handmade

Discover Handmade Treasures from Across Canada with the Canadian Originals Subscription Box-Giveaway

June 20, 2017 by Kathryn 41 Comments

As somebody that loves to travel, I absolutely adore discovering handcrafted trinkets from around the world. Whether it’s a treasure discovered on a vacation, like my embroidered Romanian blouse and Irish crystal glasses, or something shipped to my door like my painted salt and pepper shakers from the Palestine Territories, those little mementos let me enjoy the world’s beauty in the comfort of my own home. But on my quest for the world’s most stunning handmade goods, I sometimes forget how many beautiful arts and crafts are created right here in my own country of Canada!

That’s why I’m loving the idea behind the Canadian Originals subscription box. Each month, a box packed with artisan goods created by talented Canadians arrives at the lucky recipient’s front door to enjoy. From food to beauty products to wall art, the variety means the whole family will find products to love. And discovering great new products and companies right here in Canada is always a treat! I recently received the debut July Subscription Box, celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday, to review and I couldn’t wait to check out the contents.

[Read more…]

Show Off Your Style and Stay Organized with a MEIDUM Leather Purse-Giveaway

June 23, 2014 by Kathryn 307 Comments

If there’s one thing becoming a mother taught me, it’s that all purses are not created equal. I have a fairly extensive purse collection, but that’s because different occasions really do require different bags! And no matter what type of bag I need on any given day, I want it to be high quality, fashionable and original. So when MEIDUM gave me the chance to review its gorgeous leather LIZZY purse, I was pretty excited. MEIDUM offers handcrafted leather bags in a variety of styles created in beautiful Bedford, Nova Scotia. This hobo bag looked like it would be perfect for a “day bag” when I had plans to be out of the house a fair bit and I was eager to put it to the test.

The purse arrived just before the boys and I left for North Dakota and I decided to bring it along to use during the day. One of the things I noticed first about this purse was its Cognac colour. I have to admit, the reddish-brown shade is not one that I would have chosen on my own when buying a purse, but the rich colour of leather was both beautiful and versatile when I saw it in person. It went well with almost all my outfits and is definitely one of those timeless colours that will look great for years to come.

[Read more…]

Decorate Your Home for the Holidays with 3 Easy Christmas Craft Ideas

December 2, 2013 by Kathryn 44 Comments

Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year and I love adding a homemade touch to my holiday season with Christmas craft ideas and other homemade items. While store-bought treats and decorations are nice, there’s something especially heartwarming about making Christmas treats, crafts and presents myself whenever possible.

Of course as a mother, I’m usually incredibly busy, so the homemade touches I add to Christmas have to be ones that are quick and easy. Here are my top three easy Christmas craft ideas:

White Christmas Tree

Holiday decorating doesn’t get any easier than this! Just use white spray-paint to coat a few tree branches and then mount them in a pail or pot filled with gravel. Decorate the trendy tree with sparkling metallic ornaments for a look that is fresh and modern, but still festive. I created my own ornaments by covering foam eggs with chrome paint and adding wire hangers for a quick and stylish display, but store-bought ornaments will work just as well too. [Read more…]

Add Unique Flair to Your Wardrobe with Jewellery from Rumi Sumaq-Giveaway

November 26, 2013 by Kathryn 39 Comments

When I choose jewellery or accessories for my wardrobe, I want them to be as original as I am. Even the simple silver necklace I wear every day is one that I personalized to suit me specifically. And when I’m dressing up, I want my accessories to stand out and reflect the unique spirit within me. That’s why it only took one glance for me to fall in love with the gorgeous metal and macramé jewellery from Rumi Sumaq.

These pieces are designed and created by Coco Paniora Salinas and are influenced by the culture and beliefs of his home country of Peru. What instantly struck me about this jewellery was its strong natural influence. Created with metal, stone and hilo encerrado plant fibre, each piece is one-of-a-kind, just like the woman that will be wearing it. I was delighted when I was given the chance to review one of the stunning necklaces for myself. [Read more…]

Comfy Tutus For Even the Youngest Princess Thanks to Princess London’s Tutu Boutique-Giveaway

November 24, 2013 by Brenna 21 Comments

Regular readers will know about how much my daughters love their tutus. Recently my youngest little cupcake received her very first tutu and wow, is it gorgeous! Princess London’s Tutu Boutique sent us its beautiful Mermaid Tutu Dress and matching headband in the perfect size for my seven-month-old daughter.

My two older daughters watched eagerly as I opened the package and both reached out desperately as I held up the small dress. Both of them insisted it must be for them despite its small size, and were crushed to learn that this tutu was for their baby sister. They recovered quickly though, as the sight of another tutu simply prompted them to scamper upstairs and put on their own tutus for some frolicking games. [Read more…]