Life of a Modest Gal

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-24T23:57:00.000-08:00

Chase

2011-11-27T22:26:00.000-08:00

source

I'm Nice

2011-11-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

source

Happy Birthday Mommy!

2011-10-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Today my Mom is 69 years young!
Happy Birthday Mommy!!!
For all the times you gently picked me up
when I fell down
For all the times you tied my shoes
and tucked me into bed
or needed something
but put me first instead.
For everything we shared,
the dreams, the laughter,
and the tears,
I love you with a "Special Love"
That deepens every year.

Happy Birthday

12 by 2012

2011-10-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

I am a procrastinator and I love a to do list. I started a 101 in 1001 list and I'm slowly crossing items off. So this evening when I was reading Danni's blog over at oh, hello friend, she came up with the brilliant idea of putting a list of things or goals that you want to get done by December 31st. Sounds simple right? So I thought...why not? It won't hurt! So here is my attempt at 12 by 2012....

1. Renovate my small walk in closet

2. Make more goodies for my website MadebyGinna

3. Make more home cooked meals for the Mister & myself

4. Start baking again

5. Clean up the computer room

6. Clean up my craft room again!

7. Enjoy myself at the Crafty Affaire Holiday Market launch on December 4th

8. Give out handmade Christmas presents to family and friends

9. Blog more often

10. Be nicer to people

11. Go on a little get away with the Mister

12. Laugh more often

So that's my list! I will update whenever I hit the goal (fingers crosssed!) Good luck to everyone participating!!!

xo
G

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

Image Source

Butterflies

2011-09-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Our family room off the kitchen needed some re-decorating. When we purchased the house back in 2008, we repainted the walls and used our old furniture from our Calgary house. The Mister did not like the way it looked but I was fine with it. He wanted a wall unit to house some art work and books. He wanted the TV to be hung on the wall. I was fine with the TV sitting on the media stand we bought a few years back. But he wasn't. He sketched different configurations of the wall unit and finally came up with the one below.

The wall above the TV was bare for a long time until I saw the butterflies on Hip and Clavicle's Etsy Shop. They are three dimensional and are made of paper. I love them. They come in so many colours but I chose black because it went with our decor.

Below are some before photos (they are not very good as I took them with my old Blackberry!)

This is our old TV stand. This was centered against the wall and there were book cases next to it.

Re-decorating in progress!

The final result!

Ginna

Been Busy

2011-09-11T22:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been AWOL for the last few months.
I have been busy with work and I guess life.
I got a promotion at work.
I lost one of my fur babies in July and I still cannot bring myself to write about it.
I've been working hard at putting together Crafty Affaire's Holiday Market.
I have been decorating and gardening.
I have been crafting and reorganizing my craft room (this took longer than I thought and is still a work in progress.
I also have been lazy on some days.

Hope you're keeping yourself busy too!!!

Ginna

Happy Birthday Baby!

2011-07-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Today is my hubby's birthday. I won't reveal his age but he is a few years older than me. He loves his birthday cakes as you can see from these pictures.

Happy Birthday Baby!!! Love you lots!!!

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

2011-07-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Today Canada is 144 years young! Happy Birthday Canada!!!

oh, hello friend

2011-06-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

I was visiting one of my favourite blogs, oh, hello friend and she was having a virtual birthday party on her blog. Danni just turned 26. Oh how I wish I was that age again. She is a lot wiser than I was! I loved all the photos she posted and I love her words of wisdom.

You know...my parents have been telling me this all along...I guess I should start listening to my parents!

First Day of Summer

2011-06-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of summer and we had sunshine the whole day! Yaaay!!!!

Even Google is celebrating summer! I love this Google Doodle by Takashi Murakami.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

Life Lessons

You may have thought I didn’t see, or that I hadn’t heard,

Life lessons that you taught to me, but I got every word.

Perhaps you thought I missed it all, and that we’d grow apart,

But Dad, I picked up everything, it’s written on my heart.

Without you, Dad, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today;

You built a strong foundation, no one can take away.

I’ve grown up with your values, and I’m very glad I did;

So here’s to you, dear daddy, from your forever grateful daughter.

Vancouver Riot Lovers

2011-06-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

After the Vancouver Canucks lost the Stanley Cup last Wednesday, riots erupted in downtown Vancouver. Cars were set on fires, windows were broken, stores were looted but amongst all the chaos love managed to show it self. Make love and not war!

Life

2011-06-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in your life when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it, you surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad and focus on the good. Just love the people who treat you right, life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of life - getting up is living. SO LIVE BABY LIVE!!!!!

xo
G

Go Canucks Go!

2011-06-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

One down

Three more to go!!!

Need I say more!!!

Yarn Bowls....I want!!!

2011-05-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

I was crocheting hats last week and my yarn was going everywhere...it was driving me nuts. I finally placed the ball of yarn in a plastic bag and tied the handles together so the yarn will stay in place. Today I was checking Etsy and some blogs and came upon these yarn bowls. I want!!!!

Aren't they wonderful!

xo

May Long and all I see is RAIN!

2011-05-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

The May long weekend is upon us here in British Columbia. It would usually be the time that I start doing up my flower pots and hanging baskets. I would also start planting some annuals in the yard but we have RAIN!!!!

Rain rain go away,
Come again another day.
Little Ginnie wants to play;
Rain, rain, go to Spain,
Never show your face again!

Last week we had a few days of sunshine after almost a week of rain. I know that April showers bring May flowers but it's May already and how are the flowers suppose to come up when I haven't had time to plant them!

I am going in the garden to plant between the raindrops...I guess I should be happy that I don't melt in the rain.

Crafty Affaire-White Rock's Newest Handmade Market

2011-05-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

I apologize for being MIA...been busy with Crafty Affaire, the new Handmade Market that I am organizing. It is taking a lot of my time lately. I have been trying to source out vendors for the show. T and I have been attending other craft shows in Metro Vancouver to see if we can find any potential vendors. We did find some, sent some emails and are waiting to hear back. I've been working on advertising and trying to get sponsors. It is very time consuming!

Hopefully everything will fall into place. Wish us luck.

xo
Ginna

Go Canucks Go!

2011-05-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

I watch hockey now and then but I am not a fanatic. When your home team is going for the Stanley Cup I guess it becomes a big deal. I'm getting on the band wagon for the Vancouver Canucks!

xo
Ginna

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T23:52:00.001-07:00

Call for Submissions

2011-04-03T17:35:00.001-07:00

www.craftyaffaire.com

Crafty Affaire

2011-04-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

I have been busy organizing and creating a new craft show called Crafty Affaire. This is the newest handmade market in White Rock. There is a lot to do so I will be busy for the next little while.

My friend (TN) & I decided to join our forces together to start up this new show. We sourced the location for the market now we have to find the vendors. I have been working on the website and logos. The website is taking alot longer than anticipated. I will probably tweeking until I get it right.

Lots, lots and lots to do.

xoxo
Ginna

Happy Spring!!!

2011-03-20T18:30:00.001-07:00

The sun is shining. The crocuses are blooming. The tulips are coming up. Everything is starting to come to life in the garden!

Happy Spring everyone!!!

xox

Ginna

Beautiful People

2011-03-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

Marilyn Monroe

Earth Hour-What are your Top 10 Things to do in the dark?

2011-03-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

At 8:30 pm on Saturday, March 26, 2011, lights will be switched off all around the world for Earth Hour. This movement will save a ton of energy. According to BC Hydro's Team Power Smart, "If British Columbians implemented the same conservation measure (as they did in 2010) for just one hour every evening, the combined savings would be enough to power close to 2,200 homes for an entire year." WOW!!!

What are your top 10 things to do in the dark?

Below is a list of my top 10:

1. Sit by the fire with hubby
2. Sip some wine or bubbly by the fire with hubby
3. Snuggle with hubby
4. Have a candlelit dinner
5. Watch the stars
6. Watch a movie
7. Build a fire and make some 'smores or roast some marshmallows
8. Go for a walk in the dark
9. Have a candle lit bath
10. Go to bed early

Do you have something planned for Earth Hour?

xox
Ginna

Patience

2011-03-13T23:40:00.000-07:00

"ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO HE WHO WAITS"

There's things I have been waiting for but nothing has come about. As time goes by, I noticed that my patience is lacking these days. Basically I feel that I don't have the patience I did a few years back. Mind you, when I was a teenager I had no patience for anything but I learned as I got older. But when I hit my mid thirties...it went out the door!

I find that I don't have patience with coworkers, family, friends and I guess even strangers. When I am at a store I don't have any patience with the clerks. I will walk out if no one acknowledges my presence ( I learned from working retail, you have to acknowledge every customer that walks in the door) and I will also walk out if it takes a long time to be served! When I want something done I want it done now! I can't wait. (Actually my husband is like that with renos around the house.) With me it's the everyday things. I don't have the patience for anything!!!

Anyhow... as part of my 101 in 1001 days, being more patient is one of the items I want to accomplish. I have to take it as it comes. I have to learn to relax more. I think if I am more easy going and laid back, patience will come. And when it does I think I will be prepared.

"NEVER RUN AFTER A BUS OR A MAN. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ANOTHER ONE."

I totally agree with the above quote! Do you have any patience?

Patiently yours,
Ginna

Had to share...Hello?

2011-03-06T21:39:00.001-08:00

It brings me back to the '80s. Take a close look at the poster...the tear away sheets at the bottom!

I'm Free

2011-03-02T19:06:00.000-08:00

A beautiful, elegant, kind & wonderful aunt, mother, grandmother & wife passed away suddenly on February 22, 2011. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Rest in Peace Tita Rosie.

Her daughters read the following poem at her funeral:

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me; for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call,

I turned by back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love,

to work or play.

Tasks were left undone must stay that way.

I found peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savoured much:

good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief

don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me.

God wanted me now, He set me free.

Operation Nice-Gift A Stranger

2011-02-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday and instead of receiving gifts I will be gifting a stranger or two.

I follow Melissa's Operation Nice blog and the current assignment she has is "Gift a Stranger". So, I thought why not spread a little happiness around!

101 Goals in 1001 Days

2011-02-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

My birthday is tomorrow. February 13th. I will be 45 years old. I wanted make some changes in my life, some small and some large. I was reading some blogs and I came upon 101 Goals in 1001 Days. You make a list of things you want to do in the next 1001 days. So I decided to give it a try. I find that if I have list to follow that I will achieve more goals. My start date is February 13, 2011 and my end date is November 11, 2013. Wish me luck!

I will post whenever I meet a goal and you can also find my progress here.

Below is my 101 in 1001:

1 Lose weight
2 Quit smoking
3 Go to the dentist
4 Get a mammogram done
5 Get monthly facials
6 Fix gap between my two front teeth
7 Eat healthier
8 Go for a walk more often
9 Start an exercise routine
10 Go horseback riding
11 Improve my posture (stop slouching!)
12 Pack a lunch 4 days out of the week for a month
13 Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water for a month
14 Cook dinner 6 days out of the week for a month
15 Bake something once a month
16 Find a good hairdresser
17 Grow my hair
18 Find the right hair colour
19 Read 101 books
20 Figure out to download tunes on my iPod
21 Attend a concert
22 Go to church
23 Attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve
24 Start Zumba
25 Find the perfect black dress
26 Write a letter to myself and open in 5 years
27 Don't complain about anything for a week
28 No fast food for a month
29 Not log on to Facebook for a week
30 Start taking yoga classes again
3 Identify 100 things that make me happy
32 Make a list of 100 things about me
33 Watch 26 movies I've never seen starting with each letter of the alphabet
34 Get a massage
35 Learn to have more patience with others
36 Learn not to yell at DC
37 Be nicer to people
38 Do some volunteer work
39 Clean out my closet and donate unwanted items to charity
40 Sort my shoes and purses
41 Visit the Philippines
42 Visit Paris
43 Visit Grand Cayman Islands
44 Visit Italy
45 Visit London
46 Visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras
47 Visit New York
48 Watch a Broadway show
40 Take a drive along the Oregon coast
50 Re-organize my walk-in closet
51 Get new bedroom storage furniture
52 Reorganize master bedroom
53 Clean house once a week for a month
54 Get new garage door
55 Organize my craft room
56 Organize home office
57 Re-do kitchen
58 Landscape the backyard
59 Landscape the frontyard
60 Finish off the deck
61 Buy patio furniture
62 Plant more flowers
63 Get a new front door
64 Replace the windows at the front of the house
65 Replace the gutters at the back of the house
66 Organize the linen closet
67 Re-decorate the TV room
68 Have a garage sale
69 Have a candlelit dinner with DC
70 Spend more time with family
71 Host an Xmas dinner with all the trimmings for family
72 Go camping
73 Go on a picnic with DC
74 Go on date nights with DC
75 Go on more vacations with DC
76 Make a new friend
77 Smile more often
78 Spend more time with friends
79 Have the girls over for a sleep over
80 Phone mom & dad once a week
81 Call Jennifer
82 Get together with Jennifer
83 Call Carolyn
84 Visit and bring flowers to Lola's grave site
85 Attend a bloggers conference
86 Attend a Prim Sisters get togther
87 Attend my next high school reunion
88 Start and stick to a budget
89 Start an Emergency Fund
90 Have 5 year financial plan
91 Put away $200 a month
92 Pay off all credit cards
93 Put extra money down on the mortgage
94 Re-do website
95 Do more craft shows
96 Blog more often (try to reach 500 entries)
97 Create more
98 Buy a better digital camera (Cannon SLR)
99 Learn how to take great photos
100 Recycle more often
101 Put aside $20 for every item completed on the list at end of 1001st day.

You Say...

2011-02-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

When I started working in the Corporate World at the age of 21, I was told I was shy, quiet and nice. As the years went by and I got very familiar with my industry I was told I had a very strong personality and I spoke my mind. That's the politically correct way to say it BUT in reality I can be a BITCH! I don't think that there's anything wrong with it...do you?

What makes me happy...

2011-02-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY!

2011-02-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a time for family reunions, for honoring ancestors and for thanking the gods for their blessings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2010-12-31T17:45:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

2010-12-25T10:14:00.001-08:00

CHRISTMAS CARDS

2010-12-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

Every year for the last 13 years, my youngest sister would send me a Christmas card with picture of my niece and a pet. So this year I wanted to do the same. The difference is I do not have children. I have fur babies, two cats, Scotty & Missy. It is very hard to get them to pose with Santa or let alone sit long enough for me to take a Christmas shot. I think this is the best I can do. I ordered this through Walmart Photo Centre around 1 am a few days ago. It was ready the next morning, I just have to pick it up. Maybe next year I will do up a card with a picture of me and Santa!

xox

Ginna

PHOTO WITH SANTA

2010-12-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

A lot of kids, young & old, must have a few pictures with Santa over the years. Growing up I never had a picture taken with Santa. I remember passing the line-ups and always wanted one but it never happened. I remember all the kids dressed in their holiday best (the girls mostly) ready to tell Santa want they want for Christmas. One of the shopping malls by old neighbourhood even had reindeers you can pet. I didn't realize that they were that huge ( I prefer the Rudolph version).

This is a photo of my husband (he is about 2 years old) with his sister and Santa.

So this year, in my holiday best or as close as I can get to, I will try to have my picture with the Jolly one!!!

White Rock-Christmas on the Peninsula November 27, 2010

2010-11-28T16:59:00.000-08:00

"The Christmas on the Peninsula Christmas Market is a delightful throwback to times past with a distinctive village feel to it as visitors are treated to a variety of original and unique gifts and delicious Christmas treats. The Market is situated at the White Rock Community Centre and will be a combination of indoor and outdoor displays, activities and vendors. The entertainment will be a mix of live music, carolers in traditional Victorian dress and more."

The costumes worn by the volunteers were keeping with the Victorian times. It reminded of old Christmas cards. There was even a towncrier that announced something every hour!

I couldn't take that many photos because the batteries in my camera ran out and my blackberry did not take great pictures. I took pictures of my booth but couldn't take pictures of anybody else's booth.

This was my first year at this Christmas Market. It had a ton of foot traffic. But the need a variety of vendors. I sold out of my small Christmas ornaments and could have made more. I know for next year!

EZ CRAFT SHOW

2010-11-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

Come and check out my booth at the Online Craft & Gift Show!

"Shop in the booths featuring awesome products and show specials. Join us in the chatroom where you can chat and have fun. All from the comfort of your own home! Our show is open 24 hours a day, November 3-17, for your shopping convenience."

CREEPY THINGS ON MY FRONT STOOP ON HALLOWEEN

2010-11-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

TRICK OR TREAT...HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2010-10-31T17:49:00.001-07:00

Ivory Vintage Market Update

2010-10-17T16:39:00.001-07:00

Ivory Vintage Market held on Saturday, October 16th at the Ocean Park Hall in White Rock was my first show for 2010. It was a beautiful day for a show but my sales were really slow!

I think I bought more than I sold!!!

I met some very talented vendors.

Bethany from The Orange Circle is the sweetest. She makes the best vintage inspired magnets!!!

Poppy from Groovy Glass Girl (don't you just love that name?!) is also amazing. She creates eclectic fused glass jewelry.

Gemma & Tina from Pretty in Pink had the cutest crocheted hats and little girls barrettes.

Stay tuned for some more links and photos of the items created by some of the talented vendors that I met.

IVORY VINTAGE MARKET-OCTOBER 16TH @OCEAN PARK HALL, WHITE ROCK, BC

2010-09-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is where I will be selling my creations!

Ivory Vintage Market is a Market developed by Maureen Funk and Michelle Baldwin. It showcases local "women entrepreneurs and mompreneurs who live consciously, create or provide eco-friendly services or products and who are looking for exposure for their growing business".

Six years ago today...

2010-08-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

my hubby & I said our I do's. The ceremony was supposed to be outside but had to be held indoors due to the rain. Everyone told us that it was suppose to be lucky to have your wedding day on a rainy day. I guess it's true we've been together for 6 six years (plus another 13 of togetherness or living in sin!!!) Happy Anniversary, sweetie. I love you now and forever!

Live one day at a time!

2010-08-01T21:56:00.001-07:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

2010-07-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

THE NEW FIREPLACE

2010-06-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

So what do you think??? Nice? This thing weighed a ton and we needed extra help to put it up. My brother-in-law helped. My hubby and I thought it would take a bit of time to put it up but it was done in a matter of minutes!!!

But...there were some noise issues with this unit. There is supposed to be a crackling sound, which the unit had and it also had a thump, thump, thump sound coming from it. My hubby called the shop owner of the store and since she lived in the neighbourhood, she checked out the noise. She came over, listened and told us that the fireplace should not be making that noise. She said that she will drop off another unit.

A few days later she dropped off another but it had another sound coming from it. Finally, last Wednesday she replaced it with another unit that only made the crackling noise. Hurray!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

2010-06-20T22:46:00.001-07:00

FIREPLACE

2010-06-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

It's nice to sit by the fire on a cold & rainy day (which is almost every other day in Vancouver, BC!) with a glass of wine and a good book.

The house we purchased two years did not have a fireplace in the living room. There is a gas fireplace in the family room but it is in such an odd spot that you can't really enjoy it. We couldn't make up our minds regarding the type of fireplace; gas, electric or the ones that use those little can of fuel. My husband has taped out different sizes on the livingroom wall and floor for the last six months. The gas man came and told we couldn't put a gas fireplace in the area that we wanted. That left us with electric or the fuel type. The fuel type was expensive and did not have the size we wanted. There are a few sizes in the electric and they had the style we wanted. Below is the one Hubby purchased yesterday (the rocks aren't white but black) but you get the picture. We just have to figure out where to hang it, plug it in and instant fireplace. Can't wait...I better buy a few bottles of wine!!!

Dining Room Light Pendant

2010-05-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

My husband & I have been looking for a dining room light fixture since we bought our current house in November 2008. We've seen a few that we liked on line and in catalogs but when we saw them in person they were not what we expected. The one we inherited with the house is boring and ugly. See for yourself. It was an eyesore!!!
Last year when we were in Ikea we saw a beautiful pendant. We both liked it but we did not buy it. We went back a few weeks later and they were all gone. We visited Ikea today and found it! I was in love with it. It was reasonably priced $99 (CDN) and we couldn't pass up a good deal! It's called Maskros, which means dandelion. It looks like a gigantic dandelion in my dining room. LOVE IT!!!

Quote of the Day

2010-05-11T19:50:00.001-07:00

My bad...

2010-05-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA for the last 5 months and I don't really have a good reason except that I have been LAZY!!! I promise myself that I will try to post at least twice a week and hopefully I will keep that promise.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMMIES...SPECIALLY MINE! LOVE YOU LOTS MOM!!!

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

2010-01-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

A resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.
Author Unknown

So long 2009...

2009-12-31T17:48:00.001-08:00

Time to say good bye to 2009 and welcome 2010! Happy New Year Everyone!!!

VINTAGE HEAD VASES

2009-07-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

I WAS UNPACKING SOME BOXES IN MY CRAFTROOM AND CAME UPON A FEW OF THE VINTAGE HEAD VASES I HAD. I WAS THINKING OF MAKING PINCUSHIONS OR PIN KEEPS WITH THEM BUT I HAVEN'T DECIDED YET. STAY TUNED!

OUR SUBURBAN COTTAGE AWESOME GIVEWAY

2009-07-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

AnNicole of Our Suburban Cottage has a great giveaway of art photography by Tim Irving. His photos are just beautiful!

Check out AnNicole's blog at Our Suburban Cottage a chance to win your choice of art photography from Tim Irving's Etsy Shop.

GIVEAWAY WINNER IS....

2009-07-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

I used Tara Frey's Random Number Generator to come up with the winner.

I plugged in the numbers and came up with

kornkribprimitives

A friend sent me your blog and I'm so happy she did. I can't wait to see your kitchen when you finish it! We're about to start remodeling our bathroom. I love your cookie cutters and it's so nice of you to give them to someone. Happy 4th and God bless you and yours!Hugs, Linda

Congrats Linda! I will email you for your address.

Thank you all for participating!

MAYGREEN FAIRIES GIVEAWAY

2009-07-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

Do you belive in fairies? I do and so does Amanda from Maygreen Fairies. Check out her give away at http://maygreen-fairies.blogspot.com/. She creates the most amazing fairies in a bottle. I bought two from her a year ago. I love her work!

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!

2009-07-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

Anyone interested in some vintage cookie cutters? All you have to do is post a comment and I will be doing a draw on Wednesday, July 8th. It's that easy!

KITCHEN RENO

2009-07-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

I got sick of looking at my kitchen and decided that it's time to do something about it. The whole house is somewhat under reno mode since my husband took apart the doors, mouldings and other things. I thought that I would take apart the kitchen. Our kitchen it quite small and cramped. I wanted to extend the kitchen into the dining area but due to lack of monies I decided to put that project on hold. So to make the kitchen more pleasing, since we spend 75% of our time in this area of the house,I thought I'd brighten it up a bit.

The cabinets are oak. The above first three pictures show more of the true colour than the last one.

The appliances are old and mismatched. The range has a mind of it's own. You cannot set your desired temperature it selects one for you. The dishwasher & fridge are fine but I prefer them in stainless steel. Maybe hubby will buy me new appliances when he sees how beautiful the cabinets look and the old appliances need replacing!
I will be sanding, priming and painting the kitchen cabinets. I have chosen a cream for the cabinets. I decided to leave the counter as is. I've taken down most of the backsplash. OMG...this was hard work and I am not done yet. I do take an awful lot of breaks since the weather is sooo hot!!!

I took out the tiles around the window and noticed that the previous owner cut off part of the windowsill and then they tiled over it. They even tiled inside the windowsill. I have to figure out a way to fix that. I thought I'd frame the window but I don't know what to do with the inside of the sills. Any ideas?

I haven't decided what kind of tiles to use for the backsplash. I was debating between cream subway tiles, coloured glass mosaic tiles, or tumbled marble. I'll let you know what I decide.

Thanks for looking.

BEAUTIFUL GIVEAWAY FROM VINTAGE BELLA STUDIO!

2009-06-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

Andrea at Vintage Bella Studio is celebrating her 100th post and she is giving away a stash of vintage goodies!!!

Click on the link to visit her blog and enter. http://www.vintagebellastudio.blogspot.com/

MY FUR BABY'S 16TH BIRTHDAY

2009-06-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

One of my fur babies, Scotty, will be turned 16 years old on Friday. His sister Missy aka Princess turned 17 in May. (I'm such a bad Mama because I didn't post about her birthday!)

I adopted Scotty from the Vancouver SPCA when he was 6 weeks old. He was tiny and the quietest of the litter. My sister adopted one of his brothers, Dusty, a grey tabby. Dusty is not with us any more but everytime my sister looks at Scotty, she gets reminded of Dusty. Even though they are two different colours, they have the same face. Scotty was such a small kitty...he fit in the palm of my hand and now he is a big boy!

He loves sleeping on our pillows, specially my husband's pillow. At the beginning it was fine but as he got larger he took up the whole pillow. We now have to share! When he sleeps on mine, I have to get another pillow for myself.

His long fur is beautiful...but he doesn't like to be combed. Last year he had so many knots that I had him shaved. My husband was not happy! Scotty looked funny...see for yourself.

Happy Belated Birthday Baby Boy!

IT'S ALL ABOUT ME

2009-05-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

I got an email from Stampington & Company with an inspirational quote of the week from Where Women Create and I totally love it!

"NOBODY CAN BE EXACTLY LIKE ME. SOMETIMES I EVEN HAVE TROUBLE DOING IT." Tallulah Bankhead

Yes...nobody can be exactly like me. I am one of a kind. Even if I had an identical twin, she wouldn't be like me. If I had myself cloned, she wouldn't be like me. I am special because I am me!

And yes sometimes I even have trouble being me. Sometimes, I mean most of the time, I get into trouble being me. I can be outspoken and bitchy at times. I know what I want and I know how to get it. Mind you I don't step on people...I'm not that mean!

You have to know yourself, love yourself and be yourself to get what you want. You have to be the best that you can be.

Enough about me. What about you? Do you know yourself? Do you love yourself?

MOTHERS DAY

2009-05-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Wishing all Mothers a Happy Mother's Day!

Below are photos of myself and my husband with our moms.

My hubby and his mom in 1962. Sadly my mother in law is no longer with us. She passed away many years ago when my husband and just started dating.

Me & my mom in 1966. My mom...what can I say about her? She's a wonderful mother. She put up with 4 kids and she's still putting up with them now!!! I love her!!!

Bathing Babies

2009-05-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

Last week I purchased from my prim sister, Deena Davis, and creator of my vintage banner for this blog and my website, a cute printable hangtag with vintage children and wash tubs. Isn't it just adorable. The one in the middle reminded me of my baby pictures in a basin. See below...what do you think?

Check it out on her website http://www.ewenmeprintables.com/

A couple of days later, MSN home page had a story about Spa Baby.

Isn't it cute? I thought my mom was using such a small basin for me and then I saw Spa Baby. Makes me want to have one...a nice relaxing bath!

Craft it Forward!

2009-04-28T22:36:00.000-07:00

I was visiting one of the Crafter's Online Community that I belong to and the Craft it Forward post by one of members caught my eye. So....I visited her blog http://auntdeedeesdesigns.blogspot.com/ and decided to do the same!

The first five people to respond to this post will get something handmade by little old me!

Here are the restrictions that come with this:
*There are no guarantees you will like what I make...although I sure hope you do!
*What I create will be just for you
*You'll receive it this year (2009)
*The item will be a surprise to you and can be ANYTHING handmade
*And in return, all you need to do is post this text into your blog, email me the link back to your Craft It Forward blog and make 5 things for 5 people

My email address is modestgalcreations@gmail.com

Let's keep this going and Craft it Foward!

Ginna

Altered Bingo Cards

2009-04-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

Two altered bingo cards I just created. I haven't crafted in awhile so I thought I would get my feet wet by doing some altered art. Enjoy!

My View

2009-04-22T12:32:00.001-07:00

Been lazy lately and haven't posted anything. But I thought I'd share with you a picture of my view from my office in downtown Vancouver. Our office is on the 19th floor. Don't you just love the cherry blossoms. I wanted to take some photos from under the trees but haven't made it across the street yet! Enjoy!!!

HAPPINESS

2009-04-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Happiness has a different meaning for everyone. The happiest day of my life so far is my wedding day. Everyone commented that I looked sooo happy and I was. I married my best friend and soul mate. Mind you it only took 10 years!!! Every time I look at our wedding pictures, I smile and wish that I could relive that day again.

I came upon our photos as children and decided to make a collage with one of my favourite wedding photos (my sister took this shot on our way home after the reception and I love it!). My baby picture on the left was taken by my daddy when I was about 7 months old. He was taking photography classes and he took many photos of me and my mom. My hubby's photo was taken on a beach somewhere in eastern Canada when he was a year old. He loves the beach and specially the water. I guess you can call him a water baby!

What does happiness mean to you? Do you remember your happiest day?

SPRING CLEANING

2009-04-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

I started tackling my craft room a couple of months back and I still have alot to do. My craft room is a little off to one side of the garage. It is not heated but it has four walls and a window. And thank goodness it has lights. I have a small portable heater that I can use in the cooler months but I think it will fine during the warmer months. My craft room is really tiny so I had to figure out where to put all my stuff! But first off, I had to paint the room. This room was used by the previous owners' children as some sort of hideout.

Don't you just love the decor. I wanted a more muted wall colour and I wanted a ceiling. Is it really too much to ask? Well, my husband thought so at first but he (I mean we) put up the a new ceiling and I painted the walls. I also put in new flooring. Nothing fancy just some stick on tiles. It turned out great!

Nice and neat...but not for long!!!

Hubby bought me three cabinets. I thought these could house the majority of my things but I was wrong. I had to put in two old book shelves, an old desk and a vintage cabinet. Still not enough room for all my stuff!!! Take a look...

Still a long ways to go. I plan on putting up curtains in front of the two book shelves to hide all the supplies. I also want to buy a larger desk with more drawers. I told my hubby that I will have to take up more of the garage. I need more storage space.

Gee...I just looked at the above noted paragraph and I saw a lot of "I"s, I plan, I want, I told and I need. What do you know...I guess it's all about me when it comes to the craft room!!!

A FAVOURITE THING...GIVEAWAY FROM PRIM4HIM

2009-03-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

What comes to mind when you think of spring...how about little birdies, bird nests and speckled eggs. Check out the cutest giveaway from Prim4Him at http://prim4him-needfulthings.blogspot.com/2009/03/giveaway.html Loving it!!!

We had a beautiful spring day in White Rock, British Columbia. Everyone in the neighbourhood was out and enjoying themselves in the sunshine. Hubby & I visited a few garden centres to look at some plants. We bought over $100 of ornamental grasses. This is just the start...I can smell it...spring is definately in the air!!!

Spring is finally here!

2009-03-21T16:21:00.001-07:00

Spring is here!!! The flowers are blooming. Everything looks lush & green. I even saw a robin yesterday. That's a sure sign of spring!

Spring also brings up "SPRING CLEANING" and I really need to do some cleaning, especially my craft room/studio. I will post some before and after photos to prove to some people that I do clean and I am not just a Princess!!!

MISSY

2009-02-17T22:00:00.000-08:00

Missy is the other fur baby. She's a real princess...she has us trained very well!!!

SCOTTY

2009-02-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

Scotty is our first fur baby. He is 16 years old. My brother took the photo...was trying to be funny!!!

February 13th...My Birthday

2009-02-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

Another year older...where does the time go?! I took the day off from work and I thought I would do nothing. Sleep in, eat in bed, watch television and cuddle with my kitties.

My hubby said he was off to work...NOT!

He surprised with me a beautiful orchid arrangement. It's the nicest arrangement I've received from him so far!!! Isn't it beautiful!

He then decided that he was were going to drive down to Bellingham to do some shopping. He bought me a nice Coach purse...I love it and I love him!

Some days he just amazes me and I guess that's why I love him. I didn't want anything this birthday since we spent more monies than expected on the move back from Calgary, the house and the renos.

And he also got me a single red rose for Valentine's Day and a nice sappy card.