Three Women Entrepreneurs Support the Cure for Breast Cancer

On Saturday, May 30th, help fund the fight against breast cancer by purchasing something fantastic at a yard sale for the cure. Belly Catering, Crumb Designs, and In Order Design are bringing their businesses to the front yard on May 30th, 2009, starting at 8:00 am, as part of a nation-wide event, the Yard Sale for the Cure.

Melissa Bobby Sosa, owner of the professional organizing company In Order Design, has been collecting items from her clients for the yard sale. She says "it helps people make the decision to get rid of things when they know it will go to help others."

In addition to the donations from Melissa's clients, Nicole Kruzick, owner of Belly Catering, will have a stand set up selling a delicious collection of her fresh baked sweets and refreshments; and I, Jennifer, will be selling my collection of beautiful inspiring handmade aprons.

Proceeds from the sales will be donated to Breast Cancer research and treatment.

Taking place in selected neighborhoods across Canada, the Yard Sale for the Cure is an annual event that raises money for the cure and treatment of Breast Cancer.

ABOUT BELLY CATERING - Belly is a full service catering business. Catered events range from corporate to private - lunches, brunches, cocktail parties + dinners. The Belly storefront, located at 1574 Queen Street West, offers sweet + savoury snacks, meals to go + Fred's breads as well as delicious espresso based coffees. Belly is open 7 days a week. Visit www.bellycatering.com

ABOUT CRUMB DESIGNS - Crumb Designs is a Canadian company that designs inspiring items for everyday living. For adults and children, Crumb's line of handmade aprons are flirty, romantic, with a hint of nostalgia. Visit www.crumbdesigns.com

ABOUT IN ORDER DESIGN - In Order Design provides organized solutions. Whether downsizing, moving, remodelling or decluttering, In Order Design will provide you with a Professional Organizer who can guide you through the process. Let In Order Design provide you with an organized space and systems that work.

Visit www.inorderdesign.com

For further information about the Yard Sale for the Cure, please visit www.yardsaleforthecure.com

Last week me and my boyfriend went to the Arboretum and the Rock Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is located in Burlington Ontario. We go every year in May to snap pictures and just soak in all the loveliness and beauty of the blooming spring bulbs and trees.

It is so hard to choose where to begin...the arboretum, which has the magnificent Magnolia trees, or the Rock Garden, which has an unbelievable display of tulips, and daffodils. Last time we ended our day with a picnic at the arboretum, so it was decided ~ start at the arboretum.

The Magnolia trees were out of this world. When I walked within the 7 or 8 trees they have, I felt as though I walked in a room where the fragrant soft pink petals made up the ceiling, the floor, and the walls. It was so magical! I took a lot of pictures, but sadly the pictures don't capture the true essence of this experience.

Next stop...Rock Garden to see the tulips!

This is when I really wish I had one of those professional types of cameras with the long lense. But instead I've got my handy dandy lil' digital camera - but watch out, I know how to use it!

Mother nature sure is amazing!

Welcome Spring!

Spring is sprung, the grass is ris.

I wonder where the birdies is!

My Mom was reciting this little poem to me on the first day of spring. It is so sweet! I love birds. They are such neat little creatures with their sweet songs.

When I was a little girl visiting my Grandparents up on the Niagara Escarpment, every day my Grandfather would pull out his binoculars and bird books. We would wait patiently to catch a glimpse and identify the birds that would pass by the big bay window or stop for a snack on my Grandpa's bird feeder. I loved spending that time with him. We would see so many types of birds, but I can only remember the names of the most common types such as the Cardinal, and the Blue Jay.

A great place to go for some bird watching is the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario. They have a number of hiking trails. Here's a picture of a Blue Jay from the last time I was there. I think I'm due for a hike and some exploring. Next time I will bring my binoculars. That's what I'll do.....

But first, I have 2 gift shows coming up very soon. From April 1 - 5th, Crumb Designs will be at the One of a Kind Spring show, and from April 9 - 11th, at the Peterborough Garden Show. I will have my whole line of aprons for sale as well as some new Garden aprons!

Here are a couple of pictures of me in my Crumb Designs garden apron last spring. I look a little messy but I'm so happy to working in the dirt.

See you at the shows!

Comfort dessert

Good ol' fashioned homemade chocolate pudding has got to be one of my favorite comfort desserts. Lately I've been craving it quite a bit. I try to switch it up and make vanilla pudding...but there truly is nothing better than a fresh batch of warm chocolate pudding. I use the recipe from the Joy of Cooking cookbook - which, by the way, is my favorite cookbook. Anything I make out of this book is absolutely delicious. One of the things I love about this book is that I can actually learn about the food I'm cooking as well as learn new cooking techniques. It's my cooking bible!

To make you drool just a little bit....

Funny thing, the recipe says it makes 4 servings, but it always turns out to be 3. I can't figure it out, except that maybe my servings are slightly larger. Honestly, who can have just a small bowl of this stuff. I could eat the whole pot easily!

Chocolate is in love with pink

Red and pink hearts abound in February, the most romantic month of the year. This time of the year can be so bleak and dreary. It's either mild and gloomy outside, or it is sunny and freezing. You just can't win! So to get us in the spirit I am commemorating a month of chocolate and pink hearts with a collection of Crumb aprons. These aprons are sure to inspire you to concoct delicious chocolaty desserts, or maybe make some homemade Valentine cards for the special people in your life. You can find these aprons and more in my Etsy boutique.

Spring tease

Snow snow...as much as I love thee...please go away and come back in November. I can't wait for the spring time buds to appear! Today I've been doing some sewing...plugging away at my almost endless pile of apron neck ties...when I looked over and noticed the beautiful buds on my orchid. It has been a couple of months since my orchid had flowers, so this is exciting! Even though it is an orchid and is not native to the Ontario motherland, it sure is a nice reminder of what spring will be bringing us.

I'll have a hot cup of tea please...

Oh boy...we're supposed to get more snow tonight and tomorrow. As much as I love the white stuff, I'm starting to miss the green stuff...and we have at least 3 months left of winter! Actually, there really isn't one season I dislike. Each of them has their own splendid character. I love that cozy feeling I get when coming in from the winter cold...when the heat warms my chilly cheeks...you know that really neat burning feeling? You don't get that in Summer. And how about those snow angels? Imagine making one in the sand? Ouch! I don't think so. What I really appreciate are the home-cooked comfort foods - like stew - and, even more, a hot cup of tea....ahhhh...

Welcome!

Happy 2009!  And welcome to my blog!  This is where I will be sharing with you all the exciting things that are happening with Crumb Designs.  I hope you enjoy!

I believe 2009 is going to be a great year!

Cheers!