Catch-up 2: Olive Turns 8

The Morning festivities..

 The birthday party was fun!

Instead of a treat bag, we headed downtown to a concert (Adam Sherkin). It was adorable.

Catch-up: Spring Visitors

Catching Up....

Summer has come and gone.

There weren't many of the beachy days I had dreamed of the long winter through.

Already the air has a bite.

Crimson has begun to creep into the maple trees.

I had another birthday this fall.  Forty two.  42.  Hmmm, I guess my summer has come and gone, too.  Maybe I am in the autumn of life.  That's weird.  I feel 25 sometimes, and 80.  I definitely feel 80 a lot.  This year has taken a toll.  It's been a toughy, as Grace would say.  Not conducive to blogging, as you may have noticed.  

But in an effort to capture and celebrate all that is good I am willing to give it another shot.  So here is a little review of the past few months (in pictures).  And then we shall see.....

                       Farewell summer!  You are fickle and fleeting, but oh how we love you!

Finding My Inner Carpenter

I am almost finished making this table but I'm sharing it now 'cause I am too excited to wait!  I just finished varnishing the drawers this morning and attached one handle.  It's a simple black cast iron handle we picked up last weekend at an antique store in Stratford.  Now I am on the hunt for four more cool (but different) handles... trip to Bruce Mines anyone?  

It looks a little washed out in the pictures, just imagine it looking more rich and calm in real life!  I used a pattern from  Ana White's site for this reclaimed wood console table but adapted it a little - a bit smaller all around.  It was the most challenging thing I've made so far!  But so satisfying!

Last month I made this benchright coffee table but was stuck on the finish I wanted to use.  So it's been left in it's natural state while I make a decision.  

See the pocket holes at the joints - LOVE the Kreg Jig!  

I picked up two of these lovelies at the antique shop too.  They will be perfect on the two drawers....when I finally stain the table.  Today I am leaning toward staining it one of the drawer colours from the console table - the bottom right drawer... what's your vote?? 

What's Your Paste?

We are particular about our toothpaste.

 Years ago, we were regular, average toothpaste consumers, buying from the selection available near the toothbrushes, at the grocery store.  Crest, Colgate either one would do.  But then I was introduced to the world of natural toothpaste.

At first, natural toothpaste tastes saltier, and has a much more intense flavour.

You will notice when you revisit the Crest or Colgate after using natural for a time, it is sickeningly sweet and really doesn't leave your mouth as fresh or with as clean of a feeling.

After being complimented on my white teeth (a first) a few months after the switch, I was convinced, and haven't looked back.

We haven't tried every natural toothpaste out there, I would love to hear your feedback if you have a favourite.

Our Natural Toothpaste Review:

"Tom's of Maine" spearmint or peppermint, my first love and previous go to, until reading up on sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS).

Canadian made "Green Beaver" Frosty Mint was next up with satisfactory results. Nice flavour,SLS free. Not substantial enough on the toothbrush.

 "Jason" Sea Fresh/ Deep Sea Spearmint. SLS free. This paste is rich in calcium and has parsley extracts for fresh breath. Awesome. The higher price is worth it. Our family favourite!!

After making my own deodorant last week (not so different from LUSH), I'm considering trying toothpaste next. Found this recipe:

http://wellnessmama.com/1772/how-to-make-natural-toothpaste/