Happy New Years!

Image by Martha Stewart

Yeah , yeah we've all heard it; "Resolutions are for quitters".  If you ask me, quitters are those who don't even try!  So, every year I make a list of my own resolutions and goals. The objective isn't to look like a super model by the end of 2011, rather it is to learn something, inspire another, relish in life, and most of all try something new.  If it sticks, GREAT!  If not...well at least I know if wasn't for me.  So here is my list of 2011 New Years Resolutions:

1) Incorporate one vegetarian week per month

2) Improve my photography skills

3) Reduce TV, read at least two books per month

4) Floss every day

5) Openly share my love for my family and friends

6) Do something creative at least once per week

7) Shop locally and avoid Target for at least 6 months

8) Train for Hood to Coast Relay

9) Train for Victoria City Marathon

10) Wear lipstick one day per week

11) Find a volunteer position

Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Let's make it a GREAT one!

I Heart...

Now that Christmas has come and gone I can share with you my favorite gift to give for 2010.  Accessories from Portland's very own designer, Cristina Aucone.  Skilled in furniture design prior to her career in jewelry artistry, Cristina has combined the natural beauty of wood with the modern edge of resin.  Both substantial in beauty and lightness in weight, these bobbles are worth checking out at her shop Modica.

Craft and Create II

Check this out! Not only is my mother-in-law gifted with the skills of an amazing quilter...she also channels a bit of her creative spirit into cross-stitching. What can I say, she has the heart of a patient crafter! For Christmas, Karen made everyone a unique, cheeky, cross-stitched kitchen hand towel which was accompanied by some of the best home-made ginger-molasses cookies (Screaming Ginger Cookies) and hot chocolate mix I've ever had!

Here's mine! Perfect! Other ones had phrases like "Candy is Dandy, but Liquor is Quicker", "Bite Me", and "Kiss Me, You Fool".

Craft and Create I

For today's Craft and Create entry, I'm going to show you something Erik's been working on for the last few weekends. Those of you who have not been to our place wouldn't know, but we have a couple baby gates in various entryways, even though we don't have a baby! They were left for us by the previous owners of our home and we re-purposed them to confine our little mongrel, Tux (our 6 lb, rambunctious, fur-ball that lights up our life). It is especially useful when we need to leave the little guy home as it keeps him away from the stairs and preserves our couches!  Truth be told, baby gates are typically...how shall I say...ugly.  But for many ma's and pa's they are 100% necessary. Well, Erik crafted up a nice solution. For 25 bucks he was able to make two Dutch doors for our kitchen. Very easy to make and very inexpensive. A great way to have the same benefits and I love the aesthetic! Nice work love!

Erik cutting the door in half and applying Bondo (automotive dent filler) to make a smooth surface 

Here Erik is screwing on the top molding to give the door a little something extra

A bit of paint 

Presto! Baby gate, Doggy-gate... aka Dutch doors. I'll be scouring Hippo Hardware for door knobs to go with the original 1920s hardware.

Christmas 2010

Hello all! I was off the grid for a little bit and for the next week my entries may be sparse because I'm still on vay-cay and spending a lot of time relishing my moments with the fam. Christmas 2010 has come and gone, but not without many good memories to reflect upon. The return of old traditions, the development of new ones, and a lot of laughing is what this holiday is about. For years my mom has dressed as a little elf from Santa's workshop on Christmas day, but this year she was finally able to convince my dad to participate. And of course the usual reindeer joined in.  So, we had another successful Reid/Johnson Christmas and I have to say, Erik and I really enjoy our house filled with the people we love...it really makes it a true home. I really hope you all had a fabulous holiday! If interested, check out more of our Christmas pics here.

Santa's little helpers (L-R Dad- Bruce, mom- Margot, Erik and Tux)

Mom and Dad before reading the Night Before Christmas

(L-R Mom, Me, Tux, and Dad)

Erik

Mom and Dad opening presents

Tux and I opening presents

Erik getting his Christmas cheer on

Mom and I fixing the turkey

Santa Tux

Karen and Steve sporting their Christmas hats

(L-R Kathy, Scott, Erik, Mom, Dad, Rebecca, Karen, Steve)

Don't Forget the Reindeer

Twas the night before Christmas and the family arrived. The neighborhood carollers have toured on by. It officially feels like a bon noel.  I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. No matter where you are in the world; Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, or home, may it be filled with happiness and joy. And don't forget to feed the reindeers! xoxo

Check out the awesome beachy Christmas photography by Gibello.

Craft and Create I

I have been a busy little elf this last week. Crafting and creating some special gifts for some special peeps so unfortunately to keep the gifts a surprise, I can't show you what I've been up too. But I did manage to squeak a mini project in which has taken me forever to actually complete! On our last vacation to NYC, Erik and I happened upon the most whimsical gallery I've ever visited. Tucked into the nifty blocks of the West Village is a cute little gallery full of Kass Glasswork items. When you duck into the tiny store you feel like Alice in Wonderland checking out the rabbit hole. Instantly, I was smitten with all the beautiful historical prints and decoupage collections. I just had to bring one home as a trip memento, so I snagged this one to decorate our home.

Before: plain and easily un-noticed.

A few supplies, fabric, hardboard, and staple gun

A frame with a fresh coat of paint.

A few staples

There she be! Much better.

Comfort and Joy

In a few days my parents will arrive at our doorstep and the true Christmas infusion will begin. So far this season our home has been filled with scents of apple cider and pine (thanks to an awesome Pacifica candle), bright glowing Christmas lights, cheery Christmas tunes, and holiday baking temptations. I truly revel in the comfort and joy the holiday season brings. Here's a little peek into our Christmas wonderland:

PMQG

Last Thursday was the PMQG holiday meeting/party. I had a blast! I love meeting new people and it's especially fun in an environment where everyone is so full of support and inspiration. I can tell that my sewing abilities will be both challenged and greatly improved over the course of this next year as a new member. WAHOOO!

Member participants in the Zip-lock scrap swap

Sciarrino's gift for her buddy Cherri

Cherri, Kristen, Amber and Sciarrino chit-chatting

Remember how Sciarrino was working on a top secret project? Well here it is! Her masterpiece created for the Project Modern Challenge. LOOOOOOVVVVEEE IT!

For more pics from this fun evening click here

Crew Christmas 2010

Last Wednesday was the annual Crew Christmas party hosted by Amber. It's long been a tradition of ours to get together one night during the Christmas holiday season to enjoy each other's company, decorate graham cracker houses, and have an intense round of Secret Santa. I have to say it has turned into one of my favorite evenings of the year. Nothing beats 11 women on a super sugar rush!

Amber and Karen working their homemade icing. 

Beachwood, Sciarrino, and Katie 

That's right...you are looking at a whole table covered with candy!

Kathie, Amber and Ang

This is my house. I decided to include power lines. And Erik's special request was to make sure I put lots of candy on it!

It's kinda funny because we've been doing this for about 8 years now and Kathy is always the last to leave the table. Her houses are impeccable...it's by far the dream house on the graham cracker block.

Of course Amber's not only has candy on the exterior, the interior is just as sweet.

Me and Karen

Secret Santa time!

Tex, Amber and Tracy drawing numbers.

Back Row L-R: Katie, Kathy, Karen, Beachwood, Tracy, Tex, Sciarrino

Front Row L-R: Me, Ang, Amber and Tuesday, Lauren

It's any evening packed full of laughing and nothing beats that

More photos on Picasa.