Presence of Dirt

In the last year I've really developed a craving for horticulture. I am not sure if because a year ago I was planning a wedding and craved simplicity...something I found in sussing out wedding flowers. Something I have learned from admiring the greenery is that shrubs, flowers, trees just 'are'; they are simple and take what they need, no more no less. They just ARE.

Can you imagine if we all tried to just be our 'are'?! What would be accomplish, or better yet would be long for less and enjoy more? It's a bit mind-boggling to think of, and I think it's because our society as a whole pushes us to go-go-go as well as want-want-want. I know Chris and I are trying really hard to cut back on our wants and start enjoying our needs and no more. I think this mentally will cut the financial stress we have been feeling for a while now (something that has been the bane of my existence and to be honest, has made me so bitter it's pathetic).

Anyways, I am getting off topic! Chris and I have been fantasying about farming and living a much simpler life and in simpler I mean less TV & Internet..more dirt. We currently have this large window in our condo and with the large window comes this pathetic rock garden that was planted by the previous owner. We have never had an urge to do anything to our rock garden because we always found a different use for our time or pennies. We are fortunate enough to have amazing neighbours who have really opened our eyes to urban-gardening! A & N are both South African natives who have transplanted to North Vancouver and couldn't be cooler (for real, we are SO lucky to have them right next to us). They have really done a great job at creating their patio into this lush-shade loving oasis AND they turned this large condo wood planter into an urban garden!

We spent the whole weekend working the land, adding new soil, mixing in bonemeal and pretending to be landscape architects (maybe a new calling for both of us?!) I have to say I am extremely pleased with the outcome...our little shade garden is beautiful and very calming to me. I enjoy drinking my coffee and staring out the window now, soaking in all the different textures. 

Original rock garden that was part of the condo when we purchased it. We made due until we couldn't handle the look of it anymore.

I found these two Blue Angel Hosta's for a steal..and I mean STEAL of a deal $27 each! I also was able to purchase the Hellebore's for $8 each as well. Hellebore's are my favorite.

We ended up using the cement edging to create water steps to make it easier when watering the bed. Chris and I also fell in love with this Japanese Maple while cruising the local nursery  and here is the best part: it was only $40! We decided it's going to be one of our one year wedding anniversary gifts. Once the mud settles down around the bed, I know it's going to look amazing. We are so happy with the way it turned out, it was a lot of work but totally worth it (kind of the like a marriage *wink*)


I hope you have a great week!

-XO


p.s. Remi decided to 'help' us garden this weekend too (aka eat as much dirt as possible before we notice). 

{Guilty}

Lemons & Lemonade

It's a rare occurrence for lemonade to be made from a terrible lemon situation; I am happy to say that my Summer Tippy fabric fiasko was seen as a golden opportunity by two fashionista's (and old school friends). 

Meet the faces behind Boubeads

Chandace & Chancie {aren't they gorg?!}

These two ladies are both hard working, down to earth mumma's with a wicked sense of style... and on a budget I might add! They are both faithful readers of this blog and when they read of the problems I was having with all this pre-cut and dyed fabric only to propose a collaboration with Boubeads. It was a no-brainer on my end, all these wonderful colors I created could be used and used in something amazing! Boubeads were created not purely for their aesthetic, but the role they play when nursing your little one. They were created with little hands in mind and are totally non-toxic!  

So last night when I received the some photos of the finished product, I couldn't be MORE excited to show off these goodies. 


Introducing TK + B 

I am so excited to receive my TK + B! What about you?!

To purchase visit Boubeads Etsy Store here
Like Boubeads on Facebook here

& 
Check out Tippyknits Etsy Store here
Like Tippyknits on Facebook here

Waking Up

I enjoy coffee. In fact, I am sitting here sipping on my first cup of the day, and yes, it's noon and yes, I just rolled out of bed. But in all fairness I have an excellent reason behind my late approach to the morning and that would be Remi. His stomach has been one hot mess lately and we can't seem to figure out what is coming or going (gross, I know). So my morning technically started at 5am in the windy (and extremely cold) N.Vancouver darkness waiting for my dog to chomp down as much grass as possible... while I questioned myself for putting on my flip-flops vs. my Uggs. I cannot even imagine what rearing a child is like...


When I am up that early I find my mind is clear and popping with ideas... especially ideas for Tippyknits. I wanted to show you how I get inspired to create the colors for Summer Tippy's and how nature plays a huge role for me. 

This Summer Tippy was inspired by all the beautiful fancy tulips seen around Vancouver. 

This Summer Tippy was inspired by the most beautiful Vancouver sunsets! 

Get outside and play today!

-xo 

Finding My Panties

This week has been a busy one! I swear, going away on my honeymoon was a major necessity because I have been on the go 110% ever since we've been back. Last night, I lost my mind (and my big girl panties).

On Sunday we drove out to purchase 41 yards of fabric for Summer Tippy's. Now, if you don't know how much 41 yards of fabric is...its the equivalent of 123 ft or 1,476 inches; basically it's a butt load of fabric. I was so excited to get home to start the process (cutting, washing, dyeing, washing & stretching). This was done over 4 days only to have discovered late last night that the cotton had shrunk a lot more then anticipated... so much so that I actually couldn't use ANY of the 50 Summer Tippy's I worked so hard to create.

{ whomp-whomp }
Instead of throwing a tizzy I had some internal rage to work through, I searched around my condo found my big girl panties and put those suckers on! Between this ordeal and the whole mixup on my leather straps I was about to give up (either that or just pour myself a large scotch to soak up the problems). I decided instead of having a meltdown I remembered that if I can get myself through getting tested for Lymphoma which ultimately led me to being diagnosed with Hemochromatosis AND deal with all the treatments I sure as hell can push through this. Hand me those big girl panties...let's do this! This weekend I go for round two of purchasing fabric to begin the process all over again.

This morning while I was mailing off some wonderful clients Tippyknits & telling my local postal lady the terror from last night, she looked directly at me and said 'I know something amazing will come out of this'. Just hearing those words from someone I barely know, someone who reassures me that everything is going to be awesome just made my day! And, who knows what will come from these......

'Tippykints & Short Cottons'

Drink anyone?!

-XO

Flux

I came across this today online and thought it was so simply put that it was profound to me. I don't know what it is...if it's the winds of change within my heart that stirs it to long for something more, or if it's the complete and utter lack of sunshine on the West Coast that is really digging at me. I am in the midst of studying for my very last final exam in my University career AND packing for my very first trip with my husband. A first & a last...both of which I am excited to experience! I know I have been very absent from the blog, and I am going to try really hard to stay motivated and inspired to create inspiring posts for you..my lovely reader. I also decided that I am going to begin integrating Tippyknits into the blog as well. For a long while I was keeping my 'work life' and 'play life' more separate only to realize they are in fact, one in the same. Plus, I find people who works so hard at keeping their life compartementalized end up cracking at the seams --- no thank you!

-xo