute and causing no trouble.

Now they're both in bed, asleep and tomorrow is another day. It did get me thinking that although much is said about women working and bringing up kids and finding the balance between the two but when you don't have an office to retreat to and you are responsible for all the pick ups, drop offs, playdates, doctors appts, field trips, etc, etc, balance is a very elusive state to find.

On that profound note I thought it was time for a beer and once again I delved into the world of Etsy to see what delights they had.  Check them out here


 I hope your day was infinitely better than mine and poor Annie's. 

Getting 'er Done!

Last week was a LONG week! Mr. Jacob was like this...

Rockin' the snot bubble look...and cutting four teeth on top...

If you look REAL close you can see them! Needless to say we all got through it and now include a cup of coffee with our morning routine.

We didn't accomplish much last week and I've been on the go non stop this week to catch up. Here's a look at what I've been up to:

Before

I went through a serious addiction to fabric and somehow ended up with the girliest collection and I'm happy to say it's finally been put to use!

Next was a start at the front door...

Before

Still a work in progress but getting better!

It feels so good to be back and functioning at somewhat of a normal level! Hope you're all enjoying your week and the beautiful weather!



The Tooth Fairy Isn`t Coming!

On Saturday something happened in our house that was monumental enough for me to Blog about!  My oldest daughter Jemma has had a loose tooth for some considerable time, in fact, being brutally honest about it, it`s been driving everyone crazy.  She wiggled it constantly, she couldn`t eat because of it and neither she or her Daddy would let me pull the darn thing out - something as a mother I`d been secretly looking forward too.   This is her `before`picture.

All teeth in their proper place.

And the `àfter picture`

And the final resting place for the precious tooth.

I was still mentally doing the maths of how much 2 kids, 20 teeth each 50cents a tooth (what is the going rate nowadays) when she dropped the bombshell.  She didn`t want the tooth fairy to come!!!  She wanted to make a bed for the tooth out of cotton wool and she wanted to keep it forever and not let the tooth fairy get her grubby little wings on it.  I was shocked, I`ve already been Father Christmas and the Easter Bunny, I was looking forward to adding `Tooth Fairy`to my resume, but I guess I don`t get to decide that Jemma does.  I have to be content updating her baby book with this big event and looking for super cute Tooth Fairy stuff on Etsy, you can check out some of my findings here - so it`s not all bad!



Kettle Valley Fall Fair & Market

Just like that and the weekend is over! We had a jammed packed weekend and thankfully the weather was beautiful for the most part.

We had a wonderful time today at the Kettle Valley Fall Fair & Market. As promised I've included some pictures...

Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by to say hello! We received many entries into the Art Competition and were able to raise additional funds for the BC Cancer Foundation. We'll be in touch with our winner this week.

Something to look forward to...Sarah and I talked about her making her blogging debut...coming soon!

Have a wonderful week everyone!



Thoughts for Today

Today marks the day that I have officially decided to be a coffee drinker. Mr. Jacob has been hit with a hacking cough, runny nose, his top four teeth coming through ALL AT ONCE and recently diagnosed this morning at the walk in clinic...an ear infection :(

We've been so lucky to have such a happy and smiley little

man...and I can't wait to get him back.

To those of you that have managed to make it through moments like these without turning to caffeine...I applaud you! I'm throwing in the towel. My Christmas wish list now includes one of these...

Because although I can barely manage to eat breakfast and make it to Preschool for 9am, whipping up a latte with one of these bad boys should be NO PROBLEM!

Tim Horton's here I come!

Feeling a Bit Foggy!

In the last week I have put my pants on completely backwards (took me a few hours to realize), included a dark blue crayon in the washer AND dryer (entire load of laundry royally ruined), had full intentions of doubling a recipe and then realized 3/4 way through I wasn't doubling anymore but couldn't remember where I'd stopped... I'm sure there's more but can't remember. Does your memory EVER come back or at least get somewhat better!?

As promised here is the official Kettle Valley Fall Fair & Market poster...

Sarah and I are really looking forward to this event. We're hosting an Art Competition which I love doing as it allows us to get involved with the kids as well as the parents. To see some of the amazing drawings that kids put together is always enjoyable! Another reason we're happy to be involved is because it's for an amazing cause, The BC  Cancer Foundation with funds directed to families in Kelowna. If you're able to make it feel free to stop by our table and say hi! We're looking forward to seeing you all there on Sunday!

We've been working hard over the last week to update our website. One exciting NEW feature is our shop.

Before all orders via our website needed to be done by contacting us (email or phone) or downloading our order form and mailing or emailing it to us and the final option being our Etsy shop. We're so happy to simplify this process! The new shop in our website accepts Paypal and is 100% secure and safe. Another lovely feature of paypal is that you don't need to have a paypal account. Of course if you'd still prefer to contact us via email or phone we have no problem taking orders these ways either!

Well I'm off to try and get rid of the million dark blue crayon stains that are all over an entire load of laundry! Apparently the experts (and I do mean Google when I say the experts!) say to use WD-40 and dishwashing liquid. I read a little further and someone posted a mixture of products that I'm going to try before WD-40 as I'm thinking the smell may stay around for a bit. I'll let you all know if it works... fingers crossed :)

Have a good week!

He did it!!

My little man did amazing on his first day of Preschool! And guess what that means!? I did good too! Although it was an extremely emotional day and I found myself trying to swallow the big lump in my throat more then once I managed to only shed a few tears. Tears of extreme happiness and excitement for the little man he has become...

By 10:40 am I was getting a little stir crazy but am pretty sure I'll find some things to keep me busy! His teacher is wonderful. I wanted to kiss her because James marched out of his class with a big monster truck sticker (HUGE bonus points for that one!). We're currently in the midst of a monster truck and skateboarding obsession...oh boys!

Sarah and I are trying to get things all set and ready to go for the upcoming busy months for Hands on Keepsakes. We're excited to launch our Christmas line at the upcoming Kettle Valley Fall Fair & Market on Sunday, September 26th. More details and poster soon to come.

Enjoy the rest of your week!



Front Door Decor...In Progress!

Our weekend didn't quite turn out like I had hoped. As you may remember from this post I had every intention of turning our front door into a masterpiece just like Good Housekeeping and Pottery Barn. No problem right!?

We got a phone call on Saturday morning from someone who was offering some shrubs for us to plant in our incredibly boring, bare and awful looking side flowerbed. We jumped at the chance to jazz it up and ended up spending most of Saturday transplanting plants...

I'm extremely happy with the side flowerbed but now have to face the reality that our front door still looks like this...

We rarely use our front door (as you can tell this is the excuse I'm using) because we park in the garage and enter the house that way. Needless to say I had no idea how bad it was until I took the picture. So yes...I'm admitting it...our front door has some MAJOR issues. First step is admitting it...and now I'm going to fix it!

I've recently been following a blog called eighteen25. They've been featuring daily guest bloggers with Hallowe'en decor ideas. Today my favorite blog of all time House of Smith's was the guest. What she came up with is absolutely amazing...prepare yourselves...

   

Hallowe'en can be pretty ooey gooey, scary, tacky and nasty in the decorating department but this has to be the most tasteful and elegant decor I've ever seen! Is it just me or is this gorgeous!? For more pictures and how to's you can check out the blog post here.

Well I'm off to prepare myself for the big day tomorrow...Mr. James is heading to Preschool. I have no idea why I'm having such an emotional time with this one. I'm going to try my best (key words try my best) to keep it together. And on this super sappy Mommy note I'm going to end it with one of my favorites:

Congratulations!



Today is your day.


You're off to Great Places!


You're off and away!






You have brains in your head.


You have feet in your shoes


You can steer yourself


any direction you choose.


You're on your own. And you know what you know.


And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.


...


KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!






So...


be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray


or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,


you're off to Great Places!


Today is your day!


Your mountain is waiting.


So...get on your way!

-Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

Blog Makeover!!

Guess who got a makeover!! What do you all think? Hopefully everyone likes the new look! Any feedback or if you'd like to see something added, removed, changed, etc let me know!

I'm starting my front door fall decor shopping/searching this weekend...I'm hoping for some good finds. I've got my Michael's coupon ready to go! Anyone else secretly print off two or more coupons and send your husband/partner/friend in a different line or make a second separate trip back to get the discount? Kinda leaving the store feeling like this...

I'm really hoping it's not just me...otherwise I'm feeling on the cheap side!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Smells like Fall!

There's probably not too many people that will be happy with this comment but I'm thinking fall is here! I managed to sneak out of the house this afternoon for a run. We have some farms and orchards close by and the apple trees are bursting and smell soooo good!

I'm thinking a trip to Kelowna Land and Orchard and Davison Orchards are soon to come!

Sarah put together an Etsy treasury with some fall finds here. How cute are those hair clips?! Thank goodness I didn't have a girl or I think it's quite clear I would have a serious hair clip obsession! The deep reds, oranges, browns and greens are stunning and so warm.

So next is a little confession...I have some serious next door neighbour envy. Our neighbour has a new wreath for each and every single season, holiday and event. Can you imagine being that organized!? Our front door is on the blah side to say the least. Last Hallowe'en consisted of a chair and carved pumpkin...sad attempt I know! This year I'm going to make a serious attempt and the research starts now...

Photo courtesy of http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Ok I need to stop...can you tell this is headed straight for disaster when I set my eyes on Good Housekeeping and Pottery Barn for examples! Stick around for my attempt at a welcoming front door fall display (and please wish me luck)!

To everyone who is heading back to school or starting the school routine with your little ones good luck! Mr. James starts next week so we have one week left to prep. Whether it's a first day at pre-school, kindergarten, grade 1 to 12 I'm wishing you a smooth transition!

-Rachelle

September...really?!?

Am I the only one wondering what happened to August!? September...really!?

Instead of beach, sand and bbqs' it's back to school, fall and hallowe'en! NO idea when or how that happened!

Although this change in season does have some advantages. Sarah and I were able to sit down and have a very productive and exciting Hands on Keepsakes meeting. Best part...I've got a little sneak peak of part of our Christmas line...

I know, I know Christmas is months away but we've got some pretty darn fabulous things coming up over the next couple months! Best part we'll keep you all along for the ride!

To embrace the upcoming fall season I'll be putting together some Etsy finds and one of my favorite things Hallowe'en costumes! Somehow I don't think James will be fitting into his Old Navy Elephant costume for the third year in a row so I'm on the hunt! I'm hoping to find a common theme for James and Jacob to dress up as together (Batman and Robin, Buzz and Woody, etc). Yes I'm that corny Mom!

So tell me...are you looking forward to back to school, fall and everything else that September has to offer? Wishing you all a wonderful long weekend!

-Rachelle