New Life for Old Shoes {New Heel Tips}

Well, these aren't actually old shoes. This pair I bought last year from Zappos

and this pair I bought a little while ago at our local thrift store for $2!

Both were in need of some new tips. Don't you just hate it when your favorite heels suddenly fall apart in the tips after all that walking? You probably think you need to throw them away but let me tell you a secret - YOU DON'T!! If the only thing wrong with your shoes is a smashed heel tip, you can very easily replace the tips and your shoes are as good as new! That is exactly what I did and for way less than the cost of new shoes, I have shoes worth walking in! Take a quick detour over to newheeltips.com and check out their large selection of different sized and shaped heel tips. They are cheap (only $4.95 for a pair) and shipping to here was $5.99. So, for a bit less than $8 a pair, my shoes are good to go!

The first thing you need to do is measure, in mm, the size of your heel tip. Try to measure the one that is the least smashed. And by smashed, I am referring to this:

Once your new tips come in, take a pair of pliers and remove the old tips. If you see the new tip (check out the photo above), it is a piece of plastic on a post. Your old tip is exactly the same. The one pair pulled out a little easier than the other but it really is quite easy. You may need to carve away the old plastic with a knife to expose the old post but then you just grab it with a plier and wiggle and pull. You will then have something that looks like this:

In the middle of that now-clean heel is a hole. You just pop that new tip into the hole, push down firmly, and VOILA!! In about 5 minutes, new shoes! I was so thrilled that I could wear these two pairs again! I will certainly be wearing the fringed one on date night tonight!

Just one more look at the difference a new heel tip can make!

A Morning Out!

Rarely do I take all kids out with me to go . . . well, to go anywhere. It really is a lot of work. At least, I thought it was. Today I wanted to get out. Go someplace. Do something out of the ordinary. It has been wonderfully hot around here, in the 30's, so I have been busy planting and digging and weeding and pulling and staining the deck and a host of other projects outside that have left me well tanned! I wanted a break from that so we - all of the kids and I - went to Steinbach garage sale-ing! I was not planning to take all 5 in with me - the plan was to take 2 at a time and the other 3 could stay in the van, in plain sight of me. Well, we got to the first place and they all wanted to come. I thought we would try it once and see how it went! What little angels they were! We looked and shopped and found some great treasures and they were fantastic. So, each of the sales we went to they came in, if they wanted. What well-behaved kids they were!! One garage sale we went to had a park right next door - I think all sales should be that way! Mom can shop while the kids play! So, with some sales under our belt and some time for the kids to play, we headed off to DQ for a yummy lunch! Let me tell you, it almost killed me to throw away partially eaten sundaes - AGH!! Normally Jay would have finished them but he wasn't with us. And with me not eating sugar, I didn't have a choice! Anyway, the day was great, the kids were gems and I just may go out more often!

Mother's Day Gift Revealed!

Some of you have been waiting to see the end result of my Mother's Day gift. I will show you . . . but first I want to tell you a little about what we did to celebrate!

First off, Jay made a slideshow using Smilebox - it was such a sweet and creative gift. You must remember, of the two of us, I am the creative one! It really was quite humourous. The day before Mother's Day, 8 of us girls went to get pedicures (my VERY FIRST!!) and Jay stayed home with the kids and worked on this "surprise". The moment I walked in the door I was informed that I had to stay away from the office. A little while later Jay comes out TICKED OFF! He was rambling some such nonsense that sounded something like this: "I don't even know why I bother! I just wasted the entire afternoon! I am like an 85 year old man on the computer! I have no clue what I am doing. There is no point in me being creative!" It was quite humourous for me and not-so-much for him! So, I asked and apparently he was trying to send the Smilebox slideshow in an email that was to arrive the next day - it just didn't want to send. So, I walked in the office, he pressed send once more and it worked! So, anyhow, I got that email/slideshow on Mother's Day morning and it was beautiful! I was treated to breakfast in bed (I had already gotten out and was told to get back!) and we skipped church! We headed out to Winnipeg to the Friends of the Conservatory Plant Sale that happens every Mother's Day. When we arrived, AJ told me he wanted to go someplace "much funner than this"! Too bad. It was my day, my fun! After a quick trip through the plants (no point in buying much if we are moving in 2 years) we picked up some subs and headed to a park for lunch. I loved every minute. The kids thought the park needed a play structure.

After coming home for an afternoon nap, we headed to Jay's parents place for supper. That was the end of a great day spent with my beautiful babes! I loved it!

On to the gift. I find being subtle doesn't work. Being direct is great for your expectations. It also helps when dad/husband has no clue what to get and neither do the kids. Even the guy at the hardware store said he wished his wife would tell him what to get! So, I was direct. And got this:

It is just beautiful! Wood. The exact right amount to make this:

Yup! I made that almost all-by-myself (admittedly, there were a few times I needed the help of a dashingly handsome and stronger young man - really, did you expect me to hang it myself??!!). It is perfect for by our entrance! The kids love to sit on it and Pepe has found a new reading spot.

Some of you may remember that I had two willow chairs (that we made on our anniversary a few years ago) sitting in this spot. Well, they got moved. This is their new home! What do you think? The kids approved! Really, the kids approve of a lot of things. Except plant sales. They do not approve of those!

So, anyhow, I am loving my new porch swing and hope to make more in the future. Next time, however, I will read the instructions properly and avoid a few mistakes. And some bad thoughts!

Etsy Models

I have posted a few different hats on my shop so check them out, if you haven't already. I have been using the girls as models but with all the rain, getting outside has been a bit difficult. I took a couple of photos and thought I would share them with you. Ideally, I would love to find a photographer who would be willing to use my hats as props then send me the photos for me to use as advertising. Know anyone interested? Or interested yourself? Let's talk!

Goodbye MOPS, Hello . . . ?

Every other Monday for the past 4 1/2 years, breaking only for summer and Christmas. That's how long I have been faithfully attending Mothers of Preschoolers at our church. I started out on the Steering Team as the Creative Activities Coordinator then spent the last 2 years as the main Coordinator. If you are not familiar with MOPS, it is an organization that "exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ." Currently it runs in Canada, the United States and many other countries. We provide childcare for the preschoolers while sharing a brunch with the moms followed by either a creative activity or a DVD session followed by group discussion. It has been a great outlet for me to meet other moms in our town (contrary to popular opinion, I am slightly shy of people I do not know - if I do know you, watch out!!) though it has really exaggerated my inability to remember names, which makes me feel just awful! This year has been the best of the years. Somehow the women bonded better or I just finally felt comfortable and I think I actually know every one's name!

For the last MOPS of each year, we always hold a spring tea. Today's had a Parisian theme - since we as moms don't get out that often, we decided to pretend we were on a sidewalk cafe in Paris indulging in some cheese and baguettes, Mocha Cheesecake, Baked Brie, Hot Artichoke Dip, 4 Berry Cheesecake, Crepes with Nutella, Dinner Strata, Chocolate Fondue with many types of fruit and the list goes on. We sat in our spring best and shared our "champagne" or some lattes and steamers! It was a wonderful morning that required a lot of work on my part but I Loved. It. All. I really, really love to spoil my "guests" and make them feel blessed. Some may feel it is going overboard. Some may feel it is too much work. I think each and every one of those women is worth spending that time and energy (and I can always nap later - which I did!).

So, now that chapter of my life is done. Will I miss it? Absolutely! Am I glad it is over. Definitely. It has been taking too much energy from my family and really isn't conducive to homeschooling. Jay has asked that I not fill that time with something else - at least, not right away! I am always brimming with ideas or things I would love to do so that might be a little tricky. For now, I hope you enjoyed your glimpse of our morning as taken by my friend over at WorthTenThousandWords on my camera!

T-Tube Surgery Today - Please Pray

Pepe is scheduled for his ear surgery today at 2pm. The unfortunate part is that he has come down with a cold. And with him, due to his asthma, every time he gets a cold his chest gets really congested and his wheezing begins. Talking with the nurse yesterday I learned that if his cold is in his chest and his wheezing continues, the anaesthetist will not put him under and the surgery will be cancelled. So, we are praying and invite you to pray with us that his lungs will be clear and free of obstruction. We are also praying for peace, calm and courage for our son. He had this surgery two years ago and remembers it, and the separation from mom, vividly. He DOESN"T want to do this again. And yet his hearing requires it. So, join us in lifting this 7-year old boy up before his Heavenly Father who has promised never to leave him and who can go with him wherever Pepe goes.

Chantelle's - Open for Business!

Grand Opening Announcement! Come check out my newest endeavor! I have finally opened my Etsy store and you are welcome to pop on by!

Remember, new colors and styles are coming soon so visit often! If you are in the Niverville area, skip the shipping charges and pick up your item for free!

There were a few different suggestions for the name of the store but they focused just on hats. I am hoping to expand into a few other items so I wanted something a little more neutral. Jason suggested "Chantelle's". It is easy to remember for the buyer and is not limited to anything! I needed a banner, obviously, so I spent a bit of time on Photoshop and came up with my own unique design! Speaks of my personality, that is for sure! I love it! So, take a minute to peruse the store and let me know what you think! Just click on the banner above and it will take you there!