Weezi: Vintage Inspired Handmade Clothing & Accessories & Aprons

Comfy Summer DIY Slips

2015-05-19T20:27:00.000-04:00

Easy DIY Recycled Summer Slip

Helluuuuu Pussycats!

The other day I decided it was time to make a summer slip

for a couple of dresses that I had been meaning to get to for ages.

I had bought this adorable cotton summer tunic/dress last summer

and wore it mostly over skinny jeans.

It looked super cute but this year I wanted to wear it with tights during

the warmer nights as sometimes jeans are just too hot.

My problem was that it was going to stick to my tights and

sort of ride up looking messy and making me look frumpy.

Frumpy???? eeeeek! The horror!! ;)

I thought about a regular polyester slip, but for me I just can't wear polyester in the summer.

I tried and I am always annoyed with myself for doing it.

Polyester just doesn't breathe when it's hot and I always end up a sweaty, icky mess.

However, I needed the satin part of the slip to keep my dress hanging smooth so it doesn't ride up.

Time to problem solve!

I took one of my tank tops & lined up the shoulders of the dress w the straps of the tank.

I then decided that I wanted to tank top part of the slip to end roughly where my tights would sit at my waist. For me, that was approx. 15" from the shoulder.

I added 1/2" seam allowance and then cut off the rest of the tank top.

I then measured from the bottom of the tank top to the hem of the dress.

For this instance it was 13". I had an old slip that didn't fit right in my closet already

so I decided to use it but you could also get one at a second hand shoppe.

A little vintage half slip would be cute too as long as it is long enough :)

( plz note to choose a slip that has some fullness in the hip. If you pick one too tight it won't hang well and will be kind of uncomfortable)

Ok, so now I knew I needed the bottom part of my slip to be 12" long

plus 1/2" seam allowance. You want your slip to be at least 1" shorter then your

dress so it doesn't hang past the dress hem.

Because my slip is bigger then the tank top I needed to divide both the tank top

and the slip bottom into quarters so I could distribute the fullness evenly.

I divided each piece into quarters by lining up the side seams

together and then folding the garments in half, lining up the center fronts

and center backs. I pinned the center front to the tank

top to the center front of the slip, the centers back together and side seams with

right sides together. I then pinned evenly around.

Next I basted the pieces together and then I removed my pins. Lastly I serged /overcast

my seams. If you don't have a serger I suggest you use a small-ish zig zag

stitch with a needle meant for knits. I would zig zag your seam pulling the fabric a wee bit as you sew so the stitches don't get tight and pull out when you try your slip on.

I would then go back and using a larger stitch length zig zag over

the raw edge to get it from fraying.

Then, VOILA! You have a very comfy, functional summer slip :)

I hung my new creation over the dress to double check that I got the length right.

And, I was kind of on a roll so I made another one for a vintage

Laura Ashely dress mix and matching some fun colours :)

This really is an easy DIY project for beginners and pros.

Just remember to go slow & always double check your measurements!!

Happy Sewing!

Chat soon! Luv Weezi xo

Enjoying Halloween Again!

2014-10-28T12:49:00.000-04:00

helllluuu!!!

Normally I am not excited by Halloween.

Living downtown during Halloween meant nothing but

sad parades of young women in ridiculously ridiculous
"sexy" costumes, binge drinking that starts at 8:00am.

Fighting, screaming, vandalism and everything BUT a

fun and spooky Halloween celebration.

I always preyed for rain & snow and locked the door.

The Halloween equivalent of "Bah Humbug".

Now however...we live in a lovely neighbourhood where Halloween will be fun!

I can't wait! I am super excited to have kids come to the door,

and check out all their costumes and hear the delightful

calls of "Trick or Treat"!

I have been getting right into the swing of things

over here with a few decorations and even did up a Halloween mantle :)

This is what I have been up to....

I wanted a sort of vintage feel for my Halloween mantel ( no big shocker there!)
After purooozing some discount & thrift shoppes I decided it would have

a sort of Edwardian meets Edgar Allan Poe feel to it.

Just about everything I have used came from the thrift store.
I found the girl statue & spray painted her black.
The frames and all the glassware came from the 2nd hand shoppes too.

I printed off the photo of the gal and put her in the bottle.

It was a bit tricky but w some tweezers & a bit of swearing I

manged to get her situated in there ok ;)

I was out shopping w my Mum last week and it took me forever to

find tiny little black spiders. Who knew!?

I thought they would be super easy to find but not so.

Anyhow...I managed to find a bag full of them and may have

gone a wee bit over board in the spider department ;)

I was originally going to use black candles but in the end stayed

with the cream bc you couldn't really see the black against

our purple walls.

I was also very happy w my acquisition of little rubber mice and tiny skulls.

I think they added a nice creepy touch to top it all off :)

The headless lady was the final and last perfect touch :)
(who knew I would find a headless lady at rummage sale
for 50 cents 3 days before Halloween?? Amazing!)

I also printed and cut out a few extra bats & witches that I strategically placed

in the plants around the living room :)

LUV these fabulous black mice cutouts!

( they may get little Santa hats for Christmas ;)

And lastly....I had to have at least one creepy thing on the front porch...

The dead Mums are the perfect finishing touch ;)

***

Happy 4 days before Halloween everyone!

Chat soon, luv Weezi xo

Washing a Vintage Doily

2014-10-10T14:00:00.001-04:00

Hellllluuu!!!

I luv doilies. Yep! They are pretty, they are functional

and they never went out of style at my house :)

According to Wikipedia:

Doiley was a 17th-century London draper, who made popular

"a woolen stuff, 'at once cheap and genteel,' introduced

for summer wear in the latter part of the 17th c. At the time, it was

used as an adjective, as in "doily stuffs" or "doily suit." Later, usage

shifted to refer to "a small ornamental napkin used at

dessert," known as a "doily-napkin.

They really can save your surfaces and help to control & collect dust, crumbs etc.

Helps that I enjoy a sort of cottage/granny look as well.

I guess the whole doily idea doesn't do well in a modern

minimalist home ;)

Eventually they need to be washed bc after all, their

function is to get dirty. This poor doily did its job and then some!

I had it in the front window at the old apartment and it was a mess.

We used to live on a very busy street w really bad windows so there was dust

and dirt everywhere. I didn't know if it would come clean or not.

I mixed together a small amount of Biz & hot water and let it soak for 2 days

changing the water periodically.

I didn't add oxy-clean bc I wasn't sure if it would take out some of the colour.

I find BIZ safe to use on vintage linens & things but

unfortunately we can't get BIZ here in Canada so I load up

when we go across the border. If you can't get your hands on some Biz then I would

suggest Borax and Woolite.

Once it was done soaking I rinsed and squeezed thoroughly but carefully so

not to stretch it out. I rolled it up in a towel a few times to remove

the excess water and laid it flat to dry.

It came out really nice! I am really pleased that

all that dirt and grime was washed away.

Ok, off to the next task at hand...washing and soaking my winter

coat and getting all our woollies ready for the "looming" winter ;)

Chat soon!! Luv Weezi xo

New Packaging

2014-10-04T13:54:00.000-04:00

Helllu!!!

It has been a busy and messy day over here in

the Weezi studio today.

I have been busy getting things organized to take over

to the Bag Lady in a week or so.

It is time to freshen up my packaging and give

my presentation a new look.

I have been mulling some ideas over and

this is what I have decided to go forward with :)

I have been collecting bits and pieces of things that I have found

while thrifting and second hand shopping w my Mum

over the summer. I knew they would all come in handy

but I wasn't sure how I would put everything together

until now. Some days being a bit of a pack rat pays off ;)

better get back at it!

Chat soon!! Luv Weezi xo

High Tea with Mum

2014-10-02T17:20:00.001-04:00

Helllluuuuu!!

Last Thursday my Mum and I went out for

high tea to celebrate our trip to the UK one year ago.

We went on a bus trip to the UK together last year for

2 weeks and Sept. 25th was the day we came home.

We had the trip of a lifetime but never had

the chance to enjoy high tea.

Horrible to be in England and not have high tea but

we really just didn't get a chance to try it.

So, my Mum decided why not here???

We went to Dishington's Tearoom in Lambeth and it was

delightful! It is a quaint little place with a fabulous lunch

menu and many teas to choose from.

If you are looking for high tea, best to make a reservation as

they are quite busy most afternoons.

We had our choice of tea but the "menu" of little sandwiches

and treats is set for you. Everything is handmade there.

You each get a wee pot of tea with a pretty little cosy.

Lovely little sandwiches with cucumber & cream cheese,

egg salad & roasted red pepper cream cheese all crustless

of course!

Next are little tarts and treats with berries and lastly

homemade scones with fresh cream and jam.

Heavenly!!

If you are a fan and want to have a British "fix"

I highly recommend :)

After tea we scooted up the road to Canadale's Nursery near St. Thomas.

You know....just "to look" Hahahah!! Does anyone ever just go and

look in a nursery??? No. Can't be done ;)

Everything was stunning!

I heard a rumor once that it is bad luck to go to a nursery

and leave empty handed so being one to always avoid bad

luck, I bought two plants.

I wasn't taking any chances ;) hahahah!

I bought a hardy Hibiscus and a long blooming Hydrangea.

Can't wait to see what both will do next spring!!

It was a great day! Fun to reminisce about our trip

and wonderful to support two local businesses.

Can't ask for more then that on a gorgeous September afternoon :)

Chat Soon!! Luv Weezi xo

Fall Cleaning Note Book

2014-09-23T12:49:00.001-04:00

Making a Note Book to get Organized for Fall Cleaning

( Code for: A Good Way to Use Up Craft Supplies so I Can Buy More ;)

Hello!

Little known fact about me I LUV lists.

I mean, I super duper triple luv lists.

I make loads of to-do lists and the only thing I like

more then starting a new list, is compiling my many lists.

Nothing makes me happier that crossing off

even the smallest task on my to-do list.

Daily lists keep me on track and help me stay well sorted.

Having said that, it should be no surprise that another

one of my guilty pleasures is making binders

or notebooks to compile my many lists.

Ya, I am a bit compulsive that way ;)
***

Over the weekend I made my Fall Cleaning note book.

I thought I would share w you bc it is easy and fun and

an organized gal can never have too many notebooks.

Please note: I have a binder machine as used to make many

recycled notebooks in my old shoppe. I realize that having a

binding machine is the exception. I checked around and

many print & copy places will bind a note book for you.

In Canada Staples offers it for sure and many Mom & Pop

places do too.

You could also use binder rings and do something like this:

All you need is a three hole punch and you are good to go :)

One of my other obsessions is Britain and just about

everything British. That is a topic for another day

but suffice to say it is again no big surprise

that I picked up an LP w double decker buses to use as my cover.

Recycling old LP album covers is a fun,

cheap and relatively sturdy way to make a very

interesting cover for your note books.

Ok! Here we go.....

I tried to use whatever paper and supplies I already

had on hand to keep it a wee bit cheaper and I really

do need to use up some of my decorative paper.

You see, once I use up what I have....I get to buy more :)

Let's face it, that is the cycle of life!

However, it starts to look bad and mildly obsessive

if you ( I ) keep buying decorative paper

and never actually use any of it.

This also stands true for yarn, fabric and

most crafty bits in general.

Best to look like you are indeed making your way

thru your stash and not just adding to it.

Easier to defend future purchases that way :)

I cut the album cover to fit the paper and also made dividers

with my decorative paper for my daily, weekly etc. sections.

I have daily, weekly & monthly/seasonal cleaning chart

print outs that I had found and printed off from various

online sources. Very handy and saved me loads of time.

I like to use blank pink printer paper in many of my notebooks

( prettier then just plain white, I think)

so I added some of that for making notes and taping in

cut outs, articles from magazines etc.

The back section was a mish mash of other online

resources and tips that I have printed out of the

past few weeks. Sort of like a very small reference library.

I added a file folder to the front so I clip on a monthly calender

that I can replace month to month.

This way I have little reminders and notes right at the front.

Ta-da! Everything is in order!

I am very happy with how it turned out.

And you know I will be very happy to cross

"make cleaning note book" off my list ;)

Unfortunately, the fun crafty bit

is over and now the hard part of actually buckling

down and getting all the cleaning done is in order.

Wish me luck!!

Give it a go for yourself esp. if you as a fan

of making lists and note books as I am :)

Chat Soon! Luv Weezi xo

New Weezi Apron Design

2014-08-11T17:12:00.000-04:00

Hellllu !!

I haven't done much sewing since we moved in April.

Since we moved I have been focused on getting unpacked,

organized & trying to figure out what my Plan B will be.

It has been a fun time but also a bit confusing and overwhelming..

All of a sudden I am starting from scratch again.

The schedule & routine that I have been following

for the past 7 years had suddenly disappeared.

Daunting to say the least!

The good news is that for the first time since we moved I

felt the need this weekend to make something. Hallelujah!!

I have to admit I was relieved to feel that old familiar urge.

Not that I thought I would ever sew again but my confidence

took a bit of a blow when I had to close the Weezi studio and I

wasn't sure what direction I was heading into per say.

I was/am in an unexpected "funk" and a having a small

crisis of confidence. I don't deal well w change ;)

A few weeks ago I had picked up some gorgeous cottons to help

inspire my creativity and after admiring these lovely pieces of fabric

for awhile, I thankfully had the need to make up some aprons.

( fellow fabric lovers will understand the great pleasure the comes

from just looking at & feeling gorgeous quality fabrics ;)

Finally! I was ready to get something brewing! New house, new studio

and new direction meant I also needed a new design to sew up!

It isn't rocket science I know, but I wanted to make up

some aprons that had a different look.

I decided that I wanted my new apron to have some more fullness and look a bit

more feminine then what I had been making before.

I was happy with the first try overall except that I didn't like that the bib didn't

reach all around to the back. I also thought the bib was a bit too wide.

Other then that...It was looking good :)

I just needed to make a couple few revisions & adjustments, add the band to the hem

and it was done. I am very happy with it and can't wait to get a bunch sewn up

and listed. Hurrah for inspiration!

Thanx for popping in!!

Chat soon, Luv Weezi xo

Recycle Outdoor Table Cloth into Pillow Cover

2014-08-08T17:59:00.001-04:00

Hellluuuu Darlings!

Today I am going to show you how to make

a quick water resistant outdoor cushion cover

from a plastic table cloth.

It is super easy and a great project for beginners

and pros alike. And, the best part is that it's a quick

sewing project so you get to see results fast :)

Let's get started!

I found this fabulous vintage wicker chair last week

during yet another thrift store bonanza :)

( I am having great luck w wicker furniture this summer!)

It needs two things...a pillow and a side table.

The pillow was easiest to remedy.

1. I thrifted a pillow and a pretty floral outdoor

tablecloth from the Salvation Army for a total of $4.00 :)

2. I got this particular tablecloth to use bc it has the fuzzy back.

Sewing with vinyl or plastic of any kind can make you

crazy!! It sticks, it has no give and will turn into a

horrible mess in an instant. I avoid it as much as possible.

This plastic w the fuzzy back however is a dream.

Just be sure to use a large stitch length. If you use a small

stitch length the stitches will be too close together and your seams

will rip like perforated paper.

3. I cut out two pieces of tablecloth allowing for about

4" of wiggle room and seam allowance all the way around the pillow.

4. I took one of those two pieces and folded it in half

and made sure it covered 3/4 of the pillow.

5. You have two pieces: A. will for the front and B. will be the back.

6. Take piece B and fold it in half like in #4 but this time cut that piece in half.

7. Now you have 3 pieces :)

8. Fold under about an inch or so of one of your back pieces

and stitch the edge down.

This will be the front or top of the back of your pillow.

( Note: This isn't totally necessary bc this fabric doesn't fray.

Chances are you aren't going to wash it so you can leave the

edge raw and unturned if you like. I just am a bit of a neat freak

when it comes to edges and like everything to be tidy. I realize most

likely no one is going to look under my pillow and judge whether

or not I turned under the edge...but I will know ;)

9. Place the top of your pillow cover back with the edge you just

stitched over the other half or bottom of your back pillow.

10. I gave myself a 4" overlap when I placed the folded top

over the bottom. This gives a nice opening in the back,

will still overlap well and keep the pillow from being exposed.

11. Pin the edges down at the side. You can baste these sides

together now or just pin and it will get sewn when you sew

the front to back around the edge of the pillow cover.

If you leave the pins in keep the heads of the pins

out to the edge. This way you won't forget and

accidentally cut the pins when trimming. I can't tell you how

many pairs of scissors I have wrecked by cutting into pins.

Grrrrr!

12. Place your two pinned back pieces over the front piece.

Measure your pillow and then mark out your stitching lines.

My pillow as 17" x 19" and I added a 1/2" seam allowance.

13. & 14. Stitch w a larger stitch length and trim away the excess.

Clip your corners but not too close.

In general, one thing you can do is use a slightly smaller stitch length when

stitching around the corners to help make it a bit easier when

poking out your corners. Many times I have poked my

"pointy-corner-thingy" right out the other side. Not good.

A smaller stitch length will help keep whatever you use for corners

inside ;) I used a very dull pencil on this pillow cover.

15. Turn it right side out and Voila! An easy opening in the back.

16. All finished :)

Looks Great!! All I need now is to find a sweet little table to go

beside it ...which means more thrift store shopping ;)

Happy Sewing!!

Chat soon, luv Weezi xo

Recycling Pillow Covers into a Cushion Cover

2014-07-29T19:51:00.001-04:00

Helllluuuuu! :)

I recently scored at one of my local thrift shoppes and

got this amazing vintage wicker patio set.

I was thrilled to say the least!

It needs a bit of work and repair but I was pretty sure I could manage that :)

First order of business was to cover the old cushion!!

Here is a tutorial detailing how I put the new cushion cover together :)

****

#1 & #2 ---> Clay pots don't exactly convey the "granny chic" look I am going for ;)

#3 ---> I found these lovely large quilted pillow case covers at another

thrift store for a mere $3.00 and knew I was onto something.

#4 ---> I thought if I got rid of the green & white borders on the sides

of cases these I could make it look like a small quilt cover instead.

#5 ---> I folded the edges under to create a center front seam

and I switched up the direction of the points to make it a bit more interesting.

Aaaaaand, also if my corners and seams didn't match up

perfectly it wouldn't be so obvious. You know, creative license ;)

#6 ---> Pin the seam down carefully matching up edges and corners

#7 ---> Top-stitch the seam down with a long stitch length.

( I use a long stitch length for top-stitching as I think it looks nicer and neater.

Also, if you need to pick out a seam, you aren't picking away at a million

teeny tiny stitches. Nothing worse. Nothing!)

#8---> I pinned back the green and white border edges in the center

front as well as the original pillow back openings.

I then slipped stitched these seams down quickly with

large stitches by hand. This keeps the edges in place, flat and tidy.

#9---> You could use anything fairly sturdy for the bottom of your cushion. It should be washable

and durable. I had this piece from a vintage chenille bedspread which I knew would

pull the pinks out of the pillow cases.

#10 ---> A center back zipper opening makes it easy to get the cushion in and out of the cover

for washing.

#11 ---> I used two dress zippers bc I didn't have anything longer. This way you still

get a nice long opening so you don't have to cram the pillow into a tiny opening.

#12 ---> I marked in 3" from the edge for the zipper. No specific reason

for the large seal allowance, just a personal preference.

#13 ---> I stitched about 8" from the fabric edge down on the both

ends to create the opening for the zipper.

#14 and #15---> Place the tops of both zippers at the center of your pillow back ( see arrow)

Pin the zippers in all the way around the edge. Turn the zipper tape ends under and back to keep

the meeting of the zippers tidy. (see arrows)

#16 --->Stitch all the way around the zippers back stitching across each end to

reinforce and keep secure. Open the zips a tiny bit so you have an opening for later on.

#17 ---> Place the right side of the pillow case up with the cushion on top of it.

Then lay the back of the cover right side down on the cushion.

This way you can pin around the cushion and create a stitching line for yourself.

I trimmed the pink fabric back so I could see the front cushion edge to help

makes things less fussy and easier when sewing.

#18 ---> I pinned the ends of our new cushion cover together so that the pins are placed in

the original seam line between the white and green borders of the original pillow case.

This way the stitching line will be very straight and you will only see the original

white border and none of the green. I used my fingers to feel for the seam and checked

to see if the pins and original seam where matching on the back.

That is way the pins in the ends on up and down.

( BTW- this is only a concern bc I a using a quilted pillow case. If you

have to regular pillow cases without borders and edges to keep straight

I wouldn't matter at all. I like to make things more difficult ;)

#19 ---> Pin all the way around pulling the fabric snug around the cushion.

I also used my fingers to feel for the seam of the front pillow cases along the sides.

Again, I used these seams to help keep my stitching straight and not veering of course.

Remove the cushion from the cover ( this why it is good to have the zippers

opened a bit at this point. Makes getting the cushion out easier ;) I can't

tell you how many times I have forgotten to leave the zip

open a bit!!! ) Stitch all the way around your cover.

#20 ---> I used a pink bobbin thread so you can see my stitch line

and how I tried to match it to the seam on the original pillow case.

#21 ---> I serged my corners but if you don't have a serged a quick zig zag around

the edge will help keep things from fraying during the wash.

And, if you don't have a zig zag stitch...don't worry about it :)

#22 --->Clip your corners, turn it right side out.

Place your cushion back in the cover...this is where the long

zipper opening comes in handy ;)

#23 ---> I put a little white ribbon tab in the seam at the back so I know

which is the front and which is the back for the best fit.

#24 --->Looking good!! My edges are nice and clean and straight w none of the

green fabric from the other side of the border showing thru. Hurrah!!

No matter how much sewing I do...straight clean seams still make me very happy.

Looks pretty good if I do say so myself!

I am very happy with it :)

Now, to learn how to repair the caning around the legs....stay tuned!

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial. if you have any questions please

feel free to ask :)

Chat soon!! Luv Weezi xo

My Day in Photos :)

2014-07-22T19:53:00.002-04:00

helluuuuuuuu!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous summer so far.

I have to admit, I am having the best summer that I have had

in a very long time! Having a backyard is amazing!!

I haven't been able to enjoy this much outdoors since

I lived at home with my Mum and Dad.

I am in heaven! Birds, flowers, lawn mowers....it is all so wonderful.

It's not that we lived in a cave before or anything but having the

ability to really spend a good chunk of time outside in your own space

is very magical. I have to admit I had forgotten how incredible it is to

sit out and read, putter around in the garden, small the grass and listen

to all the sounds of summer.

I am a lucky gal indeed!!

There is my day today in photos :)

Stella is also enjoying the garden!

Nothing says summer fun like a piglet with an ice cream cone sitting in the begonias ;)

Work has to be done of course, but why not outside???

Back deck home office allows is the best of both worlds if you can manage it :)

( the crate was a great source of ventilation for my laptop )

The Rosie Project is my current summer read.

It is a good, fast fun read. Perfect for lazy afternoons.

I would sum it up by saying "It's Sheldon in Love" :)

I am trying out a new bird bath idea with a recycled ceramic pie plate and wire basket.

No takers yet...stay tuned.

And, apparently the hydrangea plants that I thought were dead are not dead after all :)

My pink roses have finally opened and the yellow are on their 3rd go...Hurrah!

There is a giant strawberry in our garden taunting all the birds behind the protective mesh ;)

A truly delightful summer like this has been a long time coming.

I realize it is all a bit decadent to be hammering away on the laptop outside

and sort of playing hooky from reality but life is too short not to enjoy the simple

things. You never know what tomorrow will bring so I figure

I might as well enjoy myself when I can :)

Have a great night!! Chat soon! Luv Weezi xo

Opps- My Poor Face

2014-07-10T20:28:00.003-04:00

Helllu Everyone!!!

I have been bad. Yep! I slacked off, spent some time

in the sun ( as now I am a gardener ;) and in general goofed

off in regards to my face care & now I am paying the price.

Big time.

I had written a post about the

Avene High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50

which I still LUV and use religiously. I have been wearing that

everyday and reapplying in the afternoons but it wasn't enough

amongst other things.

I should have paid better attention to my body about 3 weeks ago when

I started to feel bloaty & kinda "gross". I chalked it up

to the stress of the move, feeling out of sorts re: my biz

and just upheaval of a big move, different schedules etc.

I was silly for not paying better attention bc not

long after that bloaty-ness started my face

got angry with me. Very angry. It was super red, sore

and very uncomfortable. I could literally feel it

getting hotter & hotter each day. I could feel small bumps

growing bigger. My face was very hot to the touch and

it was not only embarrassing but annoying & tres depressing.

*sigh*

The worst really, is that it was/is my own fault.

This is my face today and this is the best it has been in over a month.

I couldn't bare to take pictures prior to this.

Most of June and July were 10xs a bad as today.

Most days very sore and dry. That combo makes me crazy

bc I am never sure which to "treat" first. Try to reduce the red or does

the dryness cause the red??? You wonder why I drink?

this is why! ;)

Now, I KNOW there are gals out there w worse afflictions

and to some this may not be bad but for me this is bad enough.

A lot of the redness has dyed down this week and many of the little

acne bumps have dried up but it is still really sore and HOT.

I tried ice, cool compresses and cucumbers nothing helped.

I need to stay out of the sun!! I will have to accept that I

do most of my gardening in the evening. Period.

Anyhow, for those that are interested in triggers I think

(in hind sight)

that an increase in sugar is the biggee to blame as I have been making

loads of fruity punches to enjoy for a fun summer drink.

Everyday I was making something pretty w pink lemonade,

fruit juices and ginger ale. Deeelish!

Ummm. no. I have to stop bc I think it is sugar overload

and as a general rule, I eat that much sugar. Cheese? yes. But not sugar.

( will switch to making cold green tea drinks I think)

I have been eating a lot of fruit bc it is deelish and in season but....

I should know that my stomach doesn't agree

with fruit esp. strawberries & neither does my face :(

I have been drinking Chilean red wine & now I am switching

over to Italian. I KNOW what they say about wine but dammit life is short.

I am going to enjoy my wine, I just have to find the right country ;)

I can live with a red sore face but I can't live wout my red wine :)

So, long story long I haven't been taking my vitamins, I am slacking

about what I eat and I have been in the sun too much.

I also stopped washing with my homemade oil cleansing method

bc the oil was getting a bit heavy for the summer. I still really like it

and it certainly keeps the dryness at bay but I think I hit a plateau & my face

"got used" to the products I was using both natural & non natural.

It happens quite a lot and it does make me a bit crazy bc

you think you have found a treatment or regimen that works and

2 months later...nothing. It won't work anymore. Grrrr!

For the last couple of months I was using just the Vitamin E cream

in the morning bc I washed my face before bed. Then the sea algae cleanser

(which I LUV ) Vitamin E oil and zinc at night.

BTW- I stopped washing my face twice a day bc I felt it was too

much for my skin. I break out less when I wash less.

I wash well before night and in the morning just moisturize.

Maybe I will use lemon juice if there is still zinc left

on my face when I get up.

Now, at night I am using Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser with some lemon juice

as a toner followed by the Vitamin E oil or Jojoba oil and zinc before bed.

Lastly I want to starting taking the low dose aspirin again to help reduce

redness. That I do think works as long as I stay out of the sun.

Also, back on the Vitamins! Do they work?

I can't say for sure but I need to try something and that seems

as good a place as any...that & Italian wine ;)

Actually I DO think they work and I know I am deficient in a lot

of the basics do to being a vegetarian & sometimes ( ok often!)

being lazy bc I always cook for one.

Anyhow...that is my sad little update.

Misery luvs company and this acne/rosacea battle is no fun but maybe

can be made less awful by sharing our stories & experiences.

If I can help make anyone feel a bit better or look into a produce that

will actually help, it was worth the post and the slightly

embarrassing photo.

Good luck to us all! I will keep you posted over the next couple of months.

Stay out of the sun and if you find a red wine that doesn't wreck

your face, let me know!! ;)

Chat soon!! Luv Weezi xo

Elastic in Pants Makes Me Happy

2014-07-03T19:50:00.001-04:00

Hellllu Pussycats!

Pant shopping for a lot women can be a trying experience

of epic proportion. Many of us have to try on ooodles of pairs

to try and find just one or two that might look good.

*sigh*

There are loads of jeans out there but none of them seem to fit

well. The waist is too big and the thighs too skinny or the zipper

is SO short it barely covers my "whooo-haa" ;)

Heaven forbid if you are like me and want high waisted jeans.

(And by high waist, I mean that they go to or over my belly belly button...

not to my hip bone as one salesgirl at Guess tried to educate me.

Please! If the zipper is less than 7" it isn't high waist. sheesh!)

I have a few issues issues going against me that qualifies me

as "fit-challenged". I am very short, I have big thighs, a fairly

substantial butt and combine that with a sway back, you have

a recipe for disaster and the overwhelming desire to wear things w elastic ;)

The people who design jeans do not take these things into account.

I swear that they do their fittings on the back end of a giraffe.

So frustrating.

Anyhow....I gave up trying to find jeans for a long time.

If I was in the right mood I might try a few on at a thrift store

but that usually resulted in a case of low self esteem mixed w

anger and the need for some peanut butter cups.

Then one day I was in a children's shoppe and saw a pair

of pants that had an elastic running along the inside

of the waistband so the pants could be adjusted on the child.

Talk about a light bulb moment!

Elastic!! Yes! This could be the answer to my waistband blues.

I could add elastic to the back of the jean to help pull in the waist

and give me a better fit. Why didn't I think of this sooner???

---> A quick side note about a sway back. It isn't a horrible affliction

like it sounds. It just means that my back has quite a curve to it above my

tailbone. It sort of looks like like someone "scooped" out part

of my waist at the back. My spine and back are perfectly OK.

It is just how I was built. It can have a great effect in a pencil skirt but

a huge annoyance to fit in todays jeans and pants.

***

So, let's just say this story has a happy ending! The elastic trick works

and I have been doing it for years. The only time I can't do it is if

the denim or material is too thick. Then it just puckers, pokes into

me and is very uncomfortable.

Elastic in the waist has gotten a bad wrap for years with its association

in polyester stretchy pants and the things that little old lady's like to wear.

But honestly, I am all in favour of elastic at the waist.

So comfortable and it makes so much sense.

Besides, who am I trying to impress? The Queen?? I bet she has elastic in her pants too ;)

Ok, so let's get down to business.

Here is a quick tutorial about how I add the elastic to my pants :)

#1. These floral jeans actually had a very small gap in the back but it was enough

to make the pant feel like it didn't fit. And! I hate feeling the breeze from the gap.
I am SO over the days where i suffer for fashion. Give me comfort ;)

#2. I usually go out about an inch to an inch and a half from the center

back on both sides. I marked it w pins.

#3. Cut open a small slit just slightly smaller than the width of your elastic.

Make sure you only cut open the inside of the waistband.

Don't cut thru both sides or you are in trouble! Feed the elastic thru.

Your waistband now becomes a sort of casing in the back.

#4. Make sure you pin the one side down before you pull the elastic.

Sounds like an obvious thing, but you'd be surprised how many times I was in a hurry and didn't

*palm plant to the forehead*

#5. Create a small amount of gathering and sort of eye ball what might be enough.

I usually sew down the one side before my first try-on.

This way the elastic won't pull out on you if a pin slips out AND! there is one less

pin to prick you during your fitting ;)

#6. I use a small amount of Fray Check on the elastic to prevent fraying.

Don't use too much b/c it can dried hard and be scratchy against your skin.

#7. After a quick try on, this was how much I needed to pull the elastic and have

the jeans feel comfortable.

#8. I zig zagged over the raw edges of the slit and over the elastic to prevent fraying.

( I normally don't do this b/c I like to keep the stitching on the back to a minimum.
However, b/c of the floral pattern and the jeans are white based

I decided that you couldn't really see the stitching so it was Ok)

And that is as they say...that. Done!

#10. This time I did something that I don't normally do and added a piece from

the hem that I cut off onto the back.

You will notice that sometimes when you add the elastic to the back this is a slight

downward curve in the waistband. The elastic can pull the waist in and down as well.

I tend to be a bit neurotic about these things, but I don't like the feelings of

the waist banding dipping down in the back. It feels like I always need to pull my

pants up in the back to have them sit where it is comfortable.

So, I experimented this time and added the piece to the back to avoid

the feeling that the waist was "dipping" at the center back.

It worked! It wasn't too bulky and the pants were perfectly comfortable :)

#11. Looks a little odd but that is OK w me.

They fit nicely now and that is all that matters.

If you have issues with your pants sticking out at the back

waist, I highly suggest you give it a try.

Just remember, not on bulky fabrics.

If you have any questions, I am happy to try and help.

Chat Soon! Ta for now,

Luv Weezi xo

Vintage Finds This Week

2014-06-26T17:32:00.001-04:00

Hellluuuuu!

One of my greatest pleasures in life is thrift store shopping.

Nothing makes me happier then a great find during

a nice afternoon of purrozing thru the second hand shoppes

with my Mum.

These are the treasures I gathered this week :)

1. Wonderful metal toast holder with cute little
glass trays for jam & butter at either end.

I will have to think of a fun use for this

2. English Cottage tea cup & saucer

Since my trip to Anne Hathaway's cottage in England last

year, I can't pass up any piece of china w a cottage on it.

3. Gold plate metal baskets

I will spray paint these and use them for display

4. Farm to Factory by Thomas Dublin

Carefully researched detail, the lives and experiences

of the first generation of American women to face

the demands of industrial capitalism.

( There seem to be mixed reviews for this book but I

will give it a try this summer)

5. Pretty pink flower necklace

From the 50s or 60s I think

6. I am really into needlework pieces of flowers and roses these days.

I am going to remove the work, paint the frames something

fun and bright and then return the needlework. Stay tuned :)

Hope you have had some great finds this week too!

Ta for now! Luv Weezi xo

Our New Home

2014-06-24T16:30:00.000-04:00

Hellluuuuu!

Welcome to our new home :)

Just two months ago we moved from our downtown apartment

that we shared for over ten years to this lovely little house

and we couldn't be happier!

It is perfect for Milos and I and of course our Stella :)

It is everything we had hoped for.

It is small, quaint with lots of character and is located in a

gorgeous quiet neighbourhood full of trees & gardens & lovely people.

*sigh* It is our own version of paradise.

We knew the moment we walked thur the door in

February to view it that we wanted to live

here for the rest of our lives.

Today I am going to post a mini tour :)

I still have to get the hang on the lighting in here

so some of the photos are a wee bit dark, my apologies.

We still have lots of unpacking to do and I haven't even begun

to decorate so you will notice the state of chaos.

Nevertheless, I think you get the over feel

and charm of our little house. We did paint all the rooms new fun colours

except the bathroom. I will do a before & after post of the house later

on in the week as it was mostly beige & taupe when we moved in.

Okay so here we go...

It was built in 1931 and is 83 years old.

Most of the house remains in its original condition, thankfully.

Oh if these walls could talk!

The Living Room.

The original fireplace does work!

Having a warm crackling fire might just make winter a bit

of a pleasure this year :)

Original leaded and stain glass windows & hard wood floors.

We choose the deep eggplant bc I thought it would make the room

feel really warm and pull out the nice reds and pinks in the store in the fireplace.

It also goes great w all the dark wood in here :)

***

The Dining Room.

Sheesh! What a mess this is still!

We painted the dining room a deep cranberry red to make it feel

"rich" and distinguished.....as distinguished as we two get ;)

I am not sure what the technical name for the windows

but I call them wonderful. I really like the texture of the stucco walls too.

***

The Kitchen

Again...pardon the mess.

We painted this room what I call neutral blue. I wanted it to go red accessories

and with my other blue accessories from the last place and not clash.

You can't have clashing accessories and "do-dads" in the kitchen. The horror! ;)

So many cupboards AND more then one drawer! Luxury!

(our last place only had one drawer in the kitchen)

The old ironing board cupboard is now a spice cupboard.

***

Bedroom ~ Bathroom ~ Linen Closet

There were two clinchers for me when we saw this house for

the first time. The windows in the living room & dining room and

the floor in the bathroom :) I fell in luv with the honeycomb tile instantly.

How amazing that our floor is 83 years and still looks fabulous.

The house is a two bedroom house and typical of the time it was built, the

rooms are very small and the closets are super tiny but we don't mind.

I like small rooms, it makes the house very cosy. The small closets

are a bit of a challenge for this thrift store addict!

I am going to have to be very organized in there

and use every square inch very wisely ;)

Now, I mention the small linen closet in the hallway because I can't even begin to

describe how happy I am to have one. There were no closets in our

other place so you can understand my joy. I mean look at it!

I can fold things and stack them neatly away....on shelves!

No more cramming things into plastic bins and under dusty shelves.

I can purr-oooze thru my towels w ease. LOL! It doesn't take

much to make me happy let me tell you ;) Give this gal a linen

closet and I can do laundry and fold sheets, blankets & towels

all day w big smile on my face :)

***

The Sewing Room

This is the humble beginning of my new sewing space. As you can see

I am a bit of a collector and pack rat ;)

I so enjoy being surrounded by things that make me smile.

Lots of memories attached to my various things and collectibles.

I like to think of who gave them to me or what was going on when I got them.

Where I was when I acquired them.

Happy memories fill me with joy and help me to be inspired. It is my happy place.

Like the rest of the house, still lots of organizing to do in here but over all

I am very happy with the space.

The Weezi Studio

These are the humble beginnings of the new Weezi Studio.

I am a bit overwhelmed with this project I have to admit.

I have just recently put what I can up, out or in something. I hope to do

an inventory check this week and get the Weezi Etsy Shoppe back up

and running. To be honest, I had no idea how long it would take

me to get things put in some sort of controlled chaos down here.

I guess you have to start somewhere right??

So that concludes the wee tour of our house today :)

I hope you enjoyed it!

We truly feel blessed to live here and look forward to creating

many great new memories here with our family & friends.

We were at the right place at the right time and are grateful

everyday to be in such a lovely place.

Thanx a million for popping by and having a peek!

Ta for now! Chat soon! Luv Weezi xo

Almost Summer

2014-06-16T17:33:00.000-04:00

Hiddy Ho!!

This weekend marks the summer solstice and I am super happy!

I can't believe summer is almost here!

Summer doesn't last very long around here so we have

to make the best of what time we get :)

This year from me is going to be extra special

as we now have a backyard to enjoy summer in.

Break out the tikki lights, sunscreen & fruity drinks,

it is going to be a great summer Pussycats! :)

Chat soon! Luv Weezi xo

Back to Work!

2014-06-13T20:52:00.000-04:00

Time to Get Back At It!

Hello Everyone! It has been a while!

Things over here are going well!

I am super excited to get back into the swing of things

and feel motivated after the BIG move.

Still lots of unpacking and organizing to do. It seems

like it may never end! I knew the move was going to be big
and there would be some down time but I wasn't in any prepared

for how long it would take me to get back up and organized.

I am in the process of going thru things and getting

inventory organized and sorted so I can have my Etrsy shoppe

up and running. It is also time to get back into the swing of

social media & connecting with you all again.

I have bought myself a lap top and decided that after 13 years

of being cooped up inside, this summer I am going to

work from my new back deck :)
I can't even begin to tell you have thrilled I am to have a deck and

a back yard! I haven't had a yard ( or laundry at home!) since

I lived at home with my Mum and Dad. So, I decided that if I was

going to spend the summer in photoshop & working on the web site

that I was doing it outside. No more being stuck inside all summer :)

I really am looking forward to getting back at it and doing so

surrounded by the beauty of summer. Very inspiring!

Hope all is well with you!!

Chat soon, much luv!! Weezi :)

Saying Goodbye & Looking Forward to New Beginnings

2014-05-02T14:43:00.002-04:00

Helllllu Pussycats!

Well, as of last week we moved.

It took me almost 2 months to pack everything up and
somehow we managed to get everything crammed in here ;)

It was with mixed feelings that I watched the evolution of our

home and my studio empty out. I was feeling very nostalgic as well

as excited to leave and move forward.

I spent many wonderful and happy times with a lot of great people

in that apartment. Outside of my parent's house it was the

most formative place that I have lived. It holds just over a third of my life.

That was something for me to ponder.

I thought about the great parties I had there. All the faces that came and

went thru that door. I thought about all lovely people who shared my home with

me whether it was for an hour or for a weekend and where they are now.

I have to admit I was ready to leave when the time came
and that was a huge relief for me. I was worried that when the

time came that I would be sad to leave 204 Albert St. but I wasn't.

I was full of good memories and hum of all the voices that once

enjoyed that spot as much as I did will stay w me forever no

matter where I live or work next :)

***

Here is quick look at how the apartment and the studio came to a close.

The packing started in full force the first week of February.

The studio got packed up the end of March.

Stella said "I'll just sit here and watch but yell if you need my advice" :)

Packing up the sewing room was no easy task let

me tell you! I am a bit of a pack rat....ever sewer is! ;)

My pink store seemed sort of lonely without all the goodies I had to admit.

Almost nothing left....

Stella has all her essentials just before moving day...
Water, cat grass, her pillow, tools and a Macleans magazine ;)

April 22nd at 8:15am.....the moving van has arrived :)

Next post will have some pics of the new house and

the new Weezi work space :)

Have a great Friday! Luv Weezi xo

The Albert St. Weezi Studio is Closing March 30th

2014-03-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

Hello Pussycats!

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that the Weezi studio
on Albert St. will be closing its doors for good on March the 30th.
Unfortunately, there are many reasons why the studio must close
but the foremost reason is that Milos & I are moving out of
our current location. It is time for us to move forward and
leave Richmond Row behind.
I am thrilled to bits to be moving to a quiet and tranquil little home
away from all the craziness down here but I am also very
sad that it means I will be closing the studio.

So, that is the bad news.
The good news is that Weezi will continue business as per usual online
thru my Etsy shoppe and my .com
I am not closing down Weezi as an entity,
I am just closing the current studio location.

For my local Pussycats, you can still purchase
some Weezi goodies at the Bag Lady located at 474 Pall Mall St.
as well as in the vintage vending machine at Pub Milos.
You can shoppe online and we can easily arrange for us to
meet and you can pick up your purchase in person.

The last day in the Albert St. studio will be
Sunday March 30th from noon until 4:00pm.
I will continue on with my sale 30% off of all Weezi dresses & skirts
for the month of March.

We will still be able to easily communicate and you can
find updates & get in touch with me
thru FaceBook, email, Twitter, my blog and thru these newsletters.
When it is all said and done, I am not leaving I am just evolving
and carrying on businesses in a new way.
Retail is changing. How we shop is changing and it is prudent
that I am able to be flexible and change with the times.

Lastly, I would like to thank you all for your support,
kind words and patronage over the years here on Albert St.
It has been a wonderful journey and I couldn't be happier
to have known and spent time
with all of you who have come up and supported me.
I truly hope that I will be able to see you again after I have
moved and we can continue to
"fight the good handmade & local fight" together.

Hugs to you all!!! Luv Weezi xo

I have listed my hours for March on the calendar below.
I will be closed Monday-Wednesday.
Open Thursday-Sunday Noon til 5:30 for March however
I will be closed Sunday March the 2nd.

PS- If you have any questions, please feel to email me: theweezistore@hotmail.com

This Week's Thrift Store Finds :)

2014-01-31T15:25:00.001-05:00

Helllu Pussycats!!

It is not a secret that I am addicted to

thrifting and the thrill of the find.
I hit up the local shoppes once a week

and I am almost never disappointed.

This week was no exception! I found some

wonderful gems while shopping with my Mum :)

1. I am very much into vintage floral needle work.

This little gem is a beauty!

2. Call me a nutter but I can't pass up covered hangers.

Pretty AND practical :)

3. I obviously couldn't resist these adorable little tulip earrings.

*as if I could leave them there!*

4. Q. How many multi strand necklaces can one gal have?

A. as many as she can find! :)

( this pink 5 strand beee-ute was a total score! Mum had to keep

the other ladies from fishing them out of our cart!)

5. Sweet little rhinestone brooch will be perfect for spring

( if spring ever gets here mind you!)

6. Yes, you have seen correctly! An Anne Hathaway cottage

tea cup & saucer set in Stratford upon Avon :)

Weeeeee! Tres happy about this find as we were there in Sept.

7. Smashing blue single strand had to come home w me bc it

matches so well with the wee brooch :)

I am very happy with my finds and I can't wait to

see gems I find next week!

Have a great night Pussycats!

Ta ta for now! Weezi xo

My Introduction to Mineral MakeUp Foundation and I Didn't Break Out :)

2014-01-30T14:40:00.002-05:00

Helllu Puusycats!

*waves*

Hope everyone is having a good & warm afternoon out there!

Today, I would like to share a face product that I have had great success

with. I have been very pleased with its results and thought I would pass

the info along incase it can help any of you.

I have written posts about my struggle with acne and the changes I have

made recently to try and help clear as well as better my skin. I have struggled with acne

since I was 12 years old and it has taken its toll on my self esteem, my

bank account and of course my skin. After years of struggling and feeling bad

about how I looked I decided it was time to try something different.

What I had been doing all along and all the products I was using weren't

working, that was clear. So, in an effort to go at my acne issues from a totally

different angle I had to step out of my comfort zone.

( if you have just found me and would like to know more about what

alternatives I have been using please click here to read more)

One of many things that I needed to changed was my time spent

in the sun. As a teenager and into my 20s I often used the sun as a sort

of antiseptic. It would dry up my acne and it seemed to cleanse my skin. Despite the heat,

dirt and sweat the summer was often the best time of the year for my acne.
I didn't question this for many years until one summer we went camping.
Half way thru the weekend I had deep, large cysts that were very inflamed.
The more I was in the sun the more blemishes I got and the angrier my face became.
I was confused. The sun should be helping. What was going on??
It took me a few weeks to put two and two together. After

a couple other "tests" in the sun I realized the sun was no longer a friend to my face.

However, my issue now was what to put on my face to prevent further damage?

I couldn't use sunscreen!! That would be like throwing gas on a fire or so I thought.

I was terrified that any sunscreen would be too heavy and too greasy.
It would definitely make me break out...wouldn't it???

It took me a long time to get brave enough to try one designed especially

the face. I was super scared but I eventually tried and I didn't break out....*big sigh*

Staying out of the sun was a huge relief to my face and began to buy all my

make up with SPF in it which was good but still not a miracle cure

by any means. I was still having the same issues with cystic acne,

suspected rosacea combined with a dab of good old fashioned chin and forehead acne.

One day I was commiserating with my friend Tricia about adult acne.

It did everything to make us feel NOT very adult but more like 13 year old girls.

It was that day she told me about a new product she found and was having success with.

It was a foundation that had a 50 SPF and it was a mineral makeup. She thought it was

great b/c it wasn't too heavy and she'd worn it into the sun and had no problem.

She had been out playing in the backyard w her kids one afternoon and then thought
"Oh, jeeze I am gonna pay for this!" but when she went in her face was fine
and still had some coverage. She said the best part was that the mineral make up

sat ON your face, not IN your pores. I was intrigued and she did look great!

I had heard about mineral make up and read a lot about the benefits of it on many

rosacea sites. Everyone raved but I was unsure. Was it really that good? How could it

be that easy? Why wasn't everyone using it and screaming about it if it was so great?

Clearly, it had been of benefit to Tricia so I thought I should give it a go.

I was after all on a quest for better products.

So, the next day I walked down to the Shopper's and tentatively looked around

until I found it. I was looking for Avene High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50.
It retails at Shopper's for $39.00 plus tax

The lovely sales girl explained to me that there are only two shade choices b/c it

fades into your skin tone and you don't need to match like traditional foundations.

She told me to put it on after my moisturizer and if I want to, I could use

my pressed powder or other concealers after that.

I still wasn't 100% sure but I was on a mission.

When I got home and opened it up I was surprised by how light and creamy it was.

I thought it might be more greasy and heavy.

I put it on as instructed and was impressed right away that it did indeed morph

into my skin and "match" my colouring. I didn't need a lot b/c it
clearly covered very well on its own.

It was light and didn't feel heavy or thick at all.

Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad????

Because I am a bit neurotic, I waited all day to break out.
Hahahah! Sad but true!

However, I did not break out. In fact, nothing bad happened at all.

I got thru the first week ok, then the second. Who knew?

The best was, I really could go out in the sun and not suffer the usual ramifications.
It was protective and helped conceal my redness and acne.

I was converted! Hurrah for mineral makeup!! Hurrah for trying something new!! :)
I realize that mineral makeup has been around for a long time
and I am slow on this band wagon...but I was nervous!

I can't tell you how happy I was that it was a positive experience.

It really did help give me confidence to try new things that might help my face.

I realize that it won't work for everyone but it maybe this post can help
give you the information that might help you decide if it might work for you.
I really hope this post can be of help to you :)

Take care, Luv Weezi xo
****

For those of you that have just found me, I have been searching out and using products

that have little or no chemicals in them. Chemicals certainly have not brought me relief in

over 20 years of acne troubles so I have decided to be brave and give them up.

Since the fall of 2012 I have been using natural and homemade products

and have to say, I am seeing some great results.

There are no easy answers or magical cures when it comes to acne but it is always nice

to see some positive changes and results that seem to have lasting effects.

I have long tried to use as many cruelty free products as possible.
These days cruelty free choices are endless, thankfully!! I have made it my personal
mission to use only cruelty free cosmetics as well as those with limited ingredients.
At the end of the day, I would rather have acne and

breakouts then have the suffering and agony of helpless animals on my conscious.

I want to look nice, but not at the cost of innocence.

( please note: I paid for this product, it was not given to me. I am not in any

way affiliated with Avene. I am offering up my own opinion based on my personal experience. )

In Canada, I bought this make up at Shopper's Drug Mart.

I like to buy products from them when I am first trying something out

b/c they have such a great return policy. If you give it a go, I hope you find it helps you too.

Until next time, hope everyone has a fabulous day!

I know it can be hard but try & remember that the acne

doesn't define you and most of all you aren't in this alone xoxo

My Long Battle w Acne Is being Tipped in My Direction...Fingers Crossed

2013-11-04T13:17:00.001-05:00

Helllu Pussycats!

I like to think of myself as open minded about a lot of things but when it
comes to products I will use on my face these days I am the furthest
thing from adventurous. I have been dealing w acne in various forms
and in various degrees of "horribleness" since I was 12. I have tried
many bottles and tubes with claims that were blatantly false
and in some cases, borderline ridiculous.

Anyone who has suffered from acne knows that great feeling of potential when you
purchase a new product. Then, there is that heart sinking feeling you get when you
realize that the promises made were not to be realized.
After loads of money, wasted time and an unfortunate lack of self esteem I came
to the realization a few years ago that I need to make changes in how I
approached my skin care. I needed to listen less to marketers and more to
my own body.

One great challenge for me was to give up on "conventional" ideas about acne
and skin treatment. Cortisone shots, horribly drying creams and
terrible antibiotics had to be a thing of the past. They didn't work in the
long term. They may have had some short term success but at what cost?
It was time to be brave and try a few new things.
More natural and less chemicals was my new mantra. What did I have to lose?
Still, I was terrified as I threw out my Aveeno face scrub.

( Can I just mention that for those of us w bad skin trying something
new on our faces can be like going a first date. It seems like a good idea,
exciting, fun and new. But in reality, it is scary as hell! You have no
idea what you are going to get, if it will work out and what the result
will be. You don't really know if the two sides can get along and if there
will be baggage. New is terrifying b/c it can takes weeks to undo any
damage that might be done. That is a fact. Bravery is required)

This was my before picture.

I realize I that there are people out there that have worse acne
then this. I understand that it can always be worse and my heart goes out
to the women who deal with severe acne because it is devastating.
That is why I am sharing. I hope that in some way sharing my story and experience
can be of some help to someone. Acne really takes a toll on your self esteem.
If something that I do helps and brings a wee bit of relief to another
acne suffer...then it was well worth the share!

This was last February and it wasn't the worst day I had that month
but it was the worst that I was willing to share online.
I was nervous enough sharing this photo, let alone anything worse!
It was scary to show the world how bad my skin could look. I spent so much time
piling on the make up trying to hide the blemishes not show how bad they were!
I had to constantly remind myself that my acne wasn't my fault and I
hadn't done anything wrong. So hard NOT to blame yourself!!
Time to stop worrying so much and take action.

I wasn't 100% sure where to start but I knew that the health food
store would a good place to start asking questions and doing some research.
I explained to the gal there what I was doing and why.
She showed me a few things and we talked about options I could start with.
I took the plunge with Derma E products and it was indeed a good, safe place to start.
I found the cleanser to be gentle and the vitamin e cream was very soothing.
Ok....*phew* my face didn't get worse and nothing bad happened.
To be honest, from there I took it slow and didn't try a whole lot
of new products at once. I kept things fairly mild and tried to go
at my skin care from a "healing place" instead of a "scrubbing/harsh place".

It has been about a year since I started on my journey to help heal and
soothe my face and I have to say, that I am very happy with the results.
It has been a long year with ups and downs of course but overall I
really feel like I have made progress.
This is the post I wrote as I begun the process of trying to figure
out what on earth I was doing...cause I really had no idea
what I was doing ;) Hahaha!!

The good news is that my patience and bravery seems to be paying off because
something good is happening and my skin looks the best it has in years!
Each day that I continue to see a mostly clear face in the mirror and it
makes me so happy that I took the chance and changed my approach.

This is all I use now on my face now with the addition of honey.

Here is a synopsis of things I have been doing differently in the last 12 months:

#1. Derma E cleanser using only baking soda occasionally as an exfoliate

#2. Handmade charcoal cold press soap from Spoiled Rotten
--->I switch it up my other cleanser every other month.
So, one month with the Derma E milk cleanser the next the charcoal
I think my skin gets complacent with one cleanser so this keeps
my skin from getting used to one cleanser. It is a working theory ;)

#3. Rose water that I bought at an Asian supermarket or
Thayers rose petal and witch hazel toner. Again, I switch these monthly.

#4. Freshly squeezed lemon juice (keep in the fridge) applied as a toner
after I wash with the cleanser.

#5. I used honey for spot treatments. Yep! Just honey...unfiltered organic honey.
I put some on the blemish and leave it there for a couple of hours during the day
or at night after my bath and I leave it on all night.

#6. I use a homemade moisturizer from Erzulie Natural Cosmetics that
I found on Etsy. I did some reading up on ingredients that I wanted to see
in my moisturizer. I thought, if I was going to make my own moisturizer
what would I put in it?? What did I NOT want in it??
Armed with what I thought would be the best ingredients, I did a search for
some reputable homemade skin care lines. I chose the Ultra Hydration Lotion.
The reviews were good and I thought.....
"Well, I've used a lot worse things on my face. How bad can trying
a complete unknown be?"--> I was glad I did! I really like it.
Super moisturizing but not heavy. I used it all winter and spring but switched
back to the Derma E moisturizer for the summer because it is a lighter cream.
The Ultra Hydration isn't greasy or thick or smelly. It is absorbed
very well and really feels good on my face. I have had no adverse
reactions to any of her products and I have gone back and purchased a few :)

#7. I take a 25mg zinc supplement everyday.
I am no expert but I have used zinc in the past and it has helped.
I stopped for a long time because it made my stomach upset but
I have since gone back to it and now know better and take it with dinner.

#8. Instead of rinsing my cleanser off by splashing it off with warm water in the sink,
I have been wiping it off with a washcloth. I think this way, I really get all the soap off.
I had a feeling that I wasn't completely rinsing it all away with just the water.
I had a running theory that I wasn't rising my face thoroughly and leftover
cleanser was clogging up my pores. Again, it was just a hunch and I was trying to
problem solve the best I could and fix what mistakes I thought I might be making.
I use a fresh washcloth every time. I also like that the washcloth can act as a
a bit of an exfoliant. I pat dry with a clean hand towel that I only use for my face.

#9. Now that winter is almost here, my face will get a bit drier so I will go
back to oil cleansing 3 times a week as well.

I never did give up other cleansers and use the oil cleansing full time.
I did use it about 3 times a week at night before bed and found it
very soothing and helped with the weird spotty dryness.
I didn't re-wash my face the day after I used this before bed.
I just wiped my face with the toner and applied moisturizer.
I didn't want to over wash...which I used to always do and that is killer on the skin.

#10. I have started making a yogurt and fresh fruit smoothie 3-4 times a week.
I am not a fan of yogurt and most fruit makes my stomach hurt
so the idea of mixing them seemed most undesirable to me.
I was hoping for more of a "cheese-potatoes-lots of starch* solution Hahah! ;)
However....*throws up hands* what can I say??
You do what you have to do and to be honest, they are pretty tasty when done right.
My stomach is happier AND so it seems, is my face :)

Lastly, I have been power walking again. I haven't done much
exercise in the last couple of years. I try and then get bored and lazy.
My waistline and face paid the price.
I got myself a used treadmill and made a promise to get on it 5 times
a week. If I am on it 20 minutes or 60...it is something and something is
better than nothing. I watch TV while I walk and before I know it
45 minutes has zoomed by and I feel quite proud of myself :)
I am not sure if I have lost any weight but I feel better.
Better face and better disposition is a win win for sure!
Not to mention the cute new running shoes I treated myself with ;)
Hahahahah! I needed to motivate myself somehow!!

Now for the "after" photos.

I used some mineral makeup to help reduce a wee bit of redness and I am looking

much better than I did a year ago. The best part is that my face FEELS so much better.
The redness has gone down. I still get small blemishes but I haven't had any

hard cystic blemishes since end of last winter. The blemishes that I do

get are manageable and most only last about 7-10 days.
I think about half of those are hormonal and I can live with that.

It is SO nice to have a face that doesn't hurt!

I am happy to look better but I am even happier to feel better- Hurrah!!

So there you have it. So far so good!
I am thrilled with the progress I have made over these
last few months. I am really glad that I took the plunge, did my research
and made the switch to much better and healthier products.
Fingers crossed that this clear skin will continue for me.

I hope there is some helpful stuff in there for you Pussycats that also
have acne issues. There is no magic cure and certainly no magic acne potion.
I have learned that the hard way for sure! I hate that I fell for all the hype from marketers
promising me clear beautiful skin that would never come.
I am very happy however that I finally got frustrated enough to put a stop to it.

My hope is that by sharing my new routine and the products I am using
will also help you on your path to better, healthier and soothed skin.
My wish is that we all can make positive changes in our lives that make us
feel good about ourselves and help us to live a fulfilled and happy life :)

Next Monday I will start a series of posts sharing some of the make up
products I have been using and had success with.

Take Care Pussycats!! Luv Weezi xoxo

BTW- I purchased these products on my own. I am not affiliated in any
way with any of these companies. I am just one gal problem solving her own
acne issues the best way she can. I have no acne or skin care expertise, just
my own experiences with product trial and error.

Please do not try and sell me stuff or solicit your product here.
This blog is for me to share my expediences only.

Any attempt in solicitation will be blocked and banned, just so you know.

Hem a Skirt at the Waist- A Tutorial :)

2013-11-01T13:24:00.001-04:00

Helllu Pussycats!

This post today is another clothing alteration that I thought
might be useful to some of you.
You see, I am always having to alter my clothes because
I am short. Not just kinda short....I am quite short.
For arguments sake let's say I am 5 foot tall.
That is my story and I am sticking to it :)

I have always been sort of tiny...not slight or slim but short
and small. I didn't get the super cute, pixie genes.
I got the "short-kinda stocky-big thighs-thanx to my Ukrainian heritage" genes ;)
I often forget that I am short until I see my reflection in a window.
I am like: "Oh yeh, I am not 5 9"..damn!" Hahahaha!

I also forget that I am short until I go shopping for clothing and
then it becomes painfully obvious. Gaaaaa!
Everything needs to be hemmed and shortened.
I often lose so much detail on sleeves and hems b/c I have
to cut everything off. So annoying :(

Skirts can be especially troublesome if there is some lovely trim
around the hem. I have a little trick I use if I can, to salvage the hem.
I "hem" the skirt from the waist :)
It is easy to do and usually doesn't take too long.

I found this pretty cotton skirt at the GoodWill and knew it would be a good
candidate to hem from the waist.
I pulled it up to where I wanted the hem to sit, turned the
waist over and pinned it down.

#1. I measured down from the top of the skirt how much I need to cut off.
I don't need to add seam allowance to the top b/c I am going to use seam
binding to finish off the waist.

#2. I am not going to keep the belt loops b/c I won't wear anything tucked
into this skirt. Make sure you mark evenly around the front and the back.

#3. At this point I carefully removed the zipper.
This skirt is lined so I pinned the outer skirt to the lining and then basted
around about 1/4" from the edge. Then cut on your marked line to
remove the excess at the top.

#4- #6. At this point you will need to open up the center back to make room for another zipper.
*** At this point try the skirt on again and make sure that it fits as
snug around your waist as you like. You may find it a bit loose b/c we cut
down close to the hipline. If you need to take the waist in a bit, you can
do this at the center back. Fold under the excess at the back, press and
trim leaving 1/2" seam allowance. See here if you need more help w this.

You will need an 8" skirt zipper so make sure you have an 8" opening from
the very top of the skirt down. Backstitch at the bottom of the opening to the keep
the seam from pulling open on you. Next, line up the lining and the outer skirt at the
center back and stitch the two layers together about an 1/8" in from the edge.
Give it a good press to try and iron out old stitch marks.

#7 & #8. Next you will add seam binding tape to the raw edge. It just folds over the
edge which is why you didn't need to add seam allowance at the top.

#9. Leave about 1/2" edge at the center back on each side to be folded
under when you put the zipper in.

#10. Pin your zipper in making sure that your edges meet nicely in the middle
and that the top edges are even as well.
Again, you can check here if you need more info on this zipper application.

#11. Give it a good press.

#12. Ta da!!! You are done! :)

You can see in the first pic that the skirt sits nicely where I like it. You can also see
that I need to wear undies that sit higher and not create a line under my belly button :)

The second photo shows the skirts now falls just above my ankles...perfect!
I didn't lose any of the lovely frill or detail at them hem. Hurrah!! :)

This is easy and doable for beginners. Just remember to go slow
and always double check before you cut.
If you make a mistake, don't fret...I still make mistakes all the time!
If you have any questions about this technique please
feel free to ask.

Take Care!!
luv Weezi xo

What Was Going on in the Weezi Studio This Week :)

2013-10-11T13:17:00.000-04:00

Hellluuuuuu Pussycats!!

Hope everyone has had a lovely week :)

It has been a busy week here in the Weezi studio.

I am really getting into high gear getting stock ready for Christmas.

Yes, I know ...I said it.

The sad fact that is that in retail we have to start preparing in July for

the big holiday. As per usual I am behind. Hahahah! No surprise there ;)

I have been sewing away, making soap ( it has to sit 4-6 weeks before

it is ready to be labelled) and listing things in my Etsy shoppe.

Here are just a few highlights from this week :)

1. Aprons sold online and being shipped out to the US and as far away as Norway :)

(I still get a thrill when I get to ship something out far away. It never gets old!)

2. Lots of new aprons in the studio and to be listed online in my Etsy shoppe next week.

Star Wars or Star Trek apron anyone???

3. Getting ready to assemble fall rings.

These will be available both in the studio and online.

4. Gloria and the Hula Skirt Chicken post a bunch of their UK bus trip pics.

These gals know how to have a good time ;)

5. Making up loads of cold process soap. This week was Blue Raspberry,

Midnight Pomegranate, Jasmine,White Wisteria and Japanese Cherry Blossom.

Smells soooooo good in here!

6. Putting together bobby pin sets in darker colours for the fall.

7. Sleep masks with flannel or fleece backs now in the studio to keep

your eyes cozy and shielded from the light this winter :)

ps- these are also available in town at The Bag Lady.

It was a most enjoyable week here in the Weezi studio this week.

As much as this time of the year really gets hectic, it is also a great time for

creativity and making ideas come to fruition!

I am super excited to be listing and sharing all the fun new items

that I will be rolling out for the holidays. It really is a great time

to be making handmade :)

Have a wonderful weekend Pussycats!!

Take care, Luv Weezi xo

Fabulous Loot I Brought Home from the UK

2013-10-09T13:17:00.000-04:00

Hellluuuuuuu Pussycats!

I am not a big fan of travelling light.

I know there are lots of people who do like to carry a small

bag and take only the necessities and I realize that part of it is, how

you are travelling. If you are backpacking around Europe and have to carry

everything with you every day...then yes, light is better.

However, I am definitely not backpacking! hahahah!

My philosophy has always been, "if it fits"...it goes :)

When Milos and I go to Prague to visit his Mum, it is just a matter

of getting the suitcases to the airport. We may have to pick them up

and move them from airline to airline but all in all my luggage

issues are over once I check them in.

Then, they started cutting down on how much they could weigh. Bummer.

This kinda put a kind of "kibosh" on "if it fits it goes!"

Here is my thing...when we go away it is my chance to kind of dress up

and have fun with my clothes. I get to plan outfits, match shoes, accessories etc.

I work in my own little factory here at home and don't get out much,

so you see, this is why I like to take a lot with me. For fun!

To dress up and feel like I actually know what I am doing w my own wardrobe.

I dress you guys up...when we travel, is my time to have fun with clothes.

So, when my Mum and I went on our UK bus trip in September

I knew I would have a packing dilemma and let's be honest here, a mother

daughter trip means shopping and lots of it :)

I knew I needed to take comfy and practical clothes and I also knew that I needed

room to bring home all the loot I wanted to buy, especially at Cath Kidston.

Solution??? Take things with you that can be left behind thus creating room

for new stuff along the way :)

Yep! In preparation I shopped at thrift stores and bought cheap and comfy
clothes that I knew I would leave behind as the trip went along.

It worked like a charm! I came home with fun souvenirs that I was thrilled

with and we were both under the allotted weight allowed! Hurrah!

I don't know how we did it but we didn't have to pay any overages :)

My suit case coming home looked completely different inside then when I went!

I left behind, pants and jeans, a coat, old sneakers, tee shirts and sweaters.
I threw out all my underwear, socks and washcloths as we went b/c I just took the old
stuff that didn't need to come home with me.

I highly recommend this system :)

Here are a few things that I picked up along our trip.

I tried to find/support handmade and local as much as I could.

Because we stopped in a lot of small villages supporting local was easy.

Finding handmade was a bit of a trick I have to admit. I picked up many a

wool sweater drooling over the details only to find it was made in China.

It was disappointing to say the least and yet another reminder of how

"global" everything is and even that gorgeous Shetland sweater is being shipped in.

I want a Scottish Shetland sweater made in Scotland by a lovely Scottish lady.

I can get Chinese made sweaters at home. * sigh*

It is SO important to support what small biz you can especially while on vacation.

Okay how perfect is this? My two favourite things!
A kitty wearing cats eye glasses. I HAD to get them!
They are from a UK based company called Louche. I found them in Stratford-upon-Avon UK.

**I found this amazing kitty ice cube tray at The Cat Gallery in York UK.
**This amazing print of a very cute kitty is by Alex Clark.

**I could not come home w out a waving Queen! How great is she???
Bought her at Pylones in Chester UK. This shoppe is so much fun!

**I could have spent a small fortune in the gift shoppe at the Tower of London.
If there was no weight allowance on the suitcase, it would have been full of books and trinkets.
I showed restraint but I did get these coasters of The Wives of Henry the 8th.
I am going to frame them or do something else w them b/c they are paper thin and won't last as coasters.

**It isn't a trip to London until you bought an outrageously expensive pen at Harrods ;)
Hahahah! It was only $10.00

**The little blue watch was adorable and has a magnetic band. My Mum and I both
got one at Paper Chase in Chester, along with many other things ;)

**Like Harrods, I had to hut up a Boots for some lovely Yardley perfume :)
I luv this stuff no matter if some "people" think it smells like old lady!
**The Miss Dior purchase was made at Heathrow. I always succumb to duty free perfume.

**I found this gorgeous ring in the quaint village of Grasmere where they make world famous
gingerbread with a very secret recipe.
Across from the gingerbread place, was a gift shoppe selling jewelry from a local gal
who made sterling silver pieces with wee flowers. I fell for this
ring immediately! So pretty and I can wear it w everything.
The name of her company is Alvear ( cannot find her web site sorry!)

**Mum and I found this great place called Heather Gems in Pitlochry Scotland.

They make jewelry from heather stems. So pretty!!

We were lucky enough to shop at the little factory in its home town. I picked up a lovely

thistle brooch and a pretty bracelet that actually fits my tiny wrist and doesn't fall off.

**The scarf came the The Cat Gallery in York, where I got the ice cube tray .

AND! then of course I found these lovely hand warmers from Ness in Edinburgh.
The scarf matched perfectly so I couldn't resist ;)

***

So, there you have it. Those are some of the gems I brought home w me.

I think I did pretty good ;)

Take care Pussycats!

Luv Weezi xo

I'm Learning NOT to Burn the Soup ;)

2013-10-07T13:03:00.002-04:00

Helllu Pussycats!!!

I have to admit, I have come a long in my soup making abilities over

the last year. I have managed to get from "likely to burn it" to

"probably won't burn it" Hahaha! True story! ;)

I never been much of a "cook" and I will use that term loosely.

I just never really "got" it. I tried, but I couldn't enjoy it.

I don't really understand mixing flavours and I certainly

never understood the science of cooking.

Anyhow...after much trial and error I am happy to

say that I am much better in the kitchen then I was a year ago.

Practise, patience and following instructions (Imagine!) has indeed been

my recipe for success. I am no Julia Child don't get me wrong,

but I no longer fear the stove top :)

I improvised this soup on Wednesday and with help

of my dear hubby in regards to seasoning it (he is very good at seasoning, I am not)

and it came out great.

It was a carrot, sweet potato, peanut butter, coconut milk

and curry puree soup.

Some have asked for a recipe which I don't really have

but I can let you know what I did :)

* 5 large-ish carrots

* 1 medium to large onion

* 2-3 teaspoons of veggie soup starter

* approx. 3 cups of sweet potato chunks

* 1 can of coconut milk

* 3-4 tablespoons of chunky peanut butter

* 2 tablespoons-ish of curry paste

* 1 tablespoon of curry powder

* 2 teaspoons of sweet chili sauce ( for a small zing)

* lots of salt and pepper

1. I chopped the carrot and onion into tiny pieces in

the food processor to sautee in the soup pot with a good

dose of olive oil. I like to use a lot of olive oil when sauteing

at the beginning.

2. I let that sautee for about 3 minutes then I added the finely chopped

sweet potato.

3. While the sauteeing was going on, I added the soup starter to about

4 cups of water and brought it to a boil.

4. I then added the soup starter to the carrot/ potato and onion mix

along with the coconut milk, peanut butter, curry paste, sweet chili sauce,

curry powder and some salt and pepper. I mixed it really well and got the

consistency nice and smooth but not too watery. I did add a bit of

water but it was still on the thicker side.

5. I brought the soup to a low boil then let it simmer for about 15 minutes

adding salt and pepper to taste.

6. I then turned the heat off to let the soup cool for a while before

blending it in the blender. After about 10 minutes of cooling, I blended

the soup mixture to a thick puree.

7. I added it back to the pot and let simmer for about 15- 20 minutes.

8. Ta da!!! Done! :) I added a dollop of greek yogurt and it was deeee-lish!

It turned out so nice! The colour is amazing :)

I have to admit, I am not really a fan of sweet potato but I know it is good for me.

I found that this soup didn't have an overbearing sweet potato flavour at all.

It really was a nice mix of everything.

I hope you give it a shot and enjoy!! :)

Bon Appetite Pussycats!

Luv Weezi xo