How to Potty Train Your Monster

Well that dreaded time has reached us here in our home. I am proud to say that I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing but thankfully there are some great resources out there to keep you going. The lovely, funny, wonderful book, How to Potty Train Your Monster by Kelly DiPucchio is the perfect example. The book goes through the 10 basic steps of potty training and has the most wonderful illustrations by Michael Moon! I'm in love with this book and will gladly read it daily to my wee boy. Now if actual potty training could be this fun we'd be somewhere! To all those parents who are in the same shoes I wish you luck and advise getting this book. : )

A huge Thank You!

When I posted about being pregnant way back when some lovely ladies I've met through my business wanted to send me some goodies for the wee babe. I couldn't believe their kindness and I am so grateful to them for sharing some of their goodies with me. Pictured are said goodies...

Above: Two burp clothes from Chickiedee. Such a great shop and blog!

Below: This wonderful Alphabet Art Print from Modernpop on Etsy. Shop and blog!

Movies worth watching over and over.

The other night I was flipping through the channels and I came across the movie Wimbledon and I immediately put the remote down to watch. It got me thinking about all of the other movies I love that make me put the remote down when I come across them. It doesn't matter if there's 90 minutes left or 10 I will stop and watch till the end. Here's my list below (I'm sure I've missed some). What movies make you stop and watch?

1. Hunt for Red October

2. Patriot Games

3. Clear and Present Danger

4. Bourne Identity (any of the three really)

5. High Society (old version with Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly)

6. You've got Mail

7. Sleepless in Seattle

8. Wimbledon
9. Sixteen Candles
10. Dave
11. Ten Things I Hate About You
12. Bring it on
13. American Pie (the second one)

I want a pop!

How fun are these!? Letter and number lollipops! So cute and such a great idea for birthday parties, weddings, showers, etc., etc. Love, love, love them! You can choose any 12 letters or numbers and there's a huge selection of flavours to choose from. You can find this awesome listing in the shop Vintage Confections on Etsy. Please note: unfortunately this listing was sold a few days ago but I'm hoping for a relist.

Wire Art!

I'm so in love with this shop! Kristine Mays on Etsy "was inspired by the idea of transforming a straight line into something of volume" and I'm so glad she was. Her shop is filled with letters and numbers all made out of wire and her photography is adorable. I could totally see these on top of birthday cakes or better yet, wedding cakes! Perfect! Kristine is offering a 40% off sale till May 31 and she offers free shipping to the U.S. and Canada. Go, go, go!!!

A little shot of colour!

I found myself in this awesome treasury last week and was introduced to the most adorable vintage/upcycled shop on Etsy, amye123. Check out these adorable frames. They're all vintage and have been painted with the greatest colours. There are many varieties to choose from. The best part is the super cute little deer pictured in each frame. Unfortunately the little guy doesn't come with the frames but he sure did make me stop and take a look. Definitely give this shop a visit.

Lace Love

I'm not typically drawn to lace but this lovely Wristband caught my eye immediately the other day. I'm totally down with this. So simple, pretty and modern. This wristband can be found in the shop Afra on Etsy along with many other amazing items.

My Retro Love

I'm kind of in love with this treasury made by Retro Attack on Etsy. You know I love me some retro. You can see a larger version and visit each shop by clicking here.

Oh Wee Waldorf!

Okay I just found the cutest shop ever (thank you Etsy Front Page!) right down to the shop name, Wee Waldorf! Come on! This shop has some of the sweetest products around included the Forest Friends. Match it Game. with Acorn pouch. pictured above. So cute! You must check this shop our for yourself and don't forget their blog!

Birthday fun!

Well we had one busy weekend here at the homestead. I'm feeling rather sluggish this morning so I thought I'd take a little break from regular posting and instead show off the cake I made for the boy's birthday party. I think it turned out pretty cute. The only down side was that the black icing tasted super gross so we just avoided those cupcakes. haha.

Birthday Wishes!

My wee boy turns 3 today. I remember going to the hospital to have him like it happened yesterday. Hard to believe that 3 years has gone by. It felt long while I was part of it but now looking back it seems much faster. Happy Birthday sweet boy! We love you!

I want to cry!

This ruffle birthday cake is so pretty I want to cry! I almost can't wait until my wee girl turns 1 so I can make this! Well attempt to make this. Not sure I'm that talented but I so want to try! You can find the recipe for this beauty on Martha Stewart.

Rolling Bridge

The creative brain continually amazes me. This Rolling Bridge that sits over London's Grand Union Canal is a perfect example. This amazing idea just blows me away. The UK based Heatherwick Studio created this bridge which is run off of a hydraulic system in the handrail and retracts into an octagon to allow boats to move through the canal. For more info see here and here.

Found: Popular Mechanic
Image: Steve Speller via Heatherwish Studio

Cuteness Alert!!!

Oh my goodness this little guy just fills me with joy! He is beyond adorable! He, and many more amazing creatures, can be found in the wonderful shop Misspetel on Etsy. This shop is amazing! This little critter is "made of paper mache, colored with acrylic non-toxic paints, covered with water-based varnish for protection. Size approx. 43x16x25 cm (17”x6”x10”). Eco-friendly sculpture from recycled and reused materials."! Amazing!!!! Definitely give this shop a visit but be for warned your sure to fall in love!

Go Canada!

I recently came across the Canadian shop All Decked Out on Etsy. This awesome shop makes earrings, belt buckles, rings, necklaces, etc. all out of recycled skateboards! I love the idea of making something new out of broken skateboards and how each item is unique due to the designs on each skateboard that used. Check out this amazing shop by clicking here.

You won't be smashing this open!

I recently purchased a piggy bank for my son. It's cute and all but I so wish I would have come across this guy instead. This awesome money box can be found in the shop Kay Loves Vintage on Etsy.

Recycled Paint Chips

I think I've found a kindred spirit in Kristen over at Paper Crave. She loves the paint chip wall and so do I. I've often wanted to grab as many paint chip samples as I could carry but alas what to do with them? Well check out this sweet little idea that Kristen put me on to from Real Simple. How fun! Hmm.....there might be a trip to the hardware store in my near future.


image from Real Simple

Alberta Street Team - MAY MADNESS SALE!

Starting today I'm participating in the Alberta Street Team MAY MADNESS SALE, May 1 - 7. I'm offering 10% off your entire order (excluding shipping). Refund to be given back through Paypal after purchase has been made. Click here to be taken to my shop.

For a complete list (by category) of shops that are participating please see our Team Blog.