Lotion Potion

Ever since I made baby toiletries for Callum when I was pregnant, I have been on a kick to do as many of our own products as I can.

It's linked to my bid to keep as many preservatives out of our house as possible - which in turn has a lot to do with trying to raise a healthy little boy.

You might have seen my adventures in soapmaking, which hello? The best soap I have ever used (but I may be biased on that one, just maybe).

Lately, it's been about lotions for the sensitive-and-dry-skinned persons in our household. And fortunately I've got a collection of herbal ingredients and oils to keep us experimenting with such things for quite awhile.

A shelf in our kitchen is currently holding up these:

Herbal infusions of rice bran oil - chamomile flowers on the left, calendula flowers on the right. I use them in moisturizers for extra soothing and healing properties.

I love knowing all the ingredients in our stuff - whether it be lotion, soup or bread. And the most surprising thing about these homemade toiletries (like all the homemade things I do) - it's remarkably easy! Because I am nothing if not a lazy, no . . . er, efficient homemaker!

Happy Monday! Michele

bread. soup. love.

Came home from work last night to my husband baking bread.


Made some amazing fresh tomato soup to go with it.


Surrounded our table with love.


Bliss.

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends, Michele

Knitted Goods

With winter now upon us, I was worried that the wet hair from swimming lessons would be a problem. My worry was compounded by the boy who will not wear a hat. But this pattern came to our rescue.

Here's what it looks like on Callum:

Warm, scarf and hat combined so it can be tied under the chin, lovely Malabrigo yarn whose tag I have currently misplaced - the answer to a northern Mama's prayers. And so cute, to boot!

I also managed to finish a pair of mittens for myself - workaday mittens from a pattern I put together in my head. Made from my go-to yarn supplier stash, knitpicks. (Ball band also not with me this morning.)


And you will not believe the knitting I've got going on now - trying to get it done for December. I'll post pix and details soon!

Happy knitting Monday, Michele

Baby Wearing

We have a new little one in the family - baby Amelia. Her parents are my cousin Sean and his parnter, Jessica. When they saw our baby sling, Jess wanted to know where to get one. So of course . . .

Mama's been sewing again.


Callum's so much bigger this time that there's less fabric in the "fan" part but it still works great!


This photo is a better picture of the colour - lovely purple/blue/green batik.

I love wearing my baby boy! It's great for dancing, cooking, shopping, walking and for snuggling! Squee!

Happy Tuesday! Michele

Winter Is A'Coming

And it's time to snuggle up with a good book, a warm quilt and a new furry friend.

If you haven't thought about it in a while, maybe you could consider adopting a cat or dog into your home from your local shelter or animal rescue.

At our house, we have a new foster kitty, Byron.

He's a lovely snuggly boy who would rather have cuddles than eat or play. He's got extra toes on all of his feet and the most beautiful green and gold eyes. I would love to see him find an amazing new home, where someone can give him all the love and cuddles that he's obviously been missing.

If you would like to adopt Byron, or even just know more about him, please leave me a comment. People For Animals has agreed to help find him a forever home and they'd love to hear from you if you're interested in adopting one of their cats or kittens.

This is a slide show of the animals at our local SPCA that have been there the longest.

"TOP TEN November 5, 2010"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

It breaks my heart to think of these babies in the shelter for so long and what their ultimate fate might be if we don't help them.

But if we all do what we can, I know we can make a difference.

Happy winter weekend, M