We Saw Santa | Vlog 60

Parade and Quilting / Vlog 59

I Thrift!

If you have followed my vlogs at all you will know that I love to thrift. I'm not really a big shopper but there is something about the hunt for a treasure amongst the sea of mismatched and unlikely clothing that I just can't get enough of. Besides the thrill of the hunt, who can say no to a new condition garment for $1. Not that everything is that cheap but it has happened.
Everything I buy is in new or like new condition. I'm not on the hunt for worn out clothing......unless its a vintage Tee. In that case bring it on.

I thought I would share some of the things I've picked up over the last month on my thrifting adventures.

 

This black le chateau tunic top was the piece I got for a dollar and the gold coin necklace was 50 cents. Not a bad look for under 2 bucks.

 

Plaid shirts are everywhere at the moment so I was lucky to  find this one for $2.50.  It doenst even look like it has been worn and its so soft. 

 

I also found this Anne Klein sleeveless top. It has such a cute zipper detail on the back, I couldn't pass it up.

I love this print. It reminds me of a Pucci print. The colours are amazing and the flutter sleeves are so pretty.

These are so comfortable. Skinny jeans by Joe Fresh. They sit a little a tummy which is helpful for those of us with a little extra. I find since have c-sections that a low cut paint is very uncomfortable. They do need to be altered a bit as I have a dip in my back causing them to gape a tiny bit, but I happen to know a skilled seamstress

Don't forget to search the home sections of your local thrift shop. Its usually the first place I go. I loved this lamp and am now on the look out for a cool shade or I might do a little DIY on this one.


You won't always find something every time but I feel like its always worth a look.

Stay Thrifty!

Beauty Sewing Mashup

I received an Ipsy Glam Bag and a Fat Quarter Shop sewing sampler subscription box in the mail. These are filled with great products and testers. Have a look at what I got and if you are interested give them a try.

The Ispy Glam Bag is $10 plus $5 shipping. You receive 5 product samples and it is a good value.

 The Fat Quarter Shop Box gives you 5 products including a recipe card with a quilt block pattern. This box is $24.95+ shipping.

I did make a video where I go through each product in the box. Hope you enjoy!

Safari Niagara / Vlog 55

Trackside Music Festival / Vlog 54

Playing Hooky / Vlog Week 53

Anyone Seen Evan? Vlog Week 52

Uh Oh, Thrift Shop / Vlog Week 51

Sarcasm! Learn It! / Vlog Week 50

First One in the Pool / Vlog Week 49

This is Bonkers! / Vlog Week 48

Why YouTube?

Mother's Day / Vlog Week 47

30 Days of Yoga

In April I did the 30 Day Yoga Challenge at DoYouYoga.com. From April 1st till the 30th I did a short 10 to 20 minute yoga session every day.

The first week was a little rough. I realized I had lost all my flexibility and balance. This was a little discouraging. I have done yoga on and off for the last 10 years and it was disappointing to realize I could no longer bend over and touch my toes. However by the end of the first week my finger tips could once again graze the mat.

As the days went on it got easier and easier to get to the mat everyday. It just became part of my morning routine.

By day 30 I have gained quite a bit of flexibility and by balance has increased. My body feels a little stronger, I'm not nearly as stiff when I get up in the morning and my mood feels lighter. A daily practice has really helped with stress, I'm sleeping better, I have more energy and I find myself making better food choices.

I think making an effort to take care of yourself, better yourself even, can have a trickling effect on many things in your life.

Now that April is over, I have been kept up my yoga practice 5 days a week and am making the weekends optional.

Despite all the benefits I've received over the last month the greatest is the completing a challenge like this. I feel a real sense of accomplishment to start this and see it through for 30 days.

What challenges have you completed?

P.S. Although weight loss was never a goal, I did lose 7 pounds.

She Don't Look That Cute / Vlog Week 45

Toronto / Vlog Week 46

Happy 4th Birthday Mia

Memory Lane Monday: A Genuine Smile

Who: Me

When: March 2010

Where: Toronto, Ontario

What: Jake and I were in Toronto for a tattoo appointment. I remember being so excited as I was getting a bad 10 year old tattoo finally covered. I remember when Jake took this picture. He said my name, I turned and he snapped this shot. I love that the fact that I am smiling. I was genuinely happy. Jake and I love to spend time in the city. Even though I have lived my life in small towns I crave the hustle and bustle of city life.

Grapefruit Beer is Bad / Vlog Week 44

This week I moved my shop around, hello spring cleaning, and we tried one of the worst beers ever.

15 Weird Questions Tag

Memory Lane Monday: Evan's Sinking Feet

Who: Evan

When: Summer 2012

Where: Grand Bend, Ontario

What: Do you remember watching your feet disappear into the sand with every wave? I looked up from the blanket where I was sitting with Mia, and saw my 5 year old boy amazed by how his feet were sinking into the sand. It's heartwarming to watch your children discover things. I still love to do that at the beach.

Zootopia!!! We Need Popcorn / Vlog Week 43

Yoga Week 1 Update

I am writing this 7 days into  my 30 day yoga challenge.

So far I have found it very easy to incorporate theses short yoga sessions into my daily schedule. I have found the perfect time of day, right after Evan gets on the bus,  and I am really liking the routine.

Day 1 I realized that any flexibility i had gained from earlier practice was gone. Of course the last time I did a daily practice was a year ago.  My heels don't touch the ground in  downward dog and  bending forward I can't touch my toes. My fingers tips just barley graze the floor. Also, my abs were  in AGONY mid week. I know that by the end of the month I will see progress with my flexibility.

For someone who suffers from chronic muscle pain with Fibromyalgia I want to clarify one thing. Muscle pain from exercise or working out is "good" pain. That is more of a  stiffness and feels very different.  Fibro muscle pain is more burning and aching. I am really welcoming this kind of muscle pain. It feels deserved. I worked really hard for those abs to hurt.  I held boat pose and plank till my muscles shook for that pain.  Damn straight!!



By now Week 2 is well underway. If you want to keep up with me daily. Follow me on Snap chat @ fullofthreads . I you to start the 30 day yoga challenge, it is for beginners, then sign up for the daily emails at DoYouYoga,com

Namaste

Memory Lane Monday: Siblings

Who: Evan and Mia

When: Fall 2012

Where: Grand Bend Lions Park

What: I was out for a walk with the kids and we stopped to take some pictures in the leaves. One thing is for sure. My kids are always up for a picture together. They are so close and have been since first sight. I love this picture of the two of them, with Evan looking down at her smiling. 

Volleyball Champ / Vlog Week 42

Pros and Cons of Working From Home

Memory Lane Monday: Baby Wearing Hike

Who: Me and Evan

When: Summer 2008

Where: Pinery Provincial Park

What: I very seldom wore a baby carrier, but when going for a family hike strapping Evan to me was the best way to go.  He loved it so much. So much to see. We usually go for a hike 2 to 3 times a week when the weather is nice. Once Evan could walk that kid could knock out 3km like it was nothing.  

Easter and Dog Walks / Vlog 41

We had a busy Easter weekend with family, egg hunts and we even coloured eggs. We also got out to enjoy the sunshine while it lasted.
Enjoy!

30 Days of Yoga

When spring comes it brings with it a sense of renewal. This time of year I tend to (with out thinking) eat better, get more active and just start living a little healthier.  Last April I did a 30 day Yoga challenge and it really got me back into being active everyday. Through the winter I must admit I get a little lazy.  This April I'm going to do it again.

I do this challenge through the site Do You Yoga. The sessions are only 10 to 20 minutes long so they are easy to fit into my schedule. Other great people I have followed for online yoga  are Tara Stiles and  Yoga with Adriene.

To keep accountable I'm going to be snapping my daily progress on Snap Chat. My user name is @fullofthreads. 

Interested in taking the challenge with me? Add me on snap chat and send me your snaps. 

We Start April 1st!!

Namaste

35 Life Lessons in 35 Years

As my birthday approaches I always try to focus less on how many new gray hairs I have since my last birthday and more on what I've learned since my last birthday.
After 35 years I don't have life figured out but i have learned a few lessons that make life better.

.

1. Take a moment to enjoy the little things. Ever watch snow fall? You don't know what you're missing.

2. Perfect is an illusion

3. Say what you need to say

4. If you don't need to say it...don't.

5.Don't make a big deal of small matters

6. Broken can still be repaired

7. There is no such thing as the perfect time

8. Learn to enjoy where you are and what you have.

9. Say Yes!

10. Keep your life asshole free.

11. People will remember you based on how you treat them, so act how you want to be remembered.

12. Look people in the eye

13.Be yourself, that is always enough.

14. If you love someone, tell them often

15. Manners take you far in life

16. People only change when they want to change

17. Be Silly

18. The world owes you nothing

19. Teach your children to be good people. The rest will fall into place.

20. Listen

21. Speak out

22. Keep an open mind

23. Always try your best

24. Everyone fails

25. It takes character to try again

26. The most valuable thing you can give someone is your time

27. There is nothing wrong with blind faith

28. Your spirituality is between you and God. The opinions of others have no place in this matter

29. Have a plan

30. Plans fall through, roll with it.

31. Envy is a waste of time.

32. If you want something, ask for it.

33. Like envy, hate is a waste of time.

34. Your life is unique, it is impossible to compare. So don't.

35. In the end Karma will find you.

What lessons have you learned?

Memory Lane Monday: Meme's Quilt

Who: My Mom, Julie. Doesn't she have a beautiful smile?

When: Christmas 2008

Where: Mom and Dad's House

What: My Meme (my Momma's Mother) passed away and I was given a quilt top she had made when she was 9 years old. It was hand stitched together from what I'm sure was just scrap fabric. This would have been made around 1922. I took the quilt top and finished it for my Mom for Christmas. It was a very personal project for me. I could see every little stitch she made by hand. Working on this made me miss her so much but I felt so close to her finishing what she had started. 

Korean BBQ / Vlog Week 40

The Easter Tag

10 questions all about Easter!

Memory Lane Monday 16

Who: Evan

When: Spring 2009

Where: Greenway, Ontario

What: I could not help but put Evan in his little bathrobe. He didn't keep it on very long and never wore it again but it made for such a cute little picture of my man child.

Add A Little Embroidery to Your Thrifting

I love thrifting. Not only do I love getting a good deal but I love the hunt. Searching through, sometimes piles of crap to find those little treasures. I'm not a big shopper. I actually hate shopping. Its the looking at a rack of identical clothes. I can't help but feel I am one of many to buy that shirt. Its not that my style is very unique but  I don't get excited for the purchase..Now thrifting...that is another story.

The thing I love is the possibilities. I'm a seamstress. The garment I may purchase may not be perfect but I have the ability to make it perfect. It may be too big but I like the fabric or I may not like the length or the collar but I can change that. I enjoy taking something and making it uniquely mine.
That is how I made one of my fabric pieces..

I bought a Black Denver Hayes Jacket that was in perfect condition for 5 dollars at one of my local thrift stores and added some embroidery to the back. Its not a unique shape or style but adding those little touches has made it into a one of a kind piece and something  I have had many many compliments on.

When you out at your local thrift store, keep your eyes open and your creativity flowing.You could stumble onto a  gem.

Memory Lane Monday 15

Who: Jake

When: Halloween 2009

Where: Greenway, Ontario

What: Jake is the great pumpkin carver. He always has the greatest designs and carves 3 or 4 a year for our house. Here he is with his large carving knife getting ready to make some magic. While he may be great at carving, cleaning them out always falls to me. And of course we keep those pumpkin seeds for roasting.

New Glasses / Vlog Week 39

Fibromyalgia: My Story

Memory Lane Monday 14

Who: Jake and Evan

When: Summer 2009

Where: Pinery Provincial Park

What: Jake was showing Evan all of the little fish that were swimming dear the dock. We spent a lot of time at the Pinery. We lived not a 10 minute drive and we hiked there at least 4 days a week. I have always loved this picture. 

I'm Feeling Pressure /Vlog Week 38

No Vlogging Today

The best part about vlogging is having all of these memories on camera. Yes I am presenting them to the public but they are forever out there for us to enjoy. The kids love to watch them....I have actually gone back to watch them. The kids have grown so much since that first vlog in May.

That being said it is nice to have some time together where I don't have a camera in someones face. It was a beautiful Saturday, and after all this snow I was just dying to get out of the house. Actually, I was dying to get out of town. The kids and I went to Goderich for the afternoon. We drove around, did some shopping, had dinner together and I didn't vlog any of it. Sometimes its nice to just enjoy the moment. See it through my eyes instead of the camera lens.

In reality I just share a snippet of our week, but I am always trying to capture the times we are out and as many events from the week as I can. It was nice to keep my camera in my purse and spend the day chatting with my kids.

P.S. During dinner my son looked at me with a big smile and said, "Thank you so much for taking us out today, Mom. I've had a really good day."  That was a  #proudmom #heartmelting moment.

Memory Lane Monday 13

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Who: Mia

When: Thanksgiving 2013

Where: Mitchell, Ontario

What: We were on our way home from spending Thanksgiving weekend at my Mom and Dads and we stopped at the petting zoo and park in Mitchell. The kids got a chance to feed some ducks and lamas and a goat and of course play at the park. Mia loved this little frog. I think the smile says it all.

I Passed!!! Vlog Week 37

How I Learned to Sew

Memory Lane Monday Week 12

Who: Me

When: August 2008

Where: Morrison Damn Conservation Area

What: This was the first fish I caught and reeled in all by myself. I was so proud....mine was bigger than Jake's that day. Yep! After this pic was taken Jake took him off hook (there was no way I was touching that thing) and set him free. 

Dogs are Like Toddlers Vlog Week 36

The Little Things Matter

Jake and I never really celebrate Valentine's Day. With that in mind the man has never shown up empty handed on the day. This years sweet treat was a box of chocolate cover caramel popcorn (OMG!!! BEST thing ever!), Forrero Roche's and a teddy bear. Just a thoughtful gift he must have picked up before the day because he showed up at 6:30 am after a long night of work with his gifts and that winning smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

The  reason why we never "really" celebrate Valentine's Day is that we try to show each other love and appreciation everyday. Grand gestures are always nice but its the little things that really make the difference.

On Valentines Day I was having a bad day. My fibromyalgia had decided to flare up, probably due to the cold, leaving several of my joints and muscles sore and causing some extreme fatigue. I ended up spending most of the day sleeping. Around dinner time I was up and about. He made dinner and then had to rush off to work again. After getting he kids bathed and in bed I was exhausted and was back in bed. I messaged him expressing my fatigue and warning him of the messy kitchen I dint have the energy to clean. No one likes coming home to a dirty kitchen.He of course said, "who cares, just get your rest". I figured after a good nights sleep I could tackle it in the morning.

I woke up to Jake crawling into bed around 7am. I kissed him goodnight and got up preparing to clean the kitchen...but first coffee. When I walked in the kitchen the dishes had been done and the coffee had been brewed. I was immediately touched. Its not a rare thing for Jake to do the dishes, or do his share of chores but on this occasion I knew why he had taken the time to do them.

Now they say it takes two to tango. It's all fine and dandy to do nice things for your spouse but if it goes unnoticed neither of you benefit from it.  I like doing little things for Jake. Like bringing him coffee in bed. Its a little thing but I know he appreciates it. How do I know? He tells me with a thank you, a squeeze of the hand and a smile. And that makes me feel  good.

Take the time to notice the little things and appreciate them. Its the day to day that makes a difference in your life. We want to teach our children to be good people . To do things for others and appreciate others when they do things for us. We try our very best to lead by example.

Memory Lane Monday 11

\Who: Evan and Mia

When: May 5, 2012

Where: Stratford Hospital

What: This was Evan and Mia meeting for the first time. He was so in love the first time he held her. "Her hands are so tiny",he said. He took ownership of her right away. This was HIS little sister. They are so close, I hope they are all their lives.

Your Phone Dropped Vlog Week 35

Top 5 Sewing Tools

Memory Lane Monday 10

Who: made by Me

When: September 2012

What: Custom made chiffon Wedding Dress. This was a special make for me as it was for my cousin Stephanie. I was so excited to make her dress and be there for her wedding. She was a beautiful Bride.

The Day Family Vlogs: Week 34 / I Need Full Service

Etsy Shop Update : Needles and Remnants

A few weeks ago a wrote a post about reopening my Etsy shop. If you would like to read that post you can find it here.

I just wanted to give an update as to how the reopening is going.

I have decided on a new name and have updated my banners on the shop. I have also started adding listings. I still do not have a launch date but I am hoping to be up and running by the middle of the month. I will continue to post pictures of things being added to the shop on my Instagram account so make sure you are following for updates.

The new name for the shop is Needles and Remnants. I hope you stop in when the shop in up and running.

Memory Lane Monday 9

Who: Me and Jake

When: October 2, 2004

Where: Grand Bend, Ontario

What: It's our wedding "Day"!!!! This photo was taken in the exact spot Jake proposed a year and half earlier.  I love this picture. Also, checkout that train! It was mega heavy to carry around all day but I loved it so much.

The Day Family Vlogs; Week 33/ Sunday Funday

Memory Lane Monday 8

Who: Evan, Mia and Jake

When: August 2012

Where: Pizza Hut

What: We were out shopping and stopped at Pizza Hut at Evan request. As I looked at my family on the other side of the table I had the urge to pull out my camera to take a picture. I love Evans face in the picture and Mia's reaction to him is just too cute. 

The Day Family Vlogs: Week 32 / Finger Paints and Enchiladas

Reopening My Etsy Shop

If  you watched my latest vlog ,I mentioned that I was revamping  my Etsy store. My Etsy shop opened in 2010 under the name Threads by Chantel and I stocked it with some ready made and made to order clothing. When Mia was born I sold what was in the shop and never restocked it.

For the last year I have been wanting to open the store again but I had another idea in mind.  Making custom clothing and doing alterations keep my studio full of leftover fabric. I always purchase extra fabric for a project "just in case" something should happen and I need to redo or remake something. This leaves a lot of extra fabric hanging around. In addition to that, I get a lot of fabric and clothing donations so not only am I given yards and yards of fabric but also clothing to cut up and upcycle.  My plan for the new shop is to use the remnants I am left with and stock it with one of a kind clothing, accessories and home decor.

The fashion industry creates a lot of fabric waste. I create a lot of waste and I am a one woman shop in a small town. I love the idea of putting all of these remnants to good use and creating some beautiful things. I have already created a few things from remnants and am preparing to open the store the first week of February.

Memory Lane Monday 7

Who: Evan and Jake

When: June 2009

Where: Home

What: We were going to a baptism for Jake's niece and my boys just happen to have similar outfits in their closet. It made for such a cute picture to have Evan dressed like his Daddy. Its amazing how fast the time goes. This feels like just yesterday.

The Day Fmaily Vlog: Week 31/ Practice Your Piano Kids!

Memory Lane Monday 6

Who: Mia

When: Christmas 2012

Where: Grandma and Grandpa's

What: We gathered for Christmas at Mom and Dads to celebrate with the family. Mia was 7 months old, although very tiny for her age. I can not remember how I came across this little dress but I do know that I loved it so much I have kept it, not having the heart to part with it. She looks like a little doll. xoxo

The Day Family Vlog: Week 30/ Volleyball and Mermaid Tails

Memory Lane Monday 5

Who: Ben Renzella, Me, Jake

When: February 2011

Where: Collingwood, Ontario

What: We rented a house in Collingwood for a long weekend to get away with friends and learn how to snowboard. Snowboarding turned out to be harder than I thought but by the time we left we  could make it down the hill without falling. This picture was taken as we were out the door for out first time on the hill. We came back looking not quite as slick. It was a great time!

The Day Family Vlogs: Week 29 / Christmas!