Be Daring.

The Daring Book for Girls by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz... but more on that later.

I must first apologize for my impromptu and unannounced extend blogging break. I've been busy. For the second year in a row I'm involved with a program called E.M.M.A. which aims to enhance self-esteem and relationship building skills in girls from grades seven to ten. We meet with the girls in their separate age groups and discuss things like bullying, the media's message, and journaling. Our wind-up is tomorrow night and I'm bringing cupcakes!

As well, I've been taking my one and only spring course, The History of the French Language. I have been in spring/summer school since I finished high school. After high school I went to a intro to fashion design camp in Toronto, the next summer I took Intro to Fashion Styling and Intro Photography at Ryerson University in Toronto, followed by five weeks of French immersion at Laval University in Quebec City. Last summer I took three French classes in two months in order to speed up my minor. This year one is enough. I love school, as you can probably tell, and I love to be busy and learning new things, but my brain needs a break. So I'm looking forward to three months of just working and hopefully lots of fun!

I already have a huge list of things to accomplish, for example, making a simple quilt. Any tips would be appreciated.

Back to the "Daring Book for Girls." The library where I work just got this book in through my request. I thought this book was such a wonderful idea; it is filled with little information tid bits on things that school aged girls should know/try. The book was inspired by the Dangerous Book for Boys, which was written in hopes of dragging boys away from tv and video games and back outside. The contents range from jump rope games to friendship bracelets to female spies to making a lean-to.

I am just curious, what would you include in your "Daring Book for Girls?"
Mine would have to have knitting, how to make forts inside on rainy days, and the perfect cupcake.

New Dress and Mail Goodies

After I completed exams I was finally overcome with the need to sew myself a new dress. I was inspired by the Cassiopeia Tube Dress from Urban Outfitters. When I first saw it I fell in love so I decided to make my own with the helpful Empire Waist Tube Top tutorial from Altered cloth. I just lengthened the bottom rectangle pattern to 28 inches, and the top rectangle length was 10 inches to make enough room for a one inch elastic casing. The fabric is a really lightweight 45% linen, 50% cotton blend and perfect for summer! Now I just have to wait for the weather to cooperate with me. Speaking of my love of mail I have received some great packages lately. The first was from awhile ago, I had ordered a cloth wallet/id case from TiffanyintheTree's etsy site and she sent it along with a whole bunch of goodies! I have been biking again and it is just perfect to slip in my back pocket and go! The second mail goodie was a copy of the hard to get your hand's on Lula magazine from Anabela! Thanks you two!

Snail Mail is Better

first class people send real post 1, originally uploaded by Joe McLaren.

I love this series of posters by flickr user Joe McLaren which promotes snail mail. Receiving a letter or a package always brightens my day. In fact a friend of mine and I only correspond through post. It really is the best way to stay connected.
found via Paper Schmaper