MAY.DAY

OK!  So.  The reason for all of the sewing madness lately is two-fold: one part May, one part June.  The June project is under wraps for now... But the May news is fair game.  I'm super excited to take part in my first ever fashion show of any kind!  I'll be setting up a booth for the Winnipeg Fashion Incubator launch event on May 19th (details here).  It's going to be a great night!  The show is trunk-style, so come on out and shop local Manitoba designers directly.  

Eee, I'm 100% nervous but SO looking forward to the night!

Back to the studio...

K.

--- The image above is one of my first attempts at digitally designing, so no judgments please : ) I've improved since, promise... Can't give away all of my secrets just yet! --- 

Re-Blondification

There was a hair crisis.  It lasted um, most of winter.  I just couldn't commit to a color and ended up with some odd kinda brende-head thing going on (uh huh, that is a combination of brown, red and blonde).  But, I am happy to say that I've been back to my summer favorite, honey blonde, for a couple of weeks.  Feels good to be re-blonded.  

*happy sigh*

I try to do all my deep thinking on Saturday mornings... Ha.  That's all the totally ridiculous news for now.  Coffee time for real.

K.

what.i.wore

I need to remember to do more 'what I wore' posts!  I just never do think of getting the camera out in the morning.  Here's the details on this get-up:

Sweater - Urban Behavior

Dress - Urban Outfitters

Moccasins - Minnetonka

Sunglasses - Wet Seal

Necklace - Forever 21

This in-between sort of weather is perfect for the short dress/boot combination - I'm loving it and taking full advantage for sure!  And no, this isn't what I wore today, it's what I wore on Wednesday.  I really will get the hang of this type of post some day... 

Workin' away in my studio today, hopefully I'll finish off the dress I started yesterday.  And yes, I'll be back sometime to tell ya'll what I've been working at lately.

Happy Friday!

K.

--- I predict that the Pegster will post some sort of comment like "Hello Gracie," because I do look an awful lot like my mom in that second picture.  Right, Megan?  Ha. ---

B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

Mmm.  Muffins.  Here's the recipe that's been making my house smell delicious lately:

BANANA MUFFINS

3 large ripe bananas

3/4 cup white sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup margarine 

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 cup flour

1.  Set oven to 375 F

2.  Mash bananas in a medium sized bowl and add sugar

3.  Slightly beat the egg and then add to the banana mixture

4.  Melt margarine and add to mixture

5.  Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl

6.  Add banana mixture to dry ingredients and mix until barely blended

7.  Optional: add 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

8.  Spoon into muffin tins and bake for 20 minutes 

(Yields about 12 large muffins) 

This recipe is super quick and easy to whip-up, so I usually just make a single batch since they are best fresh! (However, they do freeze well too!).  Of course I like to make myself a nice frothy latte to go with a muffin straight outta the oven - that's my motivation on Friday mornings : )  

I have a 'thing' for over-sized muffins - if anyone has any great recipes I would love it if you share... I'm looking for something awesome in the carrot or pumpkin family these days.

Whew, Thursday.  Lookin' like a quick gym outing, sewing, sewing, sewing and then a looong walk in the sunshine... likely followed by more sewing!  

Here I go.

K.

Primarily...

1. Biking Through Florence Vest - ModCloth

2. Animal-Print Aviator Sunglasses - Dolce & Gabbana

3. Boho Distressed Brown Leather Handbag - Rokit

4. Trendy Eatery Dress - ModCloth

5. A Reason to Rise Necklace - ModCloth

6. Blue Braid Muse Belt - ModCloth

7. Woven Gold Flat - ModCloth

Am I a ModCloth junky lately or what?!  I can't stop loving what they're doing over there.  This round of ModCloth picks is all about getting back to the basic colors: red, yellow and blue.  Not usually a good thing in full strength... really ever.  Knock 'em back or amp 'em up and something great can happen.  In this case, the red is a teeny tiny accent in the dress, with a brownish-red leather accent on the belt, necklace and purse.  The shoes are more of a mustard color, the belt is close to navy... All toned down with a pretty cream vest.  Somehow it works.  

(Thank you 'Color Theory'?!)

It's the usual Wednesday gig for me this afternoon - off to Bloom, likely sandwiched by homework on either side.  Mmm, but luckily there's a lunch date scheduled in there with a couple of gals I used to work with.  I can't wait to catch-up with those two over lattes!

Wow, and then the week is seriously half over already.  Yikes.

Jane Eyre is calling my name...

K.

Stack O' Fabric

I guess this counts as a sneak peek at what's coming down the line for Dove Tree... Last Thursday I headed 'er into the city to do a BIG fabric run.  As in, *hopefully* well-stocked enough now to hold me over until uhhh, June.  So.  This is the palette that's inspiring creations around here these days - all of my favorite hues and textures.  I'll announce what all the sewing hoopla is about later this week - eee!  I'm so excited about this project and can't wait to share the details!

Yesterday was the BEST day off.  I didn't even get around to finishing that sewing project, and I managed to avoid checking my email from noon until this morning (inserting pat on the back here).  I had coffee with a girl friend, followed by a looong walk with two other gals and our travelling circus: 3 dogs, 2 babies, juggling coffee.  Impressive, I know.  It was SO nice out that I couldn't stop walking and really took the extended route home... somehow I made it to supper on time and had a great evening relaxing with the fam.  And a good run after dark to top it off.  

I'm not sure how today can compete?!  Ha, yoga and vino tonight should help!

K.

exhibit.ED

"River Runs Through"

(details)

Well, well, this here's my first real attempt at water.  Is that weird?  I'm not sure how I've been into painting for most of my 20's without ever really painting the blue?!  "River Runs Through" is another of the pieces that I did for the green-themed exhibit... nature counts, right?  

That's enough questions for one post.

I'm not sure if Easter Monday is a 'thing'... but after putting in a solid 12 on Friday and working late into the night on Saturday, I'm taking the afternoon off and doing one of those self-proclaimed holidays.  Here's how I know it's going to be a great afternoon off:

-It's supposed to be super warm out.  

-I'm having coffee with Kris.  

-I'm making dessert for the...

-BBQ with the cousins for supper

-And I'll finish 'er off with a long run tonight

Nice.  Now to complete a sewing project I abandoned in the wee hours of Sunday...

Hope ya'll have a great Monday too!

K.

Easter S.O.S.

Help!  I'm drowning in Mini Eggs and other Easter delights.  I took these yummy photos promptly before I started devouring these 'cake-pops' or 'cake-sicles' (you decide).  These holiday goodies were made by my sweet friend Ariel... and boy, are they ever deee-licious!  I'm sure there's about a million calories per, but good golly are they ever tasty.  I won't give away all of Ariel's secrets, but let's just say there's some cake-y goodness underneath all of that chocolate coating and decorative icing.  They're beautiful and festive to top it off - nice work Little Miss Ariel : )

On that note, it's off to Gram's with me for lunch.  I'm walking for sure.  And taking the extra looong way home because G'ma D. won't let you leave until you're visibly stuffed.  Ha, cute little Gramma.

Wish me luck rolling home... Oy!

K.

Jenna & Wade

one.love.3

One last post for the day.  Sweet dreams everyone...

K.

Jenna & Wade

one.love.2

Ohhh, and boy do these ones make me miss the beach.  The challenge during the ceremony was to manage to get a shot without any of the MANY curious onlookers in the frame.  Gah.  It wasn't easy and wow, there were some hilarious out-takes.  One cute lil old beachy couple in particular kept popping up.  They decided the best place to watch the Wade & Jenna Show was from directly behind the pergola... so any shot straight down the center of the aisle stars not only the wedding couple, but Scuba Steve and Lady-in-Lilac as well.  Oh my.

I'm happy to say it turned out in the end... and who doesn't love a happy ending?!

That's what I thought.

K.

--- And, the first pic in this post is in the running for #1 favorite... the other #1 fav will be in the next round o'photos. ---

Jenna & Wade

one.love.1

We'll call this 'Round 1'...  Bouquets, beauties and boys.  I could probably fill at least 10 posts just with my favorites but I'll try to keep 'er reasonable.  This was one beeeautiful wedding!  I'll do-up round two for this afternoon and keep you entertained with wedding goodness this long weekend.

Off to measure and sew with me.

Good Good Friday to ya'll!

K.

exhibit.ED

        

        
"Prairie Landscape"
(details)


Once again, I have gone just wild with naming this piece.  I'm crazy like that, don't even try to reign me in people.  This was a last minute addition to the group of pieces that I showed at the green-themed art show last week.  AND IT IS GREEN.  Prairie Landscape is painted on re-purposed particle board and the frame was formerly a golden train wreck from the thrift shop.  My most favorite thing about this painting?  I painted the sky using my fingers and hands... and arms.  Honestly, there was paint up to my elbows, so perhaps I've one-upped the local kindergarten class with my method. 
The day here is looking like a little homework, lunch and curtain inspection with a girly friend and then a run into Winnipeg for fabric so that I can catch up on sewing over the long weekend.
And I'm off.
K.

Not Your Basic Black & White

1. Lace the Morning Blazer - ModCloth

2. Marvelous Mum Earrings - Modcloth

3. Wheat Necklace - Aurelie Bidermann

4. Apple Crisp Oatmeal Top - ModCloth

5. Field of Gleams Bag - ModCloth

6. Sash Samba Belt - ModCloth

7. Candy Cloud Wedge - ModCloth

8. True Brit Skirt - ModCloth

I've really been feelin' monochromatic schemes when it comes to interior decorating lately... so I figured why not pull together a wardrobe post using the same principles?!  Yes, I am still loving this dusky pink and nudes too... perfectly feminine neutrals if you ask me!  The goal was a totally ModCloth outfit, but man, I just had to sneak this Wheat Necklace into the mix - it's just too pretty to be left behind!  It also works itself in nicely with the organic feel of the florals, cottons and leathers.

I'm off to man les fleurs at Bloom today - crossing my fingers that there's not another flu relapse ... ahem, like yesterday after I announced to the world that I was ONE THOUSAND percent better.  Ha, serves me right.

Almost the long weekend - makes for a happy Wednesday!

K.

Fine Feathered Friend

Ohhh my, I would love to take credit for such a great photo of the bride... but she really is just that easy to photograph - a real beauty, all the way through!  Jenna's dress was a lacey, fitted number with a vintage vibe, so the birdcage veil and feather head piece were a great match.  You can see a couple more pics of the head piece here.  I'm so excited to post about the wedding in general, but not before the bride gets a chance to peruse the photos : )  Soon.

I'm back to feeling like myself today.  I had that moment last night... you know the one - when you've had the flu for a couple of days and then ALL OF A SUDDEN you feel superhuman, 1000% better.  Ha.  Today I just feel good.  Normal (ish?  Am I ever totally normal?  I dunno).  And so glad I'll be ready to go for yoga class tonight, especially since there's only a couple classes left before the end of the session (sob!).  

A bit more work then latte break - throwin' a muffin into that mix.  The house smells awesome right now, I should probably bake first thing every morning.  Maybe in another life...

K.

Drumroll Please... Giveaway Winner

Congrats Holly - I will get your Jonny's Java goodies to ya this week : )

Thanks to everyone else for entering and again, for stickin' it out for 200+ posts!

I've been flat-out sick since Saturday night... now that I've graduated to the couch I think today will be a homework day.  Hope to be back with more soon - I'm really looking forward to sharing pics of the paintings I showed on the weekend and some other fun bits too!

K.

To the Moon and Back: Punta Cana

*Sigh*  These pics make me wish I could turn back the clock and do this vacay all over again - it was so much fun!  Wedding pics and shots of the head piece I did for Jenna coming soon!
I'm taking the rest of the day for course work, cleaning my poor neglected house and some quality gym time since I'll be at the WAC show tonight and all day tomorrow.  Role reversal for Friday and Saturday this week?!  Um, yes.
I'm looking forward to seeing lots of locals at the art show and hope ya'll have a great weekend!
K.

The Naked and Famous

My first encounter with The Naked and Famous was with "Young Blood"... since then, I've listened to the Passive Me, Aggressive You album overandoverandover.  I officially LOVE the entire album.  Aside from the songs posted here, I'm also partial to "Eyes."  Yeah.  These tunes are all making the regularly scheduled program around here.  
Today is random here-and-there for me: ordering clothing racks from Ikea, paint touch-ups and labeling my pieces for the WAC show this weekend - for some reason I DREAD pricing and waffle on it for hours.  Ick.  Even though there is a bit of a formula as far as the material costs and the whole living wage factor, there's always the nagging question of what value someone else would assign to said piece.  I won't even get into the whole personal attachment aspect of it... Anyone wanna come over and do this part for me today? 

In other news, I am also going to spring clean my car.  And yes, I'm excited about that - because I just do love tire foam.  

Enjoy the tunes and let's go Thursday.

K.

--- OH!  And don't forget to check out the 200th post.give.away for a chance to win some great product from Jonny's Java!

 --- AND!  Just in case you're not convinced, here's another for the road:

200th post.give.away

 Monday marked my 200th post on the blog (already?!)... For this giveaway I've decided to share what fuels me.  Yup, you got it - the winner from this giveaway will be getting a bag o' beans and a sweet Bodum mug from Jonny's Java.  To enter, just leave a comment on this post with your first name and last inital.  I'll leave the giveaway open for the rest of the week.  Stop by in person and see the brew-masters yourself or check them out here.

Thanks to the Jonny's boys for putting up with me and my camera yesterday morning.  Life behind the counter seems pretty awesome.  I would find it tempting to toss back espresso all day long, so probably good that it's on them to dish-out the appropriate serving size : )

And another big thanks to ya'll for taking the time to read the rants and rambles!

K.
--- My background and 'Add Me' images will be back up soon... the image hosting site is having some maintenance issues.  Please bear with me until things are prettied-up around here again! ---

The Usual Monday Mayhem

This week is going to be a little bit of a scramble - lots of last minute things to pull together for the WAC "GREEN" show this weekend... framing, hanging bits, labels, etc and maybe.maybe.maybe finish the painting I started on the weekend?!  Otherwise, there's a whole lot else on the go: sewing, designing and the mad hunt for a pattern maker.  

HEY!  DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW SOMEONE WHO PATTERNS OFF OF DRAWINGS AND SAMPLE DRESSES?

 Was that inappropriate?  I just can't tell anymore.  

I'm really excited for the events and projects on the go from now until (at least) the end of June... and can't wait to share the details.  One thing at a time though.  Let's get this weekend's show taken care of first...

And coffee.  Let's take care of coffee.

K. 

Notes for a Soggy Saturday

Photography by: Paige Newton

Rooster Ceramics by: Leah Duncan

Just spreading a little love this Saturday... these photos are a collaboration by two incredible talents in the art world.  You can check out more of their individual projects at the credit links above.  I'm loving the contrast of all of the glass with the rustic quality of the barn setting - just beautiful!  I know it's a wedding shoot set, but I'd be happy to move right in : )

It's a soggy and gray spring day around here, so I'm heading towards the paints with a latte in-hand.  Trying to decide whether to just go at it for fun or with the intent to show the piece at the WAC "GREEN" show next week?!  

Paint now, think later?  Now that sounds like my kinda plan.

Hope ya'll are having the very best of Saturdays!

K.

Blooming for Spring

... Lil' peek at what's new at Bloom - lottsa pretty bits for spring.  Turquoise and coral always get me in the mood for warmer weather, and I am lovin' that peony tree.  Too cute.

More sewing for me today.  Not only did I not start at the end and find the beginning yesterday, but came up with a whole new idea for a dress while I was sketching and hmm... it's all pinned up on my dress form.  Fingers crossed that I can pull it together - it's gonna be a beauty if it works out : )  

And maybe I'll prime for another painting somewhere in there too.  How many hours in a day again?  30?  Perfect.  Ha!

Happy Friday everyone!

K.

Dress Love: OUMA

I just stumbled across this sweet lil' Striped Carnival Party Dress by Ouma Clothing.  It's kinda the perfect dress for a gal like me: on trend with the stripes, but still over-the-top girly with the huge tulle skirt.  

I'm in love.  Again.  

(My my, that happens often with me and dress-love).

Today is a sewing day around here.  Just trying to decide which dress to attack first... the one that's already cut and prepped, or the one that just popped into my head when I was making breakfast this morning.    

Seems like a good day to start at the end and find the beginning.

When do I ever do things in order anyway?  

Yeah.  Pretty much never.

K.

Delightfully Tacky

Meet Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky.  I discovered this fantastic blog after an email from my buddy And-O this morning, telling me how he had found the RV-loving version of me online.  How did Andy find Elizabeth? He is in RV sales for his family-run dealership, so we'll call it "early morning, job-related, and highly pertinent research."  *wink*  Haha, oh Andy.  In all seriousness, I'm totally flattered by the comparison because judging from this girl's photos and wardrobe posts, she has amazing style.  AND, she travels the country in a big ole RV.  Clearly she is pretty rad.  If only.

Last night I had a few reunions: one with yoga fit class after a two week hiatus (oh my, that will hurt by tomorrow), and another with one of my very favorite girly friends... sandwich a spring-y walk in the middle and it was a great evening.  Just what I needed after a day-long brainstorming and planning session.  

*happy sigh*

K.

A Taste of T

source

Dove Tree is sponsoring on A Taste of T for the next coupla months - be sure to stop in and check out Tanya's lovely blog!  I'm especially loving the photos from her recent baby shower - I'm slipping into a sugar coma just looking at these pics : )  Yum.

Thanks to Tanya for the chance to sponsor!

K.

Vacation Hangover

I'm back... in body at least.  I think I may have left my head-space back on the beach though!  Kinda intimidated by the email inbox right now, but it's time to attack it and dig into the big projects for the next couple of months.  

Enough with the self-pep-talk...

The vacation was awesome - lots of beach and pool time, good food, late nights with a great group of people and one beautiful seaside wedding in the middle of it all.  I can't wait to share some of my shots of the wedding day.  Jenna-Loo and her hubby were not only gorgeous, but totally relaxed and so much fun for Candy and I to work with.  I'm so happy for them and really grateful that I could be there with them, and everyone else too!

Back to the real (ish) world : )

K.

To the Moon and Back: Prague

To the Moon and Back: Sao Paulo