Designed by RJ

Streetsville in the Summer

2009-07-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

While baby-SIL was visiting this past weekend, we went for lunch downtown Streetsville... we ate at the Franklin Pourhouse, built in 1855 and closed in 1927 during the Temperance act.

It had rained all morning, so the streets were fairly empty - except for all of the overflowing flower baskets... beautiful!

Summer Sale

2009-07-13T14:08:00.000-04:00

All Summer long I'm featuring different items on sale for 25% off! Visit my Summer Sale section at Designed by RJ.

This week I'm featuring co-ordinating earring & necklace sets:

One Whirlwind Visit = One Groomsmaid Dress

2009-07-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Mister's "baby" sister was in town visiting this weekend - and as she lives on the other side of the country MIL took advantage of her visit to whip up her groomsmaid dress for our upcoming nuptials!

We went from this:

To this:

All in one short weekend, amidst a flurry of visits with preggo-SIL, trips to quaint downtowns and lots and lots of good eats!

MIL has bravely taken on sewing both SIL's groomsmaid dresses, which has turned out fabulously. Many modifications were made to the above dress, both as the pattern was being cut and the dress being fitted. Not something you can really do with your standard bridal wear.

Added bonus? Buy your material at a 50% off sale and you have a fabulous, custom-made dress for under $50 (not counting labor of course!).

There are still a few finishing touches to do, but I love how the dress turned out. And baby-SIL looks hot in it! I can't wait to get to momma-to-be-SIL and her dress... especially since by that point someone (namely me) will have to cuddle her brand new baby while she's being fitted!

Best Lemonade. Ever.

2009-07-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

In search of juice after Bootcamp, my mom offered me lemonade. Homemade lemonade.

It was delicious!

It's a concentrate you make in batches, then dole out as required to make individual servings to taste! Here's how:

Ingredients:
Concentrate:
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
Finely grated zest of 1 washed lemon
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, pits discarded [mom used 6-8 lemons, closer to 1 1/2 cups]

Mixer:
Cold water or club soda (for fizzy lemonade) to taste
Superfine (fruit) sugar to taste (skip this if you like yours tart!)
Ice Cubes

Directions:
Concentrate:
1. Bring water sugar and zest to boil in small pan on high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil 2 minutes.
2. Strain into large measuring cup discarding zest. Stir in lemon juice. (Makes about 2 1/4 cups concentrate.)
3. Transfer to small plastic storage jug with tight lid. Refrigerate until needed.

Drinks: (Individual or by the jug)
Per cup of water or club soda, stir in about 3T concentrate. Test a spoonful for the right acidity, adjust sweetness by stirring in superfine sugar. Fill each glass with ice cubes. Pour lemonade over ice. Garnish with slices of lime or lemon, or sprigs of mint. Makes about 12 servings.

--------------------
She found the recipe in the June 6th Toronto Star, and altered it slightly, because she likes it tart! *lol* And FYI: 1 lemon = 3 to 4 Tablespoons of juice and a rounded teaspoon of grated zest.

Photo sources: 1. Lemonade, 2. lemonade, 3. When life gives you lemons..., 4. Homemade Lemonade Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Bride on a Budget: Inspiration

2009-07-09T13:37:00.004-04:00

Inspiration comes from all kinds of unexpected places...

At first I had no real intention of having a colour scheme. But as the bits and pieces come together there are definitely prevalent colours being used: olive, teal, electric blue, hot pink and white.

So I decided it was high time to put together a little inspiration board:

I've focused mainly on items we'll be using, or ones very similar to them. The mantle on the right is from a wedding at our venue - I love all the candles! And bottom right - while we won't be using shot glasses and tiny bud vases, this is somewhat the look I'm going for.

The fabric bottom center are actual swatches, which I've shared with you before... And in totally non-inspiration news my sil in flying in this weekend from Vancouver with her pattern, which may result in her groomsmaid dress being sewn!

But back to inspiration... I've found inspiration online (Flickr is one of my all time favorite eye candy sites), and of course in magazines (I have a towering stack of bridals it's about time I revisit).

One of the things I love best about being inspired, is that you can take that vision and make it work for you! Whether it's to fit your colour scheme, your season or your budget.

How are you inspired?

the Twilight Saga: Books 2 thru 4

2009-07-09T08:00:00.004-04:00

I recently finished reading the rest of the Twilight series... yes, I'm a sucker for a sappy love story - even when filled with teen angst, immaturity, and not-so fabulous writing.

I'm glad I whipped through them in record time, as I was able to ignore most of the horrible editing (seriously, they could have used at least two more rounds before going to print!).

Over the course of the last three books I found the whole love-triangle between Jake, Bella and Edward a bit drawn-out and the resolution far-fetched (you know, as far-fetched as it's possible to be in the world of vampires & shape-shifters). But I guess there was a reason Meyer was warming us up to the idea of imprinting on a child...

It's been a long time since I've read any teen fiction (aside from the chaste Harry Potter, and era-appropriate Anne of Green Gables), but it was down right hilarious how Meyer "dealt" with the sex scenes between Bell & Edward - in that she didn't deal with it at all.

Was she cognisant of her audience's wide age-range? Was she just plain uncomfortable writing the scene? I'd be interested to know. And if the movie franchise makes it that far along, will they do the same? (or will R-Patz fiends demand more? *lol*).

I don't really have much to say on the books other than the story was fun, I loved the different angle on vampires and the connection with the shape-shifters. I'm sure I'll watch New Moon when it comes out this fall, but really - with Edward MIA for most of the story, what's the point?! ;)

I'd love to read a more grown-up vampire series along the same lines... the last one I really got into were the Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, and that was back in high school. Any recommendations?

A Custom Creation

2009-07-08T19:44:00.002-04:00

Every once in a while I get to create something completely different from my typical style... and my typical style has a pretty wide range as it is!

I recently had a custom request to make a sparkly set of bracelets with swarovski pearls and crystals:

I had a lot of fun working on them, they turned out really pretty and quite elegant. And it's geared me up to start working on my own wedding jewelry!

Our first Harvest!

2009-07-07T15:36:00.003-04:00

Way back in late-March I planted some seeds to get our garden started... sadly the garden didn't get going in enough time to plant the seeds that sprouted (which wasn't many!).

So once we got our act together, and had dumped a few loads of compost onto the garden we planted another round of seeds. Followed by some crummy and unseasonal cold weather not much happened there either... but a few seeds did sprout, and so, our first harvest:

A handful of green beans, some delicious breakfast radishes, and a handful of cherry tomatoes.

Fortunately we got in another planting just in time for some real summer weather, and these seeds have finally taken, with the promise of a decent harvest later in the month!

This is my first gardening experience, in probably a good ten years, so despite the lackluster first harvest, I'm pretty please with the potential!

Lions and Tigers and Babies, oh my!

2009-07-06T13:02:00.003-04:00

I helped host a baby shower this past weekend for my sister-in-law, and it was so much fun! It's been 6 years since I've done a baby shower and my MIL had never hosted one before, so it was definitely a learning experience!

It was based around a jungle theme, mainly cute "wild" animals... but only loosely. We made fun tissue poms in bright, bold colours:

(Once we got the hang of it, they worked out great! I plan on making more in October to use as wedding décor).

I dug up some images of diaper cakes and MIL put together this fabulous creation:

And of course I had to put some onesies to use! I picked up a pack of day-of-the-week onesies and hung a few inside near the finger food - they were a huge hit, and also a great take-home for the mom-to-be!

(In hindsight, I probably should have taken the painting down, but oh well!)

It was a fun day with friends and family, and I can't wait to meet my little nephew in August!

We Have a Winner!

2009-07-02T17:21:00.006-04:00

We had a fabulous road trip, with over 275 entries into the fabulous draw for a goodie bag, full to the brim with Handmade-in-Canada fabulousness, and worth over $350! Plus a handwoven rug by the wonderful Pegg at Five Forty, with a retail value of $175!

The draw was held today and the winners announced!

I'm thrilled to say the goodie bag winner was a Designed by RJ customer! Yay!

Thanks to every one for joining us on our road trip and taking part in the giveaway! It was tons of fun!

And don't forget, there's still a big sale-abration going on at Designed by RJ with 25% off! Plus FREE shipping on orders over $50!

It's a Big Sale-abration!

2009-07-01T10:00:00.006-04:00

It's Canada Day!
It's my 4th Etsyversary!
And the 4th of July is just around the corner...

So to celebrate I've marked down everything at Designed by RJ by 25%!

Plus all orders of $50 or more receive FREE shipping!

Prices are already marked down, no waiting for a refund or revised invoice!
Offer runs until July 5th!

Last Chance to Enter!

2009-07-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Have you entered the fabulous Trans Canada Road Trip Giveaway yet?

Today is the last day to enter to win one of two HUGE prizes to be won, worth over $500 retail!

Happy Canada Day!

New at Designed by RJ: Rocking It series

2009-06-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

I've been having fun with colour again, and the Rocking It series is the result!

I've created a series of four fun, asymmetrical necklaces each featuring a vintage enameled charm, accented with colourful beads of all shapes and sizes.

The series is a limited edition, only two of each design will be made! They're currently available at Designed by RJ for only $22 each, and come in a kraft jewelry box, perfect for gift giving (to yourself or others!)

A Wedding Weekend

2009-06-29T11:41:00.002-04:00

The Mr. and I spent a fabulous weekend with friends, celebrating the marriage of Adam & Danielle.

Thursday night we drove out to Montreal to pick up friends, before heading to Fossambault on Friday for a whirlwind of mostly self-catered events! It was an amazing weekend, and after seeing all the prep and effort that went into everything, all I can say is that Danielle is a braver bride than I am!

I didn't take as many photos as usual, but here are a few of my favorites...

A double rainbow, as seen from our car, stuck in rush-hour traffic as we tried to escape Toronto:

Chamière Juchereau Duschenay, a quaint little inn with a delicious breakfast!

The boys, warming up pre-ceremony with a whiskey:

The best man and two groomsmen, waiting for their turn with the photographer:

Me and my honey (and my new bangs! Can you tell it was a tad humid?):

Our favorite way to eat in Quebec, popping by the nearest grocery for some fresh fruit and delicious cheese!

Shop & Win!

2009-06-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

**Thank you for participating! This giveaway is now closed.**

Have you seen the amazing prize pack up for grabs from the Trans Canada Road Trip Giveaway? It's a fabulous "goodie bag" worth well over $350!

Here's the low-down on all the fabulous handmade products inside:

Five Forty prize pack contribution: a suncatcher, retail value $42

MyHandboundBooks prize pack contribution: leather journal, retail value $39

i Heart That Dance prize pack contribution: handmade bag, retail value $35

Laura Bucci prize pack contribution: cup cozy, retail value $12

RJ Charms & Designed by RJ prize pack contribution: earrings and a bookmark, retail value $17

Rikrak prize pack contribution: bib, retail value $21

Off the Hooks prize pack contribution: crocheted hat, retail value $20

Too Aquarius & ClayChicks prize pack contribution: two necklaces, retail value $20

Pixel8ed prize pack contribution: recipe book, retail value $10

Tangente prize pack contribution: a catnip mouse, retail value $8

Inkyspider prize pack contribution: brooch, retail value $9

Kootsac prize pack contribution: set of reusable produce bags, retail value $10.50

Prairie Peasant prize pack contribution: journal, retail value $20

Carvel Country soaps prize pack contribution: $20 gift certificate

Bovine Bubbles prize pack contribution: $20 gift certificate

Sea Glass Designs prize pack contribution: necklace

Piggy Tails prize pack contribution: stationary

String Me Along prize pack contribution: set of hair pins, retail value $27

Paisley Baby prize pack contribution: wet bag, retail value $13

WillowCatVintage prize pack contribution: gift certificate

With each purchase you make at any of the above shops you're automatically entered to win! Spend over $10 and receive one additional ballot for each $10 spent (eg. spend $30 - get 3 ballots!).

For full details and to meet our fabulous team members visit the Trans-Canada team blog!

Bride on a Budget: the Flower Girl

2009-06-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Now that my big girls all have their dresses in order, it's time to focus on my little girl!

I'm having a tough time deciding on a flower girl dress... there are just so many adorable options out there! And frankly I'm a little envious of some of them!

My main goal is to find something hot pink. Even better if it comes in under $50.

Right now I'm wish washing between a long tutu:

Tutu from Trinity's Tutus

Or a simple A-line, in a fabric similar to what the big girls will have, and which my mom could potentially make.

I think the tutu would be a fun contract to the sleek lines us big girls will be wearing... and heck, what little princess doesn't want a tutu?!

Mostly-Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-24T12:23:00.002-04:00

We were in Port Dover last weekend, on Lake Erie... here area f ew of my favorite shots from the trip:

We Have Dresses!

2009-06-22T13:30:00.004-04:00

The hunt is finally over, and all three of our wedding party ladies have their dresses (or at least their fabric and patterns!).

My MoH will be wearing olive green, and our two groomsmaids will be wearing teal and midnight blue.

So now we can go ahead and order ties for the guys (olive, teal and electric blue for the Mr.) and I can start hunting out some jewelry inspiration!

On the workbench...

2009-06-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Well, work table really.

It's been a busy week, with a few fun custom projects in the works... a selection of custom bookmarks in a rainbow of colours:

{Did you know that virtually everything at RJ Charms is customizable! I have a list of aprox. 100 charms ready to turn into necklaces, bookmarks, earrings, keychains and more!}

Some cheery cherry jewelry, on it's way to the July 11th Cherry Park Festival in Kitchener, ON:

And baby shower decorations! My {future} sister-in-law has a bun in the oven and I've declared myself in charge of the jungle-themed shower decorations... but I can't share yet! Sil reads the blog {hi Lou!} and I'd like to keep a *few* things as a surprise for her!

Trans Canada Road Trip Event - PRIZES TO BE WON!

2009-06-20T09:28:00.016-04:00

It's time for a road trip across Canada!

There are 20 fabulous Canadian Etsy shops participating in this huge event, and there are two amazing prizes up for grabs!

The first prize is a fabulous goodie bag filled with all sorts of fun, fabulous items donated by all the participating shops. The retail value is over $360 USD!

The second prize is a gorgeous T-shirt rug - made with T-shirts donated by each participant, and woven by team member, Five Forty. The fabulous rug measures 34" x 55" and has a retail value of $175!

To win either of these prizes get shopping! Buy from any of the participating shops, and for every $10 spent in a shop, you will have one ballot entered into the contest. So spend up to $10 for 1 entry, and receive one additional entry for every $10 more you spend {before shipping}!

Visit these fabulous shops for your chance to win:

Jewelry & Accessories:

www.rjcharms.etsy.com {that's me!}

www.stringmealong.etsy.com/

www.seaglassdesigns.etsy.com/

www.offthehooks.etsy.com/

www.enthral.etsy.com/

www.designedbyrj.etsy.com {that's me too!}

Handbags:

www.paisleybaby.etsy.com/

www.laurabucci.etsy.com/

www.iheartthatdance.etsy.com/

www.rikrak.etsy.com/

Cards & Journals:

www.pixel8ed.etsy.com/

www.myhandboundbooks.etsy.com/

www.piggytailsstationary.etsy.com/

www.prairiepeasant.etsy.com/

Bath & Body:

www.carvelcountrysoaps.etsy.com/
www.bovinebubbles.etsy.com/

Clothes:

www.tangente.etsy.com/

www.inkyspider.etsy.com/

www.willowcatvintage.etsy.com/

House & Home:

www.fiveforty.etsy.com/

www.kootsac.etsy.com/

Handmade Supplies:

www.tooaquarius.etsy.com/

www.claychicks.etsy.com/

The event runs from June 20th, to July 1st. The draw will be held on July 2nd.

Full details are on our team blog here: transcanadaetsyteam.blogspot.com

Happy Canada Day from the TransCanada Etsy Team!!!

To receive one ballot without purchase, simply go to piggytails shop and send her a convo sharing a description of your favorite Canadian thing. Tell us why you love it and what it means to you.

To Bang or Not to Bang...

2009-06-19T08:00:00.003-04:00

I want bangs.

But I know they will drive me nuts after about 2 weeks. And my hair is thin... not full like these lovely ladies....

Zooey Deschanel

Am I nuts for contemplating a major hair change a mere 4 months prior to my wedding? (Mostly my wedding photos really... I have to look at those forever!). I'm due for a haircut soon - should I take the plunge and jump (albeit belatedly) on the bang bandwagon?

I think I was probably 10 the last time I rocked bangs... I'm due, right?

Liv Tyler

Raspberry Chicken Salad

2009-06-18T08:25:00.000-04:00

It seems like every time we go grocery shopping we come home with packs and packs of berries... I love this time of year! One of my favorite things to do with berries {if they last long enough that is!} is mix them into a delicious summer salad.

Ingredients:

- 2 to 3 chicken breasts, sliced

- 1 clove garlic, chopped

- olive oil for cooking

- 1 package raspberries, washer

- your favorite mix of greens (my favorite is baby spinach and maché)

- 1 green onion, sliced

- half a cucumber, quartered and sliced

- fresh herbs to taste

- raspberry vinaigrette

Directions:

1. In a large frying pan, heat oil and cook garlic until tender. Add chicken and cook until done.

2. In a large salad bowl mix together greens, onion, and cucumber. Top with raspberries, chicken and herbs. Toss lightly. Add dressing to taste.

Enjoy!

Serves 4.

T minus 129

2009-06-17T10:25:00.002-04:00

As of this very moment it's 129 days until my wedding... and you know what? I'm bored!

Maybe it's because I know what I want, and haven't done too much hemming and hawing... and maybe it's that we're not going overboard with bells and whistles. But I'm a bit bored with all this wedding planning.

I do still have a list of things to do, including a few DIY projects. But nothing pressing, and projects that will at most take a few hours of my time.

It's been 7 months since our engagement, and frankly, I'm ready to be married already! Hopefully attending a friends' wedding next weekend will inspire me again... I really shouldn't leave too many projects for September!

Are you in the middle of planning? Have you hit the bored phase yet, or is it just me?

New at RJ Charms: Earrings

2009-06-16T09:00:00.005-04:00

Have you seen the lateat at RJ Charms? Some of my most popular charms now come as earrings!

Don't see the charm you want? Any of my charms can be made into exactly what you want, so if you see a charm in the necklace section, but would like it as earrings - just ask!

And remember, RJ Charms now offers Free Shipping to Canada & the US. And a low, flat rate to everywhere else!

A Trip to Paris

2009-06-15T11:19:00.002-04:00

Sadly, it was Paris, Ontario - not Paris France!

The Mr., his mom and I went kayaking yesterday, down the Grand River which run through Paris, On (home of the first long distance telephone call!). Aside from getting a dud rental kayak, it was a beautiful day and we had a great trip!