This is Anything BUT Cheesy.

 

Hello AGAIN!   It feels SO good to be back trying to post again!   Today I am super excited to share my latest!  If my post is a little scattered, it is because I am multitasking.   As I wait for my machines to finish (for my product line) I am posting.  It is also 5AM.   My day started 2 hours ago.   Yes...I am up before dawn for two reasons.   One...the Cowboy had to leave super early to travel to work.   Two...It is supposed to be another hot hot hot day here and I will be using heat presses, ovens and irons again today, so I like to work when it's cool outside and in.   Here in Alberta, air conditioning is a waste of money.   We don't generally have HOT weather for more than a day or two at a time.(except this year where it's been nothing but HOT  lol)    Bare with me.   By the afternoon I should be exhausted!

Lets get on with it.   You guys are about to see what makes a girl like me swoon...I am SO excited.  

The other day I was running a few errands with my "Miss Busy" (AKA Ashlyn) who is now a 16 year old girl who on occasion will go shopping with her mother, but in general she prefers the company of other 16 year old girls...and boys...and they REALLY like to drive around endlessly.  (insert eyeroll here)

Anyway...I ended up in a little  store owned by one of my friends.   She ALWAYS has what the Cowboy and I call 'the good stuff'.   Her dad has a fairly good stash of antiques and what we consider REALLY  good junk that he will on occasion bring into Angie's shop to sell.   When I know he's added new stuff, I rush over to check it out and I rarely am disappointed.  Angie often laughs at my excitement over what she considers ridiculous junk.    Did I mention Angie's daughter is also 16 and is Miss Busy's best friend?

A few days ago I got the tip off that she had new stuff...and I dropped everything, grabbed Miss Busy and we headed over to the shop.   I wasn't in there 2 minutes and I was squealing with excitement!   

I love containers...wooden boxes...crates...anything that I can arrange things in to make displays...but never have I had the chance to buy a round crate until this day.   Did I mention I was excited?   Well that's an understatement!   Not only did I find an old wooden barrel, and an old grape box, but I found a wooden Christmas orange box!  ....and ...AND I found an antique round wooden cheese box!

I did not know Japanese oranges came in wooden boxes!   The Cowboy is only a few months older than I am and he said he remembers this...I do not.   So...I am enjoying this one!
 

It will most likely not get changed in any way, but will become fun storage in my work room.   Have I mentioned that I LOVE boxes and canisters, and containers of all sorts?   Ya.   I have always loved to be organized, and pretty storage containers are an obsession of mine.   I probably have enough canister sets in my possession to outfit an entire apartment building.  Definitely not something my kids needed  to purchase as they struck out on their own.  (insert eye roll from them here lol)

anyway...back to the good stuff....

Angie  told me what she knew of these pieces.   When he was a young man, her grandfather started a grocery store in Hudsons Bay Saskatchewan.   These boxes were saved when he received shipments.   They have been around for decades.   The grocery store business was good to the family.   Eventually, Angie's dad took over for his dad, and then Angie and her husband kept the business in the family and own it to this day.   The barrel, grape box, orange box and cheese box were on display in the store for years.   They have done some changes and no longer needed as many so here I am!   Playing up a storm.

I love grape boxes.   I already have several.   My favourite is one from inside the old house we have and are working to renovate.   I found it in the attic a few years ago.   I have it sitting on my dining room table.   I just picked up a three small flower arrangements and plopped them in it,   I also have a coffee cup in the back that holds pens and paper for quick notes.   The two at the front hide the ugly from the cup of pens, so it works perfectly for us!   There is another one that I hung on the wall in the old house in the bathroom.   It works as a rustic shelf for decorative antique medicine bottles.  

 

I decided to find out a little bit more about my most beautiful find. The round cheese box.    From what I can tell, this box is most likely from between 1930-1950.   Cheese boxes were originally a tool used for transporting cheeses in branded boxes with lids.  The brand on this one seems to be Swift Canadian Co.   I tried for several days to learn about the Swift Candian Co. in Yorkton Saskatchewan, but there was nothing at all that I could find about them online.   Obviously there was  a creamery there, as it says so right on the box, but I could find nothing. 

Round cheese boxes  were first used in 1890 to ship cheese from Europe. These boxes were typically made of maple, ash, or hickory sides which were nailed to pine wood pieces on the top and bottom. The wood was usually printed with the name of the farm or factory and the type of cheese. The box helped protect the cheese from tipping over during transport.

...And now it's MINE MINE MINE!  

Did I mention all the eye rolling Miss Busy did when her mother was excitedly rushing to the till with her treasures?   Oh yes...she was...and still is.  (She was texting Angie's daughter probably looking for someone to rescue her)  

I adore this piece and can't wait to find the perfect location in my house to show it off.   I did consider placing it in the Cowboy's office, but decided that it just didn't mesh with all of the taxidermy and trophy heads he has hanging all over the place in there.   (ya...I am not overly crazy about all the dead things he has in there...but I love that man, and he doesn't complain that my little business takes up a lot of space in our house,  so he can have them.   And... as long as I don't have to touch any of them...I'm a happy girl)  

The lid removes easily, and it is clean and odor free...I can't wait for inspiration to hit and the perfect spot to reveal itself!   It's quite large...I could put one of my bigger sergers in it to store...or a huge silk flower arrangement...I just can't decide.

That's it for me today!   I'm off to get some work done!   I am making some fabulous new giftware pieces to add to my line today!   

Do you have any round cheese boxes?   What did you use them for?    Inspire me!!! 

  Until Next Time...Happy Junkin!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.
www.tootsietime.com

 

This post has been proudly sponsored by 

19 8ighty 9ine Clothing House 

and

HCG Warrior Diet  

(it actually works great!   We tried it!)

 

 

 

 

On A ROLL!

 Well LOOK at me GO!   Two posts in a row!  I may be on a roll here, but don't get too excited...my little business is really picked up a lot over the last few months and I have VERY limited amounts of time to do much else.  

This post might get a little long...but it's mostly photos...so I think we can handle that!

I recently expanded my business to include other brand names, that I can add decals to, or sell as is!   It was a very good move for me, as it buys me a little time to get my hand made stuff stocked up and ready to sell.   The biggest issue for me is time.   I am crazy picky about the items that I sew.   I refuse to put my brand on some 1/2 ass crooked seamed thing that will look like a rag after just one wash.   So I make sure my seams are straight, and everything looks great before each thing hits the line.   

I thought that today, since I have a few minutes before I need to go ship the orders that I have completed and it is hotter than Hell outside, (and it's not a healthy thing to be out there)  I would share some of my new line with you.  

First...if you are new to Tootsie Time, you may not know that I have another little business.   

I call it 19 8ighty 9ine Design.   It's my baby.   I have been nurturing and expanding this little shop for about 6 or so years now.   

It started out as me teaching myself to sew and making just boot cuffs and some leg warmers, and then it grew into scarves too.   Then, one day,  I decided to really teach myself some skills and expanded into ladies designer clothing.   I make all my own patterns on wrapping paper and I sew each thing from scratch.   I recently decided to expand into items for the home...such as blankets, curtains, pillows and home accents, and now even more recently I have moved up again to where I am today!  

It's been a fun, frustrating, exhausting process and I am still learning, and loving every minute!   Some days I work for 3 hours, others I work for 20...and others I just do nothing, but every day I end up with a few orders for different things and that is good!   My bills are paid, and I can help my kids when they need a little extra.   I also have my products in several different stores across Alberta and Sask!   Ya...so now you see why I don't really have much time for Gardening, or blogging...

Now ...lets do  a bit of a fashion show for you...

This right here is my MOST popular hand made item.   I have made and shipped HUNDREDS of these wraps, in dozens of colors to 5 different countries around the world!     They are just so perfect for whatever you want to do.   Sporting events, camping, travelling, shopping, hospital visits...(one woman loves hers for dialysis...another loves hers for her chemo treatments.)   OR just hanging out on the deck in the cool summer mornings or evenings.  They are just so simple to wear and care for that they have become a staple in my line.   I recently released a version that has no scarf, so those who don't want a scarf can enjoy a wrap too!  These wraps come in a variety of colors as well!

 

Next up I am sharing one of the blankets I make.   I love the new trend of pom poms on household items.   They just add a bit of whimsy!   I don't like that poms poms aren't really all that washable...and who in their right mind wants to hand wash a blanket?!   No one!   So I made my pom pom blankets with REMOVABLE  pom poms!   They have been a smash hit!

This set is one of my favourites!   Not just because it's got a matching pillow...but because it has beautiful texture, simple colors and it functions indoors and outdoors!   You can also ....complete the look by adding a table runner and place mats to match!

 

 

Speaking of table runners....

 

 

 

 

easy care...casual style...perfect!

I use these all over my house...

Then there are the towels...They match the runners...and the place mats...and they are perfect in any room!   I have some in the bathroom to dry wet fingers, in the kitchen to dry the dishes, and I even used a set in my kitchen window as curtains!

 

I adore the casual style of these place mats!   I also have some matching cloth napkins, and some coasters to match this style.   

I mentioned that I make some blankets....

I struggle to keep the blankets in stock too.   They are all quite popular.   

I have had so many changes happen in my little business over the last year or two...It is exciting to have expanded so much.   The following are some of my newest additions to my company.

If you know me...you know I can be a tad sarcastic at times...and to my surprise...Sarcasm SELLS! lol

STOP!   TIME FOR A DISCLAIMER BEFORE ANYONE GETS MAD AND THOWS A FIT!

t

This Yellowstone reference tshirt was a request by a store that carries my stuff...it has been popular with Trudeau, Biden, Kenney...and a few other politicians names on it.   The photo does not necessarily reflect my view or affiliations...it's just to show you what I do.   

(yup...I got a bit of flack for that shirt...and the #allracksmatter one too ) ugh

I have been having an absolute blast with making the decals to put on the tshirts and hoodies.   I have done several custom decals now including a curling team logo and  put on hoodies.   It has been extra crazy!   

THIS...has been HUGE!   It's a hoodie with a lined drink holder!   They are not easy to find in these parts, and I had gotten in an order of 50 of them in various sizes.   I made my product shot and shared it and within 3 hours it was sold out!   

I searched far and wide for another supplier, as my original one was not restocking for a while, and I finally found one...so these are set to arrive in a few weeks...and I am waiting impatiently for them to come.   If YOU want one, head to the website and order it up now.   They absolutely won't last long once they arrive. 

They will be here in time for me to get them ready for the fall/winter/christmas rush.   Until then, I will be working on tshirts and hoodies and wraps and blankets and whatever else pops into my head, and gets ordered up by my fabulous customers!

So...as you can see...there is a REASON I have been kinda MIA for the last while.   I have been one busy girl between my business, my children, my grand child, my cowboy (who is SO incredible and supportive... plus kinda cute too lol) and my house...I don't get much for free time anymore!   

I am secretly glad I don't have a greenhouse right now, and I have put a hold on the plan to build a new one this year.   I just can't add anything new to my plate until I either figure out a system to stay WAY ahead of things, or I hire some help.   

One day...I will be digging in the dirt in a greenhouse again...just not right now.

Well...That's it for me for a few days...I hope you all will pop over to my business website and see what else I have available!   To get there click on any photo, or click here

 Until Next Time...Happy Shopping!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.
www.tootsietime.com

This post has been proudly sponsored by 

19 8ighty 9ine Clothing House 

and 

Galaxy Creative Designs  

 

My Tribute To a Beautiful Woman. RIP Sweet Gloria.

 Hi guys.   It has taken me a while to write this post as I just don't know how to do it justice.    I'm not sure if you all know this or not but our online community has recently suffered a tremendous loss.   A loss that has affected so many of us who knew her, myself included.  

This is my tribute... One I was asked to write for her several years ago, and hoped I would not have to do for a long long time.   

I was contacted by one of Gloria's daughters a few weeks ago to let me know ....Our sweet Gloria (some may remember her from RMS or from her Blog as Happy To Be Gloria) passed away on May 12, 2021.   She was more than ready to go, as she suffered from a horrible lung disease that made just being alive difficult.   She had mentioned to me more than once that God just needs to take her home so she could reunite with her one true love Wally, her beloved mom and another blogger who passed not all that long ago...Picket.  

While she was here with us Gloria was an angel on earth.   She was kind, generous and loving and ALWAYS had time for those she loved and who loved her.   No matter what I might have been going through, good or bad, she was there with love and encouragement.   Her family was her pride and joy and she spoke to me regularly about all of her daughters, grand and great grandchildren. 

I met Gloria (and so many other wonderful people that I am proud to call my friends, )  in 2008  on a site (that is now deleted)   called RMS.  She was always bouncing around from profile to profile spreading her special brand of sweet sentiments and "popping in for coffee"   Many of us got so that we looked forward to her visit and became friends outside of the group.  I am one of those people.   

 

I adored Gloria.   She and I would have long conversations on the phone and text back and forth regularly.   We became very close and she "adopted" me as her Canadian Daughter.   I called her and thought of her as my mom.   Oh I miss hearing her say "ya know Toots.... I love you girl..."    

I loved seeing her cheerful posts about antiques and her love for them.   I loved hearing her stories from her absolutely amazing life.   Gloria was an incredible woman who loved her life, her home, family and friends.   Her life was one that had so many amazing adventures...from being a single mom, to becoming a pastors wife, getting her pilots licence ... I admired her brave spirit and her loving heart, and I know she touched so many souls in her lifetime.   She was one of those people who could make another feel SO loved, just by being part of your life. 

Gloria will forever be in my heart and I will miss her more than I can express.   I just know she's an angel in heaven now,  having a wonderful reunion with Wally, her mom and Picket, and she's looking down on the ones she loved so dearly.   While the earth lost an angel, heaven gained one.   

Goodbye Mom.   I promised you I would write something when you left us, and I hope this does the job.  I love you now and forever...until we meet again..."hugs and love"

Love Toots.

 

Until next time my friends...

 
(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.
www.tootsietime.com

 

A Little Cowboy...A Little French Country...and Whole Lotta Love...AND a Story...

Those of you who know us personally, already know that it has been almost a year since we flipped our first property.   Yes…we moved last summer.   We bought the acreage with a flip in mind…and that is what we did.   As much as we loved it out there, it wasn’t in the area we had in mind for a long term home.  We spent just a little more than a year out there…and did a whole lot of work to that place. 



Everything from the fireplace to the kitchen and bathroom cabinets to the exterior of the property got a little Tootsie and Co. touch!   I didn’t share all of the upgrades we did, as I was dealing with health issues and didn't really get time to share them all... but there were a lot…and we were very proud.   So proud in fact that we actually thought about staying there long term.

At first we were very sad to say goodbye to the place…but when we saw how much we made on the flip…the sad went away pretty quick .   hahaha.

We found our new Project house…well new to us…and were smitten right off the bat.  



She’s an older home, and she’s close to all of the things that TEENAGERS like and need.   She looks small from the outside but inside there is lots of space for us all.   It’s even close to a college for the older kids and a very good school for my Busy to finish up her education. 

We don’t know if the plan is to live in this house forever, or instead, just until all the kids are out of the house.  Until  the day comes that we make a final decision,  we will call this house our home…and slowly get her fixed up the way we want her.   There’s a lot of work to do as the yard was badly neglected and the interior needed a little Tootsie Touch.
At first sight the ‘bones’ of this place were adorable.   The yard has promise…and the house itself is super cute.   It was the color scheme on the inside that was the nightmare.

There were several VERY undesirable paint colors used throughout the house…The worst of which was in the living room.  

They say every girl LOVES Tiffany Blue right?   Well…for me, that only applies if it is on a tiny little box…NOT on my living room walls. 



Seriously…it’s a beautiful color…but all 4 walls?  In the LIVING ROOM???  
My son who is color blind even commented to me…  “Mom…please paint”   hahaha  



We all agreed that the screaming blue had to go…so I got busy about a week after we moved in and set my sights on something just a little easier to look at.  This blue looked SO bad with my olive green and earth toned furniture...you have no idea.  



Lately I have been crushing hard on the creamy tones…and they co-ordinate nicely with the earth tones and olive shades that are my living room colors…so it worked out perfect! 
I think that the name Living Room is absolutely appropriate for our front room…as it is the MOST used space in our house.  

Once the walls were updated, I had planned to get busy and paint my way thought the rest of the house…but that was not in the cards.   As it turned out…my health kinda cratered again and my little clothing design company took off in a very big way and I was spending 12-16 hours every day for several months sewing and creating styles for my customers to enjoy.   It wasn’t until this spring that I was feeling up to painting, was caught up enough with work and was able to resume my decorating in the house.   I painted the kitchen, which was a hideous shade of red/coral blech!   You can see that post here.   It was an amazing change…and a change very much for the better if I do say so myself!

It was only a few weeks ago that I got back into the living room and did some more changes to make her look like a space we could all enjoy spending time in.   I started with the furniture.  I gave my antique sofa set a HUGE makeover.  You can see that post here.   After I shared the post about the painting of the furniture, I had several of you email me and request photos of the rest of the room, so I am sharing today to oblige those requests!
Shall we get started on the big reveal of our living room?

When you walk into our house through the front door…this is the first actual room you will see.




The Cowboy picked out some very nice throw pillows to accessorize the sofas and chair...I really like them a lot.   For a guy he's got okay taste sometimes...(wink wink)



The two cream throws on the cushion of the chair and far side of the sofa are for Marty and Ginger.   (our two very spoiled cats)  They love their blankies and that is where they generally sleep. 



See that guy???   He’s supposed to be on the other end of the sofa on his ‘special baby blankie’…



WHAT A BRAT!   He supervises me in almost everything I do…but today...he's being like this! 



The updated furniture has changed the whole feel in this space…we love it.
I went through and edited out some of the things that used to be part of the living room…and added some others.   Getting rid of old memories and reminders is often a very good thing.   There's going to be one heck of a garage sale this summer...



We use this room every day…and I for one am very happy with the way it all came together.  

I wish it wasn’t so hard to get a good photo of this space…I am a tad rusty with the room pics so perhaps is just the photographer.   hahaha.



There’s a little cowboy, a little french country and a whole lot of love in this room. 



Well…that’s it for me for today…thanks for stopping by!

I am headed back to the sewing machine for a few days.   I can’t wait to share my work space with you…it’s getting a nice crisp update too!!

Until next time…  Happy Decorating !!!  ( and re-finishing!)

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´Glenda/Tootsie
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•.
www.tootsietime.com

This post has been proudly sponsored by

www.chic-a-boot.com