Domesticated Darlings

"Happy New Year"

2012-01-04T07:21:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year!! The new year has arrived and along with it a fresh start and 366 days (it's Leap Year ) to live life to the fullest. Time to put 2011 behind us, and concentrate on today and the future. A time to reflect on the changes that we want or need. So on that very positive note I found myself mulling over my New Year's Resolutions. Only, wait a minute...I didn't make any! Most people seem to come up with somewhat vague resolutions such as get healthier, get organized, lose 20 pounds, save more money, and these resolutions are often so huge that in two days, a week, or a month, the resolution is put on the back burner and then quickly forgotten.

I actually did try to think of at least one that I could fire off during conversation when asked, but that's my problem. I can't think of just one. My brain automatically kicks into the list making mode and before I knew it my list was growing longer and longer. You're probably thinking "Wow, she has that many things that she resolves to change?" I don't...but I do have so very much that I would like to accomplish in 2012 which is why instead of making resolutions, I have instead made a 2012 "to-do" list of what I plan and sincerely hope to accomplish. The list is actually very in depth and interesting, but I have chosen not to share it. After all...a girl's gotta have some secrets right? Nothing big gets accomplished in one day. Instead it is accomplished with a hundred tiny steps that happen throughout the year. New Year's Resolutions should be nothing more than a starting point. I have printed this list off and framed it and have placed it in a prominent area of my home so that I am reminded of them on a daily basis and never lose sight of these goals.

2012 is going to be a great year full of growth, change, many accomplishments and happiness simply because I'm going to make it happen! The only dreams that are impossible to reach are the dreams that you never pursue. Life is too short and I would rather be able to say that I tried than to say that I wish I would have tried. Doing even just a wee bit of something is so much better than not doing anything at all. At the end of 2012 I will share my list in it's entirety and reveal the goals that I have met, and even the goals that I didn't. Hopefully there won't be many of those! And if there are times when I get discouraged or think that I'm not meeting my goals quickly enough, I'm going to remember that even a turtle makes progress when it sticks it's neck out.

Words can't express just how excited I am to be able to tick off the items that I do accomplish throughout the year, especially since they are all items that are so very important to "me".

There are however, 2 items on my list that I will share with you today simply because you will see so much of them when revisiting my blog. And as time goes on I will share more of my list along with letting you know why those things are so important to me.

Number one from my 2012 list is to take one idea each week from my boards on Pinterest, and actually do it! If you haven't been on Pinterest yet, you absolutely have to take some time and visit that site.

Can you say AMAZING? It's an endless supply of inspiration for me! Full of craft ideas, recipes, quotes, tutorials, beauty tips, household tips, D.I.Y.'s, fashion tips, and the list goes on and on and on. And everything is so very do-able! I have acquired so many absolutely wonderful pins on my boards and now I'm making a point of actually creating these pins. Each week I will randomly pick something from my boards a.k.a. "wish list" and you can look forward to a weekly blog update along with photos of what I have chosen to make that week. Home is where the heart is, and a 'lil bit of your heart goes into projects that you create. You can just imagine how excited I am that Chatham is actually getting a Michaels.

I couldn't resist including this link to an awesome soy candle making video tutorial that is probably the best one that I have seen! My daughter is a follower of hers on Youtube and I have to admit that I too have become a follower! She has many different videos that are all very interesting to watch. Very likeable girl!

DIY Winter Candles

Number two from my 2012 list is to take more photos all throughout the year. There are so many benefits to this one! A photograph is a captured memory that we can look back on in years to come. And, you learn by doing. The more pictures that you take, the more creative that you get. I don't have a fancy camera at this point but...and I love this quote..."Buying a Nikon doesn't make you a photographer, it makes you a Nikon owner" My little camera will now be my best friend, and although my photos may not have the approval of photography critics, I'm going to keep in mind that every artist was at first an amateur. My plan is to take photos all throughout the week, and then once a week I will share my favourites with you with a weekly photo dump. You can look forward to photos of many different moments that catch my eye throughout the week.

So on that happy note, I'm off! Thanks so much for taking the time to read what is close to my heart, and if there are times when you think that I need a little bit of encouragement, or perhaps a kick in the butt, please feel free to let me know.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

For The Love of Fall

2011-10-19T10:14:00.000-05:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every flower is a leaf."

Fall, truly is my favorite season. The cooler weather and crisp air, the changing of the leaves, the selection of locally grown apples, decorating pumpkins, pretty potted mums, homemade pies, soups, chili, stews, and raking leaves. For those that just seem to be able to complain that winter is on it's way, take the time to cherish the cycles of our seasons! Open your eyes so that you can see the beauty in everything. Think back to your childhood days when a pile of leaves was soooo much more then a nuisance.

Gone for now, are the days of carving Jack-O'-Lanterns. No more little children at home to get excited about removing the pulp and seeds from inside of the pumpkin, or roasting the seeds (which we did every year, but nobody ever ate more than just a few to taste them), or creating unique faces, each one different from the next. I will return to this pleasure I'm sure, when I am blessed with Grandchildren. But for now, pumpkins in our home have taken on a whole new look.

Not sure yet, which ones I will do, but these are some of my favorites!

Love these for an Autumn / Halloween Mantle

If I had this type of a fence, I would sooooo do these!

Love this pumpkin...Simple, but cute!

Going to do the pumpkin on the top right.

And the polka dots..

Love this for the front entry!

And, if I didn't have a screen door, I would totally do this! Soooo cute!

And this would be cute for a Halloween candy station

Those are just a handful of some of the decorating ideas that I have for this year...with Pinterest, the possibilities are endless!

Now....on to the ideas for the kitchen. Can't wait to try these!

Pumpkin Cake made using 2 Bundt pans

Pumpkin Roll

How delicious does this look? Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

And a different twist on dumplings...Spiral Apple Dumplings

And Pumpkin Cupcakes...

And Apple Crumble Squares...Mmmmmm

Pumpkin Dump Cake - So easy!

Potato Soup in the CrockPot on a Brisk Fall Day

And a pot full of chili...you'll notice that this picture doesn't have a link only because I swear by my own recipe which I will share with you at a later date..Sooooo good!

And cute sweaters for the dogs...

Enjoy every little thing about Autumn. It's here and gone so quickly!

Let Whatever You Do Today, Be Enough

2011-10-14T10:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was my only day off from work this week, and I had so much that I had hoped to accomplish during that one day. Except...the clock kept ticking, and before I knew it the day had come to it's end, and my to-do list wasn't even barely touched!

How does that happen you ask? Well, to start with, I was organized and took the time to make a list of errands that I had to do, and items that I had to purchase. I even gave myself a time frame to complete this list in! And then off to the stores I went. Now, I don't know about you, but sticking to a list is really, really hard for me! Before I knew it a good chunk of the day had disappeared and my trunk was full. And then there was car shopping for my daughter's first car, dinner, the never ending laundry, housework, playing with the dogs, and before I knew it the day was finished.

Part of me can't help but feeling disappointed for all of the things that I didn't get to, but on the brighter side of things? My to-do list will still be there. That is something that I have definitely learned. So I've proved to myself once again that I'm human and didn't get my daily goals accomplished. Now I have a choice!

I can either feel disappointed in myself, or I can make a mental list of the things that I "did" accomplish and be happy for it! Life shouldn't be about what you didn't accomplish, or couldn't afford, or couldn't be. Instead, it should be about what you did accomplish, what you should be thankful for, who you are, and how happy and fulfilled you are. Being happy is a choice! Count your blessings!

"Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have"

Take a long and serious look at what you do have, and soon you will have plenty of reasons to be happy!

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet"

While wanting to achieve more in your life is good, being obsessed by it is not. Be happy for what you have and where you are in life.

"When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor, it's to enjoy each step along the way"

Treasure every moment that you have, and remember that time waits for no one!

October's To-Do List of Projects

2011-10-07T10:27:00.001-05:00

Time seems to be flying by soooo quickly that I figured I'd better make myself one of my famous "to-do" lists to stay focused and not get side tracked! So....on that happy note here is just a few of the projects that I "WILL"accomplish in October.

I have already begun sanding our dining room table and throughout this process have acquired a totally different inspiration for it. The goal originally was to take it from this:

to this look:

But, I think with the dining room table, chairs, and hutch, it's going to be too much white. So...thanks to Pinterest where I get so much inspiration from, the plan is now to redo it like this:

Soooo much more in love with this look! Purchased the stain and paint this week, so let the fun begin!

I also have purchased the pattern, and material so that I can make one of the first products that I will be excited to promote on Etsy as well as my Facebook page for Domesticated Darlings, and hope to have my first few finished by November. Darling, vintage style aprons....which I will eventually offer in many different styles and patterns. One of the first few will be the bottom left style with this material:

And the next will be the style on the right side of the pattern except in a different print:

And the third one for this month will be the style on the right also in a different print:

I am also in the process of working on different packaging ideas for the finished products and just have to narrow it down to my favorite...

So that in a nutshell are my big goals for the month of October as well as my weekly organizational challenge projects, Thanksgiving, working full time, a few surprise projects that I will update you with and the new addition of a puppy this weekend...Busy, busy, busy, but so very blessed and happy!

"Let whatever you do today, be enough."

My 52 Week Organizational Challenge

2011-10-01T18:17:00.003-05:00

For a good part of us, organizing is a chore! A chore that we tend to put off for as long as we possibly can. We're all probably a little guilty of using many different tactics to avoid this chore. Some of us may totally avoid going into that cluttered room in our house. And then there are those that throw random items into a closet or drawer and then just pretend that they don't exist. Out of sight, out of mind? After all, who really enjoys looking at a pile of paperwork or countless things that don't belong where they are? And my personal favorite is when you need something out of a certain cupboard or closet, and you make sure that you open that door and close it again really, really fast before something falls out!

I often find myself stashing things, just because it's quicker than taking the time to find an appropriate spot for it. Of course, I always tell myself that I'll come back later when I have more time to put it where it belongs. But...as you may have guessed, later never seems to come. And that, is exactly how things begin to build up until the point is reached where we feel overwhelmed.

I have often been accused of being a perfectionist with myself, and after doing some in depth research, I've come to the conclusion that yes...I most definitely am a perfectionist. The dictionary definition of a perfectionist is a person who is displeased by anything that does not meet very high standards. If you are under the impression that being a perfectionist is a good thing, then do a little research of your own, and you will find out that this is not an admirable trait!

People in general, tend to focus on the 1^st part of the word “Perfect” and think that perfectionists are just that. Perfect! And it would just seem natural that perfectionists are neat freaks and that our homes are so perfect that someone could walk in at a moment's notice and find a picture perfect home, free of clutter.

Well, I'm here to say that perfectionists have the same problems with clutter and unorganized areas of their homes that other people do. It weighs on our mind constantly, even when we should be focusing on something else or maybe even just relaxing for a change and having fun. Nope..our minds are still thinking about that closet that is stuffed full, or the filing cabinet that needs to be organized. My mental to-do list is endless! What may seem to be a normal amount of clutter or mess to an average person is often insurmountable for a perfectionist. Normal people would just dive in and take care of the clutter, and realize that even a small amount of time and effort can make a difference. A perfectionist though doesn’t want to even attempt it unless they have enough time to do it perfectly and completely. We instead save it for the day where we can devote the entire day solely to that. But that day never comes, because there are always other things that seem to creep up like work, groceries, errands, yardwork, laundry, etc. etc. etc. And then, in order to begin organizing we find ourselves getting caught up in trivial details such as deciding where to move the stuff to. We can't possibly move it to another place, unless we first make sure that the new spot is organized first. And then we stew about what we can put the stuff into. It should be in pretty, matching baskets with labels, or maybe matching Rubbermaid totes. Not just mismatched containers that end up being stuffed into a closet! Have you seen some of the fabulous storage containers on pinterest?? I think I definitely need more hours in a day!

I could go on and on about why being a perfectionist makes dealing with clutter and unorganization really difficult! Instead though, this is where I say "ENOUGH"! My coat closet may not look as pretty as the one in the blog that I seen yesterday, my storage containers may not be as creative and pleasing to the eye as yours, and my craft room may just be a work in progress, but at least it will be that! A work in progress, and not just sitting idle waiting until everything is perfect. Because as we all know, or will learn, there is no such thing as perfect! Having a totally organized home where everything has it's own special place seems so far fetched in today's busy society, but, just like most projects, if you break it down you realize that almost anything is within your power. And you also realize that

"Sometimes done is better than perfect"

All of the above provides you with the background for why I have decided to take on a 52 week organizational challenge. For the next 52 weeks, I will concentrate on a different area in my home that I feel needs to be organized. Some weeks, I hope to be able to get more than one area accomplished in order to arrive at the end of the list way before 52 weeks is up. I really don't want to wait 1 whole year before everything is organized to my satisfaction. But..I also realize that things will come up, and I want to make realistic goals that I am totally capable of meeting. If I do arrive at the end of my list in only 20 weeks? Then, I just might have to celebrate!

Along the way I will share my inspirations for each area, as well as photos of what I have accomplished, and even some tutorials, and who knows...maybe even inspire!

"A year from now, you will wish you had started today "

Pinterest has provided me with so many amazing ideas! Have I ever mentioned that I love Pinterest?? That is one of the wonderful, positive things about this wonderful world of technology. We can learn so much from other people. People that we normally wouldn't even have the opportunity to encounter in a day. Have "pinned" so many awesome pins that I hope to be able to use to help make organization easier, prettier, and much more enjoyable such as:

Pretty, but oh so practical way of storing headbands..

Love this idea for storing nailpolish! I've already found a spice rack from the thrift store and all it needs now is to be painted..

Nail polish storage

Love this idea for storing makeup brushes! My daughter has already done this with hers, but with colored sand instead of coffee beans

These shutters would be perfect in my craft room..

Cute for hanging keys on, and so easy to make!

And the ultimate way of organizing and storing photos!

Totally have to find one of these for our hangers!

And one of my favorite ideas...the spice drawer! Already have the jars for it.

Although..instead of chalkboard paint on top of the lids, I'm going to do mine like this with labels..

Really think that I should put this above washing machine and dryer. Cute, but handy!

Cute, and soooo going to do this for mine!

Love this too...Mine always seem to get crushed!

Love this and sooooo doing this!

I've actually already purchased a used chest for this purpose. Just have to refinish it :-)

Perfect for thread storage for my craft room...

No more tangled necklaces!

See what I mean? Soooooo inspired to begin! Stay tuned for my progress and updated pictures!

"Some people look for a beautiful place...others make a place beautiful"

So Inspired by Pinterest

2011-08-04T06:54:00.000-05:00

Oh My!!! Have I mentioned how much I absolutely love Pinterest?? I now have 61 Sewing projects that I want to do, 65 pins on My Ever Growing "To Do" List, 64 Crafts that I just have to make, 18 health & beauty ideas to try, 79 recipes that I just gotta try, as well as household ideas, DIY jewellry projects, wreaths & wall art that I want to do, etc., etc., etc., I think I'm going to be a busy girl...

Take a peek at some of the projects that I want to do in the near future & if you haven't tried Pinterest yet, take a look & prepare to be inspired!

This Pom Pom Lamp is so darling! I've already purchased the supplies for it and am going to do this for my bedroom lamp. Can't wait to see the results!

This Book Page Necklace caught my eye and is something that I would definitely wear. I have a feeling once my daughter sees this I'll be making a second necklace!

I have the perfect little stool for this project that we use in front of our couch for our smallest chihuahua to be able to jump up onto the couch...Now I just have to find the perfect print!

And yes....like so many others I have a Wedding Dress stashed away in a closet taking up a large amount of space. Although it's beautiful, I would never want my daughter to wear it. She deserves to pick out her own...something that truly makes her feel like a princess! This project is a perfect idea for the dress!

After seeing this Bench , I just have to cover my piano bench! Right now it is not covered at all, so this will be a very welcome change!

And this Slow Cooker Potato Soup is perfect for a cooler day. Not to mention, it's my favourite soup of all! Can't wait to try it!

No matter how hard I try to keep my spice cupboard organized, I'm always finding the spice that I'm looking for at the very back, after I empty half of the cupboard out! Can't wait to try this!

Spice drawer

Love Book Wreaths so much! I've already got the pages rolled, now I just have to assemble it. Can't wait!

This Musical heart is going to look so pretty on the piano!

And there is just something extra special about homemade! Can't wait to make these Bath Salts. Just have to make a trip to the dollar store to find the perfect little jars.

Definitely have to organize my pictures ! Everytime that I've been unfortunate to get a virus on my computer, I live in fear that I'm going to lose all of my pictures! Now I'll be able to breathe a sigh of relief!

See what I mean about Pinterest? Soooooo addicted, but I think it's a healthy addiction! After all....by the time I get done with all of my projects, our home will be sooooo pretty, the food will be sooooo yummy, and everything will be more organized! So, on that happy note, I'm going to run...gotta get busy creating!

Wonderful, Glorious, Enjoyable Day Off

2011-08-01T21:58:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I absolutely love days off work?? Soooo many things to do and soooo little free time! Of course some of the things are mundane things like groceries, housework, and laundry, but then there is also that ever growing to-do list of things that I want to accomplish. And then I stop for a minute and remember that oh so true quote: "If you're always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you're in"? Saturday was Brittany's day off as well as mine, so we kissed the dogs good-bye, hopped in the car, and left for the day.

Isn't it funny how quickly you feel more relaxed when the city, the phone, and the busy schedules are all in the rearview mirror? Our destination was less than two hours away, but yet it felt like we were in a different world. Suddenly everything felt brand new! We didn't even look at the time once that day. As we left our last stop I asked Brittany to check what time it was, and then I said "You know what? Don't check! It doesn't even matter"! Definitely need more days like that!

Along the highway we passed so many wind turbines. I'm not sure why, but still to this day I am so fascinated by these...They remind me of something so futuristic!

Our first stop was Picard's Peanuts which is the home of the Canadian Peanut.

We usually try to go at least once a year. My absolute favourite treat there are the Chipnuts! Mmmmm...So yummy! They have 14 different flavours of crisp potato chip covered peanuts & you even get to try samples before you choose. My top choices are Salt and Vinegar, Dill Pickle, and Barbecue.

Brittany's favourite? Milk chocolate covered raisins. These didn't even make it home. Her excuse was that it was hot & they would have melted if she left them. Have I mentioned that when it comes to chocolate she has absolutely no will power? But that's okay...she somehow seems to be able to eat all the chocolate she wants and still manages to stay as trim as she is! Can you say jealous??

Next stop? Sparta Country Candles to stock up on scented monster pucks for our warmer. Soooo many heavenly scents to choose from. I ended up purchasing a new warmer along with Sunburst, Strawberry Fields, Cookie Crunch, Elgin Country Cobbler, and then the best new scents ever, Double Double & French Vanilla. You mix half and half and it smells just like Tim Horton's! Even Brittany bought this one!

This store also has soooo much more then just candles.

I still think Brittany should have bought one of these hats!

Love this sign for the yard but so not worth the $26! Had to take a picture of it though so that hopefully I can come up with a good way of making my own. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

And although I'm sure you've all seen a doormat like this, I love it and have to make one!

And...this little sign is sweet and so true, at least in our home

These little signs caught my eye..so simple to make, but yet they say so much!

And this next beauty, Brittany and I called "Creepy Fairy"...I think we might have watched just one too many scary movies!

From here we drove just up the road to "Winter Wheat". Such a charming place to spend time at! Husband and wife have transformed their 5 acre property into this charming, whimsicle attraction. She is a Canadian Folk Artist and her work is showcased in their store as well as in all of the cabins on the property. He is the creator of the attractions on the grounds.

This saying says it all...I could sooooo imagine living on this property!

This is Brittany's favourite!

Each cabin has their trademark fragrance, coffee, cookies, and a guest book while you relax.

It just so happened that this day they had live music piped all throughout the grounds. Beautiful relaxing melodies. She played the harp beautifully!

Inside of the cabin...all of the artwork is Lucy's

Brittany signing one of the guestbooks

Sooooo many absolutely beautiful ferns! I totally have to get one of these!

I don't think anything goes to waste here...He uses everything you could think of for his displays!

Beautiful flowers & greenery all throughout the property

This lamp in one of the cabins is sooooo cute!

One of their store window treatments

This piece actually plays music

So many great spots for pictures, had to take advantage of the opportunity

This is their home which is located right in the midst of their property...soooo charming!

One of the many bird houses for sale in their store...I soooo have to make one of these!

Cornfield behind the parking lot...

Beautiful horses on the way home that we just had to stop & visit!

A girl can dream....

Cute little garden flag that I picked up on our travels

Such an enjoyable day with Brittany! If only days off didn't fly by so quickly!

Do more of what makes you happy...Life is too short!

My first "BIG" furniture redo

2011-07-11T22:38:00.001-05:00

A few years ago after going through my parent's home to ready things for an estate sale, we decided to keep the dining room set. The cane backs of the chairs had seen better days, but I still saw potential. And then life got busy, which brings me to today.

This dining room set has definitely served the purpose, but now that I've discovered D.I.Y. furniture redo's that take my breath away, I realize that it is outdated, dark, and lacks style.

I can still remember a distant relative that was absolutely appalled when anyone painted over wood. She's probably turning over in her grave right now! But times are changing and there are so many awesome ideas out there from people that have actually done this!

What do I have planned for this set? First I'm going to remove the caning from the backs of the chairs and insert a back rest. Then, I'm thinking white for the set, with a bright, cheerful sunny yellow print to recover the chairs with. It will definitely be a huge change, but one that I am excited about.

The above picture from " House of Turquoise" is my inspiration

This is what I have in mind for the table centerpiece only with more focus on yellow &white.

The above picture is from http://www.100layercake.com/blog/

I wish that I could say that I'll post the "after" pictures shortly, but with working full time, it's going to be a job that I will have to do bit by bit. All things take time to create.

So, sometime in the future, as soon as I'm finished, I will definitely post pictures of the finished set! Be sure to check back, or better yet, follow my blog so that you don't miss the after pictures. Wish me loads of luck, and if you have any ideas or helpful tips, please feel free to share!

For The Love Of Chihuahuas

2011-07-11T09:52:00.002-05:00

"Dear Lord, Please let me be just half the person my dog thinks I am"

Some people are cat people and some are dog people. We, are definitely dog people! A dog's love is unconditional. They love you "just because". They don't care if your hair is messy, if your makeup isn't on yet, if you haven't brushed your teeth yet, or tidied up your house, no matter what you have or haven't done, they still look at you with nothing but love in their eyes.

You know how when you're young you tend to map out the rest of your life? What kind of job you'll have, the house that you'll live in, the car that you'll drive, the groceries that you'll buy, and yes, even the kind of dog that you'll have. Never, ever did I imagine that I would have a Chihuahua, let alone two! But, an opportunity presented itself one evening for a purebred Chihuahua at an affordable price. I would have easily been able to pass it up if only there wasn't one of the puppies from the litter there at the time of the offer. Seeing that sweet little puppy took me back to my childhood days when every animal that I saw had me pleading "Can we keep it Mom, Please, Can we"?

But....I was much stronger than that now. I couldn't be tempted. Or...could I? Irregardless I found myself telling my daughter about the adorable little puppy, and before I knew it we were going to pick out one of our own.

Big mistake? No, actually it was the best decision ever!

We went home that very same day with our new little puppy. "Daphne" as we named her was so sweet and within minutes we were in love! Time went on, and a year later we decided to get another Chihuahua. Daphne was a fawn colored chihuahua, and our new little guy Dawson was dark glistening brown with lighter features. And again, within minutes we were in love. Even Daphne! Two chihuahuas are twice the fun!

Chihuahuas aren't really dogs. I'm convinced that they are four legged babies! Especially Dawson! He is just over a year old now, but still, such a baby! He can't jump up on the couch in the living room - he needs a stool for that! (Daphne has no problem with this) He can't jump up on the couch downstairs because I haven't gotten a stool for that couch yet. (Again, Daphne has no problem with this) He cries if he can't get under the blanket (Whereas Daphne WILL get under it, come hell or high water) He can't jump off of my bed (No problem for Daphne) and he's terrified of car rides ( and Daphne? You have to hold her up so that she can stick her head out the window) he even makes a cute little baby sound every single time that he yawns! What can I say...He's a baby!! And on top of all that? For some reason even though he is a purebred, his ears didn't stand up which makes him look that much more like a baby!

Dog experts say that when you own a tiny dog, the worst thing that you can do is to carry them around. I say "Hmmmmph"!! Do these experts have any idea of how much love that these tiny dogs bring out in you? Do they realize just how easy it is to carry them? Do they understand just how irresistible they are? Our dogs are fully capable of walking on their own, and they do! They walk, they run, they dance, they chase balls, they chase us, they wrestle, but we still have many moments where we carry them like little babies!

If you are considering one of these tiny dogs, I have to stress, make your own judgements and don't listen to everything that you hear. If I would have listened to others, I wouldn't have these two beautiful sweethearts!

I've heard it all! Why a Chihuahua? They're funny looking, they're yappy, they shake all the time, they're clingy....etc.etc.etc.

This is where I get a little defensive! First of all, they aren't funny looking at all! I tell Daphne & Dawson everyday just how beautiful they are. They are the smallest dog breed in the world, and also one of the longest living breeds. They have tiny little heads, big pointy ears, and big eyes, all on a tiny little body. And we all know that sometimes the best things come in small packages!

Are they yappy? Well...that's kind of a loaded question. It might appear to an outsider that they are high strung and yappy. I've even had some mean lady accuse our little Daphne of looking vicious! Imagine that! What people don't realize until they own this precious breed is that Chihuahuas are actually vigilant watchdogs. Because of their alertness and loyalty to their owners, they are suspicious and wary of strangers. Protective, devoted, and fiercely loyal! If they see something as a threat, they will bark, and they won't give up until that threat is gone. They may be little in our eyes, but in their own they are as big as a Great Dane! However, in the comfort of our own home, when it is just family, you couldn't have a more loving dog!

And, clingy? Well, I suppose that depends on what you are looking for in a dog. These two will follow us from room to room, they love to sleep with us, they cry if one of us leaves the car, if we're outside, they want to be outside. But...they are also the first ones to greet you when you walk through the door, as happily as if you were their hero. They're there when you're feeling lonely, when you need a kiss, when you're scared, when you eat (especially when you eat), when you want to cuddle, when you're cold, and when you're just not feeling up to snuff. So sweet, and so attentive. They can't help it if they love to be around humans.

Wow! A whole blog entry about our babies! You might even think that they are spoiled? You betcha they are! Daphne and Dawson are two of the sweetest, most loving, playful, loyal, cuddliest dogs ever, and I can't begin to imagine our home without them!

Getting Back To Crafting

2011-07-07T03:10:00.003-05:00

"Most people are so busy knocking themselves out trying to do everything they think they should do, they never get around to do what they want to do."

That was me for a number of years...trying to do everything to please others and forgetting about what was important to me. Now with maturity, experience, and a realization of how short life can be, I'm finally taking a little time to remember what's important to me as well.

Being on my own with my daughter, taking care of our home and working full time makes for a very busy life! Before I knew it, I realized that I wasn't taking time out for me and what was important to me. I was so busy trying to please everyone else that I forgot about pleasing me. It's so easy to brush things off and say "I don't have time", but taking the time to do what makes you happy brings many rewards. There are many things in a week that have to be done no matter what. Work, groceries, yard work, housework, cooking, taking time for my daughter, our darling dogs, and the list goes on and on....The funny thing is, is that I enjoy all of that! Okay...a few more days off work would be really sweet, but...that's life!

After a whole lot of soul searching, I've decided to make sure that I take even just a moment each day to appreciate all of the good in our own little spot in this world and genuinely enjoy life! I want to be able to pursue my interests so that I don't have so many thoughts that begin with "I wish I would have". Which is why many of the blog entries that you will see in the future will be directed towards crafts, recipes, dogs, my darling daughter, and everything else in this thing called "LIFE" that truly makes me happy.

About a month ago, I discovered the wonderful site called "Pinterest"....and now my "to-do" list is overflowing! Such an inspiring site!

This vase that I made last week on my day off, was such a simple, cheap, fun thing to make, and sooooo pretty! The vase that I originally seen on Pinterest had flowers in it, but I decided to put grass in mine instead. Brittany liked it so much, she is going to do one for her room as well. (I should add that now I've got her addicted to Pinterest too)

All you need is a glass jar or vase (I purchased mine from the dollar store) glue, and clear glass stones. It's that simple!

I also always wanted one of the ever popular Sunburst mirrors, and decided to try my hand at that as well. A shopping trip to Hobby Lobby in Port Huron (unfortunately Chatham doesn't have any craft stores) supplied me with everything that I needed.

Wooden dowels
Wooden skewers
Glass Mirror for the center
Tiny mirrors
Round foam for the backing
Gold leaf paint

And here is the finished product. If I were going to do it again, I'd be a little more careful with the placement of the dowels, but overall I'm quite happy with how it turned out...

McDonald's Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

2011-07-07T01:36:00.001-05:00

Once a year McDonald's comes out with their Shamrock Shake! My daughter Brittany absolutely loves these & we always find our way through the drive through during the limited time that it is offered. Thanks to one of my absolutely favorite sites "Pinterest" we can now enjoy these year round! I was a wee bit skeptical when I saw the recipe. But after making it, I'm truly impressed!! Soooooo yummy!! You can pretty these shakes up by adding whipped cream to the top, but we prefer ours without. Brittany has to have her wisdom teeth removed in a couple of weeks so I know she'll definitely be wanting more of these, in fact she's put in a request ahead of time!!

McDonald's Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

3 cups good quality ice cream

1 3/4 cup milk (we use skim)

1/2 tsp. peppermint extract

Green Food Coloring

Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely smooth. Pour into chilled glasses & enjoy!

Chocolate Oreo Cream Cake

2011-07-07T00:51:00.004-05:00

I was pinning away on Pinterest, and as soon as I saw this recipe I knew that I had to try it! (Recipe was linked back to realmomkitchen.com ) Very simple to make and this cake is to die for! This recipe is definitely a keeper! The next time that I make this cake, I plan to pretty it up with some simple chocolate curls on top.

Ingredients

1 pkg. Chocolate Cake Mix ( I used Chocolate Fudge )

Ingredients to make the cake (Recipe on Box)

8 ounces Reduced Fat Cream Cheese (Softened)

1/2 cup sugar

2 Cups Cool Whip

12 Oreo Cookies Coarsely Crushed

1/3 Cup Cocoa Powder plus 1 tbsp.

6 tbsp. Softened Butter

4 1/2 Cups Icing Sugar

1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla

5 to 6 tbsp. Milk

Prepare cake mix according to pkg. directions for 2-9 inch round cake pans.

Spray bottom & sides of pan with cooking spray.

Cook cake according to pkg. directions.

Cool for 10 minutes.

Remove from pan & allow to cool completely.

Once cakes are completely cooled, prepare the filling.

Beat 1 8 oz.pkg. of Light Cream Cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together with hand mixer until well blended. Fold in the Cool Whip until almost blended and then fold in the crushed oreo cookies.

In another bowl, make the frosting by mixing together the Cocoa Powder & Icing Sugar. Add the butter, vanilla, & milk. Blend with mixer until smooth. Add additional milk if needed to make the icing more spreadable.

Now it's time to assemble the cake.

With serrated knife, cut off the domed part of each of the rounds to make the cake relatively even and level.

Place one round on your serving platter. Top with 1/2 of the filling mixture and spread evenly. Top with the 2nd cake round.

Cover the top & sides of the cake with the frosting & enjoy!!

Note: I keep this cake stored in the fridge due to the cream cheese.

My "To-Do" List Planner

2011-07-06T02:16:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I have purchased many, many personal planners in the past, hopeful to be able to get more accomplished in a day, and I just end up frustrated.

Yes, I have to admit, I'm a little bit of a perfectionist when it comes to some things. I'm just not a happy girl if I mess up, or if I have to change something. Then what? Do I scratch it out? No, that wouldn't look good! Maybe I should use white out. But, I can't do that! That would look messy! So then I decide I'll just rip the page out! But then my planner would be missing a day! See what I mean? This is why I gave up on personal planners for awhile.

Then one day, I was on my daughter's laptop, watching a Vlog of a girl my daughter's age. Brittany had bookmarked her channel and faithfully watches all of her videos. Although her videos are geared to women younger than me, she had the perfect solution to my personal planner dilemma!

After a trip to the local Dollar Store and Office supply store, I was all set to now make the most of each day! First...I bought a simple notebook.

The great thing about this planner is that you use Post-it Notes to write your daily lists on. That way, if you make a mistake, or you want to change something, you simply change the Post-it Note! No white out...no scratching things out...and no missing days from your planner!

To add a little bit of variety to it & make it more pleasing to the eye, I purchased a variety of colors of Post-it Notes and rotate the colors.

Such a simple little planner, but sometimes the simple things are the best!

People just don't realize the awesome power of a to-do list. I tend to get so caught up in the activities of daily life, that all of the things that I had hoped to accomplish get pushed aside. So, for me, the purpose of a planner isn't so much about staying organized, as it is about trying to direct my focus.

With a daily planner I can break tasks down into baby steps if need be, and it's almost like my own little pat on the back when I can cross something off of my list. A mental reminder that I am making progress.

Also, for those of us that procrastinate from time to time (Be honest...we all tend to be a little guilty of this) the to-do list helps to eliminate procrastination.

"Hard work is often the easy work that you did not do at the proper time" Soooooo true!!

Set aside just a few minutes each evening to write your to-do list and before you know it you will be amazed at all that you have accomplished.

"A year from now you will wish that you had started today"

My first blog entry! How exciting!

2011-06-27T08:33:00.003-05:00

Six months ago, I had never even looked at blogs (imagine that)! Then one day I stumbled upon one and was totally impressed! Soooooo full of information, ideas, and inspiration. Reading other blogs totally sparked my creativity. Not that I wasn't creative before, but now I have the opportunity to expand on it, which is why I created my own blog
"Domesticated Darlings"

What do I have planned for this blog? Oh my gosh. The possibilities are endless! But if I were going to narrow it down for you, I'd like to eventually include almost everything from A - Z. Good job of narrowing it down?

In time (after all, Rome wasn't built in a day) you'll find entries on my experiences with...

Home Improvements

Gardening

Creative Decorating on a Budget

Beauty Tips

Chihuahuas

Piano

Brittany Deanna Photography

Inspiring Quotes

Favorite Products

My Designer Aprons

Second Hand Treasures

The Importance of To-Do Lists

Day Off Delights

My Dog Beds

Homemade Dog Treats

Dog Bling

Dog Clothing.

Way too many inspirations for just one blog, but I'm hopeful that it will all come together, one entry at a time.
Everyone has different things that inspire them. Inspirations are what living life to it's fullest is made of. It's those little things that inspire us to try new things. Things that we didn't know we were capable of or even wanted to try.
I've always considered myself to be a jack of all trades and a master of none...and then I saw this quote:

"One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular."

Hmmmm...that one really made me think? Am I just someone that dabbles? You know what? Maybe I am, but if so, I'm enjoying every 'lil bit of it!

"It's the little moments, that make life big"

I live in just a small city called Chatham, Ontario, which is in Canada.

This is me (Heather)

When I was growing up, I couldn't wait to move away, and now here I am in my 40's and still here. Which I guess says a whole lot for little old Chatham! My mother is the one that enabled me to have the creative spark. She was a stay at home mom and very much into crafts, baking, and writing. Multiple Sclerosis has unfortunately robbed her of being able to do these things, which I guess is where I step in. Life has delivered many learning opportunities which has made me the woman that I am today. Had two beautiful babies a son and a daughter, and throughout the years, my daughter Brittany has remained my best friend, companion, and not a day goes by that I don't thank God for someone as special as her!!

This is Brittany

We have two darling Chihuahuas who are our little babies. Never, ever wanted a Chihuahua for a dog, but an opportunity for a purebred baby came up and I just couldn't resist! And that was the beginning of our love for these tiny dogs. Soon we decided to get a second Chihuahua. I can not say enough about these darling dogs! They are the sweetest, cuddliest, playful, and most special dogs! And now, I can't even imagine our home without them.

This is Daphne

And this is Dawson

Can't forget our cat Oliver

I was a hairstylist for many years and although I loved the creativity and the interaction with people I realized that unless you owned your own business, it would never be profitable. So, at 35 years of age, I decided to return to school and pursue my childhood goal of becoming a nurse. Two years later I graduated from the Registered Practical Nursing Program and haven't looked back or regretted it since. Going through school, I thought that the last place that I wanted to utilize my skills was in Geriatrics, but my first job was in a nursing home and to this day that is where I am employed full time. I love everything about the elderly, especially how little it takes to make a difference in their day! Very demanding job, but also a very rewarding one!

This blog is just a little glimpse into our daily life. Hoping that you enjoy what I choose to share with you and hoping that I can provide inspiration for even just one.

"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." Dr. Seuss