Doom.

It's done. I made a crinoline. I thought it would be a good idea for my Halloween costume, and I had some time, so why not give it a whirl? Save some money, since those things are expensive.

Well, I've since come to learn why they are so expensive. They are a lot of effing work! I spent pretty much 8 hours on this, and that's with a nicely detailed tutorial from this patient person. 

It's a good thing it works. I am never making one of these again. Yes, 10$ for materials seems like a bargain. The backache and endless seams that went into it? Not so much.

                    

Crafty.

Well, it's that time of year again.

Back to school. 

Since I am not going back to school in any formal capacity right now (subbing again, le sigh) I have some time right now. 

As I am a (typically) optimistic person, I hope to be busier once things get into full swing, it seemed like a good idea to start in on this years Halloween costume. Last year worked out so well making this in advance. 

While this years (secretive) costume doesn't involve any painting, it is requiring a bit of sewing, so it's probably good I started now. Crinolines aren't hard... But a bit time consuming.

Success.

For a while now, I've wanted to recreate at home the Vietnamese fish sauce that comes with vermicelli bowls. I'd experimented with a couple recipes before that just weren't right. (Golden Bird has set the bar high)

This week, success! It's not quite Golden Bird, but it's pretty darn close and tasty. I'm rather impressed with this recipe from food.com.

I plan on making this a LOT. 
 

Nuoc Cham Sauce

1 C water
4 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
4 Tbsp sugar
5 Tbsp fish sauce
1 clove minced garlic
1 tsp red pepper flakes

Boil water with vinegar and sugar; allow it to cool. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Allow to sit until ready to use. Add the fish sauce prior to serving.

 

East Coast.

For whatever reason, I haven't been inspired to blog lately. Summer is a very laid-back time for me, and it the drive just hasn't been there.

I spent a few weeks on the east coast with my family for a wedding. It was lovely! I was a bit surprised at how much Nova Scotia looked like British Columbia without the mountains, but the scenery was stunning. Got to see a lot of Nova Scotia, and attended a fabulous wedding for two lovely people in Prince Edward Island on the long weekend.

Here is a selection of my favorite photos and highlights from the trip...

 The iconic Peggy's Cove in fog and sunlight.

 

 It's not a trip unless I go to some botanical gardens... (both in Halifax and Annapolis Royal)

Love all the history... living in a province that is only a century old just doesn't compare.

 

Shipbuilding and fishing is also something novel and different to this prairie girl.

    

A beautiful, ocean themed wedding... featuring this epic candy bar D and I set up...

 And most of all, gorgeous scenery! South shore, Bay of Fundy, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton Island!