THE GREEN EXPRESS - Are you ready to decrease the anger in your body!!

HOW GREEN CAN WE GET!

My Green Express

Are you forever seeking a solution to longevity, re-vitalising  and re-energizing your life 

then My Green Express is definitely for you.

Decrease inflammation in the body especially the gut, flatten that tummy, improve immunity, maintain vitamin A levels and most important improve your body's alkalinity.

Break your fast with "My Green Express Drink" 

on an empty belly!  

(**NOTE this does not replace a healthy balanced meal it is in conjunction with breakfast and 

should be glugged on down as soon as it is made - "fresh is best")

Ingredients:

250 ml Coconut Water

1/2 an apple

1/2 cup pineapple

1 scoop (or teaspoon) Wheat Grass

1 teaspoon Spirulina

** 1 teaspoon raw cocoa (OPTIONAL)

Place everything in a blender and whiz it up!

I have felt a change in my body and I am certain you will to. 

*(NOTE:  this drink is complimentary to a healthy eating lifestyle - you can't eat the burgers and fries and expect the Green Express to do its tricks "just saying")

AND BEFORE I GO

READ MY BLOG POST ON DIAMONDS TO VIEW MY UPDATE ON 

THE WORLDS LATEST FIND:

The second largest gem stone ever found this century.

Our big blue planet is amazing!

Till next time remember all things in life if filled with love, kindness and gratitude can be a tidybusiness.

Paula C

Metallic Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos, Flashy Tattoos,

GET INKED - FOR NOW "Vancouver Sun"

READ ALL ABOUT THIS NEW SUMMER TREND!

http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Style+Paula+Lamb+Tidytatts+temporary+tattoos+sparkle/11132090/story.html

Metallic Jewellery Tattoos is the latest high street trend for 2015.  And although the likes of Beyonce and Vanessa Hudgens have been spotted in 2014 sporting these fabulous, shiny jewellery inspired tattoos, they seem to be growing in popularity full steam ahead for Summer 2015.

Fun, Unique and so easy to use you can't go wrong with temporary ink.  Its a commitment with no long term regrets.  Tidytatts provide many different style design sheets blue, gold, black, silver there is definitely something for everyone.

Immigration

Lost in Translation    

We are all immigrants really in some shape or form, seriously if you think about your great great great family members great aunts, uncles, grannies, granddads.  Where in the many many centuries ago did your relatives originate from?? Good Question huh?

If your Caucasian and you live in Africa the continent of Africa is really not your ancestral native land.  If your African and live in the United Kingdom or South America your native ancestral land is really not these continents.  The same goes for South Americans, The Asian Communities who live around the world, The Greek Nation who have lived on other continents for centuries etc.  If we be logic about the real meaning of immigrant, immigration and we look back at our ancestral heritage we really are all immigrants living somewhere else, living life and doing the best we can do to belong.  Just some food for thought

Moving home and changing your life as you know it. Such as new employment, new school, moving provinces or even countries is and can be a daunting task.  It is a huge stressor and can take a toll on your health, your relationships and your overall psyche.  You can become overwhelmed as you feel as I like to call it   "Lost In Translation"!

This blog is about being an immigrant of todays standards.   And how oftentimes I still after 13 years feel lost in translation and not quite at home.  Please remember these are my personal experiences and opinions but I hope that many other immigrants will feel some sort of solace or encouragement to keep on going. And remember your not alone on this immigrant journey.

Lost in Translation - The voice of an immigrant finding her way!

Next blog coming soon!!!

Half Marathon - My finale

Half Marathon;   GOAL,  SET AND ACHIEVED.

It took guts

It took hard work

It took commitment

It took wanting the feeling of great joy

It took compromise

It took good shoes, a pair of legs, a heart and lungs,  healthy

nutrition choices and a will to achieve

to get me across that finish!!!

And I can now proudly say it 

I Frikkin Did IT!!!! 

No guts, No GLORY

I had the guts and I now have the glory....and you can too!

I MADE IT yes folks I crossed that finish line and completed my year goal set of 8 half marathons for 2014.  But let me say not without a tug of war with my heart and my body. I met great people along the way, I joined a million plus people who have a mutual understanding of what it takes to accomplish a goal, set and achieved.  

You see during my training and race schedule I suffered from a hip issue 4 races in (can't say the I word if you are a runner you know what I mean) and then came on the plantar fasciatis grrrrr and it has lingered ever since.

BUT I made it to my last race The Vancouver Historic Half.  A superb race covering two laps around Stanley Park.  Magnificient views of the city and the northshore mountains, a flat, speedy course and the finale to a well earned running year.  BUT I started the race at -5 degrees, bad plantar fasciatis and ended limping and bitterly cold at -3.5 degrees.  Crikey it was cold and I never ever warmed up the whole race.  I got home showered to warm up and crashed on the bed for 1.5 hours to enable my body some sort of start to recovery.

I feel just fabulous, proud and I applaud myself for getting across that finish line.  I have bragging rights to my goal set and achieved. And although I now am unable to run for some time due to very bad plantar fascia tis,  I am excited to get back to the road because I have some new goals up my sleeve.  I never thought I would ever say that.

I held the hand of a young girl as I crossed the finish line for my second race.  She had stopped to walk 500m from the BMO finish line and I said you can't stop now the finish line is right there, we can do this.  I later received a surprise email of thanks.  She took the time to find me and email, it touched my heart.  I had a young man come to me in Victoria and said your encouragement was wonderful it got me through the last 2 km's.  These moments have truly added to my overall experience and memories.

I am now currently playing doctor doctor with ice packs, rolling the underneath of my feet with cold tennis balls and using the infamous Strassburg Sock.  On the road to recovery..... Thank you to the team at The Running Room cnr Denman and W Georgia I have reaped helpful information to aid in my recovery (ice, roll, stretch and REST)  and left with a challenge to come back to pick up my new goal post.

Tennis Balls in the fridge to roll under the feet

 

The infamous Strassburg Sock to help alleviate and heel
the ever dreaded Plantar Fasciatis - 

      

So before I leave I share this pertinent information with regards to 

training, nutrition and your recovery.

Use google folks for training programs there is a wealth of knowledge at your keyboard finger tapping tips. Anywhere in the world I know there are running groups that will be a great support for training programs such as half and full marathons.

Nutrition - I logged my food and training schedule on www.myfitnesspal.com to ensure I ate all the required calories (oh and don't try and diet whilst training for a goal, seriously you need the calories for fuelling the body)

Complex Carbohydrates, lean proteins and essential fats made up my daily diet. After long runs I did spoil myself with my favourite treat Tim Hortons Apple Fritter "oh yum" 

Thanks to My Fitness Pal I was able to monitor my calories to ensure I ate what I needed to to fuel the body and speedy recovery to keep running.

Recovery; Epsom Salts Baths, Loads of Yoga and I did not start early enough but ended the year well with visits to my Registered Massage Therapist (a secret weapon to eternal mobility).  

REST =  I admit folks this was hard for me to do....

BUT is integral to your bodies overall well being and I have learnt the hard way!

I hope I have inspired you to set an athletic goal bigger than you can dream and wish you all the very best and speed beneath your wings as you cross those finish lines.

Till next time remember Goals Set and Achieved is a truly invigorating, awe inspiring tidy business

Paula C

Proud - 8x Half Marathoner 2014

Half Marathon Paula Lamb - #gotlegs must run!

PART TWO

Here I am folks Race # 5, 6 and 7 DONE AND DUSTED!  
147 km's of racing and over 600 km's of training later.
#killingtime

Race number 5 was my peak all I had to do was push myself over the edge, start rolling down that hill cause race number six was in clear view.  I had to dig deep to complete this race, I started with an injury and ended very very sore and was off my feet for two weeks post race.

It had not been a happy time.  The only time I think I will feel human again without aches and pains is when I have fully rested my body and not pushed myself so hard. That will have to wait I guess as I have the race of all races NUMBER 8 left to cross off the goal posts.

How did my injury occur.  One week into my trip overseas after race number three I started with a left hip ache which radiated down the left leg (ITB) and felt a pinch in my left glute crease (you know where the glute and the hamstring meet).  This concerned me and I realized why,  it was from the beds I had been sleeping in.  The mattresses were too soft and had pushed my sleeping alignment out of whack.  PLUS I aint gonna lie my body was tired yes ma'am which I think added to the stress.  I had this dull ache which worsened as time ticked on.  I still completed short runs and stretched as much as possible but the dull ache lingered this was truly concerning for me.  At that point it was only three races left and I had an injury I was not too sure how long it would take to heal or how bad I was injured.

What I will have to say before I go on is take your running shoes with you because you can capture the most awesome picture perfect moments during your runs in a city.  The best time is when the streets are quiet in the early hours of the morning - not a tourist in sight.  
                                     

Love Locks in Cologne, Germany

After running for 8-10km I climbed 298 steps to a gorgeous
view of Passau, Germany

Vienna, Austria a runner's paradise massive park available to
runners along the waterways.

Anyhow back to the serious stuff.  Five races down and I now relied on my hot yoga classes, maintaining flexibility, visits to my RMT and less time on the road to get me across the finish line!  I have to say once you have a good cardiovascular and endurance fitness base under your belt its easier to maintain the running. Hence my weekly distance has decreased somewhat so that I can finish my set goal (re-covering from an injury) for 2014. You gotta do,  what ya gotta do!

It is now October 17th and I have only started feeling relief since I started treatment with my massage therapist, hot yoga and taken some rest.  This injury has tortured the life out of me since after race four the Scotia Bank half.  And again I realize how magical our bodies are and if we don't look after them they give in or sure as hell show us the signs we are over doing it!  It is imperative we listen to our bodies or we may never be able to run again.

Yes, training for eight half marathons in one year has been gruelling on my body (gosh what does marathon training do to the ole bod!!)  and on the mind.  I enjoy my running, I miss it when I don't do it but I have had to slow down somewhat to ensure I make it to my last race in November.

Injury prevention is key to success when you are running near or far.  They creep up on us, one minute your galloping the next your limping out the gate.  I am plagued with plantar fascaitis and for those of you reading this who know what I am talking about will understand the heel pain one feels and more so after a race.  I also suffer from tight hip flexors, ITB, hamstrings, achilles and lets just stop there....

So how do I still get to run.  I have a injury healing and prevention team as I like to call it.  My magical Registered Massage Therapist Nikki works wonders painful but delightful all at once (I giggle or groan alot in her treatments but boy do I feel magical a couple of days later).  Then I visit YYOGA for my YHOT classes and flow classes (although right now I am just doing YHOT).  Its marvellous stretching out the body in the heat as the sun rises on an autumns day. #Bliss

I have at home my epsom salts baths and often soak my feet and calves in icy icy cold water (with epsom salts of course, works wonders). A foam roller with and without the knobbies is great to release tension but be careful with the knobbly one it can bruise the body.  I also have this little ball (you can use the spiky balls they have for use in tumble dryers) that I roll under my feet and heel.  This helps with my plantar and massages my tired, sore feet.

Post race I take a warm epsom salts bath (as soon as I can) and after a good soak I apply a magnesium oil to the ole leggies.  It truly helps.

I am almost at my finish line and my half marathon race day is about turning my dream, my goal into reality and astonishing myself each step of the way.

My journey is not complete - exciting really.  With race number eight set for late November with yet another three week international journey before that.  I hope and pray nothing holds me back because I can see that finish line I just have a 21km hurdle ahead to accomplish.  

  

I have more too share so please come back as my journey is not complete.  Food, Workouts and all that I have learnt along the way.

"Achievement is true glory, exhilarating to the heart and joyous to the beholder"

                                                                                                      Paula C Lamb

Race Number Six - (Spirit of the Shore, Oct 5th, 2014)

Race Six and Seven (Victoria Half Oct 12th, 2014)

See you on the road, #killingtime

Paula C

7x Half Marathoner 

Half Marathon - Paula Lamb

                                                                                       Picture courtesy of google images

PART ONE         

It's 07.00 am on a Sunday morning, I roll over to sit on the edge of my bed, slowly I flex and extend my feet.   My heels ache I suffer from Plantar Fasciatis.  Placing my feet on the hard wood floors I begin to do the runners shuffle that's what I call it these days, you know when your legs are stiff and achey,   calves ache and for me heels sore and you struggle to walk normally.  I shuffle over to the bathroom glare at myself in the mirror with a glint of a smile "morning sunshine" its that time again - run forest run.  

Time and again we read stories of grand achievement.  The challenges, courage, determination, trials and tribulations humans have faced to get to that finish line however far or close it had been. But you certainly don't have to climb Mt Everest to feel that emotional pang of delight in your heart as you cross your finish line.  

During this year of 2014 I have discovered, learnt and felt this very pang of pure delight and pride.  Not only have I met the physical challenges that I set before me, I have also discovered a whole lot about runners, people, life and myself.  

I hope this blog about my achievement will inspire you to get up off that sofa and just do it,  whatever it may be!.

My name is Paula C and I proudly share 
My 2014 story!

 Happy New Year - Whistler  01-01-2014

It's January 5th, 2014 a new year is upon us and time to set New Year Goals!   Let me set the mood about the day that changed my 2014 year ahead.  I live in North America its pretty chilly out.  Here we sit my husband and I, he a natural runner 5K, 10K easy peasy and me not an avid runner,  not a sausage BUT physically fit and a sound fitness foundation that stems back to my early 20's.  I sit with my laptop open on our kitchen counter glaring at the Internet page of The BMO Marathon,  race day May 4th, 2014.  I know your thinking how did we get here all these half marathons later.  Good question I get asked that a lot !

NEW POST COMING SOON!

The First South African Female Pilot -

If your looking for an easy, enjoyable, entertaining read this summer then this book I highly recommend.

If you have read my previous blogs you will know that I am an avid biography/memoir reader and it stems from being intrigued with other peoples lives, who they are, where they came from, their family good AND BAD!! and family photos are a must,  what they have learnt in life, what I can learn from what they have to share.  

This is why I am a huge fan of Oprah and the OWN Network where she interviews interesting people such as Condelezza Rice,  Sidney Pointier,  Maya Angelou, Jane Fonda, Jay Z,  Pharell Williams gosh the list goes on and on.   Oprah always finds an intriguing story to share.

Oprah says everyone has a story and Kucki Low; all 5 feet of her sure has a story I think you will LOVE.  Kucki in real life (yes I know this wonderful person for real) is such a loving character,  an avid yoga follower with a great sense of humour and lover of life,  you cannot help but feel intrigued to know just how this persons life had unfolded.

Kucki Low an interesting name isn't it (Cookie is how you pronounce her name) was the first female commercial pilot in Southern Africa during the 1970's.  "I have to express my wonder and joy at this knowledge.  She achieved an unforeseen goal at a time when women were often not taken too seriously.  Born in Austria and as an immigrant to Southern Africa found a passion for flying she never knew till that very first exhilarating flight.  Magic!! 

Kucki says "most of us have more than one passion,   (I have to agree with her on this kinda sounds like me)  we can be passionate about different things at different stages of our lives."  She says - "It is what we do with that passion that determines the degree of fulfillment and happiness we feel in our lives." What I have personally learned over the years of my life to-date is your passion does not have to become your vocation but passion is the driving force behind your achievements and as Kucki says life fulfillment! 

Back to Kucki and her story;  Having had a difficult relationship with her parents during her younger years of her life,  to mending the gap and sharing touching moments with her mother in her teen years,  you will love the intriguing and fun stories Kucki has to share.  She falls in love with flying, in love with a man and in love with Canada.  

Not only is her life journey interesting and worth a read,  she shares her family history, family photographs (my favourite) and history of a time and place we/I knew nothing about (intriguing). She provides us the opportunity to share in her excitement about her new adventures on a South West African farm to her relationship with her brother Axel,  working in her fathers photography store, making her way back to Europe,  Kucki leads you along an interesting life story path with twists and turns and emotional ups and downs I guarantee you cannot resist to know!

Unhappiness reigned in her life from a young age and I loved the sharing knowledge of "we are responsible for our own happiness and that once you realize this it is truly freeing!"

My understanding of this character Kucki Low was that she was an intense little creature with deep emotions and a need to belong.  I hope you too will find a connection with Kucki and her life as I did. Today I think she feels like she belongs and with a comforting, mentoring nature she shares her story as a guest speaker at many events.

Her story is touching, enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable I encourage you to add this book to your summer reading list.  You won't regret it!

Please visit:  www.kuckilow.com

Remember Life in all its wonder is a "tidy business"

Paula C

Flowers, Colourful, Delightful and Life

Fresh Flowers,  I am a huge huge fan.  If you think about it the gift of fresh flowers whether in a bouquet, displayed in a vase as an arrangement, or just a bunch from your local grocer (whole foods always have such a glorious choice) will bring a smile to any ladies face.  

Fresh Flowers; they are a beautiful, colourful, gratifying gift that you could give any mother, grandmother, sister, girlfriend, friend, colleague, acquaintance, client. Fresh Flowers are a true gift giving delight.  I love the look on a persons face when they receive flowers - "priceless".

What would we do without flowers?  I would certainly have an issue if they disappeared off the face of this "Big Blue Marble" in space, swoosh!!  I love flowers in my home and love to gift flowers for any reason.  Birthdays, Thank you's, I am thinking of you's and Just Because I Can.  Flowers the most appreciated gift I know.  They are so simple, so pretty, so colourful and offer a wide variety to choose from.

Roses, Geraniums, Tulips (I love Tulips), Frescia's, Hydrangeas, proteas, sunflowers oh and Orchids seriously the list can go on.  Some have a scent others don't BUT who really cares they are beautiful and I LOVE FLOWERS, who doesn't??? 

So next time you are looking for a gift idea for a lady just purchase the most gorgeous, colourful bouquet (exclude those god awful carnations) and you will be King for the Day guaranteed.

Till next time remember Fresh Flowers are a tidy gift purchase and light up any ladies life and home interior guaranteed.

Paula C

Suits - it's unstoppable

Happy New Year to you all!  Let's get on with it ey!

HBO - Suits

The new HBO series Suits is my first blog for 2014 why you ask well it is undeniably a moorish, unstoppable, awesome rainy day tele watching show.  

A must see show……

I am serious folks.  I am hooked.  Hook, line and sinker!!!! Hooookkkedddd 

So what is so kewl about SUITS let's see.  Addictive, there are good looking people, slick moves, bribery, it is comedic, quirky and some sexual activity the list goes on. 

A little background: Suits is based around a fictitious law firm "Peason and Hardman" is set in The Big Apple.  (Although this show is shot on location in Toronto sometimes if I am not mistaken).  The show filled with key players who manoeuvre, bribe and mask their every turn to glory or in Louis's case disappointment. 

Comedic and witty at times the sense of humour of some of the cast members adds a great undertone to their overall objective "to win the case".  Who caught my eye first,  well of course "The handsome and suave Harvey Specter" played by Gariel Macht.  A Senior Law Partner at Pearson and Hardman and one hell of a looker.  He is Mc Steamy and Mr Dreamy all bundled in one….although his balls are not equally spread apart sometimes - Oi head out of the gutter please,  I mean in his work space the balls that sit on the windowsill  they are not always evenly spaced I am a bit OCD…... Donna needs to talk to the office cleaners. 

Back to reality, other characters to watch, we have young Mike Ross played by Canadian Actor Patrick J Adams who never went to law school, fluked his way into Pearson and now juggles a lie in the harsh and cut throat world of law all whilst sexing the beautiful, and quirky with a dash of fire Rachel Zane played by Meghan Markle (she is cute a reason for the boys to watch).  We have the strawberry blonde with big brown expression filled eyes;   Donna Paulsen,  Harvey's right hand ally and executive assistant.  She knows the ins and outs of Pearson,  what's happening and what's not going to happen at Pearson.  She has a quirky sense of humour with adorable facial gestures you just can't stop loving her….

Then there is poor Louis Litt,  talented lawyer and Harvey's opponent at the best of times.  He seems to always be the under dog yet I find myself rooting for him to WIN LOUIS WIN!!!! and last but certainly not least important The Jessica Pearson the big kahuna mama bear of the firm who runs the show, tells it like it is and does not take any nonsense from anyone.  Played by the beautiful Gina Torres (Cuban decent), a statuesque figure,  with a wardrobe to die for (I personally love those necklaces myself).  I catch myself taking pointers from her quirky, brilliant mind.

I cannot say enough about how great this show is.  This has been my go to relaxation fest for the holidays and I am hooked - did I say that already, hooked people hooked!  

Suits can be viewed in the USA, Bravo tele in Canada and Channel 7 in Oz (according to my friend google) and what my friend google has also spilled is that it is renewed for a 4th season.  Say what!!!!! more of Mr Dreamy, Mc Steamy Harvey Specter, dashing Mike Ross, Rachel Zane oh and lets not forget the great Donna Paulsen Harvey's ever undying ally….(deep down I think she loves him) 

The New Year is beginning to look a whole lot winter tele watching awesomeness.

Have I got your attention yet.  Seriously go take a look http://www.usanetwork.com/suits

#Suits:  now that's a tidy business

Till next time

Paula C

visit: www.everythingtidy.com for my "tidy inspiration cards" available for orders.

Christmas

tis the season

To Be Jolly tra la la la la
and delicious over indulgence!

Living in North America truly adds to the holiday spirit for me.  We have all the elements snow, brrr weather, hot chocolate, mittens and boots, fireplaces, holiday lights to decorate our homes and egg nog.  What better way to celebrate the holidays right!!  

Absolutely marvellous is what I think and although I don't celebrate Christmas in itself you know the gift giving garb,  I do celebrate the end of another year and spend time reflecting on what was good, what was NOT SO GOOD :( , what I could do better etc and this year I have decided to set some New Year's Resolutions (and no they are not diet and exercise orientated). 

Watch for my next blog on this very topic!!

I remember as a child how sad I felt at Christmas.  As a young girl in a home where money was not easily available the holidays sure splayed a spotlight on what we didn't have and couldn't have.  Now that I am a big girl and can splurge,  I splurge all year round if I can…kinda making up for lost time probably and love to spend my caboodle on awesome stuff especially that which I can use over and over again.

So having said that "Gifts Gifts Gifts" as The Good Ole Grinch would say is what I am sure a lot of you are now on the search for?  Yes that one gift that will make your receiver oohhhh and aaahhh,  where will you find it and what will it be.  As I like to give gifts (birthdays etc) with a purpose I have one idea that I think is just splendid.  

Eclectic Vintage Bone China Tea Cups

Yes yes I know you are thinking how much more granny could I get!!  Well let me say this Grannies china is the up and coming trend of the 20th century.  But seriously "girls love to tea" and Fine China Tea Cups are making a comeback plus when Nate Berkus from Oprah says it is a grandiose idea it must be cool.

Anyhow,  I recently attended an afternoon birthday party where the host (and birthday girl Kathie) had a splendid array of the cutest and coolest Fine Bone China Tea Cups.  What was more delightful was that not one cup was the same.  There was a mishmash of designs but each tea cup and matching saucer just like our winter snowflakes were special in their own unique way.  Marvellous is all I could think and definitely eye candy for the tea drinker!!

BAM I thought what a grand idea for a gift.  Collecting Bone China Tea Cups for those special or not so special tea events (and this I now have been advised as a gift is nothing new, geez Louise where have I been!!).  Now I am not talking about visiting your local Home Sense I am talking about stalking those antique corner shops, the consignment stores that store an array of Crystal, Fine Bone China Crockery sets and more…and yes these places can be found in your city.  Google,  I tell you google it!!!

I had no idea that these type of little places even existed where you could purchase such glorious items.  As I had been thinking of collecting cute, delicate tea cups for quite some time Home Sense was the only place on my mind and until I laid my eyes on these oh so fine china "tasse de the`" (tea cup in french) with friends,  Home Sense no more antique stalking here I come.

Choosing a fine china tea cup is certainly a process I mean you don't want to purchase just for the sake of buying right!!!  Educate yourself on the various types of china,  the styles and designs available.  Porcelain, fine china and bone china (information which can be found at the bottom of the cup) are considered fine china.  The styles on offer are usually romantic  classic or modern.  Romantic is usually the flowers similar to what I have shown of my personal collection.  Turn the saucer and tea cup upside down to read what you are purchasing and always exam the piece for any imperfections remember this is a vintage piece and been around for yonks. 

So where do you go stalking for these great finds?  Well there is google which provides online services such as ebay etc.  But I have to say being able to visibly touch and see the product adds to the purchase experience.  Plus you know what you are getting.  So I would perhaps google for antique, vintage bone and fine china providers in your area or city.

Secondly what style to choose from because there is super duper kewl and super duper aarrgghhh!!   When I purchased mine I looked for romantic and classic styles the cups had to be a similar shape and size, they also had a gold or silver rim both on the cup and saucer.

You will also notice that one of my grand choices is a tea cup that does not have a white background but almost a lace effect with a romantic style (roses).  "My fav teacup of all"

Pretty eclectic vintage bone china just fabulous is what I think plus whats more fabulous is your tea set does not have to match!!

So this holiday season give the gift of "tasse de the`" and maybe visit my friend www.davidstea.com to purchase tasty tea's to go with that gorgeous vintage cuppa.

Well that is it folks tis the season to spread good cheer, love and laughter . I hope you enjoyed this much belated blog and let me know what tea cups you find.

Vintage Fine China Tea Cups are a "tidy" and a cool addition to  any tea party.

Till next time keep that cuppa "tidy"

Paula C

xo

P.S "tidy inspirations"  cards to inspire thought and action in your everyday life.  

COMING SOON!!

Holiday Images care of Google Images (Merci)

Procastination - tidy update

tidy update

I have been out of touch for some time but am now back and will be posting shortly some great stuff

Mask It

tidy inspirations - inspirational cards to evoke thought and action

(made for orders)

tis the season of good tidings

New Years Resolutions - Not a HUGE believer in New Years Resolutions BUT I am going to set some for 2014. Stay tuned

And Buff Betty is back with a grand home workout

So please keep coming back to visit and there will be more to read

From the lazy pen of

Paula C

Adios!

DIY a Crafty Business - Melted Crayola fun and creative

You may have heard or read about this fun and colourful art-o-licious DIY craft that has hit pinterest, etsy, blog posts and google images.  

I am not too sure how long it has been around for but crayola's, canvases, glue, hairdryers & more have been amongst our surroundings for yonks and  these are the tools you need to achieve your next "tidy" piece of melted crayola craftiness. 

On a recent trip to South Africa (yes I am always travelling) my girlfriend Leigh introduced me to this grand crafty idea and I decided to give it a go, share my experience in pictures and words with you and pinterest.  I am certainly very impressed with what can be achieved.  Enjoy your crafty crayola melting and do share your art, please!

Tools Required: $$ this refers to my good friend Mr Dollarama

x1 or x2 boxes Crayola -           $1.25 each - $$ 

x1 Canvas -                            $2.00 any size you please (I used a 8x10) $$

Glue -                                    $1.25 - $$

Sharpener -                            $1.25 - $$ (to sharpen ends for off cuts)

Dragon Fly's                            $2.00 - $$

Recollections Embossing Dryer - $15.99 Michael's with a 50% coupon (never shop without your coupon ammunition)

Step One:

Lay out everything you need.  Ensure you are working on a covered surface cause it can get messy.

Step Three:

Keep the canvas on a flat surface. Once your crayola is glued and dry start blowing away.  

Start by pointing the blow dryer toward the middle of the crayola. 

Keep a bit of a distance from the crayola or it splatters crayon all over.  

Be slow and steady and watch the crayon melt and start running down your canvas.

As I did not have the paper on I was able to melt the whole crayon for further effect.

I did bit by bit so that I was also able to move (angle) the canvas about to change the flow of crayon.  Blow drying from the front also gets the tips dripping beautifully.

With my canvas I was placing the dragon fly's at the end as I did not want to get crayola all over them but had prior to starting the melting process marked where they would be placed on the canvas. *I have noted that some of the pictures or editorials completing this work show the picture/artwork painted or placed prior to melting and covered with painters tape (I struggled with this during my first hodge podge flop :-( lol) - sooooo I leave it in your "tidy"hands

You can let the crayola sit as high up the canvas or as low down as you please all depends on what art work you have or will be drawing, painting or placing at the end.

Step Four:  

Glue your additions onto your canvas, paint your art work/picture or just leave your canvas a beautiful array of melted crayola colour.  Wunderba!!

Being Creative is a Calming Outlet

Food for my Soul!

My Meditation, My Yoga

Well that is it folks.  Give this a whirl or NOT!! But either way I hoped you enjoyed and remember creativity and melted crayola artwork is  a "tidy" and fun craft. Adios!

Orders accepted:  info@everythingtidy.com