.blog update.

you may have noticed fancy napkin has been going through a few minor changes. i am currently working on bringing in some new series: a trending report, a 'say hi' feature focusing on businesses or people, a monthly shopping list, weekly threads & outfit posts for both myself and jack, a monthly video favourites [yep, bringing it back!], more crafting & diy projects, and a weekly recipe. i'm focusing on building a more structured site and would appreciate any feedback you may have on what you love, like and perhaps can do without [but let's be kind please!] on here. i enjoy all aspects of blogging, but find i'm a little too 'all-over-the-map some days and hence my cleanup. 

i'm also sourcing out a blog designer to clean this little baby up....again, any suggestions? a few more items on my agenda - working with more advertisers [for  obvious reasons] with product reviews or clothing posts, as well as partnering with a few photographers [and actually videographers too!] who may have a few extra hours on their hands that could be fancy napkin's sole photographers for detail shots, outfits posts, etc. etc. 

so if you, or if you know of anyone interested in anything like this in the edmonton or surrounding area please tell them to give me a shout. they'd build a bunch of marketing/advertising for their site or business! i know i've certainly helped a few photographers build some clientele this way :)

so email me at erinn_treb@yahoo.com or leave a comment below. 

thanks, as always for following along!

xoe

.jack's nursery: wood bookcase diy.

i know, i know. it's about time i show you all jack's nursery, but till i can manage to figure out how to take pictures in a way i can really show it off, you'll just have to be stuck with little sneak peeks like this one.

to give you the back story, basically peter put his foot down on a new crib when we received a working one from his sweet aunt & uncle. the problem was, it was dark wood and i wanted white. after humming and hawing over whether or not i could safely paint a crib, i decided to just leave it as it was and try to tie in a few dark wood elements to the white/grey space i was creating for baby's nursery. and that's how the wood-bookcase-hunt was born! i wanted something that looked natural, but functioned as a great place to store books, toys and a few decorative peices. i was also on a pretty tight budget. 

well, have you ever tried to find a natural looking wood bookcase on a tight budget? next to impossible [or perhaps my standards are a little too impossible! ha!]. and that's where homesense came in and this ugly yellowy-peach-stained wood bookcase was found. i mean, this colour?!? why? 

so i showed peter it in store. he laughed. i asked him if he could sand and stain it. he laughed again. said it would be too much work. i smiled sweetly and rubbed my big preggo belly. said it was for baby bugg. and then we bought. 

[note to self...using baby to get things works!]

this bookcase was actually priced at $770 [even at homesense!!! wth, right?! i wonder what the price was before homesense came into the picture? ouch], but after markdown after markdown we managed to score it at a whopping $140. now that's a budgeted price i can work with. and here's what my handy husband did to it....

not to darn shabby, hey?! i am super happy with the results and think pete did a fantastic job. it now serves the exact purpose that i wanted it too and i think that jack loves being able to pull out his toys and book at his own leisure. it's the perfect height for him and the perfect piece that i needed to tie everything in with his nursery. more too come on the rest of the space shortly.....

**and not to worry! i was major preggo at the time, but wasn't present during this diy [only for 2 seconds to snap a few pictures], we slept in the basement and the house was well ventilated the entire process :)

.what's in baby t's diaper bag.

The other day, I posted a baby update and featured our newest addition to baby t's [or rather momma's] wardrobe: Our new Diaper bag. It's really such a gorgeous piece and after receiving a few requests, I've decided to give you a little glimpse on what's inside.

First of all, I knew that I wanted a diaper bag that would be stylish and functional. I mean you carry this thing around with you everywhere! I also knew that I didn't want to spend big bucks on a bag that I couldn't use as a purse or day-bag long after baby t has outgrown actually needing a diaper bag.
A classic shape, great color, and quality materials gives me the confidence to know that this bag will be with me for many years to come, and it even appears that each scratch it receives makes if look even better! I think we have ourselves a winner my friends.

I also want to point out that this beautiful bag [thank you mama + tata T!] is crammed full of all the baby necessities that I could think of and then some. I guess I tend to swing more along the motto of 'better safe than sorry', and I am happy to report that it all fits!
Here are some of the actual items** that I already have crammed into my diaper bag.

bag | diaper cream | blankets [my favorite brand!] | fuzzibuns fitted cloth diapers [we have these ones although we may just use disposables while out and about for ease] | pacifiers | small glass bottle | natural diapers wipes [frangrance free] | cute baby socks | adorable cuddly stuffed animal | comfy cozy pants [and a bunch of onesies, not shown] | baby book [just in time for halloween!] | modern burp cloths 

** As well as a few other things that I will be toting around but didn't make this board: Robot Change pad, Wood Toy Beads, Snacks [for momma!] and Hand Sanitizer [pocket sized].

So friends, I'm curious...what's in your diaper bag? Did I miss anything?

.Fly.

Can you believe that I am finally here!?!

We arrived in Europe yesterday and I am still so freaking excited! And in LOVE!! But more on my first stop [Scotland + the Hen Party] later.......
The flight / travel was less than desirable, but what can you do? Plow forward and move on. With all the layovers and extra unneeded travel hours, it made for one long day. And to be honest, with over 11 hours, on a plane in a small confined area, with a 5 1/2 month baby belly, I was a little anxious about such a long journey. However, my husband was amazing. Totally blew me away how caring and sweet he was. He managed me [the crazy hormonal pregnant exhausted basket-case] like a champ. So cheers to Great Husbands. And Cheers to arriving at your destination.

Several movies, books, and magazines kept me and the hubs occupied on the plane, but here's some other things I've learned from this past experience on flight travel:

1. Wear a sweater. Planes are freezing, even in the summer.

2. Bring a scarf with me. And make sure it's a big one. I would so much rather snuggle up to my own scarves than the nasty airline pillows or blankets. 

3. Bring some socks....especially if you board in sandals. And knee-highs if your pregnant as your feet may swell.

4. Bring Candy/Snacks. I'm pregnant, so that's pretty self-explanatory.
5. Wear leggings. Seriously the best thing for traveling women. You put up your feet up without showing the world your goods. They're lightweight, comfy and warm.
6. Pack a big shoulder bag for your carry-on. I like to make sure mine can double as a beach bag if I'm heading anywhere warm. This is pivotal in making sure you get everything you need for a comfy journey. Also great if you are over your limit in suitcase weight and you need to throw a couple extra things in there to avoid the over-costs ;)

A back view from Edinburgh Castle. Up close and personal.

So for the next 3 weeks, while I live my dream I will be checking in with the Fancy Napkin periodically to update you on what's going on, where I am, and what's cool on this side of the pond. I also have some lovely guest bloggers lined up [some of my favorite blogs!] and I expect you're in for a severe treat from them, so make sure you check back often.

Well, my friends. I'm off to bed. It's been a very eventful day and I'm pooped right out.
xxE

.Spice It Up.

Half of my spices pulled out from my over-the-oven drawer. A disorganized mess. 

Before.

Does your spice closet/drawer look like this?

It's like a mini tsunami ran through my kitchen and only decided to attack my spices.
And these pictures don't even do it justice. I had already pulled out 1/2 of the items from it before I took this picture. Everything doubled on each other. Something falling on you when you opened the door. Never being able to find what you need even though you have triples of the same bottle! It was a disaster. 

 After searching for the damn cinnamon for a FULL 5 minutes, I knew something needed to be done. Well that and husband was starting to literally throw spice jars at me because when he opened the door, they would fall at you with super speed, hitting you right in that sensitive spot on your head while you where cooking. Like a bullseye.

4 bottles of tarragon. 4 bottles of poppy seeds. 3 bottles of crushed chilis. 3 bottles of cinnamon. 4 bottles of turmeric. It was madness!

I actually ended up throwing away 56 bottles. No word of a lie. Not to mention all those nasty bags of spices always spilling over.
Well. Not anymore!
I bought these gorgeous little spice bottles at Superstore for $1.50 each. They hold 2 bottles of a normal jar and fit perfectly into my pull out drawer {where my spices are now calling home}.
I used clear sticker labels from Staples and just a permanent marker to label th. I may actually purchase a label maker in the near future and label them that way for a clean, uniform look, but in the meantime this does the trick and I think it looks kinda cute. And hubby likes it better like this. He even quoted this gem of a line "it looks better this way, handwritten. It's more Jamie Oliver & Michael Smith rather than Gordon Ramsey", which I found utterly adorable. And played on my heart as both Jamie and Michael are two of my fav's.

 

After

I think this is a major improvement from before. Now, everything is at eye level and easy to spot. I won't be buying doubles {or triples} of jars. And nothing will fall on top of my head.
Also, here is a picture of the over-the-oven drawer that now holds my tea towels, ziploc bags, and tin foil/ saran wrap. Also any extra spices that aren't used as frequently as the others or are Costco-sized jars, and wouldn't fit into the new spice drawer.
Clean, Organized, and Efficient.

After, with still a few kinks to work out.

.Happy Fall.

It's SEPTEMBER 2nd People!!

Holy Smokes!

I, for one, am entirely ready for fall to spring upon us {please hurry up Fall, don't you hear me?!}. It's my absolute favorite season of the year! The clothes, the brisk air, the scarves, the colors, the warm blankets, and the pumpkin spiced lattes. It's really all sort of magical to me.

My mother will kill me for saying this {she loves the hot hot hot heat}, but bring on the colder weather {minus the snow...that's only for Christmas}. I am ready. 

And do you not notice every one's changing moods lately? It's like the crappiest-summer-we've-had-in-decades big 'bubble' has popped! Everyone is in prep-mode. Including me.
Organization is all I've been dreaming about lately {well that and jewellery}.

The Nightmare. Stay tuned for "after" pictures from this weekend......

I have already begun pulling out my 'cold weather' clothing, and after this weekend, my closet will yet again begin a transformation {I do this every fall/spring season to satisfy my excitement of change}.

I just feel so motivated.

I want to organize, plan, and actually DO.

My pretty make-up table. Ready to be cleaned and finally organization.

My new Jewellery + Make-up stand! Cannot wait to get this baby set up and organized!

So that's what this lovely long weekend will be all about. Prepping for what's coming up. 

Organizing my closet. Cleaning the garage. Tidying up the yard. Setting up my Make-up/Jewellery stand. Making some comfort foods.

AND

Shopping for fall clothes. Oh yeah!

You really don't understand how happy this makes me. To-Do Lists, Organization, Cleaning. 

Hope you have a very lovely long weekend.

.How to Pack like a Camper.

If you know me at all, you would probably say I was pretty organized {even a little neurotic about it}. I love planning, and I love my endless checklists.

However, I truly suck at packing when I travel. 

I don't know what is wrong with me. I make my lists, which have everything on it, and then I get out into the Big Ol' Wide World, and BAM. I have forgotten something.

Ask Husband. He anticipates it every time we go somewhere.

So in theme with my Summer Camping posts, I have included my newly-revamped {yes, revamped because I had forgotten a couple things on my last camping trip}, Camping Essentials List.

See, what I had decided to do, was get me this lovely rubbermaid container and fill it with some odds n' sodds that I had around the house. A Camping Grab N' Go. Things like old cutting boards, cheapo knives, pots and pans, extra batteries, etc. Then I store it all together so that it's organized and ready to go whenever a wild whim grabs our attention. 

Hope this leads you {and me} in the right direction.

The Camp Essentials Lists:

Cooking Supplies:

Flat grill pan {if you can find one. Great for hamburgers, toast, etc}

Old Pan {also, you may notice some bags under each to prevent the black smudge from transferring}

Old Pot {I forgot this the last time around. oops}

Cutting Boards {I had some old ones lying around that where perfect!}

Scrubber {to wash your dishes}

Sharp Knives

Big Fork + Spoon

Plates + Bowls

Cutlery

Glasses

Bowls {I only have a small one here, but recommend a big one for washing dishes, etc}

Paper towel

Ziploc Bags {I went with 2 sizes}

Tin Foil {sooo very important when camp cooking}

Big Garbage Bags (multiple!)

Dish towels {for drying}

Disinfectant spray or gel {to clean grimy hands}

Lighter {long nozzle = the better}

Spatula

Newspaper {for starting fires}

Roasting Spear {better than the old-fashioned branch}

Dish Soap {I put mine in this itty-bitty container for easy shipping}

Food:

Salt n' Pepper

Oil {I like Olive oil or Vegetable oil}

Butter

Garlic cloves {I suggest buying the already minced jars}

Ketchup

Mustard {I placed mine in a small container, like the soap}

Mayonnaise

Cheese {sliced}

Buns {assorted}

Water bottles {you will NEED this!}

Hot Dogs

Hamburgers
Apples {or any sort of fruit is always nice}

Marshmallows

Chocolate
Graham Crackers {hello! S'mores!}

Trail Mix

Juice or Soda

Essentials:

Sleeping Bag

Air mattress {+ Pump}

Tent

Lighter

Axe

Lawn Chairs

Lamps

Flashlights

Toilet Paper

Rope

Bungee Cords

Scissors

First Aid Kit

Tarp {pack 2, you will use them}

Extras:

Batteries {I threw in some AA's, and a pack of C's. These seem the be the ones used most}

Mosquito Spray + Coils

Sunscreen

Advil or Tylenol

Books, Magazines, etc

Extra Blankets

.diy: dry erase board.

Check out what I made today.

In like 10 minutes flat.

My very own Dry Erase Board. Seriously easy, and kinda cute if you ask me.

So this is how it happened: As most of you know, I am in the final steps of completing my special room and am really just looking for those odds n' ends that will complete it and make it not only beautiful but useful too.
 So with that in mind, I seriously needed something to jot down ideas and reminders. Easy right? Well,  here's the problem, do you know how hard it is to find that specific item that you have floating in your head?!? Well, let me be the first to inform you it is very, Very HARD. Cue sad Erinn face. I searched everywhere, and all I kept finding where those boring, old-school white boards (I am apologizing in advance to anyone who may have one or two lying around).
Then.......by sheer coincidence, I came across a very similar craft board on pinterest (I personally take no creative claim on this idea. 100% adapted from another crafter) and thought PERFECTO - I can make this!
And the best part is, I even had a large, white empty Ikea frame left over from a previous picture sizing screwup!
It was so meant to be.

Here's how I did it:
1) Get your Supplies: Picture Frame + Material of choice + Scissors

 2) Lay your fabric out flat (make sure there's no folds) and place the back of the picture frame on it.

 3) Cut your fabric 1-inch bigger (all the way around) than the backing of the picture frame. Like so.

 

4) Place the fabric (with your pattern facing the glass) in the picture frame.

5) Place your picture frame backing on top of the fabric. Attach any clasps to hold everything together.
(Ikea frames have these great pull down tabs that made this easy peasy.)

6)Flip over and Viola!

 

 It's so easy, I can't believe that I just blogged about it. Must be a slow thursday.

 Have some fun and leave cutesy messages for someone.

Hope you found this useful!

.My Creative Space.

I know, I know. This is a few days late.

Forgive me please. It just wasn't quite ready. The Hubby has been working mad overtime, and to be honest, I'm was just tired of using the screwdriver, paint brush, and heavy lifting all by my lonesome (yes, I know I'm making excuses) BUT......

Here. It. Is!
And I apologize in advance for the crappy quality of the pictures....the Nikon is on the list.

Still a bit of work to go, but all-in-all looking pretty darn fantastic (but I'm biased AND exhausted AND a little tipsy (thank you wine goblet), not really the best combo for an opinion). 

So, what do ya think?

I painted the walls a (what we thought would be) Mid-toned Grey. I always lean towards dark colors, and really wanted this space light and airy, however upon paint drying, it was more of a blue-grey tone. Not exactly what I was thinking, but it's staying. 

Then I went for all white furniture. NOT me at all, but like above, I wanted light and airy, and to be honest didn't want to spend a ton of money, so thank heavens for Ikea and all the white furniture being cheaper than the rest. Weird? Yes. Am I Happy about it? BIG YES. 

I bought the desk, 2 small bookcases, and re-furnished the big bookcase of Pete's during his high school days (yes, it's that old!) with new glass doors. Cleaned it right up.

And I think it looks just darn cute.

Took apart my old desk (just by re-moving the top piece) for a place to do some serious sewing. I'll call this the Sewing Area. Really original hey? However, this is also where I'm keeping a bunch of my craft supplies located in those cute little white boxes. Nice and clean. Out of sight. Perfectly labelled. Still deciding if I should paint the sucker white or not.......

Then I found places for the million picture frames that I had lying around. I seem to have a disease when it comes to buying picture frames. I can't stop. Just ask the Husband. And then be prepared for an earful.

Now, I need some pictures for them (notice that there aren't any framed yet?)......Any photographers wanting to shoot a fun loving couple??? Pretty Please?
FYI: I'm going to put out some of my favourite pictures of friends and family (not JUST Peter and I), and also some very inspiring pics that mean a lot to me. Like my Grandpa Norm. I miss you big guy.

The 2 lamps and mini reading table came from Homesense. And I'm loving them. The old-school rocking chair is vintage c/o my beautiful Grandma M. She's in Phoenix right now, and cannot believe I still have the 'old thing'. That was a quote. I absolutely love the old thing.

Next I made the hubby hang all the shelves that I got at Ikea. This will store more of those picture frames, and odds-n'-ends. Also some inspiring quotes to go along with the inspiring people.
A Favorite: "Choose your Battles". Should be our household quote.
{Pictures to come}
After that....and this part will be coming very soon. My Photo Wall (see I have a serious problem). It will be placed above the chair and lamp (you can even see the frames stacked ready to get hung). I think it'll be heavenly. All black frames with white mats. Various shapes and sizes. Gorgeous. Or it will be.

Also have to get some blinds for that window. I hate to close up the little natural light this room gets, but it'll bring a little personality to the room which it could use, and I also have a mild obsession with fabrics so it has to be done. Also still have to buy a new computer chair, a chair for a guest (I hope to have guests), and a pouf of some sort to put my feet up when reading. Also need the hubby to change out my light fixture, plugs and switch (Does anyone know an Electrician? I can't seem to find one......)

So there you have it. My Office. Library. Craft Room aka. Creative Space.
And Peter's Closet. Poor Hubby.
And just for fun, I thought I'd show you all a 'before picture'. WOW right? Can you see why this room was always skipped during the house tours?
Now you can all be impressed :)

Let me know what you think!
xo