The Rosie Project

 I feel like I'm getting back in my reading mode.  It was helped along by finally reading a novel that was INTERESTING! I have read 3 books in 2021 so far. 

"Wife Wanted: Must be punctual, logical and enjoy travelling by bicycle. No smokers, drinkers, or horoscope readers need apply.

Don Tillman, has a brilliant scientific mind, but social situations confound him. He's never had a second date. And so in the evidence based manner in which he approaches all things, he embarks upon the Wife Project: a 16 page questionnaire to find the perfect partner. Then in walks Rosie Jarman."

You grow to love this quirky character and the science thrown into the mix is interesting as well. I definitely enjoyed this book and I hear that there is a 2nd one called The Rosie Effect. This was a first novel as well for the Author. Well done! 

Reading Goals and summary from 2021

 I spend so much time on the computer these days, that when work is done for the day, I don't want to spend another minute sitting down. Plus not much going on in Covid Lockdown world, Eat, Work, Sleep, Walk, Repeat. I haven't had much reading mojo either and of course, I had to get through Brigerton first! 😋

But now I feel like reading a little bit again, my first book was a young Adult dud! Do not recommend. And I'm currently reading The Apple Orchard (which needs to pick up SOON or its going to be a DNF)

Last year, I read 21 books. I think my favourite of all of them was Educated. And I also really liked The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. I'll try to keep better track this year, I read them so long ago, I can barely remember the plots. And did I mention I have 40 books at home in my To Be Read pile and what do I do, I ordered 5 books from the library. 

My Goal for this year is 40 books again. Here's to a big snowy blizzard and a day off to just read.

Happy New Year and new Kitchen

 It's taken me awhile to get back on the Blog. I've been working quite a bit and started a huge renovation on Oct 5th. As any of you know, that have gone through this, there is so much prep work to be done both before and after and so much cleaning. I finally got the final piece installed on Thursday(microwave) so now I can show off the final project. (I'm still waiting on a new door for the Dishwasher-there was a small dent)

Of course, the reno just continued growing. I ended up doing the whole main floor, then I switched all the electrical outlets in the house to white (my house is circa 1966) so it needs a lot of updating. Then I redid the flooring in the Main bath, then I needed a new toilet. I was only going to carpet the stairs and then the hallway, then I decided to do the whole upstairs (pending), then I decided to paint the Master bedroom before carpet. Then I wanted new windows and door in garage and laundry room. Well you can see how things have gone but I have put my foot down and no more renos for awhile. I'm blaming Covid for being trapped in my house. 

So lets start with the befores:

And now for my dream kitchen:

So many decisions, take the wall out? Yes, vinyl plank vs hardwood? Vinyl, Dark cabinets? Goudy black, Countertop: Quartz, Layout? Light fixtures, Hardware, Appliances, Cabinet style?

I could go on forever. But I had an amazing Kitchen designer; Randy Kraemer of Kraemer Kitchens and a terrific Contractor J&H Contracting, Waterloo.

I just LOVE every aspect especially the open concept but I still got my pantry and privacy from the street by maintaining a small wall separating the living room.

I will show you the details in another post. Maybe! 😊

October Swap Cards

 So I think Keri made her card for the You Pick challenge but as previously stated, I can't find anything or remember where her "real" swap cards is, so I'm going with this. Again, it's a stamp and die set from My Favourite Things and I believe the Celebrate is from Stampin Up.

How cute is that?

I did another Fall card using the Lawn Fawn set....

I love making Fall cards, the colours are always so rich and so nice to work with. Now lets hope my reno is done soon so I can get back to making some cards.

Sept Swap Cards

 It's been a hot minute since I've been one here and sadly our Swap streak may be broken. I was away in Sept for 10 glorious days with my NBF's. So much fun and laughter and crafting and some much needed mental wellness from the stress of the pandemic and the fears of a long winter ahead. Just as I arrived back, I launched into a massive reno of the house and now I'm entering Week 7 of chaos and let's just say I can't find anything, I can't remember anything and I certainly haven't had the time or the space for crafting.

At least, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now so I'm going to make a feeble effort to catch up.

So I know I made this cute card and exchanged it with Keri. You cant see the clouds in the background but they are there. This card has a lot of different elements including my favourite paper piecing. I just love the MFT girls to fit the various themes.

Sadly, I can't find or remember which card Keri made. If I find it I'll be sure to come back and edit.

August Swap Cards

 Wow, it's been a hot minute since I've been on the Blog and the entire program has changed up. I guess I'll be learning another new system. Here it goes....

I've had these cards for awhile and never got around to posting. It's been super busy getting ready for my reno and living life. Haven't touched a craft since I did this card. Hopefully a little more time in the craft room once the summer activities are wrapped up.

I decided to get a start on my theme cards for the Fundraiser (which sadly is postponed until next Fall) I used the Lawn Fawn set. Can you guess the theme?

Nicole also used Lawn Fawn. She's our interactive girl, she likes the challenge this type of card presents. It's really cute..

You press down the tab and PRESTO..

Keri used a Stampin Up die set. Isn't it clever to do the sunflower in white?

There you have it. I'm so behind on the challenges but I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet.

July You Pick Challenge

I'm starting August off right with a Blog Post, a card and a new book.

When I'm in a reading slump, I like to go back to Dystopian Young Adult to get going again. This trilogy got a lot of good reviews so I picked it up. Yes, I actually went inside the doors of my library and did a collect from the Entrance. Couldn't go inside but its at least open now.

Keri and I are continuing the You Pick challenge. For her I picked Sunny Studio Sweet Shoppe from my collection and here's what she made....

I just love the glaze on the donut and I never make Shaker cards so this is a real treat!

Keri picked MFT Birthday Chicks for me to use and I made this card..

I even put a little guy inside...

This is the stamp set that I used...

I'd say August is off to a good start!