Homemade Beginnings

   Over the past couple of years I have developed a passion for making things. I have always been crafty, but in the past few years my interest in things made by hand grew with everything I created. I discovered that I liked making gifts for people more than I liked buying them, and not just because I saved money. When my husband and I were dating I would make him gifts all the time. From cards to a door (I didn't make the door, I found it and put things on it) full of pictures and a song I wrote him. I began to enjoy sewing as well. I made my sister a wrap to carry her baby. I made my father-in-law a quilt with pictures of his father on it, just a couple of things that turned my spark of enjoyment for making things with my own hands, into a bonfire.

    When I got engaged last year I had a strong desire to have a Homemade wedding. I evan made a scrapbook of all my wedding ideas. I made my centrepieces, the cupcakes (which looked like little lattes (I love coffee and worked at a cafe for 3 and 1/2 years), the decorations, the photobooth, my wedding dress, and so much more. I couldn't have done all of this in the 6 short months I had without help. I had many people volunteer to help me make my wedding "homemade". They helped me take me ideas and turned them into reality. I cannot even begin to describe how thankful I am for that. My wedding was more than I could have ever imagined. Here's me trying on my dress a couple weeks before my wedding. I couldn't have made such a beautiful dress without MUCH help from my friend Sharon. The time I spent with her working on this dress was such a gift, as was the dress itself. 

    There are so many ideas going around in my head for things I would love to create (and pinterest has added even more), and it was mentioned to me that I may be able to sell some of the things I've made. One thing I've made and absolutely love, are Coffee Cozies. I sell these for 7$. They are way cuter than the Tim Horton's ones :P If you often get coffee on the go and hate burning your hand or just want something to make your coffee drinking experience even cozier, these are perfect for you. They also make great gifts!! I have many different patterns for fabrics, from plaid, to polka-dots! Here is one that I have made! I just carry it in my purse!
    I have made quite a few of these for gifts, and received pictures of people using them! I am going to eventually make one for a mug as well, but it will be crocheted, or knit, I haven't decided yet.
    My niece's birthday is coming up and I decided that I wanted to make her something. For me, gifts that are handmade are the most cherished. She may not understand that I made it, but it makes giving her a gift even better (I like to spoil her). Scarlet will be 3 in a few days, she is adorable. She looks like a little fairy. I have influenced her into liking Country music, much to my sister's dismay. But her uncle also influenced her in the country way by buying her cowboy boots. When I was making the skirt I imagined her wearing it with cowboy boots, like a little country fairy. Now, many may not like this skirt, but I don't mind, haters gonna hate. This skirt may have been made for a 3 year old but I also have one in my size. So if any adults like it, I can make them in your size too. For the children's size I sell them for 20$ and adult for 35$. Here is the one I made Scarlet. I also made the Link costume to the right for my friend Donnie for Halloween.
    If you want something I post just email me at lindsey.stauffer@hotmail.ca. Also you should check out my cousin's blog because she sells her creations too, and they are AMAZING! She is incredibly talented. Here's the link:http://ashley-institches.blogspot.com
     I probably should have done this at the beginning, but I didn't so I will do it now. A little background on me... I was in the RN program for Nursing, but I decided at christmas time that I was not going to continue. There have been some rumours that I stopped because I'm pregnant. I'm not.. as of yet. Sorry to disappoint :) I stopped for many reasons. I didn't like the school, I needed a break, and I'm not sure it's exactly what I want to do.. Thank goodness I have a husband that understands that I needed a change. He has been incredibly supportive throughout this transition. Especially since we now have a twenty thousand dollar loan to pay off for a degree I didn't finish.
    I have become increasingly interested in home remedies and essential oils. I just got a membership with YoungLiving Essential Oils, and I also sell those. Throughout this blogs I will write about oils that I am using or that I have received new information about. If you want some oils email me and I can order them for you. Some people don't believe in essential oils and would rather take Tylenol for that back pain. Wouldn't you rather relieve that pain naturally? I hurt my back a couple of years ago at my old job and tried tylenol which only provided short term relief, then someone introduced me to Peppermint Oil, which when applied, works deep in your muscles. I love it and I never take tylenol or advil anymore.
     With this new interest in home remedies and quitting school, I have been wondering what is next... I may go back to school in the future to take the LPN program because they are more hands on, but for now I want to incorporate my love for essential oils, home remedies, and my crafts into a home based business. In the fall I also plan on starting the Doula program. For those of you who don't know what that means, here's the dictionary.com definition for a Doula:

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a woman who is trained to provide support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the period of timefollowing the birth.      I can incorporate all three of my interests into being a doula. Natural childbirth is the way to go, and there are many natural ways to ease pain, prevent stretch marks, prevent the need for an episiotomy, and so much more. You may not agree, but that's your own opinion and there are many women who have told me they wouldn't have changed their natural childbirth for anything. When I start the course I will have more information for you. I'm just happy that all my interests can be incorporated into a profession. I am passionate about this and I know my passion will only grow as I learn more.     So there's a bit about me. I like naturopathy and making things. Also if you don't like sarcasm, don't read my blog as it will be used often. :)