The Little Things

 You know how sometimes random little things make your day? Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment. My generous mother-in-law watched all three kids, taking them to get haircuts and have dinner with their aunt. Such a treat for all of us.

 Anyway, after the appointment, my husband and I stopped off at New Seasons supermarket to grab a few things. We stopped by the sample counter to pick up a few gluten-free recipes that caught my eye. The lady  told me about some of her favorite alternative flours, including this one. 

 

  I wanted to try it, but it was expensive. On our way through the check-out line, the "sample lady" came over with a bag as a gift for me to try. That never happens! So not only did I have the afternoon off, but I had a free bag of coconut flour to try. This was my first time in New Seasons, and they made quite an impression. What a day, what a day :) 

P.S.- I used the flour in my crepes this morning and it is fantastic. If you are in Vancouver on Saturday and are interested, there is a gluten-free fair at New Seasons. And no, I am not being paid to share this with you guys. Just a thought on how we can make people's day with small acts of kindness. 

Knights and Ladies

 Our first year of school started this week. I'm laughing at this picture of our first day because it reminds me of my second grade teacher telling me I looked like an orphan with my collar up. Like mother like son.

  Also on our list this week is a birthday party for my niece and nephew. I made them capes from a pattern  I  modified from Pinterest:

Brother's cape has a felt cross stitched onto the back

The fabric was a crushed velvet on clearance at JoAnn's. Score. And the velvet doesn't seem to fray, even after washing and drying, so I just cut out the cape and handed it over to the kids to test it out. Easy and fast.

 I folded the fabric in half, wrong sides together. 

 To determine the length, measure from the back of the neck to where the cape should fall on the back of the leg. Add 6.5 inches to this measurement to allow for the head opening. For instance, if you want the finished cape 19 inches, measure 25.5 inches from the top of the fabric and mark it with a pin.

  

 To determine the width, measure from shoulder to shoulder. Divide this number by 2 and add 4 inches. Measure from the folded edge of fabric toward the center, and mark with a pin. Measure and pin again every three inches all along the outer width to the bottom of the cape.

 Cut out the cape, following the pins, and rounding out the edge of the top corner. 

 To make the opening for the head,  measure 2.5 in. from the top of the fabric, and place a pin to mark the spot. Measure another 4 in. from the first pin. (This material stretches, so you might want to start with 3 in. and make the hole larger if you find it is too small.)

 Next, measure 2.5 inches from the folded edge toward the center of the fabric and mark it with a third pin.

 Cut around the outside of the pins to create a circle, like this:

 

  

I hope that helps. You can also use jersey, which does not fray, or extra- large sized kids' shirts and just leave the head opening but cut off the sleeves. These were capes for knights and ladies, so we needed something fancy.

Ready to roll within minutes! 

The Backyard

I finished the quilt! And in a free moment, while I took pictures of the blanket, I snapped some photos of the garden. We've made some progress this year, but it's still far from where we would like it to be. I'm having fun with it, though.

Zinnia

Salvia

Front

Back

Winter to Summer Quilt

 Summer is nearing it's end, and I intend to enjoy every last minute of it. Last night I read Sherlock by the fire in our backyard. Today I took advantage of the kids playing nicely together (a rarity lately,) and worked on this quilt while they picked blackberries and raspberries and chased each other.

 While I watched and listened from the window, I made substantial progress. I should have finished this gift  last winter for a friend. Better late than never, I hope.

 I'll let you know how it turns out. 

Camping

Our family spent the weekend camping together at Crescent Lake. It was gorgeous. Hiking along the lake. Kayaking. Enjoying waterfalls and campfires. 

When we were kids we camped the first two weeks of August. One week was spent in the mountains and the other at the beach. We had an old huge canvas tent that could sleep about 10 kids and several adults. Before we set it up one of us had to get all the rocks off the tent spot so we wouldn't sleep on lumps. Now we bring an air mattress and pack'n'play for Addy. Roughing it, I know. 

Pinterest

 I've finally joined the ranks. I'm convinced Pinterest will help me keep my catalogue of ideas and inspiration somewhat organized. More than likely I will have to limit the time I spend there, but it's great to check out my pins when I need a moment of motivation.

Check it out here and let me know what you think.

***

A Change

So today I had to go to the doctor to check out some health concerns I've had. A friend referred me to a local team of naturopathic physicians who can hopefully solve the riddle of what is going on with my body. No, it's nothing life threatening. Just stuff that needs some minor attention.

 Step one of the diagnostic is to change my diet. I've already made some alterations to my grocery list, but this is stepping up my game. Jeepers. This means I'm going to have to get creative. For at least one month I have to say good-bye to some foods and beverages that I hold near and dear. It'll be good for me. I've found some great food blogs, two of which you can find in my blog list, that will help me find new ways of cooking and baking.

gluten free coconut cake

 Maybe this won't be so bad after all.