i cordially accept

I was super chuffed last week to discover that the lovely Pascale from //Between the Lines// passed on The Kreativ Blogger Award to me! I am a huge fan of her blog which makes this even more special.

I now have to write seven things about me you may not know and pass the award on to seven other bloggers who I think are creative.

Seven things!! Where to begin....

1. I have been to 23 countries but I haven't been travelling internationally since 2006 and I'm getting the itch again. Where to go next?
2. I love British mysteries - I stream BBC7 and BBC4 radio plays on my laptop while I sew and I watch my favourite shows while I knit.
3. I know it sounds cliche but since becoming a Mum I feel like I can do anything.
4. I love thrift stores and garage sales. My heart starts racing when I discover a new thrift store or a vintage find. Luckily my husband loves them too.
5. I once spent three weeks trekking in the mountains of Nepal. It was amazing and I am so proud of myself for doing it.
6. I have three tattoos - a monarch butterfly on my back (they migrate up the west coast of North America along the same route my family took between Vancouver and California every summer),  three other butterflies on my shoulder blade (no meaning behind these, I just liked how they looked) and cherry blossoms on my shoulder (the first sign of spring in Vancouver are streets lined with pink & white cherry blossoms).
7. The Fonz asked me the time once while we were both eating breakfast (separately) at a 50s style diner. True story.

Now to pass on the award - Karen of Smith Street for everything she makes with her hands & for bringing a creative perspective into the classroom; Giao of Kiss My Spatula for her delicious recipes and gorgeous photos; Becka of Bliss in a Teacup for the all the amazing things she makes and her 365 photo series that makes me smile; Jen of Painted Fish Studio for her lovely bound books and prints; Sarah of Thistle Downs for her amazing fiber art; Whitney for her crochet and paper projects and Jill of Today I Saw for finding a wonderful way to share her day. Ladies, this is totally optional so please don't feel obligated to post your "secret seven". Just know that I think you are amazing creative people xoxo.

snow capped cookies

While the mountains in Vancouver may not be snow capped (five days before the start of the winter olympics, I might add) at least my cookies are. 

These tasty, chocolatey, espresso bites are a great cookie to keep you warm and buzzing through winter days and epic sporting events. I'm pretty sure I found the recipe via Angry Chicken.

They are tasty but not the best chocolate cookie I've ever had. They're a good combo of soft and chewy with a crispy outside. I have made them both with and without the sugar "snowcap" and they are so much prettier with the sugar on top that it is worth the extra sweetness.

Even though they are not the 'best' cookie ever I will definitely make them again and maybe even to carry with us when we take in some of the free olympic events.

i gotta share

Who doesn't love a giveaway? Especially when it is for something already on my wish list (see right sidebar under 'coveting').

Creature Comforts is hosting a giveaway for a Fuji Instax Mini camera from Photojojo and even though I'm increasing the competition I have to share it with you.

Good luck everyone!

inspiration | valentines

I'm a sucker for hearts, red & pink & white, and 'love' in general. Even though we don't make a big deal of Valentine's Day in our house there are definitely cards exchanged and some heart shaped cookies eaten.

Below are some lovely cards, gifts and crafty tutorials for you and your loved ones.

//between the lines// | crochet tutorials for the flat and round hearts above

simple song designs | xoxo pencils

 

sewmoni | you have my heart handkerchief set {via post grad hair cut}

danielle thompson | free printable valentine's  cards {via creature comforts}

chocolate creative | red heart cross stitch pillow

maggie makes | embroidery heart pin tutorial {via whip up}

maggie makes | embroidery heart pin kit {for the heart pin above}

satsuma press | valentine set

little paper dog | printable mini bunting - me & you hearts

down home amy | sweet heart

zakka life | valentine candy maze tutorialrifle paper co. | assorted valentine's set

craftapalooza | heart felt fridge magnet tutorial {via whip up}

painted fish studio | xoxo album

cozyblue | a sweet forever valentine tutorial {via whip up}

stephanie congdon barnes | i'm sticking with you {these always sell out right away but I would love to receive one as a gift some day - even if it is a gift from myself}

craftypod | simple v-day sachet tutorial

twig & thistle |diy valentine's day goodie bags

//between the lines// | valentine: a garland

lavender and limes | conversation hearts tutorial {via whip up} 

julie-k | tiny crochet heart pattern {via whip up}

JCasa*Handmade | something special card and envelope tutorial on sew, mama, sew! {a lovely idea for storing all your valentine cards and love letters}

 other goodies:

• creature comforts' collection of "pink, red + white"
• post grad hair cut's great valentine gift guides for friends, men & ladies

chapeau

For some reason I haven't talked here about all the knitting I've been doing this winter. I am definitely a seasonal knitter. As soon as the leaves drop I pull out my wool and needles.

I have always considered myself a novice knitter - knitting only scarves for years. But last year I took the plunge and learnt to knit in the round. Oh the options that gives you! This year I have not only made hats (yes plural) I am currently 2/3 of a sleeve away from completing my first cardigan!

The rochefort chapeau from purl bee was my first  project this winter (technically it was September - as soon as the leaves dropped) and my first time knitting stripes.

{ok, please don't laugh at these photos of me. I'm not used to this self portrait stuff}

I had been admiring this pattern for awhile but was too scared to do stripes. Thank goodness I got over that - they are so easy. The whole pattern in general is perfect for knitting while you watch movies. I used Blue Sky Aplaca Silk and boy is it lovely to knit with and wear.

I love how slouchy this hat is but I wish the brim was a bit more snug. Next time I think I would use smaller needles for the ribbing to tighten it up.

This has been my favourite hat and I wear it all the time. But it is embarrassingly often that I'm about to run out the door when I notice that I am wearing a striped shirt and a striped hat. Don't worry, I change before I go out in public.