Frog Princess Designs

Looking For an Alberta Craft Show?

2012-01-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Alberta is a great province to live in. Low (relatively) cost of living, high wages, good jobs, and, something I bet you didn't know, an amazing arts and crafts community. Not a lot of people know this about Alberta though. To most, it's a province of industy, oil sands, and farming. The arts are lost in amongst all this. A friend and I have been wanting to showcase the other (softer) side of Alberta for some time now, as well as consolidate all the craft shows offered around the province into one site, and we came up with a new website.

This site will feature Alberta crafters and artists, craft shows around the province, and farmers markets. We will also be doing posts on craft show reviews; featured artists; sellers apps for Apple, Android, and Google; setting up and running an online business; and web marketing. Marissa, of Ever and Bliss, and the web marketing (evil) genius co-founder is a full time online marketer, communicator, and social media practioner and will be the one presenting the 101s of web marketing. Definitely a must read!

It is so hard sometimes, trying to find out what's going on in your own neighbourhood for craft sales, let alone trying to find out what's going on in other cities in the province. Planning out your year's craft show (whether vending or buying) can be frustrating and discouraging at times. That's why we're trying to get all the craft shows listed in one spot. As you can see, we've got a lot to get entered still, have patience! We hope to have a LOT more shows listed in the coming days/weeks. If there is a show that you think we've missed, please contact us and let us know!

If you're in Alberta and want to sign up to be a profiled crafter, please visit here and fill out the questionnaire linked. If you're looking for vendor calls in Alberta, we have them posted here. More will be posted as we get them entered.

I am so excited by this new site. I really hope that it will be the premier spot for finding not only great craft shows, but artists and crafters as well.

New Listing Love

2012-01-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

I've been slowly filling my shops up again after Christmas. A couple listings a night. What's really sad is the fact that some of the items I've listed, the pictures were taken a year ago. I'm so bad at listing new things! Trying to get better though. The exciting thing is, once these new items are all listed, I'll need to make new stuff :)

Just wanted to share a couple of my favourites from each shop. I either love the item itself (ok, I love almost 100% of the items I make, it's just something about these ones really speak to me) or I LOVE how the pictures turned out.

Forest Green, Hand Felted Heart Brooch. Love the item, LOVE the picture!

Navy Blue Pincushion Ring on a Silver Button Base. LOVE the style!

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Circle Necklace. LOVE the turquoise used here!

Tropical Fish Necklace. Hand formed frame. LOVE the picture as well as the item.

Jade and Gold Ring. LOVE the Jade.

Copper Ring with Sterling Silver Beads. LOVE the style of this ring!

In order from top to bottom:
Forest Green Heart
Pincushion Ring
Turquoise and Coral Necklace
Tropical Fish Necklace
Jade Gold Ring
Mixed Metal Ring

Time Flies...

2012-01-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

HI! Well, time flies when you're having fun right? Or losing your mind, which, I think was what happened to me. Started a new job, lost a valued member of my family, taking classes, working on new crafts, Etsy, craft shows every weekend, and on and on and on! Something had to give and, unfortunately, it was the blog. But! I'm back now and will be posting more regularly again.

First thing I wanted to share is... A front page appearance! So excited to share that my ring was featured on the front page of Etsy at 3 AM on Wednesday January 18th. Unfortunately, I happened to be deathly (or so I felt) ill with the flu at the time, so I was unable to fully appreciate the awesomeness of that feature. Feeling almost 100% better now, and super excited about it!

My listing is on the second line, third item over. The chrysoprase ring. Super exciting as this is only my second appearance on Etsy's front page in the 3 years I've been on it!

Fall

2011-09-27T15:55:00.000-06:00

Ran a few errands today. Mailed a sale (woot) and picked up ink cartridges for my printer. It was so nice to get out of the house for a bit. Drove home through a blizzard of yellow leaves. Fall is definitely here. It was gorgeous.

Life kicks you when you're down

2011-09-25T20:56:00.001-06:00

I was going along composing a new blog entry in my mind on Thursday and Friday morning because, well, it's been a while and I wanted to write something. Then, life came along and kicked me in the teeth. Again. I was "let go" from my job because Someone there was Scared of Me and My Bad Attitude and couldn't give me work to do. WTF? Also, my previous position as an office manager/controller told these guys that I just Wouldn't Fit In at this company and I couldn't be happy as a receptionist. For the record, I left a high stress job for a lower stress position and was completely happy with that. After thinking about it for some time, the only thing I could think of is that someone there just plain didn't like me and wanted to see me fired. I can think of one or two people right off the bat.

Not going to lie, I'm not sad to see the job go. I was never really invested emotionally in the job. It was something I had to do but I thought I did a damn good job there. I am pissed I got let go though, haha, I wanted to leave eventually, but on my own terms (like, if I had another position lined up). Greedy of me, I know. So I have to look for work again. I hate the hunt so much.

So that new blog post has been lost (I honestly can't even remember what I was going to say) and my weekend has pretty much sucked. Mind, I did get to spend most of it trying to figure out what I want to do now (and with the rest of my life). I think I have it figured out. I just need to find another job for now.

Sums it up nicely

2011-09-07T06:52:00.002-06:00

This? This is how I've been feeling for a couple weeks now.

RIP Jack Layton

2011-08-22T20:03:00.006-06:00

What a sad day for Canadians. We lost a truly inspiring, heartfelt man today. I remember watching my first election with my parents. It was November 2000, I believe. Everyone was enamoured with the newcomer to politics, Stockwell Day but my eyes were drawn again and again to the charismatic, well spoken, and charming Jack Layton. Although the NDP did not have a chance for that election, my political heart was captured by their passionate leader. I may not agree with all the NDP views or stands, but I've always believed in the man leading it. Thank you, Jack Layton, for everything you've done for Canadians; for inspiring us; and for motivating us to change. You are the reason I voted, every time. I voted for change.

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."

- Jack Layton

School

2011-08-16T21:07:00.000-06:00

So. This budget thing. Not really working. Or rather say, it works to well and I can't deviate from it even once.

I need to pay for a night course so I can complete this stupid accounting certificate I've been working on for the past 2...3 (?) years now. And the budget is set, the bills need to be paid, there is no deviating allowed. Bills must be paid. In order to pay for the class, I've come up with a brilliant solution.

Sell stuff.

Specifically, sell the stuff I make. Sure, it looks pretty ~~cluttering~~ decorating my desk, work space, life, home but I do make this stuff to sell. And, technically, yes, it has been selling. July was a very good month but I reinvested a lot (read: all) of that back into supplies for reason of the budget. It is August now, August 16th in fact, and school starts September 1 so I must do something drastic.

I'm having a sale. A Back to School Sale in both shops.
Use the coupon code at check SCHOOL and receive 20% off all items in both stores.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/frogprincessdesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelsbyJasmin

Oh to be 5 again and without a pain in the world...

2011-08-10T22:35:00.003-06:00

One of the good things about getting older, I guess, is that you learn more and more about your body. For instance, today I learned that I have osteoarthritis in my upper chest joints (weird spot, I know, but it oddly makes sense when I think of all the creaking and cracking my ribs do on my front) from this fascinating full body scan I got sent to a couple of weeks ago. Seriously cool. You get a needle a couple hours before the scan - a needle of radioactive material, btw. You go and lie on a table and the x-ray machine moves all around you; it circles, spins, slides up and down the table, and gets right close (thought it was going to squish my boobs a couple of times!) taking in depth photos of your bones.

Another fun thing I learned today? I have a genetic condition where my spine curves to the right. Mild scoliosis. It pushes on the right side of my spine when I sit up straight (like we've been taught since elementary school) creating pressure and pain on the left side of my back. Coincidentally, I originally went to the doctor because I've been getting pain on the left side of my back.

And that fun hip pain I've been getting? Probably linked to one of the above conditions.

Weee! Getting old is fun!

I'm only 28.

Etsy Front Page

2011-07-23T17:05:00.004-06:00

For the first time in my almost 3 year Etsy career, one of my items made it to the front page of Etsy. So very excited that I was able to see it!

Second row, third item in.

It's funny. I noticed Rozzie (first row, first item), and Lindy (first row, fourth item), and Kori (second row, second item), but missed my item. I also totally missed Freya and TrekkerJen! I'm so used to not seeing myself there I didn't even look. It took another team member congratulating us to make me go back and check for my item.

... One Month Later?

2011-07-21T19:34:00.002-06:00

Whoops! Didn't mean to go on a blogging hiatus, just got caught up in life and dealing with the aftermath of the accident.

So, the insurance company wrote off my car. I wasn't thrilled about it (stressed to the max, actually) mostly because I still owe over $4000 on it. Luckily, they estimated the value of the car to be almost that much and, with a bit of pinching, I can make up the remaining amount. Now we're just waiting on the cheque to arrive. (And waiting, and waiting!)

I bought a new car. Like, brand new. Like, only had 17 kms on it when I picked it up from the dealership. I'm pretty amazed by it still (3 weeks later) mostly because I never thought in a million years that I'd qualify for a car loan by myself. I mean, my credit is good, I just never realized how good. Also, I'm amazed by the car itself. My family was pretty poor growing up. We never got new vehicles. Hell, the first new vehicle I ever sat in was bought by a friend 3 years ago. So to own a new vehicle is a big deal to me. And it's mine. I bought a 2011 Rav4 4WD. In Edmonton, that 4WD is going to come in darn handy I think!

What else is new? Well, I went to the doctor with back pain and came out with 6 prescriptions, referral for massage therapy and physiotherapy, orders for blood work and 3 types of x-rays. Only me.

Can I just say how amazed I am by the healing properties of amber (the gemstone)? It's just amazing. Made myself a necklace to deal with the headaches I've been having and it works! I shouldn't be surprised because the bracelet works wonders, so why wouldn't the necklace, but I am. And happy. Headache pain is greatly reduced.

Although, it didn't work to well when I clocked myself in the head with the car door this morning...

Bad News Round-up

2011-06-20T18:22:00.007-06:00

Let's just get this all over and done with in one place.

Surgery Update.

Last Monday I wentback to work. For all of 1 hour. Yup. Went to work before going to get my stitches out and while at the doctor's office I was told, in no uncertain terms, that I was not to go back to work for at least another week. Not happy based mostly on the fact that I was bored out of my mind at home. Fine, I'd cope. Really, really hoping work decides to pay me for that week of sitting on my ass. Hah, Yeah right!

There's a reason I need that pay though. That's because, due to the WONDERFUL weather Edmonton has been experiencing, with about an inch of water on the roads and it pouring down, I got into a car accident this morning. Rear ended another lady in her big SUV with my little Echo. Guess which vehicle won??? Yup. The SUV. I felt (and still do) terrible, I mean, I rear ended her, it's my fault right? Her vehicle, thankfully, has minor damage. Cracked the bumper so it'll have to be replaced. My car on the other hand?

Well, a picture's worth a thousand words. Enjoy.

The nice police man I talked to while filing the police report estimated the damage to my car to be about $2000. Right where I estimate my 2000 Echo to be. Great. Really awesome because my insurance agent has already informed me that, if the damage to the car exceeds the estimated value of the vehicle, it will be written off. I still have 2 years of payments left on this car (bought second hand) and I really don't know what to do.

Trying to see the bright side of things. I'm ok, she's ok, it's just a car, things will work out. It's not working.

Surgery, Part 2

2011-06-09T11:34:00.004-06:00

Had another surgery on Monday.

I needed to have a large cyst removed and there was the possibility that an ovary would come out too. It did. I am now a one ovary PCOS suffering woman but I'm strong and healthy so I can handle it.

Surgery went well but the recovery this time is just taking forever. They used a different anesthetic than last time and this one, well, it made me so very sick. (Last time I was so sore for days afterwards.) I spent 11 hours at the hospital on Monday, mostly trying to recover from the surgery. It doesn't help that, before the surgery, they gave me the citric acid stuff to suppress acid reflux and I was throwing that up too. Seriously, the most vile stuff I'll ever consume. Anyways, after surgery I was so sick, dizzy, nauseated and throwing up from sips of water. My darling husband came with me and spent the day at the hospital waiting to take me home and every time he came by to see how I was doing in recovery, well, I was throwing up. Poor guy! I finally begged them to let me go home, even though I was still sick. I'd rather be sick in my own bed than somewhere else. Luckily, they let me go. I've spent the past days at home, mostly on the couch as I'm still to dizzy to sit up and do anything most of the time. The only good thing to come of all this down time is that I've been able to come up with some new designs for wire worked pieces. But really? I just want to be better and back to normal, work and all.

Handmade Mafia, Telus TV, Part 2

2011-05-13T22:37:00.004-06:00

So for the April 16th Handmade Mafia show, we had the Telus TV crew in filming us. I was interviewed and I demo'd some jewellery for them. This is the video of that day!

So I'm very happy to see they cut the footage of me talking because I sounded so bad. I was a stuttering mess and I was so nervous! Also, I don't, personally, think I'm all that photogenic, haha, so I'm not upset about it being not included. I'm glad they kept some of my demo though - the ring wrapping , that's all me.

The Past Month

2011-05-01T11:11:00.009-06:00

Ai. Went pretty much a month without posting anything. Just fell off the face of the earth due to work and exhaustion. So sorry to disappear on you all! It's been a busy month, new job, new crafts, visits to Kelowna, and sleeping. There hasn't been enough sleep it seems.

So, new job. Love it. Work with some really great people at the City Centre Airport in Edmonton for a private corporate plane and courier company. Doing admin work which is 100% stress-free and easy. I was looking for a job I could do and not bring work/work issues home with me and I found it. The big perk is that the people are great and easy to work with (unlike my last job). The next big perk, and the best part in my mind, I have a great view! I get to watch airplanes take off and land all day. How cool is that? Totally reminds me of my life goal when I was 12 and I wanted to pilot the F-16s. I feel like a kid in a candy store; this is work? So happy! I even got to see one of the corporate jets up close and I got to go inside. I was in heaven, haha!

New crafts. Well, I've listed a ton of new stuff in both the Frog Princess Designs shop and the Jewels by Jasmin shop. I still have a ton of new stuff to list and I have so many ideas floating through my head that some are getting lost :(
Here are a couple of the new things:

Bridal Jewellery at Jewels by Jasmin!

Sheet metal work! So excited for this new stuff. (Big hint of new things to come, look for metal stampings!)

New bobby pins on Frog Princess Designs!

Pins and brooches!

LOVE these rose pins!

And there is soooo many other new things listed too! And about to be listed. I'm so excited for so much of it!

Went to Kelowna for Easter to visit my family and just had a blast. It was a super busy weekend but we had fun and managed to take a ton of pictures. My favourites?

Sales on the Okanagan Lake. There were so many sailboats out that day and we managed to get some great shots.

Me and my two brothers.

Wade and me at the lake.

Still Here!

2011-04-12T06:34:00.002-06:00

New job is still draining all the energy and life out of me. I'm still alive. I even have a show on Saturday. First Handmade Mafia of the year for me. I need to get organized for it so bad. Help!

Teammate Feature!

2011-03-15T07:23:00.002-06:00

Check out the wonderful Alisa, from CloneHardware, in this great news spot!

Little Red Riding Hood

2011-03-14T20:12:00.005-06:00

Isn't this just pretty? I remember the original version of this song from my childhood. My mom had this great record with the original on it as well as a lot of other fun, crazy songs. The original is fun and campy, and only a little creepy. Amanda makes this song sweet, creepy, and so poignant. Enjoy.

New(ish) Stuff! Lots of pictures!

2011-03-08T16:35:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! I've been lurking for a while, not posting, but here I am with a TON of new things I've made recently (and not so recently).

Just so you know: If you click on the pictures you will navigate away from blogger, but you will be able to see the entire picture. The pictures are linked to my other blog on livejournal.

Loads of pictures so be warned!

All these are copper and glass bead wrapped earrings with sterling silver earwires. All made by hand.

Apitite and sterling silver earrings.

Copper, blue quartz and sterling silver earrings.

Vintage lucite flowers, swarovski crystals and sterling silver earrings.

Vintage lucite, crystals, brass and copper necklace. Is it still steampunk with flowers?

Vintage lucite flowers and sterling silver necklace.

Metallic durzy stone with sterling silver pendant and necklace.

Oxidized sterling silver with clear quartz, aqua chalcedony, and turquoise.

Oxidized copper bracelet with quartz star.

So excited about this one! Used my dapping block for the first time! Copper and sterling silver pendant and necklace.

Copper shawl pin with prehnite stone.

Copper wrap ring.

My favourite pair of earrings ever! Isn't that red just soooo nice?

Sterling silver and ruby earrings! (Yes, rubies! They are sooo big! 14mm I think)

Sterling silver, copper, pearls, crystals and a handamde (not by me) flower. Necklace.

How cute are these pin cushions? I was just playing around with the felt bobbles one day and got a brainstorm about these!

Thanks for looking! Comments and constructive criticism is always welcome too!

The News About Amber

2011-02-20T17:18:00.003-07:00

Ok, so I started making amber teething necklaces last summer and they have been a big hit at Frog Princess Designs. I'm pretty happy about that.

For those wondering though, why amber is good for teething babies, here is a small rundown on amber properties.

Amber isn't a stone, first of all, so it's not a gemstone. It is a fossil - the fossilized remains of coniferous tree resin (sap) - formed millions of years ago. Amber is a natural analgesic which basically means that it is a natural pain reliever. As the amber is worn on the skin, it warms up and gradually releases succinic acid, the pain reliever. It works on a lot of different ailments from teething pains and drooling relief to arthritis and migraine relief.

I was a skeptic about this so I made myself a bracelet to test it out. (I suffer from carpal tunnel in my right wrist.) I was amazed at how well the amber helped to relieve my pain! I wore the bracelet all day and by the end of the day, the pain had passed and my wrist was back to normal. Skeptic no more!

Just like all types of pain relievers, while it may work for some people, it may not work for everyone. While some babies may feel complete relief from pain while wearing the necklaces, for others it might offer no more help than the reduction of drooling. Babies should be supervised while wearing these necklaces. The necklaces should be removed at nap time and bedtimes.

Amber Teething Necklace available at Frog Princess Designs

Fat/Not Fat

2011-02-19T20:25:00.003-07:00

This is just amazing:

Ok, so I'm fat. And, most of the time, I'm ok with that. The rest, well, everyone has those days, the ones where nothing fits right, nothing looks right, and you feel all out of sorts and fat.

The reason I'm changing my diet isn't to do with how I look or how I feel about myself. It's to do with my health and family history. My family history is full of people with cysts, PCOS, and diabetes. I've just been diagnosed with PCOS which tends to explain why all the diets I've tried in the past have failed. I don't need a diet, I need a lifestyle change to make me healthier. And if the result of that lifestyle change is dropping some weight and becoming less fat (cause, face it, I'm realistic about this, I'll never be skinny) then I'll be happy about that but it isn't the main goal of my lifestyle change. It's my health not my looks that are the reason for change.

Typical Canadians...

2011-02-15T17:25:00.001-07:00

see more Hacked IRL - Truth in Sarcasm

Show us snow, we'll bring a sled.

iPhone Update

2011-02-05T14:04:00.001-07:00

Forgot to update on the iPhone dunking. Left the phone in a baggie filled with rice for 2 days (to soak out any excess water) and it came out perfectly fine. I mean, I wasn't fin for those 2 days while the phone was drying off; I felt like I amputated a limb with my phone gone, but thankfully the phone came out all good.

Thank goodness!

Day - I Don't Remember Anymore

2011-02-05T14:02:00.002-07:00

Egg whites without the yolk are tasteless and bland.

And that's all there is to say about that.

Day 7

2011-01-25T22:21:00.002-07:00

Woot! Been doing this for a week now!

Ok, in all honesty, today kinda sucked. Not because of the new diet - although the diet was affected by the day - but because of other things.

Woke up in a bad mood but managed to stick with the diet all day until I decided I wanted a nice, long, hot bath. Yeah. brought my phone along in case I got a call and you see where this is going? Yup. Nice and shiny iPhone 4 ended up in the drink. Only for a couple of seconds but it was enough that it started giving me error messages. So much for the long hot soak. Out of the tub to figure out how to fix my phone. According to the Internet I must take the sim card out and place the phone - making sure it is turned off! - in a baggy filled with rice (to absorb the water) for 2-3 days. Well, the damn phone wouldn't stay off! So I sat here for an hour turning the stupid thing off when it turned itself on until it finally stayed off. So, now it sits, on the counter in rice and there it will stay until the 27th or 28th and I pray I get no urgent or important phone calls between now and then. You know, like a job offer or a call for an interview. Damn it.

Ok, so today I ate the yogurt, all-bran and fruit breakfast/lunch and pizza for dinner. I had a couple of snacks too - cheese and fruit. It was bad, but I had a bad day so I forgive myself for it. Back in the saddle tomorrow.

Day Six

2011-01-25T02:05:00.005-07:00

Another good day :)

Breakfast: Whole grain toast with 1/2 a banana and low fat cream cheese. With a glass of fruit juice.

Snack: Low fat Babybel cheese

Lunch: Buckwheat, chickpea and broccoli salad with fresh mushrooms and milk

Dinner: Chicken breast with steamed broccoli, salad, and 3 new baby potatoes. Dessert of pomegranate.

Snack: Small handful of grapes and very small handful of peanuts.

Day Five

2011-01-24T12:54:00.003-07:00

So I think I'm getting the hang of this new diet thing! Did really well yesterday. Regular yogurt, all-bran buds and fruit (blueberries and half a banana) breakfast/lunch. A couple of low fat Babybel cheeses for a snack and ribs and steamed veggies for dinner with a salad! Oh, and an apple crisp shared with Wade for dessert.

Everything I ate was just delicious and exactly what I wanted. I am pretty happy about this whole thing. I have tons more energy these past few days and I'm feeling a lot better about what I'm eating. I know this was the best choice for me to make.

It's such a lovely day so I'm off for a walk to the post office!

Catching Up

2011-01-23T13:13:00.003-07:00

With everything going on these days, and with me focusing on journaling about my new diet I haven't been sharing anything new with either Frog Princess Designs or Jewels by Jasmin. And, oh my god, I haven't shared anything about Jewels by Jasmin! What a terrible blogger am I!

Ok, on December 8, 2010 I opened a new shop on Etsy called Jewels by Jasmin. I wanted to move my jewellery from Frog Princess Designs to its very own shop where it can be showcased properly without being overshadowed by all the other stuff I was offering at Frog Princess. On that same note, I have a ton of designs, items, ideas that I've either created already or are wanting to create that just didn't fit into the whole shop view of Frog Princess Designs with the jewellery. I felt it was best to divide out the 2 focuses into 2 different shops so here we are. Jewels by Jasmin was created to focus 100% on jewellery while Frog Princess Designs' focus has been redirected towards fun and fabulous accessories and geeky items.

I've also opened up an Artfire store. http://www.artfire.com/users/JewelsByJasmin I want to get my name out there on a lot of other venues with the ultimate goal being opening and running my own website. I'll be posting some of the same jewellery to the Artfire shop, but there will also be some designs exclusive to that shop. I'll try to post them here so everyone will have a chance to check them out.

It's been a lot of work running three shops, but so fun too. I love that I'm now able to share some of the great things I've been making and selling at craft shows, but not online as it didn't fit the "theme" of the shop. I'm so happy now that I can share a greater variety of stuff!

Day Four

2011-01-22T22:40:00.002-07:00

Ok, so today was also a good day. I knew what I was doing, what I was eating, and how much I needed. Then, we went out for dinner to a (slightly) new restaurant because we were going to do dinner and a movie. Lazia. So not a good restaurant for the diet unfortunately. The menu is very rich and decadent. Lots of pastas, potatoes, rices, not much with the salads and lean meats. So I had a hamburger and a salad. Not the best choice on the menu - that would have been the plain salad - but I was hungry by then and the plain salad would not have filled me up and I'd be tempted to snack all night.

We need to make better restaurant choices. We need to start going to restaurants that feature a wonderful salad or light options menu. Gotta stop eating at bad places. Actually. We just need to cut back on eating out and start preparing more meals, more dinners, in the home. We eat at home for every other meal of the day, why not dinner?

Day Three

2011-01-22T11:45:00.002-07:00

(Forgot to post yesterday)

It was another good day yesterday... Well, For the most part. Did very well for breakfast and lunch but had mac and cheese for dinner and some popcorn too. Well, I guess we can't let the food go to waste and as long as it's not an everyday thing, eating poorly, and as long as we don't get that stuff anymore, there shouldn't be any problems.

Day Two

2011-01-20T22:16:00.003-07:00

Ok, definitely a better day today. I was more prepared today.

Breakfast:
Small bowl of yogurt with All-Bran (with psyllium fibre) and blueberries and a small amount of sugar. (I couldn't help it, it's unsweetened yogurt)

Lunch:
Buck wheat, chickpeas, and broccoli salad with a glass of milk.

Dinner:
Salmon with steamed veggies and a small salad.
210 cal, 7g of fat

We went out for dinner but I chose the healthy choice.

Day One

2011-01-19T22:49:00.003-07:00

Day one of the new diet. How am I feeling?

Hungry.

No, not really. I mean I was earlier when I was trying to figure out WHAT I could eat for dinner now. It was a bit bewildering. It's hard going from not caring what we cook for dinner to worrying about whether or not the mac and cheese in the cupboard is low GI or if I should just throw everything away and start my pantry up from scratch. Obviously, I'm not going to do that (I couldn't afford to, and besides, think of the waste!) but it was very frustrating. I figure the best thing to do is to try my best and finish the bad stuff we have now and not buy any more. And, supplement it with as much good GI stuff as possible.

Lifestyle Changes?

2011-01-18T14:40:00.003-07:00

I had to go for a doctor appointment today as (I thought) a follow up to my surgery in December. Well, it wasn't a follow up appointment so much as a "let me show you the gigantic cyst you have in your left ovary" appointment - with full colour pictures. A little jarring to say the least. Now, it came as no surprise I had cysts. I've been told I have them in the past and the doctor did tell me after my surgery that she found them again. What was so jarring was the sheer size the one cyst made my left ovary compared to my right one. The right one, in the picture, looked to be about the size of my thumbnail while the left one was the size of an egg. A small egg, but still, an egg.

Another not quite surprise is that, by looking at my right ovary (as it was rather lumpy) it appears that I also have PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Basically, all kinds of fun where my body doesn't ovulate properly, produce enough progesterone, and is infertile. It also seems that weight gain (hey, that sounds familiar), irregular periods, insulin resistance, diabetes and androgenic hormone presence are also all signs of PCOS. I think the scariest parts of this is the fact that I'll never get over it, this is something that I'll have for the rest of my life. I have to treat it, manage it, but I'll never live life with out the PCOS being there.

The symptoms that worry me most are the weight gain (and subsequent difficulty in losing weight), insulin resistance, and the diabetes. Obesity and diabetes run rampant in my family history and I know I'm no feather-weight. Getting diabetes has scared me so much since I was 17 and visited my grandpa for the first time in 5 or 6 years to find out his leg had been amputated due to his diabetes. I do not want that; I am terrified of that. So that means I must make some pretty significant lifestyle changes in order to decrease my chances of a good many diseases and chronic problems due to the PCOS.

1. Change of diet. My diet needs to now reflect a low carbohydrate and low-glycemic index diet. Basically this means that I need to start eating things that break down slower over a longer period of time and get the carbs I need from foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

2. Exercise more. Sustained levels of physical activities over longer periods of time will help to reduce and manage my weight.

3. Monitor my body. Become more aware of what is going on with my body and note changes.

PCOS can lead to any of the following:

Heart disease
Insulin resistance/Type II Diabetes
Strokes
Depression/Anxiety
Endometrial Cancer, and
Weight Gain

I want to minimize my risks to these so I will work towards my goals. I will change my diet, exercise more, and monitor my body. I will not develop any of these diseases as a result of my negligence of my body. I will take take care of myself.

Another really great picture!

2011-01-11T13:57:00.003-07:00

see more Epic Win FTW

Winter Blues

2010-12-30T16:21:00.004-07:00

The lead up to Christmas is usually the best time of the year for me, this year, no exceptions. It was made even better by the fact that this year I didn't have to work and I didn't have my yearly *death* cold. I was really able to get into the Christmas spirit this year.

However, the downside to all that anticipation and excitement, is the period between Christmas and New Year's. I find this time of year to be easily the most depressing time of year, hands down. Christmas is over, nothing more to look forward to for another year (or at least until Valentine's Day), the decorations are still up but instead of being bright and cheerful they appear garish, sad, and slightly wilted. Even with all the wonderful gifts one receives during this time of year I find it really easy to slide into a melancholy funk that is very hard to get out of.

This year, I have taken steps to combat this depression.

1) All Christmas decorations are packed and put away either on Boxing Day or the day after.

2) No more Christmas themed movies or music played in my house.

3) Everything, including new gifts are put away and incorporated into the household as soon as possible.

4) Take vitamins. Vitamin D has really been helping me this year, especially this winter. We have only north facing windows in our apartment so not a lot of natural light coming in!

The biggest one is putting the Christmas decorations away. They were always the saddest part of the days after Christmas to me and it really makes a world of difference not having them up. And just, really? Try not to think about it or dwell on the fact that Christmas is over for another year. After all, there is so much to look forward to in the New Year, right?

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T22:31:00.002-07:00

Hoping everyone's Christmas is wonderful and joyous!

Etsy Finds

2010-12-22T19:23:00.002-07:00

Wow! So exciting to wake up to the news that my Blue Wire Wrapped Marble made it into the Etsy Finds email! I've been on Etsy for 2 years and 4 months and I've never been featured in the Finds email or on the front page before so this is just so exciting!

Castle in the Sky

2010-12-20T16:03:00.003-07:00

see more Epic Win FTW

So beautiful. Don't know if it's Photoshopped or not, or where it's from, but it's so pretty I just had to share it!

From: http://epicwinftw.com/

Vitamins

2010-12-12T13:47:00.003-07:00

I started taking my vitamins again daily as I know I'm not getting the proper nutrition I need through my meals. Like, I hate milk so I don't drink it so I don't get as much calcium as I need. I'm also very vitamin D deficient so I have to take at least 3000 IU a day and it looks like I'm lacking in iron too so I'm now taking one a day.

I looked down at my hand today and counted how many pills I'm taking. Twelve. Twelve pills a day and that still isn't everything I need to take!

3 - Calcium supplements
3 - Vitamin D
1 - Iron
1- Cod Liver Oil
1 - Stress Ease (Vitamin B)
3 - Vitamin C - chewable.

I should still be taking a multi-vitamin, just to cover the rest of the stuff an adult is supposed to take but I just can't be bothered to right now.

And the funny thing? I just started to take these pills but I took a few of them when I was a kid (specifically the vitamin C and cod liver oil). It amazes me how much I'd been craving the vitamin C until I started taking it again. I love vitamin C and until I started taking it again I never realized it.

The Surgery

2010-12-10T13:24:00.003-07:00

So, I promised a more detailed accounting of the surgery I underwent but have been recovering since my last post, so here it is.

I underwent a tubal ligation on Monday. It was a day surgery, so I was in and out of the hospital all in one day. I'd been planning on having one for the past 2 years as my husband and I don't want children and I strongly dislike taking HBC (I don't like messing with my body too much and the hormones and chemicals make me nervous). I arrived at the hospital at 8:30 in the morning to be ready for my surgery at 10:30 thanks to a great friend who gave me a ride. I wasn't at all nervous about it on the days leading up to that day, but I was nervous that morning.

It's funny, I wasn't nervous about the surgery, no I was nervous about being put to sleep for the surgery. I've never had a surgery before Monday so I had no idea what to expect. It was really easy though. Luckily for me, everyone at the hospital was really nice and explained what was going to happen in great detail so my nerves settled pretty fast.

Anyways, at 10:30 I was given some medicine to drink that would suppress acid reflux and wheeled into the pre-operating room where I was hooked up to an IV (yay, needles!). The anesthesiologist explained took the time to tell me how they were going to put me to sleep, how long I'd be out, and what would happen when I woke up in recovery. She, and one of my nurses were absolute angels! So, so nice and comforting! Very shortly afterwards, I was wheeled into the operating room - and I can't believe how many people are in there for the surgery, they really take care of you - and transferred to the operating table. I was given oxygen and they administered the drugs to put me to sleep. That was so strange! One moment I was totally fine - a little nervous mind you, but fine - then next, it felt like I was spinning and woozy and could barely keep my eyes open. Closed them for a second and woke up in recovery!

Not gonna lie, I was hurting and disorientated when I woke up, but it was my throat and shoulder that hurt the most. My throat because of the breathing tube I had in and my shoulder because one of the side effects of anesthetic is muscle fatigue and soreness and it's usually the shoulders that hurt the most. The lights were too bright and man, when the cramps kicked in it felt as bad as I'd ever had them during that time of the month. But they were keeping a close eye on me and I was able to get some morphine for the pain and soon I was out of there and back to the day surgery waiting room.

I'm pretty lucky. Though I was feeling pretty bad right after the surgery, after the morphine kicked in, I was pretty good. Just a little dizzy. Another girl came out of surgery same time as I did, and she was definitely feeling a lot worse than I was. She was sick and throwing up and very, very dizzy. I was able to get myself mostly dressed (the thing I missed most while waiting and afterwards in recovery was my own underwear. I mean, you're completely naked under those gowns and underwear can go a long ways towards improving your morale) and just lay there waiting for my husband to come and pick me up.

I was feeling alright for the rest of that day, just sore, tired and a little out of it. Tuesday though, I felt terrible and it wasn't from the incisions or anything down there. It was the muscle fatigue and soreness. I was so stiff and sore that my neck, shoulders and arms hurt so bad I couldn't support my own weight so I couldn't lie down and then get back up. My legs were so sore I couldn't lift them off the ground. Tuesday sucked but it went away really fast. Wednesday I was a lot less stiff and Thursday all I had left were a bit of cramps. Totally fine today just can't wait for the stitches to come out.

I think the worst part of the entire process was taking the medicine for the acid reflux. It was horrible; bitter and sour, and I nearly threw it right back up. Waking up in recovery wasn't really nice either, but the disorientation passed quickly, and they watch you very closely there to make sure you're alright.

So that's it, how it went. I'm happy I did this. I'm happy I found a doctor who respected me and my choices enough to help me get the surgery I wanted. I'm very grateful that I've recovered as well and completely as I have and I'm so happy that I've had very little negative effects as a result of this surgery.

What happened to November?

2010-12-06T21:03:00.003-07:00

I fell under a rock and stayed there for a while. Like, all of November.

Well, that's not really true. Since being laid off, November has actually been my busiest month. I did 5 show (one every weekend from the first week of November to just last Saturday) including a 4 day show (my first big show, yay!). I also took a 5 day trip out to Kelowna to visit my parents and hang out with my brothers. There was a lot of tv watching, wine drinking and Mario playing involved with that trip. It was really nice to see them, especially seeing as I hadn't seen them since last Christmas and we won't be going down this year.

I've been so busy making and selling and running around that November slipped away from me before I could post about it. My apologies. It really was an eventful, fulfilling month and I'm sorry we didn't get to share it.

Now we are into December. Only December 6th, and so much has happened already. I had a show on the 4th which, while always fun to do, was very slow sales-wise. Which is sad and really makes me re-evaluate doing these monthly shows with the Mafia. Why do they consistently charge so much for the shows, but advertise so little? It's not only my responsibility to gather in customers; they need to advertise too!

The biggest news of December comes from today however. Today I had my first surgery. I got a tubal ligation done. No, I don't have kids, nor do I really want them. I had this done because of this. I am very, very tired of remembering to take a pill daily, ingesting hormones and chemicals that messes up your (or at least, my) body. I'm tired of taking the risks of birth control - it isn't 100% effective after all! I did this because, at the end of the day, it's my body and my choice. I chose to not have kids and I chose the best method for me to avoid this. I do not want children (not to say that I don't like them, because I do... in small doses) and I am happy to say now that, because of my very first surgery, I won't.

I have more to say about the surgery (how it went, what it was like, etc.) and why I don't want children, but for now, I'm going to lie down. I'm not hurting, just sore and a bit crampy. My heating pad is calling me and I'm going to spoil myself for a couple of days.

What does Remembrance Day mean to you?

2010-11-11T12:04:00.003-07:00

This question popped up on my facebook today and, of course, you get some people answering this with the usual smart-alecky responses.

"Long weekend!"
"Time and a half at work!"
"Another wasted day!"

And that, in my opinion, is so disrespectful and demeaning to the hard work and sacrifices made by our armed troops in times of war. Remembrance Day is a day to remember the brave men and boys who fought for peace and independence. It is observed on November 11 to mark the end of the first World War. It is a day for quiet contemplation, for reflection, for honouring those who lay down their lives in service of their country and fellow man. It is NOT "another wasted day" and should never be regarded as such.

To me, Remembrance Day is a day I am fiercely proud to be Canadian and fiercely proud of our armed men and women fighting for peace and independence. It is a day to remember and honour those who fought so bravely for independence for me and future generations. It is a day to remember the dead and to honour them. It is a day not to be forgotten.

Treasury Time

2010-11-08T19:29:00.002-07:00

It's been a while since I did up a treasury so I made a couple today. Both Christmas themed, of course!

First one I did is a steampunk treasury. I tried to find as many steamy ornaments as I could but there weren't that many.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cd8768e4f496d9162dac5fd/a-very-steamy-christmas

Secondly, looking at the ornaments made me want to do this next one up.
**Disclaimer: No actual boobies or penis ornaments included in this treasury!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cd87b5437a78eef0c4bc8a4/ornament-porn

Happy Hallowe'en!

2010-10-31T17:12:00.002-06:00

This one was one of my favourites! It was featured in a Hallowe'en special Disney did in the 80's. Remember when there used to be a Disney movie every Sunday night? That was one they did for Hallowe'en. All I remember about it was that it was a bunch of scary songs with Disney clips in place of the video. (Ie. Evil Woman featured the wicked stepmothers and witches from Disney movies like Snow White) I wish I could find it again, but in the meantime, here is another great clip.

Pain

2010-10-29T17:21:00.004-06:00

Ok, to start, I'm a big reader. I love to read; I love books. (Books are my babies.) I read a lot of fantasy, urban fantasy, horror fantasy, and romance (yes, I admit it). People tend to get beat up a lot in these types of books, in fact, some even die. But it isn't the ones that die I want to talk about right now, it's the ones who get beaten up.

As some of you are aware, I fell (dramatically) and broke a few ribs in August. I was incapacitated, barely able to move for a week with huge amounts of pain and suffering for another month (almost 2). In fact, my ribs still hurt and I need to be careful how I move lest they hurt even more. What I don't understand (and how this ties in to the previous paragraph), is how the heroine (or hero) of the above mentioned books is injured, broken ribs too, is able to walk away from - or even continue fighting in - whatever situation brought about these injuries.

Before I fell, I too thought that broken ribs were something to be brushed off, a quick recovery, no big deal. Not so anymore; the pain of that fall is, to date, the most horrible thing I've ever experienced in my life. It was so bad, I thought I managed to break my back and had my husband call 911 and I was expecting to be told I'd done permanent damage to myself.

How do these heroines (or hero's) brush this off? The pain and fear. Am I just a wimp? Can I truly not handle pain? I've suffered many years of debilitating cramps and this was way worse. I've broken my arm before, didn't hurt nearly as bad so what gives? The only theory I've come up with (aside from the whole, I'm a wimp thing) is that perhaps the author has never felt this pain before and, never having felt the pain of broken ribs, does not know how severe it really is. How incapacitating it can be.

Either that, or I really am a wimp.

What a way to start the day!

2010-10-25T15:37:00.002-06:00

Woke up to snow on the ground this morning.

It's still snowing.

Treasuries!

2010-10-25T15:34:00.002-06:00

Here are the links to the latest treasuries I've done up on Etsy.

Rich

Spicy - All Alberta talent!

I'm going to start posting the links whenever I make new treasuries.

Guess what day it is?

2010-10-13T13:03:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday dear Jasmin,
Happy Birthday to me!

Pinkwashing

2010-10-10T11:38:00.004-06:00

My cousing shared a newslink on facebook and I wanted to share it with everyone here. It really makes you think about the charity purchases you make.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20101008/pinkwashing-pink-ribbon-101009/

My auntie (my cousin's mother) died of breast cancer and my grandmother successfully beat it back so this issue is close to my heart. I really want to support these products, I really wish the companies donated more though. Companies should NOT benefit off of survivors pain and suffering. That's why, in the past few years, if I want to donate, I'll donate directly to http://www.cbcf.org/en-US/home.aspx.

Think Before You Pink.

Food

2010-10-06T14:09:00.003-06:00

What's your favourite thing to do with leftovers? My absolute favourite thing to do as a kid was to make sandwiches out of them. Leftover sausages, meatloaf, or hamburgers? Make a sandwich. Delicious!

Actually, I think my favourite food is a sandwich. There's something about the right combination of a good, grainy bread and fillings that just satisfies me to the core. My favourite? Twelve grain bread, extra-old cheddar cheese, mayo (Miracle Whip, to be exact) and iceberg lettuce with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Absolutely perfect!

Excuse me. I have a sandwich calling my name.

TEAM SALE

2010-10-01T01:55:00.001-06:00

We are the Alberta Team and we're thrilled to tell you about our Autumn Harvest Sale! From Oct 1 - 7 check out the shops listed below for great items and great sales!! Each shop is offering their own promotion.

Also check out our team blog at http://www.etsyalberta.blogspot.com!

Alberta Team Autumn Harvest Sale
*Please check all Shop Announcements for Specific Sale Details*

Accessories
http://www.etsy.com/shop/maceme 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/barefoottams 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/barefootclips 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/4rcom 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FPWear 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cindylouwho2 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/giddyupandgrow 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kidmarket Buy 2 and get 1 free of equal or lesser value
http://www.etsy.com/shop/applepieaccessories Free Shipping

Art
http://www.etsy.com/shop/firemanbell Free art card (your choice) with purchase of $5+
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenndphotography Buy 1 Print, Get 1 Print Free
http://www.etsy.com/shop/taibossigai 10% off all items + shipping included
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluefuze 10% off

Bags and Purses
http://www.etsy.com/shop/nanabrowns 15% off (custom orders excluded)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadetherapy 10% off

Bath and Beauty
http://www.etsy.com/shop/misticalacscents 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Maplecreeksoap 10% off & Breast Cancer Month freebie

Books and Zines
http://www.etsy.com/shop/farrensquare 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoLStationery 15% off

Children
http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebuggers 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/barefoottams 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/barefootclips 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mamaswoodshop 15% off puzzles & teethers (excludes custom)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebowteek 10% Off Regular Priced Items
http://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadetherapy 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Unnamomma 10% off & free shipping on orders of $25+
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Maplecreeksoap 10% off & Breast Cancer Month Freebie
http://www.etsy.com/shop/paperdollaccessories 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/giddyupandgrow 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/freyamaclean Free Canadian Shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BennyAndBoo 10% off all blankets
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Applepieaccessories Free Shipping

Crochet
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kabukikreations Free Shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/amandafenniak 20% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ufer See shop announcement for details

Dolls and Miniatures
http://www.etsy.com/shop/minibytes 20% off

Everything Else
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoLStationery 15% off

Geekery
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoLStationery 15% off

Glass
http://www.etsy.com/shop/juliechristie Free continental shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sixbabygirls 50% off 1 item (see Shop Announcement)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/glasscircus 20% off

Holidays
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SnowmanCollector 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tooaquarius Free Shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/gollygeegeorge Free Shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mygrandpaspen 20% off (excludes custom orders)

Housewares
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sybillinart 15% off - See shop announcement
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tooaquarius Free Shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/firemanbell Free art card (buyer's choice) with purchase of $5+

Jewelry
http://www.etsy.com/shop/frogprincessdesigns 15% off (excludes custom orders)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrybyirene 15% discount (excludes Sale/PIF Items)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/aosta 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/peacockandlime 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/4rcom 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/themegshop 10% Off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/annakozi free shipping + individual marked down items
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kabukikreations Free Shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Splurge 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tooaquarius Free Shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bellissimadesigns 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/asecondtime 10% off & free shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/dearange 20% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cindylouwho2 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sandijagt 15% off (convo first for 20% off!)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie Blow Out Super Sale Section! Up to 40% off select items!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/robynlisa1979 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sixbabygirls 50% off 1 item (see Shop Announcement)

Knitting
http://www.etsy.com/shop/knittymaxx 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/blockheaters Free continental shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ufer See shop announcement for details

Paper Goods
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mygrandpaspen 20% off (excludes custom orders)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/42things 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/barefootcards 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/hdawnparratt 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCraftyBug 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sushipapercraft Free set of 3 notepads with purchase
http://www.etsy.com/shop/firemanbell Free art card (your choice) with purchase of $5+
http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftedbylindy 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/farrensquare 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoLStationery 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/hannahcherie 20% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/horncatcreations 10% off any orders over $10
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FPWear 10% off

Patterns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/irenebeadsandbaubles 15% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewsewagain Buy 2 patterns, choose 1 for free

Supplies
http://www.etsy.com/shop/squirrelstock Buy 2 get 1 FREE
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyGrandpasPen 20% off (excludes custom orders)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tooaquarius Free Shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/claychicks Free Shipping

Toys
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mamaswoodshop 15% off puzzles & teethers (excludes custom)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/minibytes 20% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tweeling 10% off (excludes custom orders) http://www.etsy.com/shop/freyamaclean Free Canadian Shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/stufd 10% off

Vintage
http://www.etsy.com/shop/aosta 10% off
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ANewLife 10% off

Still Some of the Best Advice I've Heard

2010-09-18T19:34:00.003-06:00

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be
it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by
scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
than my own meandering
experience…I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not
understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and
recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before
you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you
imagine.

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as
effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing
bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm
on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you

Sing

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with
people who are reckless with yours.

Floss

Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes
you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with
yourself.

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you
succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your
life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they
wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year
olds I know still don’t.

Get plenty of calcium.

Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children,maybe
you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky
chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…what ever you do, don’t
congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your
choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. Enjoy your body,
use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people
think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever
own..

Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for
good.

Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the
people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you
should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and
lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you
knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live
in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will
philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize
that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were
noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund,
maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one
might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will
look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who
supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of
fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the
ugly parts and recycling it for more than
it’s worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen…

Baz Lurmann

PS. I graduated the year after this song came out. (Class of '00!) Class of '99 used this as their grad song.

New listings!

2010-09-08T21:15:00.005-06:00

I've been really bad about posting my new listings on my blog! Here is everything I've listed in the past while!

Fresh

Fancy

Fun

Adjustable Sterling Silver Ring

Adjustable Copper Ring

Dancing Bones

Treasuries!

2010-09-08T21:09:00.004-06:00

Made three fan-tabulous treasuries today, if I do say so myself! I'm feeling lazy, so here are the links if you want to check them out:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c880a8f9b0a8eef92edd56b/golden-afternoon#4c8830db9b0a8eef00a7e26b

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c88014c1c9e8eef0c7e889d/turquoise-and-red#4c8830df9b0a8eef61a8e26b

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c87fa2e1c9e8eeffa3e869d/cranberry-and-muted-green#4c8830ea65946d913350d70e
This one was made using the pushpins by the fabulous MarissaPieces as a starting point.

So many people have told me how happy they were to be featured. It makes me so, so happy to make others happy. Today has been a good day.

The Ongoing Bathroom Saga

2010-09-04T22:45:00.005-06:00

I've told you about my bathroom no longer having a roof (and what happened to me as a result, darn ribs!). Let me tell you what's been happening her the past couple of days.

We received a notice Wednesday night that the building we live in will be painted, starting Thursday. This is a good thing as the building is about 60 years old and was looking run down on the outside (mostly very, very dirty). What we didn't realize was that they were going to be painting by spraying the building and, as a result, the windows (and doors, and vents and outside lights, etc.) needed to be covered up. The painters taped up all the windows of the building Thursday afternoon... and left. It was hot outside (for September). It got really hot inside. Thursday night it got to about 30 degrees Celsius inside before my husband, in desperation, took a big knife to the plastic and slit it open out of desperation. It was required. Of course, we had to tape it back up Friday morning when the painters came back.

Friday was bad. I left for a while but I needed to be back because a gentleman was coming into our suite to start repairing the roof. Finally, yay! Didn't get much done but it was a start. Before he left, he assured me the plastic would be down by the evening and it was, thankfully.

Today, after a couple hours work, we finally got our bathroom back. So happy! They put in a drop ceiling, which I thought was weird for a bathroom, but as long as it doesn't go moldy and make us sick, I don't care. Of course, it was a mess (dust everywhere) so I cleaned it - top to bottom- which, with a cracked rib, wasn't fun let me tell you! But it was Necessary so it had to be done.

I have a bathroom, with a roof, again. No more exposed pipes, dusty floorboards, or insulation to stare at while, ahem, on the loo. No more need for 5 minute, lightning fast showers. I can have a bath. Actually... Hmm... That's a good idea.

Night all. Off to get reacquainted with my bubble bath.

Pain!

2010-08-31T21:17:00.003-06:00

So, I was tossing and turning last night because my ribs were hurting and I was having trouble sleeping. This is not a good thing to do with cracked ribs. I tossed so hard, I came down on my right side (the side with the cracked ribs) that I woke up really fast! Ouch!

Catch Up

2010-08-28T18:21:00.007-06:00

So I've been away for a while. Even though I haven't been working things have been crazy around here.

It all started with (what we thought was) a leaky toilet. We noticed, one day about 2 weeks ago now, that there was water pooling around the toilet and we thought that our toilet was leaking. I didn't want to say anything to the landlord yet as I thought it might have been the tub or shower's fault. Two mornings later - very early I might add - I got up to go the the washroom. It was still dark out. As I was sitting on the toilet finishing my business, I felt a drip on my shoulder. I looked up and noticed the roof (which, in our bathroom was covered with wainscoting) looked damp. I thought it was odd, but I was half asleep so it didn't alarm me to much. I washed the drip off and went back to bed. I did mention to Wade that I thought the roof was leaking, but, again it was early and we didn't do anything about it.

Two days later, about mid afternoon, I walked into the bathroom to see water flowing down the wall and the roof dripping in 2 spots. Called the landlord right away. Both owners come out and, after some poking around both in my bathroom and the guy's bathroom upstairs, we found out the seal om his toilet is broken. Yup, we had toilet water flowing/dripping into our bathroom. Awesome.

Landlord comes back 2 days later (on last Sunday) to check on our roof and the upstairs toilet. They determined that the wainscoting must come down to check for water damage from the toilet. Yuck. Turns out, there was water damage, but not from the toilet but from our shower and the previous owner of the building put up the wainscoting to cover up the damage (you know, instead of fixing it). So the entire roof had to come down. We had bare pipes and floorboards as a roof.

As a result, we were told (by one of the owners - V) not to use the shower but rather use the shower in the empty suite downstairs. (It turns out, the poor guy upstairs had been using this toilet instead of his own since first discovering the leak and continued using it until the plumber came and fixed it this past Tuesday.) We were Not Happy, but it needed to be fixed so, fine.

Monday morning. I didn't want to shower down there alone so I got up with Wade to go for a morning shower. I showered first. I should note here that this suite had been upgraded (where ours hasn't yet) and it had laminate flooring and tile flooring for the kitchen and bathroom. Wade was in the shower. We hadn't brought any mats for the flooring so I was standing on the bare tile applying cream to one foot. (Yes, I was standing on one foot). Suddenly, somehow, I lost my footing and began to fall. I really don't remember landing but Wade says I landed on my back and right side all I remember next is lying on the floor trying, and failing, to breathe through the pain. I couldn't breathe and I felt so much pain like I'd never felt before (and hope to never feel again). I thought I'd broken my back, I'd done some irreparable damage, I was going to die. I had to sit up because the pain was 100 times worse on my back. The first thing I did, once I caught my breathe, was tried to scream through the pain. (Wade was scrambling out of the shower, dripping and trying to help me at the time. I was wearing his towel so he couldn't even wrap himself up, poor guy.)

I made Wade call 911. I was in full out panic-mode. Hyperventilating and trying to breathe in such a way that it didn't hurt my back. I managed to pull on my underwear and my tank top by the time the ambulance arrived (sorry, but I do not want to be sitting there wrapped in a towel when the EMT's arrived) and was sitting there in some serious pain. Wade kept telling me not to move. The EMT's looked at me sitting there (and their arrival stopped my panic attack and I was pretty embarrassed by then for making Wade call 911), looked at my back and said that, since I was sitting, and looking at my back, there seemed to be no damage, there wasn't any point in going to the hospital for a 6 hour wait. They'd bring me in if I wanted, but it was up to me. Again, I was embarrassed so I said no.

Wade helped me upstairs (and, let me tell you, standing hurt like a SOB) and took the day off work to make sure I was ok. (He really is a great guy.) I've been hurting ever since. Tuesday my back wasn't hurting as much, strangely it was my ribs hurting more (Wade says I landed on my right, so I guess it makes sense).

Plumber came in on Tuesday with the other owner (D - not the one who told us to use that bathroom downstairs) and told me it's silly we're using that one and, as long as we shower with the door open and the fan on there's no problem with us using our own bathroom. I was not pleased with the other owner(V).

I was able to sit up at the computer by Wednesday and I thought I was getting better. I still hurt generally (especially at night when trying to go to sleep), but I thought I was healing. I really, really hurt though when sitting/standing up and if I twisted in any weird way. Thursday I really hurt so Friday I went to the Medicentre. Spent 2 hours waiting to see a doctor to find out I cracked a rib when I fell and that's why I still hurt.

Awesome. According to the doctor, it'll be another 3 weeks until the cracked rib heals so if it hurts, don't do it. There's nothing they can do for ribs; they're meant to move so I'll be hurting for a while. I did get a prescription for T3's thank goodness so I'll be able to sleep at night.

All this because of a lousy, leaky toilet.

Sylvan Lake

2010-08-13T14:05:00.003-06:00

Going out to Sylvan Lake again this weekend. No, I'm not going for fun and relaxation though (unfortunately). I going out to be a vendor at the Sylvan Lake Artisan Market. So much fun! I get to hang out all day with some of the crazy ladies from the Etsy Alberta Street Team as well as some new (to me) and fun vendors too!

If you are in the neighbourhood, come on by and check us out, for the entertainment value if nothing else!

Looking back

2010-08-11T17:49:00.005-06:00

Looking back through past posts, I have to admit (not tooting my own horn here) that I had some good things to say. Or, maybe not good things to say, but brave. I posted this, and told everyone who I am and what my self conscious thoughts are. I posted this, to make you laugh. I posted this, to remind me to love. I posted this, to remember, to laugh and to love.

Looking back, I read and I smile and I cry.

I remember how I felt writing those old posts.

And I'm happy.

Spaghetti

2010-08-11T17:32:00.004-06:00

Hmmm, nothing smells as good as spaghetti sauce bubbling away in the pot. I love spaghetti; it's a delicious accumulation of tomato sauce, meat, pasta, fresh veggies and hard work. I've already posted my recipe for spaghetti here so I won't bore you with it again. I did try something new today: I added garlic sausage. And, man! is it ever good sausage. Yummy, yummy, yummy. I can't wait for dinner!

Craft Sale Day

2010-08-07T06:44:00.000-06:00

Doing the Handmade Mafia today. It's a monthly craft sale in Edmonton that features about 30 local artisans and crafters. If you're in Edmonton, you should come down and check us out. We're in the Orange Hall right behind the Old Strathcona's Farmer's Market.

Stop Procrastinating!

2010-08-01T23:18:00.000-06:00

I need to kick my creativity back into high gear. I need to get out of this creative rut I'm in. Wait. No that's wrong. The problem is not my creativity level. I've got ideas. Tons of ideas of things I want to make and paint and write. No motivation.

To make:
Bangles - silver bangle bracelets some with extra design features, some plain
Rings - stone set rings! My own settings!
Cuftts - hammered, patinaed, cut shapes!
Upper arm cuffs - cause they're cool
More pouches, purses and bags

To paint:
More collages - they're fun
Mountains
Dreamscapes
Mini canvases, large canvases, giant ones!

To write:
That Edmonton gargoyle story is still the top of my brain and it isn't gonna write itself. I think of it ever time I', downtown looking at the skyscrapers.
The angel story.
The one about the boys.
Children's stories.

There is so much more too. That's all I can think of right now.

I think I need to stop procrastinating and just get to it. I need to stop making excuses and I need to stop saying I'll do it later. Do it now! Do it today! Don't wait!

Three New Treasuries

2010-07-25T20:50:00.005-06:00

Fine Art Finds

Though I know I should be wary

Green Alberta Summer

Work

2010-07-18T19:43:00.000-06:00

My final day at this job will be August 5th. I'm really not sure what I'm going to do after the job ends. Right now, I'm so tired of everything I just don't even want to find a job for a while. I will though even if it is just a part-time job for now. I just want to take some time to get my head back on straight, get over this job and really figure out what I want to do with my life.

Etsy Treasuries

2010-07-13T18:32:00.003-06:00

Made my first couple of treasuries today in Etsy. Never tried them before because, frankly, the thought of having to try get one of only a few available among thousands of Etsians trying to get one was just intimidating.

What do you think?

Festivals and Craft Shows

2010-07-08T17:26:00.000-06:00

Busy, busy, busy!

I've had a busy past week and these next couple of weekends will be busy too!

Last Saturday I had the great fortune to be invited down to Sylvan Lake for their first Artisans Market and I had a blast! The show was located in the community hall, just one block from the lake! I got to take a quick look around town before the show (never been before!) and what a pretty town! Loved it and will definitely be back to visit. Sales weren't to bad and people are definitely excited that we'll be back on the 17th.

Just this past Tuesday/Wednesday I had the opportunity to be a part of the Works, an Artistic showcase in downtown Edmonton. Sales were definitely slower, but it was great to get out and see what else is out there. Had so much fun hanging out with the other vendors it definitely made up for the slack sales. Got pretty sick on the second day though so that was so not fun to tough out, but I did. I figure it was a good experience (even though I lost money on it) in that it got my name out there some more at different events here in Edmonton.

So, doing the Handmade Mafia on Saturday and the next Sylvan Lake Market the following Saturday too. I'm pretty much booked for the rest of the summer (Sylvan Lake is every second Saturday) but I'm definitely happy about it. It all gets me noticed, out of the house (and work occasionally!), and it gets me sales for which I'm very grateful.

I'll try check in more though. I'm such a bad blogger!

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-01T15:25:00.003-06:00

I love Canada Day. It signifies the beginning of summer to me. Hot sun, good food, friends, family, and fireworks. I think my favourite is the fireworks (it's where my love of sparkles comes from) and spending time with family. Out here in Edmonton it's just Wade and I but we've made a good family with some of the friends we've made.

Happy birthday Canada. I am so happy and proud to have been born here with you.

Handmade In Canada!

2010-06-23T23:10:00.002-06:00

The Alberta Street Team in conjunction with the TransCanada Etsy Team, will be participating in Handmade in Canada from Thursday, June 24 - Thursday, July 1. The Alberta Street Team shops participating in the sale are:

Accessories
http://www.kidmarket.etsy.com Buy 2 items & get 3rd of equal or lesser value free

Art
www.bellissimadesigns.etsy.com 25% everything except shipping
www.butterflycove.etsy.com 10% off everything
www.calzephyr.etsy.com a free maple leaf magnet with every purchase
www.taibossigai.etsy.com10% off everything

Bags and Purses
www.HannanaBananas.etsy.com 15% off everything except shipping
www.nanabrowns.etsy.com 10% off-custom orders excluded

Bath and Body
http://www.etsy.com/shop/carvelcountrysoaps 15% off regular priced items
http://MisticalAcScents.etsy.com 10% off everything, refunded through PayPal
www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyTempted 15% off total order & free Body Bar with orders over $20

Candles
www.solascandles.etsy.com 20% off everything except shipping

Children
www.allcreatedwithcare.etsy.com 10% off everything in the shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ApplePieAccessories 10% off everything
www.kidsloveletters.etsy.com 10% off everything
www.lilrokker.etsy.com 10% off everything & free bib or pac clip with diaper bag purchase
www.littlebowteek.etsy.com 10% off everything excluding shipping & "sale" section
http://littlejumpingbeans.etsy.com an extra 15% off all items in the SALE section
www.etsy.com/shop/LoveMyBump 10% off everything in the shop
www.Mamaswoodshop.etsy.com 15% off everything in shop
www.myuberlicious.etsy.com Buy 3 get 1 free

Clothing
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pondhopper 10% off everything

Crochet
www.amandafenniak.etsy.com 20% off everything

Glass
www.glasscircus.etsy.com 15% off all items

Holiday
http://www.etsy.com/shop/snowmancollector 10% off everything except shipping

House wares
www.kidsloveletters.etsy.com 10% off everything

Jewellery
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ApplePieAccessories free shipping
http://www.etsy.com/shop/asecondtime 10% off everything excluding shipping
www.AWillowsNest.etsy.com 10% off an entire purchase
www.theblackstarboutique.etsy.com 15% off in my shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColorBazaar 15% off everything in shop
www.dearange.etsy.com 15% off anything in my shop refund via PayPal
http://www.funkymamajewelry.etsy.com15% off purchase excluding shipping
www.etsy.com/shop/frogprincessdesigns 20% off everything in stock
www.Happybead.etsy.com 20% off everything
www.jewelrybyirene.etsy.com 20% off everything
www.kabukikreations.etsy.com free shipping
www.kraze4paper.etsy.com 10% off everything in the shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/metalmorphoz 10% off everything in the shop
www.peacockandlime.etsy.com 10% off everything
www.sandijagt.etsy.com 20% off everything.
www.etsy.com/shop/sheids 15% off everything in the shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Splurge free shipping
www.themegshop.etsy.com 10%off everything
www.treasurepalis.com Prices have been reduced by 10%

Knitting
http://www.etsy.com/shop/knittymaxx 10% off everything

Paper Goods
www.craftedbylindy.etsy.com 10% off everything in the shop
www.hannahcherie.etsy.com 15% off everything in the shop
www.hdawnparratt.etsy.com15% off everything except shipping
www.horncatcreations.etsy.com Buy 3 cards for special price of $10
www.kraze4paper.etsy.com 10% off everything in the shop
www.sushipapercraft.etsy.com BOGO: Buy one book, get free set of 3 mini notepads
www.vintageheartdesigns.etsy.com 10% off everything except shipping

Quilts
www.allcreatedwithcare.etsy.com 10% off everything in the shop

Vintage
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bontonvintage15% off everything
www.trashmama.etsy.com 15% off purchase excluding shipping

To find our listings on Etsy search "Alberta Team".

The Trans-Canada Etsy Team is a friendly collective of hand-crafters from across Canada. The team envisions an online, global market where Canadian artisans are successful, respected, and competitive.

The TransCanada Etsy team is hosting the Handmade in Canada Party. It runs from June 24 - July 1. Please visit the team on their blog to see how you can be entered to win two FABULOUS prizes. Also, be sure to check for special promotions and offers from some its members.

The team's blog can be found here: http://transcanadaetsyteam.blogspot.com/

The team shop features beautiful items, handmade in Canada by team members. http://www.etsy.com/shop/TransCanadaTeam
Or, you may also search for team members' items on etsy by searching for teamcanada !

Find the etsy team page here: http://team.etsy.com/profilest/transcanada.shtml
The team is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2617925709

Support your local crafters.
Buy Handmade!
Buy Canadian!

Featured Item

2010-06-21T07:05:00.003-06:00

Monday's featured item:

Dyed Yellow Dragon Veins Agate and Copper Ring!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42724573/dyed-yellow-dragon-veins-agate-and

**Featured items get free shipping (refunded back through paypal) and a free gift with purchase!

Featured items

2010-06-18T07:09:00.002-06:00

Started doing featured items on my FB fan page and on twitter. I figured I'll be posting them here too to give everyone the opportunity to get in on the deals!

So...

Friday's featured item: http://www.etsy.com/listing/27741380/day-at-the-beach-pearl-and-copper-ring A day at the beach ring!

**Featured items get free shipping (refunded back through paypal) and a free gift with purchase!

Sometimes life runs away from you...

2010-06-13T22:48:00.003-06:00

And you totally lose track of time! Apologies to all but I'm back now!

Just popping in briefly tonight to post my Facebook fan page: http://en-gb.facebook.com/FrogPrincess.byJasminElizabeth I don't think I've posted it here before. I often post new designs and offers on Facebook and I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to find me there.

I promise I'll be back soon with more but it's late and I'm beat. Night all!

PS Saw Prince of Persia tonight and I must say, Jake Gyllenhaal looked mighty fine dressed up like that :)

Quick note before work: Over the Top Fashion Swap

2010-05-31T06:55:00.004-06:00

Well it wasn't bad. Sales weren't really good though for the length of time we were there, in fact, they sucked. But is was neat to go around and see the other vendors and see what they were selling. I also managed to meet 4 new people on the Alberta Team so that was totally worth it.

I've been doing some serious thinking about craft shows and where I want my business to grow. There may be some big changes coming for Frog Princess Designs. We shall see.

New Listing!

2010-05-27T00:23:00.004-06:00

First new listing in a long time!

Creamy White Freashwater Pearl Necklace

Are you looking for the perfect pearl necklace? What about something a bit more unusual than the standard strand of all the same pearls? This necklace, with its whimsy and bohemian style may just be the necklace for you!

Randomly placed freshwater pearl beads are strung in this pretty 18" necklace. Pretty button, potato and coin pearls are strung together to create a pretty and girly look. There is no rhyme or reason to the placement of the shapes – the design is very organic. The necklace closes with a toggle clasp.

Yay, mornings

2010-05-26T06:46:00.001-06:00

After 27 years, I'm still not a fan of getting up in the mornings. Throw in having to get ready for work and you've got one grumpy bear in the morning. Rawr...

Over the Top Fashion Swap - Edmonton AB, May 29

2010-05-22T14:09:00.003-06:00

I am getting super pumped for this show!

I am a vendor at the Over the Top Fashion Swap for this coming Saturday and I'm getting so excited! It's going to be my first big show. I've done a couple of the Handmade Mafia shows now and I definitely think that it's helped me get ready for this show. The Swap is taking over the Winspear in downtown Edmonton on Saturday - it's going to be huge!! There are going to be so many vendors that will be there and a lot of them are people on the wonderful Etsy Alberta Street Team! I can't wait to meet everyone!

Ok, I'm off to create more stuff for the show! I want to be well and stocked up!

What's wrong with no kids? My childfree life.

2010-05-20T22:34:00.005-06:00

I got bingo'd at work today.

Bingo:
When someone mentions that he or she does not wish to have children, if he or she happens to be unlucky, that person is treated to a number of groaningly over-repeated responses from outraged and defensive people who do not, cannot, or will not understand that other people have different views from themselves. *
- http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1522864

It doesn't happen very often to me. They people around me are generally very awesome and supportive of my choices. I love you all dearly for that.

I told a lady at work today that we're not having kids. Basically, she straight up told me that it was a mistake, kids are the best thing in the world and that I'm too young to make that decision. Oh, and I'll change my mind. Excuse me! I'm 27 years old and, ever since I was a small child I've never wanted kids. My teenage years only reinforced this as my only jobs were babysitting jobs. All I did was smile and nod and change the subject as soon as possible. I didn't want to discuss it any further with her as she clearly wasn't supportive.

Kids are great for some people. There are people out there who deserve, want and cherish their children. However for myself (and my husband), they are not in the cards. We want to be carefree and able to do what we want without being tied down. We want to be able to help our families financially. Why should we allow ourselves to be guilted into something we don't want especially by, essentially, a stranger!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not a child-hating, evil she-devil! I still like kids, I just like them in small doses (and then I like giving them back to mom or dad, preferably all sugared up with a new, loud toy). I am going to be the fun aunt, that is my goal when my siblings have kids. I am going to be supportive of all my friends and family's choices, whatever they may be. For myself though, I'm going to enjoy my life and not allow myself to be pressured into something I don't want. It's not fair to me or the poor hypothetical kids. What is wrong with me not wanting kids?

* I just wanted to note that I do not hold with any of the name calling or rudeness that other childfree groups may participate in. I am very much pro-choice in the matter, as in: Your reproductive choice, not my business, My reproductive choice, not your business. I am very much, live and let live and do not want to start any arguments.

World's Worst Blogger Checking In

2010-05-10T22:59:00.002-06:00

Yup, that's me. I promise a big post and life interferes and I don't end up posting. I am so sorry for that!

Did my second Handmade Mafia show on Saturday and this one was so much better! The weather was beautiful so more people were out and about so that means I had more sales :D Very happy about that! I was working alone this time so I didn't get to wander around to much. It was nice to see both Farren from http://www.etsy.com/shop/FarrenSquare and Jenna from http://www.etsy.com/shop/SushiPapercraft at the show. Jenna was kind enough to come down and drop of a purchase I made from her and Farren came to visit. Amanda from http://www.etsy.com/shop/kabukikreations was also there as a vendor but it was so busy we didn't get much of a chance to visit.

I'm working on a new product line: hand sewn gadget pouches for cell phones, iPods, iPhones, etc. I can't wait to show them off!

Apologies!

2010-05-08T22:28:00.002-06:00

Sorry I jus got so caught up in real life busyness that I've totally neglected my blog! I will post a big update tomorrow, all about what's going on nd the craft show.

MAY MADNESS SALE!

2010-04-30T21:59:00.005-06:00

THE ETSY ALBERTA STREET TEAM IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE:

MAY MADNESS SALE!

With over 70 shops participating!

Frog Princess Designs will be offering: 15% off all orders (before shipping) plus a FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE!

See Below for participating shops!

Accessories
http://www.aosta.etsy.com/ 30% off everything.
http://www.asecondtime.etsy.com/ 10% plus free worldwide shipping.
http://www.appleblossom21.etsy.com/ 25% off everything.
http://www.baloo.etsy.com/ Free shipping to US and Canada for all accessories.
http://www.belladolceboutique.etsy.com/ 20% off everything excluding shipping.
http://www.dollfacedeville.etsy.com/ 10% off everything excluding shipping.
http://www.footprintdesigns.etsy.com/ 10% off everything.
http://www.maceme.etsy.com/ 10% off everything.
http://www.offthehooks.etsy.com/ 10% off- excludes custom orders, and gift certificates.
http://www.silversistersstudio.etsy.com/ 40% off all hair accessories. Free shipping on everything else.
http://www.thefrenchmouse.etsy.com/ 10% off everything.

Art
http://www.bellissimadesigns.etsy.com/ 15% off everything. Excludes shipping.
http://www.bluefuze.etsy.com/ 20% off everything (excluding shipping).
http://www.calzephyr.etsy.com/ Your choice of free magnet with order.
http://www.taibossigai.etsy.com/ 25% off all paintings in my shop.

Bags And Purses
http://www.impedimenta.etsy.com/ 15% off everything plus free shipping on jewelry.
http://www.mookiedesigns.etsy.com/ Buy any item, get a second at half off - no limits.
http://www.nanabrowns.etsy.com/ 15% off (custom orders excluded).

Bath & Body
http://www.carvelcountrysoaps.etsy.com/ 15% off storewide.
http://www.misticalacscents.etsy.com/ 10% off everything.

Candles
http://www.solascandles.etsy.com/ 20% off everything.

Children
http://www.barefootclips.etsy.com/ Free shipping worldwide.
http://www.barefoottams.etsy.com/ Free shipping worldwide.
http://www.fpwear.etsy.com/ 15% off everything.
http://www.gollygeebaby.etsy.com/ Free shipping to Canada & USA.
http://www.gentlehug.etsy.com/ 10% of all ready to ship items.
http://www.kidsloveletters.etsy.com/ 10% off everything.
http://www.littlejumpingbeans.etsy.com/ 10% off everything.
http://www.mamaswoodshop.etsy.com/ 15% off everything.
http://www.my3littlemonkeys.etsy.com/ 10% off everything.
http://www.myhappyhome.etsy.com/ 20% off everything.
http://www.nanabrowns.etsy.com/ 15% off (custom orders excluded).
http://www.strandeddesigns.etsy.com/ 15% off everything.
http://www.twostraycats.etsy.com/ 20% off (excluding custom orders, gift certificates and EFA creations).

Clothing

www.luckylucystyle.etsy.com 10% off everything.

Crochet
http://www.amandafenniak.etsy.com/ 10% off everything.
http://www.fpwear.etsy.com/ 15% off everything.
http://www.happylittletreasures.etsy.com/ Free custom headband with purchase.
http://www.maybubbles26.etsy.com/ 20% off everything.
http://www.offthehooks.etsy.com/ 10% off- excludes custom orders, gift certificates, items already on sale.

Glass
http://www.glasscircus.etsy.com/ 15% off everything – excluding shipping.

Holiday

http://www.42things.etsy.com/ 10% off everything.
http://www.baloo.etsy.com/ 30% off all fleeces and fiber.
http://www.claychicks.etsy.com/ Free shipping.
http://www.squirrelstock.etsy.com/ 15% off everything.
http://www.tooaquarius.etsy.com/ Free shipping.

Vintage

http://www.bontonvintage.etsy.com/ 15% off everything.
http://www.mychildhooddolls.etsy.com/ Sale section in shop.
http://www.tumbleweedcottage.etsy.com/ Sale section in shop.

Weddings
www.thefrenchmouse.etsy.com 10% off everything.

Edited to add:

Jewelry
http://www.juliechristie.etsy.com/ Free shipping.
http://www.sheids.etsy.com/ 10% off store wide before shipping.

Housewares
http://www.juliechristie.etsy.com/ Free shipping.

Knitting
http://www.blockheaters.etsy.com/ Free shipping.

New listings!

2010-04-25T19:36:00.006-06:00

Yup, I finally got a couple new things listed at Frog Princess Designs! Very excited, yay me!

It seems I go in spurts with listing stuff. It's such a hassle sometimes I don't even want to bother so I relist stuff instead. I need to start listing this stuff though - I have so much!

I was reading the new magazine I bought this weekend and it was all about pearls. I love pearls - I have tonnes of them (I also have tonnes of other supplies but we won't go into that right now) and I got to thinking that I have no pearl necklaces in my shop! Well, that got my mind going and I had to make one NOW (yes, at 2 o'clock in the morning). So I made 3 before giving up and going to bed and I've just listed 2 of them.

Berrylicious

Goldenrod

Slow Down!

2010-04-23T23:26:00.003-06:00

I just wish sometimes that life would slow down or just pause for a while so I could enjoy it more. I'm always rushing somewhere or to do something and I just want to take a moment and enjoy life.

Take, for example, my typical week.

Monday - I rush to get to work (no time to enjoy the morning). While at work, I rush and wait impatiently for the end of the day, because, Damn! Monday's are hard! Also, wishing and praying for Friday to hurry up and arrive.

Tuesday/Wednesday - Rush through the workday. Rush home and have a quick bite to eat and then rush of to NAIT for classes. Watch the clock impatiently for 9:00 pm so I can get home and crash.

Thursday - Rush through the workday. Praying for the strength to last till Friday without calling in sick (haven't done it ever at this new job - and never will, but still).

Friday - Race through the day to begin the weekend.

Saturday/Sunday - Rush around town getting all the stuff done that I can't do during the week. Also have to spend time with my husband and friends who I never get to see during the week anymore due to being so busy.

I just want to slow down and enjoy the day as it happens. I went for a pedicure and to get my nails done on Thursday night and it was the first bit of indulgence I've had for me in a long while. I don't mind being busy, I just want to relax some time too! I think I saw a grey hair the today but I was too busy to stop and examine it so I don't know if I did or not!

I hearby resolve to make more time for indulgences, for my husband, for me, and for my friends and family. I will take the time to call my parents, take to my brothers on the phone, meet a friend for coffee or a walk and relax and go to a movie with my husband.

I will make time to do what I want and need to do to relax and have fun!

And, speaking of what I want, I want to go check it out and see if that really was a grey hair or not. Excuse me now.

Handmade Mafia

2010-04-21T16:52:00.003-06:00

So, as you know I participated in the Handmade Mafia on April 10. I had a blast even though the weather was crappy and there wasn't much traffic. It was loads of fun and I look forward to doing it again.

Here are a couple of pictures of my table all set up at the show. I apologize for the bad pictures - I'll get better ones next time!

So, what do you think?

Recipe Sunday - Roasted Beets with Feta Cheese

2010-04-18T19:49:00.002-06:00

This weekend has been beautiful and has put me in the mind of summer. I went looking for a delicious, light recipe with the weather in mind. This recipe looks simply delicious!

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes

Ingredients:

•1 bunch red beets
•1 bunch golden beets
•¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (Crumbled blue cheese can be substituted for the feta if you'd like a bit more tang.)
•1 cup microgreens or baby greens, rinsed and dried
•½ cup extra virgin olive oil
•1 lemon
•Kosher salt, to taste

Preparation:

1.Preheat oven to 400°F.

2.Tear or cut the beet tops from the beets, leaving about an inch of stalk attached. Wash and thoroughly dry the beets.

3.Place beets in a roasting pan or on a flat baking pan or sheet pan. Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with Kosher salt. Roast for 30-45 minutes, depending on size and the desired doneness. Test for doneness after about 30 minutes of cooking by piercing the largest beet with a knife. If the knife easily enters the beet with only a small amount of resistance, it's done. And the smaller ones will be, too.

4.Remove from oven and let cool for 20 minutes or so.

5.Slip the skins off the beets by hand. They should slip off easily, but you can use a paring knife on any stubborn spots. Just be careful not to cut away too much beet.

6.Cut the beets into ½-inch dice and toss in a stainless steel mixing bowl with enough olive oil to coat them.

7.Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice of about half of it in to the bowl, gently stirring to combine and checking the flavor as you go.

8.Season to taste with Kosher salt.

9.Whisk together 3 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp lemon juice and toss the greens in this dressing in a separate bowl.

10.Spoon the beet mixture onto the center of a salad plate and top each portion with about 1 Tbsp of crumbled feta cheese and about ¼ cup of the dressed greens. Serve right away.

This recipe is from: http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/salads/r/beetsalad.htm

New Listing and the Weekend Deal!

2010-04-16T19:49:00.004-06:00

Hello again! Thank goodness for the weekend. I need to relax, rejuvenate and refresh. I am looking forward to doing nothing this weekend!

On to the good stuff though!

This weekend's deal is going to be...

A free gift with purchase! Buy anything at Frog Princess Designs and receive a free gift!

And the latest listing at Frog Princess Designs is:

The Shell Cascade Key Chain

This pretty key chain features 4 round shell charms suspended from a silver coloured chain. It is light, airy, pretty and feminine!

Featured Product @ Frog Princess Designs

2010-04-15T09:00:00.003-06:00

Good morning! I cannot believe it is already April 15. Time is flying by!

Today's featured product is the CLEAR QUARTZ - April Birthstone Ring in Sterling Silver

I realize that April's birthstone is diamond, but I wanted to keep my birthstone rings affordable for everyone and these quartz stones are so lovely that I thought they would make a lovely substitute.

The quartz stones (4 of them) sparkle and catch the light while on the finger and the sterling silver is bright and reflective. A bright ring for a bright month!

Handmade Mafia

2010-04-11T18:52:00.004-06:00

Sorry I've been away so long! This week has been rather crazy.

You know, thinking about it, I say that a lot, maybe I should define crazy here for me. For me a crazy week usually entails working full time (and many days, overtime) going to class one or two nights a week and trying to keep up with my blogs, Twitter, Etsy and FaceBook.

Anyways, this week we had 2 visitors from Tuesday to Friday sucking up all our time at work (these lovely ladies work in our Eastern facility and they'd come out to visit, meet-and-greet, and see how we operate out West), as well, I was preparing for my first ever craft show; the Handmade Mafia. So this past week was beyond crazy and well into madness!

So, the Handmade Mafia. What is it?

The Mafia is an Edmonton based collective of artists, crafters and entrepreneurs brought together once a month to put on a craft sale. There are tables set up for everything from jewellery to baby stuff to handmade, recycled notebooks.The Mafia takes place one Saturday a month in the Orange Hall behind the Old Strathcona's farmer's market. We take up both floors of the Orange Hall (basically a converted church) in the heart of the theatre district of Edmonton.

I am a member of the Mafia (bwahaha) and I participated in my first show on Saturday! I was so excited! Unfortunately, this being Edmonton, the weather decided not to cooperate. It was windy and blowing sand and dirt and it was cold! So, unfortunately, sales were down for the show but I got the opportunity to wander the sales floor and take a peak at what others were selling.

So many wonderful vendors! I bought a few things myself (thus ensuring I spent more than I made) but I LOVE what I got. I bought a lovely bar of soap from Body Divine (www.bodydivine.ca) I bought the delicious smelling Earth soap bar and it is rich and lathery goodness. I also bought a beautiful glass pendant from Pixie Glassworks (www.pixieglassworks.com) They have some seriously amazing pendants! I already have one of their aromatherapy pendants (seriously, check them out, so divine especially the Chai scent!) so I bought one of the universe pendants which I have been coveting since I first saw their stand at the Fringe Festival 4 years ago.

I also checked out www.intotheclay.ca (beautiful dishes), www.mismatchaccessories.com (we sat back to back and she was so fun to talk to! Beautiful jewellery too!), www.egotised.com (beautiful pendants!), and we were across from www.sgsfoto.com (he had some amazing photos on stretched canvas). These are just a few of the vendors (mostly the few that I grabbed a business card from) there were so many others with amazing products too!

Here is the FaceBook group for anyone interested in participating in the next show or for anyone interested in coming out to the next show! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=85089515560 So come on by and check us out!

Sunday Recipe - Soft Poached Eggs with Sweet Potato Hash Browns & Asparagus

2010-04-04T23:33:00.006-06:00

Found this yummy recipe in the latest edition of Canada's Style at Home. The recipe is by Donna Hay. More recipes of hers can be found here: http://www.donnahay.com.au/index.php

Soft Poached Eggs with Sweet Potato Hash Browns & Asparagus

10 oz (300g) sweet potato, peeled & grated
6 eggs
sea salt & cracked black pepper
vegetable oil, for shallow frying
1 tbsp (15 ml) white vinegar
16 spears asparagus, trimmed & blanched

creamy horseradish sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely grated horseradish
1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
2 tsp (10 ml) lemon juice
sea salt & cracked black pepper

To make creamy horseradish sauce, place the grated horseradish, sour cream, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.

Place the sweet potato, 2 eggs, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well to combine. Heat 1/2" (1 cm) of oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Cook 1/4-cup mounds of the sweet potato mixture for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towel and keep warm.

Heat a few inches of water in a deep frying pan over low heat until just simmering. Add the vinegar and use a wooden spoon to create a whirlpool. Crack each egg into a bowl and slip into the water. Poach for 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well. Top the hash browns with the asparagus and eggs and spoon the creamy horseradish sauce over the top to serve.

serves 4

Sounds seriously delicious and I can't wait to try it!

Happy Easter & The HMM

2010-04-04T15:06:00.003-06:00

Happy Easter everyone! Hope everyone has a nice day!

I'm having a rather quiet day at the moment. I'm home alone while Wade is at working being the handy computer nerd that he is. We'll be going to a friend's place for Easter dinner in a bit so that is something to look forward to.

So I'm not doing much at the moment but I have just set my table up as a demo for the Handmade Mafia. Trial run looks good. I picked up a pretty, subtly patterned white on white table cloth for the table so it looks pretty and fresh. I have a lot of rings out on the table - obviously, rings are my specialty! I don't have any earrings out though at the moment. I need to either pick up an earring display or make one. I'm not sure what to do yet though. Right now I have a lot of rings (none of the gemstone silver ones though), necklaces, bracelets and cuffs, hair clips and combs, and key rings. I'll take a picture and post it as soon as possible.

What do you think though? Should I bring earrings?

Handmade Mafia

2010-03-31T06:51:00.002-06:00

Good morning everyone. I'm still not a rise and shine type of girl but these days are so busy lately, that I'm glad to be up and going. Lots to get done lately!

Not sure if I mentioned this before, but I'm now a member of the Handmade Mafia! This is going to be so fun. The Handmade Mafia is a crafter's collective in Edmonton and outlying area's that meet up, usually once a month and put on a craft show! April's show will be on Saturday, April 10th and I'll have a table! I am so excited!

If anyone is looking to join the Handmade Mafia, here is the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=85089515560 and there is a link to the event with all the details on the page. The show, as I said, is on April 10th in the Orange Hall right behind the Old Strathcona's Farmer's Market and I would love to see you down there!

I am very excited to be involved with this collective of wonderful creators and crafters. I've been to a couple of shows in the past and they look like they have so much fun - both the vendors and the customers. The creators of the event refer to everyone involved with the Mafia as family, and having observed the interactions of the participants in the past, I am very excited to become a member of this family.

This will be my first craft show too! Wish me luck!

New Listing!

2010-03-24T06:56:00.003-06:00

Hello again! Here is my latest listing.

One of a Kind Fluorite and Copper Ring

This ring features a unique gemstone nugget - no two nuggets are the same! The stone, fluorite, is found in many colours (most popular is purple) and this one is a lovely pale green. Fun fact: fluorite was the first mineral to show fluorescent under black lights so that is where the name comes from!

New listing!

2010-03-22T06:50:00.006-06:00

I need to take some more pictures of the new stuff I've made in order to keep listing on a daily basis. I still have enough stuff to keep listing for a while though, so here are some new items I've listed!

Bright Aqua Blue Glass Gemstone Nugget Shaped Key Ring

A very pretty and whimsical key ring. Who wouldn't want a nice chunk of ice like that!

Carved Adventurine Flattened Tube Key Ring
I love this stone and for the longest time, I couldn't think of what to do with it.

Vibrant Pink Wire Wrapped Black Marble Zipper Pull
Another whimsically wrapped zipper pull. I like the different wraps - no two are alike!

Don't Be Such a Square - Glass Key Ring

Cute little square glass bead securely wrapped to a key ring. These beads are 0.75" across, so they make for a cute, little key ring.

Blue Lagoon Glass Bead Key Ring

Another 0.75" glass bead is used, this one is a flattened, round bead. Makes for such a cute little key ring!

WEEKEND DEAL

2010-03-19T07:11:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone!

This March 19-21 weekend deal is: Free Shipping on all items in the store! Prices have already been changed to reflect the reduction.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/frogprincessdesigns

Thank you for checking it out!

Happy shopping everyone!

Toastmasters

2010-03-18T20:06:00.003-06:00

*Just as background: a friend and I attended a Toastmasters club meeting a few weeks ago to see what it was all about and whether or not it was for us. After the meeting (9:30 am on a Saturday!) we decided to try a few other clubs out as well to see what they were like.*

So, the Toastmasters club we went to tonight is out! It's to bad, the location and time is great for us unfortunately, the club dynamic is not really welcoming to new comers. To be frank, they seemed shocked to see us show up at the door (which is what we were told to do at the last club we went to) and even more surprised that we wished to observe the meeting. Granted, this meeting was a club competition, not a regular meeting, but still. More than 3 people could have talked to us!

Definitely will try other clubs though as this is something I really wish to pursue. There are a couple on Mondays and Thursday nights that we can check out still but, if you made me chose one right now, I'd be at the one on Saturday mornings, 9:30 am as they were the friendliest and most fun.

New listing!

2010-03-17T07:14:00.007-06:00

I'm trying to list one item a day to space them out.

Here is today's listing.

Carved Adventurine Flattened Tube Key Ring

This key ring features a very pretty, soft green, carved piece of adventurine that is strung securely on a handmade copper head pin. It hangs from a heavy duty key ring and the whole thing is just about 3.25" long.

What do you think?

School and other stuff

2010-03-16T21:42:00.004-06:00

Started the new semester tonight with commercial law. As the instructor said, the title is a bit of a misnomer; really the class should be called, A Backround In Business Law In Canada, Specifically, Alberta. Probably to long-winded for them. It was very interesting. Went over what the basis for Alberta laws are, what we used for a basis for establishing them, what the different courts are and what they do in Alberta. Very neat.

Definititely kind of irritating that I bought a $130 book in order to not use it but, thankfully, a friend who already took the class is loaning me her book so I can return mine. So, yay for good friends like that!

Tomorrow night, Macroeconomics and Thursday, Toastmasters.

Yup, going to try out Toastmasters with this same friend. The thought behind this is, I suck at public speaking. Ok, well not public speaking per se (I really do like to talk once I get going and I know the people I'm conversing with), more talking to people in public. I can't small talk at all; I just have no idea what to talk to people about. So I'm doing this in the hopes that I can, maybe, improve a little (or a lot but I'm not holding my breathe). I believe it will help me with my job as well as with my craft sales.

Oh, yah, I'm going to be doing craft sales this year. I am now a member of the HandMade Mafia in Edmonton http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1403208682923#!/group.php?v=wall&gid=85089515560 so I'll be doing a few shows with them at least. Hopefully will do quite a few different shows this summer too!

New listings!

2010-03-14T18:03:00.007-06:00

I finally have some new listings up in the store.

Day of the Dead Howlite Skull Purse Charm

"What a way to spend eternity," Horace the disgruntled shrunken skull muttered to himself, "as an accessory on a ladies purse!"

Blue Wire Wrapped Black Marble Zipper Pull

Cute, lightweight zipper pull made of dyed aluminum wire wrapped around a black, flat backed marble.

Dyed Yellow Dragon Veins Agate and Copper Ring

This ring is like having a meditation stone on your finger. Look deeply into the mysterious stone, sink down and wonder at the magic and mystery you see within.

This weekend promo is...

2010-03-11T21:20:00.003-07:00

Free gift with purchase! Purchase any item at Frog Princess Designs and receive a free, surprise gift!

Thank you for checking it out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/frogprincessdesigns

Featured

2010-03-07T12:03:00.003-07:00

I've been featured, along with some of my wonderful Alberta Street Teammates on the team blog. The spotlight is called Spring and my New Spring Earrings are featured.

Here is the link: http://etsyalberta.blogspot.com/2010/03/team-spotlight.html Thank you for checking it out!

Can't believe I forgot to ask, but...

2010-03-07T00:24:00.002-07:00

What do you think of the new blog colours and the new header design?

March 6 & 7 Promo!

2010-03-06T12:19:00.004-07:00

Remember the promotional weekends? Well great new!

This weekend from Saturday to midnight Sunday (MST) is BOGO! Buy one item and get the second item (of equal or lesser value) half price!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/frogprincessdesigns

Happy shopping everyone!

*Discount will be issued as a paypal refund.