Friday Flowers Standing Tall

I just love how these tulips are reaching for the standing tall and reaching for the sun.

Have a wonderful Friday!

Lovey Days

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's weekend!

One of my very good friends, Kelly, got married to her sweetheart Paul on Saturday. This was probably the most love-filled Valentine's I've ever experienced. The wedding was so much fun! I would share some pictures with you, but I accidentally re-formatted my camera last night. That means all my pictures are deleted! Drats! Silly me! I was fiddling around with the darn thing to see if I could learn any new camera tricks. Lo and behold, next thing I know, the memory card was wiped clean. Bummer.

(photo from here)

Friday loves Pink Tulips

Happy Friday!

Friday ... I mean Monday Flowers

My once a week flower inspiration is a few days late. On Thursday I went to visit my family in Peterborough. It was a short visit, but a good and much needed one. My 5 year old niece, Sarah, painted a picture for me. It was so neat to here her explain her painting to me - the sun, the heart, the house, and the blue blue sky. So sweet. I've hung the painting in my studio. It's a very nice piece of inspiration and it makes me smile and think of my sweet Sarah.

The highlight of my visit was hugs from Mom! I love my Mom and the older I get, I appreciate her more and more. She took me to her personal trainer and we worked out together. Boy o' boy, she kicked my butt. She's 65 - I'm 36 - and she can lift more than me. Amazing! She is such an inspiration. I am very much looking forward to getting in the garden with her this spring. I love how she talks about the garden and the things she loves about certain plants. And I just love how she easily states the latin names for the plants. It just comes naturally to her. She inspires me. I love you Mom! You're the best!

Here is a beautiful tulip to brighten up your Monday! This is a Double Late Tulip, Tulipa 'Carnaval de Nice'. It's absolutely beautiful!

Have a great day!

Friday Flowers

It is absolutely freezing outside. From now until well into the Spring, I will be showing every Friday a photo from my photography collection of tulips and other Spring flowers. You know I am such a huge fan of the Royal Botanical Gardens! This is where I took these pictures. Enjoy! And in the midst of these cold winter days, remember that Spring is on it's way!

This photo is one of my favs (I have many favorites). I love how all the tulips are standing tall and reaching for the sun. I'm sure that is how we are all feeling right now.

Happy Friday!

Studio Update

It has been a long time coming, but my studio is almost finished. The painting was completed in the summer, but the furniture placement and organization has still yet to be finalized. My studio space was quickley tidied up and temporarily organized for the Christmas season, but it never felt right. The flow was just not there. I cannot tell you the number of times I've bumped into my ironing board!

So I've booked my mister for the weekend to help with arranging the furniture and to help with hanging some shelving up on the walls. Oh, and window treatments would be a nice thing to have. I can hardly!

I also need to do a trip to Lee Valley. They have this really great plant hanging hardware. It's actually called a Victorian Lamp Holder, but can also be used to hold a plant. Floor space is at a minimal, so this is a great option! And I must have plants in my studio!

(Photo courtesy of Lee Valley)

Have a great weekend!

Friday Flowers and Blue Skies

The weather was absolutely beautiful today! I had a feeling it was when I heard some birdies outside my window this morning. A little taste of spring in January.

Have a wonderful weekend! Spend it with family and friends and cherish every moment! Happy Friday!

Haiti

A Happy belated New Years to everyone!

I have been thinking about what to write about these days, but with the horrific situation in Haiti, it just doesn't feel right to talk about pretty things. Right now my heart is in Haiti. It pains me to see the horrific suffering. I can not imagine what these people are going through. I have this urge to go to Haiti and help. I'm not exactly sure how helpful I could be - I, shamefully, do not know CPR. But I just want to go and comfort the children. I read somewhere that nearly 50% of the Haiti population are under 18 years old. These people need help desperately. Please help in any way you can.

Here are some helpful links:

www.redcross.ca

www.unicef.org

One of a Kind Show Coupon for you!

Good Monday morning to you!

I would like to pass on this e-coupon to you for the One of a Kind Christmas show. This coupon will instantly save $3 off the regular on-site adult admission. This offer is available online only.

Using the discount code provided on the coupon below, purchase your tickets here.

You may also copy and paste the below address in your tool bar ~ https://www.microspec.com/tix123/etic.cfm?code=ooakx09

See you there!

A Perfect Fall Day

Happy Monday!

Yesterday I spent the entire day in the garden. I had a great time playing in the dirt. Not to mention, it was a much needed break from working in the studio. My Mom told me once that gardening is in fact very good for stress. It has something to do with the bacteria that is released in the soil. This friendly bacteria increases the seratonin levels in our bodies. I have yet to meet a cranky gardener, so this good be true!

I'm a little behind schedule with prepping the garden for winter and plantint bulbs for spring, but, thankfully, yesterday was a perfect sunny fall day to get all of this accomplished. I am so excited about the bulbs I planted. The colour scheme is yellow and purple. I planted a variety of crocuses, narcissus, and tulips. One of the tulips I fell in love with at the Royal Botanical Gardens. It is the Blue Diamond Double Late Tulip. I took a picture last spring when visiting the RBG. Taking pics of the marker is a great idea to remember the names.

Here is a list of what was planted:

Tulipa single late 'Queen of Night'

Tulipa double late 'Blue Diamond'

Narcissus 'Ice Follies'

Narcissus 'Dick Wilden' (Double Daffodil)

Giant Yellow Crocus (crocus flavus)

Giant Purple Crocus (crocus flavus)

Only 6 months until Spring! Oh boy.

Upcoming Shows!

Where did the summer go?! Actually, my summer was spent mostly painting and moving. I'm happy to say that the new Crumb studio is pretty much settled in. There are a few things that still need to be done, such as putting up more shelving. But for now, it is time to focus on the upcoming Christmas season. I can't believe I just wrote "Christmas".

Well, let's get to it shall we? I'm working on a new line of aprons AND I'm introducing some home accessories into the line.

Here is a list of upcoming shows where you can find us:

HOOPLA! Show

Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17, 2009

Show Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

www.hooplashow.com

1573 Bloor St. West - Hall B

Toronto, ON

One Of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale

November 26 - December 6, 2009

Please see website for show hours and directions.

www.oneofakindshow.com

Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Toronto, ON

See you there!

Jennifer

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was extremely busy with a garage sale, painting, and getting ready to re-design my home studio. I can hardly wait until it's all finished! My walls are going to be painted Benjamin Moore's Gray Mist and the trim Cloud White. Have a look at my colour inspiration. Let me know what you think!

I found something so delightful in my garden today. My streptocarpella is in full bloom and it looks so healthy! The blooms are so pretty and delicate. It is so interesting to see where the blooms grow from the plant. They kind of grown in tiers as the plant grows taller.

I just love how the purple flower looks against the yellow of my oxalis. Very pretty.

So far, my balcony on the 20th floor is growing and blossoming into a wonderful garden escape. Because my balcony is quite long and wraps around our, I decided to chose the furthest corner that is protected from the wind. I have tried the last 3 years for a successful garden on this balcony, and so far this is my most successful year. You could say I've learned a lot about my growing conditions. First of all, because I'm on the 20th floor and in shade, I have to find plants that are hardy in zone 3 and likes part shade/shade. The plants I have chosen this year are Irish Moss, Heuchera Key Lime Pie, Variegated Lily of the Valley, Bleeding Heart, Tuber Begonias, Tiarella, Huechera Obsidian, Jacob's Ladder, Chocolate Chip Ajuga, Oxalis, Echeveria, Lady's Mantle, Sedum, Streptocarpella, Violet, Periwinkle, Sweet Woodruff, Cerinthe Purple Bells, Lamium, and Corydalis Lutea. I think that is all...I think? I am so happy with my choices!

Here is a taste of my secret garden.

Cerinthe, Begonias, Corydalis, Irish Moss, and Periwinkle

Huechera, Tiarella, and Jacob's Ladder

Ajuga, Huechera, Bleeding Heart, Lily of the Valley, Violet, and Begonias.

As far as pests go...there are only a couple I need to worry about - squirrels and fungus gnats. You wouldn't think I would get many pests on the 20th floor. I sure do! Would you believe that I was startled by 2 racoons hanging out in my garden last year! I remember it was night time and their glowing eyes startled me. I left them alone for the night and I was so happy to find them gone in the morning. I used to get a lot of squirrels, but not this time. Hen manure is my trick. I just sprinkle some on top of the soil. Squirrles really hate this stuff.

The pestiest of pests I have are fungus gnats. In the last 2 gardening seasons I had spent a lot of money on plants only to have this nasty gnats eat the roots of my plants. I was so sad to gradually see one by one my plants shrivel up and die. The problem is that Fungus gnats love moist soil, especially moist organic soil. So my cure is to mix my soil with equal parts of sand. This allows my soil to drain easily and prevents any puddling on the surface. After I the plants are potted, I give them a good water and layer a good 1/2" of dry sand on top, followed by a layer of cedar mulch. The sand and mulch is good because it also helps keep the moisture in the containers. I shouldn't have to water my plants too much this season. So far so good. I do regular check ups on the plants and soil in the morning and in the afternoon. But I don't mind. I'd rather be in the garden than inside.

Success on the Front Lawn!

I am so happy to say that the Yard Sale for the Cure was a success. Between Belly Catering, In Order Design, and yours truly - Crumb Designs - we raised over $1,000 for the treatment and cure for Breast Cancer. It was really nice to see people come together for a good cause. If you missed the sale, no worries - we will be back next year!

Here are some pictures from the event:

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.