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Jenifir
A creative type who enjoys finding and reworking things that are old while caring for her home and family.
Interests: music, gardening, thrifting, family life, books, decorating, crafting, sewing. cooking, repurosing
Recent Activity
I had the Mattel Mickey Mouse record player and all sorts of Sesame Street 45's. I have seen the record player on ebay but not the 45's and have been so tempted to bid. My kids would have loved this find! (and so would I!)
Kickin' It Old School
I have a list in my purse of things I look for when Im out thrifting. And I can not tell you how long I have been looking for one of these little record players...3 years maybe. I have seen many, many records and passed them up, knowing that it would drive me insane not having a player for ...
A very thoughtgul and needed post. I am writing from the perspective of being a little further down the shute with older children. Firstly, I would echo the idea that what happens in the home is the biggest influence and that choices have to be based on the needs of the individual child and family. Our oldest has multiple developmental disabilities and would be unlikely to posses many of the skills he has were it not for the patience and experience of his teachers and aids at his specialized school that he has attended since leaving his intergrated preschool. If I had been homeschooling him, I am sure that my other children would not have had the benefit of a rational and patient mother because I would have been overwhelmed. My daughter is now an highly competent and successful highschool student with many choices for post-secondary educational. She successfully negotiated the regular public school system without us pushing for the gifted programme that she could have been streamed through without losing her desire to learn and has stronger social/leadership skills than many of her friends who were so streamed. She had a few less than perfect teachers but also so stellar teachers along the way so a balance was found. Number 3 is presently being homeschooled after a few years when we felt the school was not meeting his needs. We have been shocked to discover how many basic skills this bright boy did not learn! I am spending the year figuring out the holes and rebuilding his confidence. Next year we will work on the skills he will need for highschool with the plan to send him to the arts-based highschool in our area. With Nuber 4, academically he is doing well but slightly underchallenged in our local French-immersion programme (the first of our children to do early immersion) but socially is frustrated by his peers. Being the youngest in our family has allowed him to be sophisticated intellectually but not socially patient with kids that do not get his well-reasoned and articulated ideas! What to do with him? We are working on this and are thankful for the extracurricular activities that we are involved with. Thanks for addressing the need to stay flexible with solutions in creating the best educational environment for our children.
Taking Control of Our Education Update, Part 3
If you have followed this blog for long, you will know how much we have struggled with the educational choices we have made regarding our boys' schooling. As always, there is so very much to say on this subject I never know how to get it all into one post. With that in mind, I would like to sh...
Sometimes the so-called distractions are the things we need the most at that exact time and place. Yours are very lovely indeed and, I am sure, most healing.
Distraction again
I should be doing this.. (and there is an awful amount on the floor too..) so I end up doing this.. ..hanging my new birdie hook. I should have then moved on to this.. ..but I faffed around with this.. ..dusting with Anth's dirty sock that's waiting to be washed.. ..and cleaning my lit...
What a wonderful experience to look forward to; live music is always best! I was wondering about grooming when you have been ill as my Clara, an Himalyan, suffers when I have been ill. When I have been confined to bed, she steadfastly keeps me company and rarely leaves the foot of my bed. A big comfort!
The Good ~ day 7
Little pleasures and big pleasures Another sunny morning and it isn't just the humans in the household enjoying it's warmth. I stood for a moment watching him rolling on our bed. Slightly different story this time last week. Alfie had to have a little haircut...well a big haircut really. Po...
Sounds like your finding just the right prescription for trying out you 'normal' legs again. Lovely treasures -quality not quantity. Enjoy them while waiting for the birds. Going to the (sentimental) movies with my husband is one of my favourite dates too as he is usually happier than when I drag him along treasure hunting!
The Good ~ day 6
A morning treasure hunting and a date Thursday morning was bathed in spring sunshine so I decided it was time I got behind the wheel again and ventured out by myself...driving! The last time I drove was the 12th Jan and I did wonder if I could actually make the 15 minute journey to the best l...
My Mother says that I have a PhD. in rationalization. After reading your post, I realize that I must be pursuing post-doc studies in procrastination and if you were marking to the above points, I am sure that you would give me all A's but deduct marks for the meals that I actually make.
It is really a good thing that my husband does not usually read the comments that I post or the jig would be up!
An advanced guide to procrastination
To thank you for the outpouring of support I received yesterday in the wake of the thrift-store tragedy, I'm going to respond to a request. Apparently the title on one of my posts earlier this week led some of you to believe that I was going to offer a tutorial on procrastination. Some disappo...
What a lovely romantic post! Pictures do indeed say words than words. You have got to love a man who can take all the florals ( I know I do!-mine is very tolerant or maybe just a romantic!) and I am so glad Anth makes you happy! I wish everyone such well-matched partners.
The Good ~ day 5
My scrumptious love If I could..I would breathe him in and frequently try to.
I do not collect any of those things either so I can see why the store closure would not be bothering you. Oh Barbara, as my kids would say, that sucks!
Sigh.
I found an enameled pin at the thrift store today. That makes three. I have a collection. Big deal. I don't even know if I like enameled pins. Print bias trim. Mint in the original package. Like I care. Here's some of the rick rack I got today. There's more, but I didn't feel like ...
A very pretty and inventive use of the neckerchiefs. Not only do you have a talent for making lovely things you are wonderful a keeping all your readers cheered too. It seems that you are perking up so I hope that it continues and you do not get too frustrated if the pace is not quick enough. I know that having a pretty surrounding when I am poorly makes a huge difference and your bedroom is so lovely.
The Good ~ day 4
Turning one thing into another When Anth and I went to York back in November I bought some Cath Kidston hankies (though I really wouldn't describe them as hankies - more of a neckerchief. I love that word, neckerchief! My children would cringe if they heard me use it and laugh at me. Hmm, it ...
If you are torturing us, I must be some kind of machoscist because I am lovely every minute!
I am not suprised by your use of the French General book as I was definitely getting the vibe in the last post and it looks like you did a beautiful job on the table cloth despite the added complications. Lucky you that your Wal-Mart had the upholstry tape. That bowl is fabulous especially filled with sewing notions. The irons birds are so lovely!
dining room narrow view
At this point, I feel like I'm torturing everybody with a slide show of my dining room...but I continue. Let's just rip the band-aid off and be done with it... The cups are actually from France but thrifted here in my own little french inspired hometown of Normandy. I sewed t...
You look quite lovely in your newest headgear! But maybe everyone is right and it needs a little embellishment with a crocheted bloom or three. It will even work with your flowers on black theme you have had recently. There must be some fountain of youth aspect of it too as you do not look old enough to be the mother of the lovely and talented young lady you claim is you daughter!
The Good ~ day 3
Gifts of caring [even though I look like a total & utter idiot] My darling mother bought me this and presented me with it on Friday. As I cannot rely on my painkillers any more to limp through the day until I can safely go to bed and inject myself with the nasty, nasty migraine drug - I have h...
What a simple innovative idea! The yellow print would make me happy but I think the Mac book would do it for my husband. I can't wait to see Bright Star. A friend just saw The Young Victoria (the times and theatres have yet to work for us) and we have seen An Education and A Single Man recently; both which really created an impact on us. All three should be on DVD soon and are all noted for great costumes and sets.
Vintage Towel to Laptop Sleeve
Around Christmas time, S got me a new laptop. The "s" and "h" keys weren't working anymore because of a little lemonade mishap involving one little boy and some jumping on the couch. Ooops! Anyway, going from a PC laptop to a mac has been more of a change than I thought it would be. I ha...
Lucky you to have friends that know what it takes to make you smile on the inside. Lucky us for you reminding us how it is those little things that can really make a friendship. I think I have a few phone calls/emails to make/write.
Surrounded By Friendship
::a little jadite bowl, perfect for tea bags from my friend Ambre:: ::a new "e" for my collection from Kari:: ::perfect Spring earrings also from Kari:: ::sunflowers on my kitchen table from Christine:: (not pictured) ::a kind word from Carole:: ::a phone call from Jamie:: ::a quik dr...
Jenifir is now following Vintage Chica
Mar 2, 2010
I am inclined to think of you as an organizing goddess as Christine suggested and indeed, you are my go to blog for such information. I find the whole trade mark thing rather ridiculous when it comes to this sort of situation. Jealousy of your success must be at the route of this but like many things this could back fire in the end. I recently heard a story on the radio that nice guys really finish first and we are actually wired to be empathetic and helpful to each other. I will make sure that I link to your blog as often as it makes sense to do so on my blog and would encourage other bloggers to do the same as it will pass on useful information to our readers and increase Benita's blog traffic.
I'm an Organizing *beep*
benitalarsson Twitter feed I got an e-mail yesterday from a company claiming I'm infringing on their trademark. On my about page I call(ed) myself an organizing maniac. Apparently "the continued use may lead to confusion between yourself and Name Withheld, who is the owner of the registered ...
Thank-you for your always great photos and bringing up the tipping discussion. In Canada, I think wear you live determines how much and to whom you tip. In more rural or suburban areas it is less. I remember my parents only tipping at restaurants when I was growing up and when I moved from the West coast to the East coast in the late 80's, 15% was still standard but it was the first time that I encountered tipping hairdressers. In the larger cities, tipping was more wide spread and generous and my sister made a good income as a waitress in Vancouver because of tips. Tipping does make we feel awkward and in Canada there is a minimum wage so I question why someone who works in a restaurant can make the same income as someone who has done graduate or other specialized study. I will keep in mind the information when travelling to the U.S.. It is my blog's first anniversary and you can enter the giveqway with no tipping required!
365 Day 50-56
Not the best shot in terms of photography, it was really a get-your-camera-out-now-don't-fidget-with-settings-moment. Darling Mini :) Remember these photos back on December 21st (on my Birthday actally)? We've had some more snow since then... Sun! And Starbucks! Wille's a happy camper. Sar...
I love your pictures (as usual)and I am fascinated by the tipping discussion. In Canada, how much and who you tip seems to be very geographically determined. As a child I lived in rural and then suburban British Columbia through the late 60's to mid 80's and I remember my parents only tipping for restaurants at 15% and leaving very little if the service was poor. The same habit seemed to be found went I moved to Halifax in the late 80's but there I was suprised that people tipped their hairdressers. In the larger cities, tipping seems far more extravegant and my sister made a good living as a waitress from her early to late twenties and it seems that you tip for a lot more services now. Canada does have a minimum wage so it seems odd to me that someone working in a restaurant can make as much money as someone who has done graduate or specialized studies, paid for the pleasure of doing those studies and did not make much money when going to school. In general, tipping does make me feel a little awkward but I will keep in mind some of the suggestions when I travel to the U.S.. It is my blog's first anniversary today and people can enter a give away without leaving a tip!
365 Day 50-56
Not the best shot in terms of photography, it was really a get-your-camera-out-now-don't-fidget-with-settings-moment. Darling Mini :) Remember these photos back on December 21st (on my Birthday actally)? We've had some more snow since then... Sun! And Starbucks! Wille's a happy camper. Sar...
Just the type of encouragement this Canadian gardener needs when I know it will be another (four -if we are lucky to) six weeks before I can get in the garden. I hope that some swiss chard made it through as we have had somewhat less snow cover than usual. Today is my blog's first anniversary and I have a giveaway of some vintage sparkle and a modern cookbook.
Early Spring In The Garden
Yesterday afternoon was spent in the garden. After cleaning up last weekend, it was time to get some potatoes in the ground. I also dropped in some onions and pea seeds. We'll see how they do. Its still too early for most of the other things we have planned to grow, but it sure felt good...
The view from your kitchen window with the lovely primose and adorable tea cosy is gently inspiring and I hope keeps you on the road to healing just as reading your blog does for all of us. I have had some chronic health issues that have had me quite down sometimes so I think I can empathize. Your blog inspired me to start my own in part so I could emphasize and share all the positives in my life so I thank-you for that gift. Today is the first anniversary to my blog so I have a give away of some vintage sparkle and a great cookbook
The Good
Last week had been a changeable week both in terms of the weather and my outlook. The week started off well with me feeling stronger and enjoying pottering around the house - even having glimpses of the girl I used to be (though I know there are parts of her that I will never be again). But a...
Your links make me happy too! The link to the unhappy hipster blog cracks me up. I think that Mr. Thoroughly Modern Vintage would like a little more contempory hip in the house but I think it could all turn out really badly. Today is my blog's first birthday and I have a give away!
happy links
There is no purpose to this post other than to share something making my happy and something making me laugh. This cookbook...destined to be a favorite because it already has the best brownie and best lemon square recipes ever. And this site...unhappy hipsters...I'm more of a LQTM girl but th...
These are lovely especially since the intended contents relate to the needlework of the materials used to make them. So pretty it is enough to inspire lots of crafting.
::my creative space::recycle,re-use,re-purpose::
i am really enjoying the challenge that i set myself last week, to use at least half of my stash before i purchase any more fabric. it is forcing me to search through the obscene amount of booty that i have collected and making me think of new ways to re-purpose some of my hidden treasure. apart...
Love those cups. Perfect presentation for a great idea!
chocolate pudding
Homemade pudding sounds like something that would be complicated (with words like "stir constantly" and "sieve") but it's not. And it is so much better than a mix or the plastic-tasting stuff. Even stirring constantly, it only takes a few minutes. My favorite is the Chocolate or Vanilla Pu...
Your dresser looks delightfully pretty! I like your scribbles idea. I too gave up on Julia Cameron's book but I did glean the idea of putting creativity into my day which was very valuable. Every creative soul has a different way of connecting with the muse and it looks like you have found yours. Enjoy today's creative pursuits!
Accidentally pretty
My bedroom dresser gets cluttered from time to time. The bedroom is halfway between the downstairs and the little attic workshop, and rather than take every little thing all the way to the attic, sometimes I leave it on the dresser. Temporarily. Or at least temporarily in theory. Before I kno...
I do not get to stay in hotels very often but when my husband does (he plays in an orchestra that occaissionally still does international as well as national tours), he tends to bring home quite a few of the toiletries or what he has not used while travelling. The best hotel toiletries that I have brought home were L'Occitane and I wish that I had been more greedy. Lovely organization as usual and I like your little bag!
Confession Time
Ok, are you ready to confess?! What amenities if any do you bring back after a stay at a hotel? Do you clean out the place like Ross and Chandler or are you picky and only bring a single mini designer lotion home if available? I'm kind of in between. I used to be greedier but after tos...
Also, I love your shelf papers which I first saw in use at Oodles and Oodles.
Perk Up Your Pantry
Do you have a boring pantry? Why not transform it from blah to beautiful by using vintage canisters, stoneware bowls, cake keepers, glass mason jars, and pretty shelf papers like these, below. Vintage liners, made from paper with a decorative edge, are a simple way to dress up shelves in the p...
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