I Shave My Legs With What....?

image from drugstore.com

So summer is here, and for me that means shaving my legs a lot more.  I have been blessed with a lot of hair.  I have beautiful thick shiny hair on my head, and A LOT of it.  Now that wonderful advantage of having a full hair of thick hair means I have a lot of hair EVERYWHERE else.  My eyebrows are huge, I have hair growing EVERYWHERE...lol.  It is not a pretty picture. 

So not only do I have a lot of hair all over my body it is dark, black hair.  So that means on my legs it is more noticeable.  I often in the summer shave my legs every day.  Two years ago I was developing a rash on my legs from the shaving cream.  So I did some research, and it turns out that shaving cream is just whipped soap...ummm duh I'm allergic to soap...lol.  Like gees why didn't I figure that out for myself.  It was then that I heard about people using hair conditioner to shave their legs.  Umm conditioner?  Ohhh okay.  I had to let my rash heal for about a week, and then tried shaving with the conditioner.  All I can say is WOW what an amazing product to shave your legs with.  First off no more rashes!  I get zero razor burn, and not only a super close shave, but my legs are soooo soft after.  Another great advantage of using conditioner is that price doesn't matter.  I usually buy dollar store conditioner to shave with, and it works better than any expensive shaving lotion!

So anyone else shave with conditioner?  Do you have a favorite brand?  Do you use something else to shave with other than shaving lotion or cream?

Wordless Wednesday Done on Thursday ~ But With Words

Oh gees I have my days all backwards, but whatever I'll share this photo anyways...lol.  This is how I often see my Chris, when he is in the photography zone!

I had a whole other picture picked out, and uploaded it to picnik this morning, but it seems to have vanished...lol.  So I'll use this one of my Chris.  This was taken last summer.  Chris LOVES taking pictures, and he is a very talented photographer.  We spent a lot of time on this ship the Moyie that the City of Kaslo has restored.  I've posted many a pic on my blog from that boat.  This day was a photo date for us, we just enjoyed walking around the lovely old ship taking lots of pictures, and discovering things together.  I know this summer we will have many more days like this.

 

My Baby, My Creation, My First Attempt At Choreography

Well I'm sure all of you are just sitting around your home waiting with baited breath to not only hear about my solo, but see a video as well!  Well you don't have to wait any longer...lol.

So a little bit of info the choreography was all done by me, myself, and I.  So if I don't like the dance I have no one to blame but myself.  If you don't like the choreography well I guess you can complain to me...lol.  This was my very FIRST belly dance solo.  Well actually I guess the Belly Dance police would call it a fusion as I didn't use Middle Eastern music.  Trust me there is a Belly Dance police out there...lol, and they are very vocal, and VERY opinionated.  I'm happy that my teacher is okay with fuisng Belly Dance with other styles of music!

So as I said this is my first solo, my first taste at choreography.  I noticed while watching the video I did make a few mistakes, and chest isolations need some work on them.  At one point i was to be doing a hip circle, and bending my knees going straight down, and ooops almost fell over.  Other than a few things I know I could do better I'm pretty happy with it.

Saturday night was fun, but the crowd was soooo quiet.  It is considered good manners at a hafla to cheer, clap and make lots of noise.  The dancers actually feed off of it.  Other than the little girls my solo got some of the loudest response from the crowd.  I have to admit it is a very different feeling to be up there all by myself on the stage. 

Well I hope you guys enjoy it, and if not then oh well....lol.

So the music is Harry Belafonte, 'Jump in the Line.'

Belly Dance

Don't Forget the Music

That's me dancing last yeat at a Restaurant in Beaumont.

So I have my Hafla this Saturday.  Now I'm sure a bunch of you are wondering what a Hafla is.  So here you go:

Hafla ~ A small, low-key social gathering centered around bellydancing and food. May include costume vendors and live music.

Another way to describe it is a dance recital with food...lol.  It is a way for all of us taking dance classes with the same Teacher to see what each class, and student has been working on.  To appreciate all the time, and effort we each put into our classes, and practice time.  We get to show our family, and friends what we are learning.  Often there are one or two dancers from outside of our area so we get to enjoy watching other dancers too.  We get to dress up in fun costumes, put on to much makeup (think stage makeup, Drag Queen makeup...lol), put on lots of jewelry, bhindis, and just have fun. 

So about three months ago I felt all cocky like, and boldly requested from my teacher that I do a solo for the June 18th Hafla.  I selected my music, and started working on my dance.  Well that was three months ago.  Guess what?  June 18th is THIS Saturday!  THIS Saturday!!!!  That just dawned on me yesterday when my teacher asked if I was still planning on doing my solo.  Do you hear my knees banging together?  Do you hear my teeth chattering?  Do you hear my nerves?  Well I do...lol. 

As it turned out last night I didn't like my solo.  So I practiced, and tried working it out, and got it a little better.  I showed J Man, and of course he is as supportive as always ahhh Mommy how come you don't like it, it looks good.  Have to love that kid.  This morning while walking to work, and listening to my music for I swear the millionth time I worked out another part that I think I like better.  So over lunch time I was able to practice some more, and I'm 85% certain that I might be happy with it.  Tonight I'll video record it, and see how it looks.  FYI if you dance or perform video record yourself, and you'll see flaws that a mirror doesn't catch.  Keeping my fingers crossed that I like it.  Keep in mind I'm also in four group numbers....lol.  All of which I have to know just as well...lol.....5 dance numbers, four costume changes viva la bling....lol.

Well today I'm nervous so I started making lists to try to calm my nerves, and also so that I don't forget anything.  Wow I can't believe the amount of crap, very important items that us dancers drag along to shows.  While I was writing my list I got to the bottom of my list, and realized one very important thing missing that SHOULD have been at the top of my list my MUSIC....lol.  So I totally took away any chance of not performing my solo, by emailing my music to my teacher.  So now I have no excuses. 

I however will find comfort in the fact that Chris I'm sure is nervous as well, but for a whole different reason.  Like myself a couple of months ago he volunteered to make one of the dishes for the Hafla Saturday, and he's facing the same thing I am....Holy Crap Saturday is almost HERE!  So he's busy trying to figure out numbers, amount of ingredients, enough cooking pots, and so on.  I don't envy him, I'd rather perform than have to cook for eveyrone...lol.  Bless him though for offering as he is so sweet, and I know his butter chicken will be amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I'll spill the beans sorry Chris if you read this before Saturday here is the song I'm doing my solo to.

I'm sure everything will go well Saturday I just need to remember the music!





Wordless Wednesday ~ But With Words

This picture was taken behind a coffee shop.  There is a bunch of things painted on the back of the building.  I like this for some reason...lol.  This is the same coffee shop that I posted the pic a few weeks back with the quote 'Live with intention.  Have the courage to leave your mark.'

Thanks for looking!

Hexagon Play

So last night J Man took out all my 'flowers' put them on the floor, and started laying them out.  He had fun playing with them, and coming out with his own layout.  This is what he came up with.  It is what I would have done, no, but I like what he did.

Interesting to see them all my 'flower's laid out.  I do like how they all look.  Right now I still plan on doing a colour wash type layout, and I think it will look good.  Undecided about size at this point.  I think if I ever get this done...lol... I think I would then start a monochromatic hexagon quilt.  I would probably do all red as it is J Mans favourite colour. 

Then last night while I watched the Canucks lose I basted some hexagons using the vintage fabric I got in the mail last night.  

Fabric and Flowers

Here is the other package of fabric I ordered from Etsy.  This vintage fabric set came from In The Old Schoolhouse The set was to have been 60 squares, but she sent me 68 woo hoo..no repeats..in wonderful condition! They all measure approx. 3" square.  I can't wait to play with these tonight.  I might as well as my hockey team the Canucks are losing at the moment....~sigh~  They also carry Fat 1/4's, 1/8's & 1/16's.  Prices & shipping seem really good to me.  Check out the shop In The Old Schoolhouse!

Well I sewed more hexagons together.  I've gone back to strictly random.  So I'm back to just pulling out a hexagon and sewing it into the flower I'll allow two fabrics per 'flower.'  I'm not sure why I went back to random.  I do know the 'flowers' seem to go together much faster when it is just random.....lol.

Again none of this fabric is brand new it is either reclaimed, traded, donated, or bought scraps or vintage fabric, but none brand new.  It is an eco challenge, and creative challenge to see how this quilt will turn out without buying new fabric, but reclaiming fabric, using scraps, finding fabric at Thrift Stores, using old clothes etc.  I'm really enjoying challenging myself this way.

So just an update on our fabric swap.  Here is one of the packs I have up.  We are swapping 1/2 a yard of fabric.  I love this idea as in doing my hexies I'm wanting a lot of variety in my hexies, and this is a great way of getting that.  I get to keep to my personal challenge of not buying any new fabric for this project, plus I get to get a greater variety. 

 

It also appeals to my eco friendly side as I get to pass on fabric when I'm done with it so it doesn't go to waste.  I love getting new to me stuff I find it a lot of fun.

 

If you are interested in joining us here is the link

Call Me Hexagon Addict with all the fabric packages ready to swap.  All the rules are there too.

Some of My Life Lessons

 

image from forestry.publishpath

These are some of the things I've come to learn in my 41 years on this earth.  These are my lessons, some might be the same as yours, some might be different, but these are mine:

 

~ Some of the smartest people I know never went to University or a couple didn't even graduate Highschool.

~ I am the best mom that J Man could have.

~ The car someone drives does not dictate the kind of person they are.

~ Just because I do something in my own way, and own style doesn't make it wrong, doesn't make it right either.  It just makes it mine.

~ Scales may measure our weight, but they don't measure the size of someone's heart.

~ Everyone has value.  Even if you don't agree with them what they say still has value.

~ Gay Rights = Human Rights

~ I fail often.  I'm very thankful there is forgiveness.

~ Labels are limiting.

~ Stereotypes are for those insecure about themselves.

~ I make up my mind about people on how they treat me, my friends and loved ones.

~ It takes a stronger person to allow others to shine, and be themselves than it does to try control them.  This is something I'm still learning about.

~ If I act hut, it is because I feel hurt.  If I act wounded, it is because I feel wounded.  It isn't a game to me.

~ I cry.  I cry when I'm mad, hurt, angry, upset, happy, yup I'm a crier.

~ Money isn't everything.

~ To take pictures I have to look at the world in a different way.  I like looking at the world in that way.

~ I'm a 'lady' because of what I know not what I wear.

~ Boring women have perfect houses.

~ Every line on my face is where it is supposed to be.

~ Sometimes I put things off instead of doing them right away.

 

~ Unconventional is beautiful.

 

~ Cell phones can sometimes be annoying.

 

~ I will take things personally if someone is addressing personal stuff about me.  I'm not evolved enough to be coldly detached when discussing what others see as my personal flaws.

 

~ I'm not as fat as I imagine.  Yeah I don't always buy into this, but I try.

 

~ I try not to congratulate myself to much or berate myself to much too.  Though I do need to work harder on the berating part.

 

~ I dance.  Even if just in my living room.  Just dance.

 

~ I don't read beauty magazines as they make me feel ugly.  I do read magazines about Hollywood insider stuff oops my guilty pleasure.

 

~ I'm not a very patient person...lol.

 

~ I have little time or room in my life for selfish people.

 

~ Religion and Faith are personal, and therefore it is important nay imperative to be respectful of what others believe even when different than mine.  It is when that belief is different than mine when it can be a challenge, but so worth the effort to be respectful.

 

  

I felt a great need to write, and post this today.  I don't know why, but I just felt moved to.  Do you have any life lessons you'd care share?

Natural Cleaning Ingredients ~ Featuring Tea Tree Oil

image from wikipedia

I love Eco Friendly cleaning products for many reasons.  I suffer from skin allergies so I love that they are better for me, and better for Chris with his eczema.  Also, because they are gentle I don't worry about Jeremy using them or breathing in the fumes.  I believe my cleaner cleans better than anything I could buy at the store.  Then there is the money factor I don't shell out big money for cleaners, not even for the 'Green Cleaners.'  I just make my own.  I have a few favorite ingredients that I use baking soda which sprinkled in the tub by itself is a GREAT cleaner, and white vinegar I LOVE both, and use them a lot around the house. 

 

I'm now going to mention one of my other favorite green ingredients.  I love Tea Tree Oil also known as melaleuca oil.  Now as far as my general cleaning concoction goes I add tea tree oil to it.  Here is my simple recipe, and I use this all over my kitchen:

 

~ empty spray bottle ~ fill 1/2 way with water, 1/2 with white vinegar, 3 small squirts of dish washing liquid & 10 - 15 drops of tea tree oil.  Spray on surface and wipe.

 

The reason I add the tea tree oil is that it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.  I don't believe in buying antibacterial soaps, and cleaning products.  I believe those products have added to the problems we now face with all these Super Bugs.  So I believe if I can make an antiseptic type cleaner by adding more natural ingredients like white vinegar, and tea tree oil then it is my responsibility to do so.

 

I also use tea tree oil for other uses.  I use tea tree oil on cuts for its antiseptic properties.  I've put it directly on acne, and found that it took the redness right out, and size of breakouts reduced.  A great use for tea tree oil is to put it on misquote bites, and it takes the itch away.  Up here in Alberta where a misquote is the size of a small bird we use tea tree oil on misquote bits all the time at my place.  That's the great thing about using more natural products in your home when was the last time you sprayed your kitchen cleaner on a pimple....lol...wait, unless you are the Dad from 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' then maybe you have...lol.

 

So what are some of your favorite natural ingredients or products?  How do you use them? Do you like them?  Do you find them effective?



I was reading on the Vignette Hexagon Quilt blog that one of the team members there uses the sewline glue pen for basting her hexagons.  I'm intrigued.  I can see how that would make the basting process so much faster, but is it safe for the fabric?  Does it completely wash out?  How about taking the papers out later is that an issue?  So I'm asking the quilters out there have you used this product?  Does it work well?  Have any issues with it?

Come Blog With Me Thursday

Do you ever wonder how many blogs are out there?  Well according to Wikipedia, 'as of 16 February 2011, there were over 156 million public blogs in existence.'  Wow that is a lot of blogs...lol.  those are a lot of thoughts, and ideas flowing out into the blogosphere on a regular basis!

However that brings me to the question why do we blog?  Some people blog to make money, and my understanding is that it can happen, but it doesn't happen for everyone.  I wouldn't even have a clue about how to go about that...lol.  I know it has something to do with having a popular blog (great content), which brings in readers, and then once you have a good readership that can bring in advertisers.  I'm sure it is more complicated than that, but that is my limited knowledge on the subject.  However with 156 million blogs since February 16, 2011, and there are more being started  every day how many of those blogs will make money?  I don't know what the exact number is, but I know it won't be all of them...lol.  So then why do people do it?  I know how much work I put into my blog, and I don't do reviews, I have yet to do a give away, and I'm sure all of you out there that do the reviews, regular give aways, host blog link hops, and the such are probably doing more work than me.

So then why do we do it?  Say, say, just SAY, I mean I don't have a crystal ball or anything, I can't read or tell the future, but just say,  your blog doesn't provide with you with an income that will allow you to retire at 45, and live a fabulous life.  Then why do it?  Well I can tell you why I do it, and probably why the rest most of you do it too.....

We want to share!!!  We want to share our thoughts.  We want to share our lives.  We want to share our hobbies!  We want to share our endeavors!  To some they may feel blogging is the only voice they have to express themselves.  We enjoy connecting with other bloggers!  It becomes like a community, and we just want to be appreciated for what we create, write, for our own unique voice.  To know that others feel the same, thought the same or went through the same things as us.

So what are your thoughts on the subject?  Are you making money with your blog?  Is that your goal?  Are you like me, and just like the community aspect?  Or are there deeper reasons you blog?  Inquiring minds want to know...lol.

Wordless Wednesday But With Words

I took this while stacking wood at our local Lion's Camp Ground with Scouts.  I don't know what this thing is, but I saw rust, texture, and shape, and as usual I have to take some pictures.

My Personal Murphy's Law

Image from stupendoustidbits.wordpress.com

There are things in my life that just happen.  It doesn't matter what I do.  These are my personal Murphy's Laws that just seem to hapen in my life.  These are in no particular order:

~ If I have two electrical cords near each other they will find each other, give each other a hug tangle.
~ If I put off organizing my storage closet I will need something at the very back of it in the biggest box, and then said item would be at the bottom of said box ~sigh.~
~ If I need a plastic container for leftovers I'll only have one left unused, and I won't be able to find the lid for it.
~ If my son is at his Dad's, and Chris is working, and I have a rare day to myself to be crafty, creative, read just do whatever I want I'll end up fighting a cold, and just want to sleep all day.
~ If I wear my Ipod the wires from the ear phones will actually conspire against me, and tie themselves into a knot.  How the heck can they tie themselves into a knot while I'm WEARING them...lol.
~ If I decide the day will be warm, and I send my son to school wearing a hoody it will be cold, windy, and often rain.
~ If I think the day will be cool, and dreary, and send my son to school in pants, and a coat the weather will turn out to be hot, and sunny.
~ If I'm feeling sick, but still decide to go to work with the intention of taking the afternoon off my co-worker will have called in sick which means I'm stuck at work for the rest of the day.
~ If an order from Etsy doesn’t make it to me, and the Seller kindly resends it Canada Post will go on strike…lol
~ When I think I know what 1/2 a yard or fabric works out to be I'll be out by double that amount...lol.
~ If I say there is chicken in the freezer no one but myself can seem to find it….lol.
~ If I say the Indian Spices are on top of the Kitchen Cabinets no one but myself can seem to find them.
~ 99% of my son’s baseball games fall on days that I have dance class, and with a Performance on June 18, I’m obligated to be at dance class for practice.
~ If I play a joke on a co-worker they will take it SO seriously they will imply I’m a thief (long story) I’m really not people just need a sense of humour.

I Love Hexagons

My friends Carolyn, Christina, and I have created a fantastic group that I would love anyone interested to join us, its :

"A friendly fabric swap for the hexagon addict in you. In a rainbow of colors please feel free to join us. 
Rules:
1. Fill a ziploc bag with a 1/2 yard of fabric in a wide variety of colors
2. Post a photo to the flickr group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/1667659@N24/)
3. For each bag you post you can select a bag from someone else
4. Be prepared to ship anywhere
5. The scraps of fabric can be recycles, reclaimed or new but they all need to be big enough to cut out a 2" hexagon that would be a 4 1/2 inches (and please make sure they are pre-washed)
6. All fabrics must be 100% cotton"

Come join us in this fun project!

Well this is my thrid week doing Scavenger Hunt Sunday.  I had more fun with it this week as I didn't wait until the last minute...lol. 
Here are my inspirations for this week.
1. HOT HOT HOT!

Running a hot bubble bath.

2. Finding Form

This was taken from a back alley.  I think I got a good grasp of finding form with this shot.

3. Front Page of the News

This is Front Page News in Vancouver, BC, the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup Playoff.  Go Canucks Go!!!

4. Chore

Washing dishes yeah I know another water shot...lol  I wanted to do something else, but I like this shot.

5. Beads

I really loved this inspiration.  I got to bring out all my heavily beaded Indian outfits, and Indian veils drape them over the back of a chair, and them start clicking away.  I think I must have taken about 50 pics....lol

Come have fun with us next Sunday.

What I Saw

Made myself get out for a walk today.  The weather is cool, and the sky is grey.  We actually had snow falling this morning can you believe it?  I was NOT impressed....lol.  I still decided that I should get to get some air.  So I brought my camera along.  Here are a few shots I got.

Can you believe this is someone's front yard JEALOUS.

Every time I walk by this historical house I always pause, and look at it.  I think this house is so lovely looking and grand.  I wonder how many families have lived here, and what their lives were like.

This house is right across the street from the house that I took the picture of above  I think this house is just beautiful.  During Christmas you can see their tree decorated through the front window, and it always looks so pretty.

I took these pictures really quickly as I didn't want to thought of as a stalker or something...lol.

Blogging and Blog Hops

Blog Hops are all over the place.  They are used as a way for bloggers to gain followers.  You can find a Blog Hop for every day of the week, and for pretty much every subject.  Just do a google search for blog hops, and a day of the week, and you'll know what I mean.

I like Blog Hops I do a couple of them a week  I find them fun.  I  think they are a great way for me to find new blogs, because there are a bunch of blogs in one place, and I can look through a bunch of them in a small amount of time.  In the future however I might try Blog Hops outside of the box for me.  Who knows what I could find out there.

There are usually some rules when joining a Blog Hop.  The idea of Blog Hops is there is the creator of the Blog Hop, and often a Guest Host.  The basic rule is to follow the both the creator, and the Guest Host of the Blog Hop, and then link up your blog.  You are then encouraged to visit other blogs that are also linked up.

Here are my thoughts on Blog Hops:

~ I won't belong to a Blog Hop that requires me to put up their button.  I want people to stay on my blog for as long as possible.  I put in the effort, research (okay not much, but I do check things...lol), I write the content, this is my baby if I steer someone away from my blog it better be for a good reason.  That being said I will put up links to other blogs, or sites for example ETSY stores I like, bloggers that have done a random act of kindness, blogs that I'm involved in a project with, plus Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

~ Only follow blogs that you are interested in.  If I'm not interested in the blog I won't follow it end of story.

~ Once you find a blog you are interested in, and following then leave a comment, but make sure the comment is on topic.  Okay I'll repeat that again keep comments ON TOPIC.....lol.  That shows the blog owner that you respect their blog.  It shows the blog owner that you are not there to just spam their blog.  Don't leave the website for your blog in the comments.  On another note don't comment as anonymous.  Make sure if you are signed in when you leave your comment using Blogger, or on Wordpress add the link to your blog in the form.  That gives not just the blog owner a way to get back to your blog, but also others that post comments can check out your blog as well.   Do let them know what Blog Hop you are following them from.  Don't ask them to follow you back they know what the rules are, and do you want someone following you back because they have to or want to?

~ Now when you get comments on your blog make sure they are good comments.  What are good comments?  Well they should pertain to your topic.  They should be more than 'Great Blog come follow me.'  Comments I would say are almost more important than followers.  Comments will raise your SEO rank.  If visitors see a few comments that are off topic or spam like they may think your content is not worth reading.  I personally consider 'Great blog or Great post come follow me, and then their link in the comment as spam, and I will be deleting them.

Okay I think I've rambled on long enough about Blog Hops...lol.  So I'll leave you all with some questions.  Do you Blog Hop?  Do you think it not only brings you followers, but readers people that engage, and leave comments?  Do you feel it is a good way of finding new blogs?

Surprises Are Awesome!!!!!!!!! Sandi, and Mrs. Howard, from KS, THANK YOU!!!!!

I was checking my mail today, and there were two packages for me woo hoo!!!!!!!

One package was the PIF (pay it forward) Grab Bag.  I was so excited to get this, and Sandi didn't disappoint.   I found this grab bag from Sandi's Stash  Sandi carries fabric, notions, books/kits & has her PIF scraps.  Here is a picture of all the yummy surprises Sandi sent me.

I can't wait to dig into these tonight, and start making more hexagons.  I just keep about a 3" length wise cut, and the rest will go to a fabric pass along I'm going into.

Okay now for my second package.  I had a lovely lady approach me via email saying if I gave her my address she would send me fabric scraps.  Well check out what the lovely Mrs. Howard, from KS sent me.  I of course can't recall her blog or I would post it here.

What lovely colours can't wait to play with these.

These were also from Mrs. Howard.  Aren't these amazing all those lovely batiks?

Big thank you again to Sandi please check out her lovely ETSY store Sandi's Stash, and to Mrs. Howard, from KS.  Mrs. Howard if you could please contact me so that I could link to your blog!!!

1 Down 3 To Go

Okay many of you may not know I may live in Alberta, but I'm from Vancouver, BC!!!!!!!!!!!!  So this is a totally indulgent post GO CANUCKS!!!!!!!


Some of you might not know or care...lol...Canucks are FINALLY in the Stanley Cup Playoffs again against Boston.  Canucks won the first game, so my team only has to win 3 more.

Wordless Wednesday ~ My Photography