r-anne-dom : a place for me (anne) to leave random blog posts.
Such as:
..knitting, sewing, and other random activities pursued
..Girl Guides of Canada : yep, Guiding Lives Here
..the 4 shops on Etsy : one features quality handmade items; the second has lots of patterns, & crafting supplies; the third is stocked with Vintage; and the fourth is guiding flowers.
Enjoy the r-anne-domness!

May 25, 2015

3 Steps for Brainstorming a Better Creative Business

3 Steps for Brainstorming a Better Creative Business

Ready to turn your dreams of successful creative entrepreneurship into reality? Find out how brainstorming can help your business grow organically.

Have you thought about starting your own Etsy shop and launching your own brand, but have no idea what you would sell? 
Or perhaps you have a long list of ideas for improving your existing shop, but can't figure out how to choose one, take the leap and run with it?

May 24, 2015

The Rule of 12


The Rule of 12

Someone shared the Rule of 12 with me recently, so here are MY 12!

And an explanation.

Spring is here and a seasonal change often provides a good opportunity for a clean, fresh start. Mentally it is time to toss away the winter blues and prepare for the busy and exciting days of summer. Physically, it is time to rid yourself of things you’ve been clinging on to for far too long. Consider the rule of 12 when de-cluttering your spaces this spring:
12 items to keep
12 items to throw away
12 items to donate

So here are MY 12!

12 items to keep – my yarns, my fabrics, sewing supplies, patterns to sell, craft supplies that will be used within 24 months, craft books, buttons (they are almost all sorted!), clothes to mend, pool noodles (one more chance to see if I use them this summer!), denim jeans with rips but only for 24 months and if not used then they go!, GuideStuff & Green Machine and Owls & Toadstools Guiding booklets to scan this year, and those plastic shelves (not ready to part with them yet!).

12 items to throw away – last year’s bills, previous years Guiding records (shred), old copies of tax returns (shred), bag of clothes, old make up, chipped plates, expired items in the fridge, expired foods in the pantry, expired meds (to the pharmacy), pens and markers that don’t work! (surprising how much room they take up!), the floppy disks (yes, it’s time), and plastic storage items that are past their usefulness.

12 items to donate – recipe books, board games, jigsaw puzzles, craft supplies with no plans, single knitting needles (someone must be looking for odd needles/sizes), canning jars (already know who to send them to!), purses, shoes, mini ipod, coats, empty bottles and cans (to a bottle/can drive), and thermos jugs.


May 23, 2015

Best Ways to Practice Portion Control at Home




Best Ways to Practice Portion Control at Home 

Eat less without feeling deprived

Let’s face it: Portion control can be challenging. And if you’re looking to lose weight or just maintain a healthy lifestyle, managing how much you eat on a daily basis is a priority. But it can be tricky to gauge the right-sized meals or avoid helping yourself to seconds.


 The good news: There are several ways you can limit your potions, but still feel satisfied.

May 22, 2015

Most Pinned Post on Pinterest!

This is My Most Pinned Post on Pinterest!


blog post is for a beach themed baby shower ... 
... and it would also work for a destination wedding/bridal shower, 
which is how I found it so long ago!

Many thanks to Creative Mommas for a great blog post!

May 21, 2015

Tips to Stop Procrastinating

Tips to Stop Procrastinating

Ways to avoid putting things off and to be more productive



Procrastination happens to the best of us. Whether it’s postponing the reorganization of your closet, an assignment at work, or refinancing your home, we’ve all delayed projects that we didn’t want to do at a certain point in time. But procrastination only temporarily makes you feel better.


April 22, 2015

April 20, 2015

6 Ways You Can Take Part in Earth Week

6 Ways You Can Take Part in Earth Week

Earth Week is April 20 – 24, 2015


You can take small actions to benefit the environment. It’s the little things that count, and collectively we can make a big difference. 

Medication Drop offs
Drop off your expired medications at your local pharmacy or drug store so they are disposed of in a safe and responsible way.  Most pharmacies will take your expired medications.

Alkaline Battery Collection
Drop your alkaline batteries at local collection boxes. I have seen collection boxes at hardware stores like Home Hardware, Rona & Home Depot and at other big box stores like Staples and Best Buy. Check your local stores to safely dispose of your batteries and ensure they are disposed of with the least impact to the environment. 

Stamp Out Styrofoam
Before asking for a doggie bag check with the restaurant to see what options they provide for wrapping your leftovers. Instead of a styrofoam container perhaps they will provide you with paper wrap and a paper bag, compostable containers, or foil. Or do you have plastic zipper bags that you can carry with you?

Save A Cup
Purchase a reusable coffee cup and use this at your local coffee outlet. Some coffee outlets offer discounts on the price of coffee if you provide your own cup!

Blue Bin Recycling
Do you know what can and cannot be put into your blue bin? Our community recently expanded the list of items collected! We can include coffee take out cups and lids in our blue bins - although they request we separate the cups and lids - and that's a great addition to the list!

Old Cell Phone and Electronics Recycling
Similar to batteries, many local stores also accept old cell phones and electronics for recycling. In some communities, charitable organizations collect old cell phones as a fund raiser!  Find your local organization or drop off location and be smart about recycling your electronics!




March 20, 2015

It's Spring!! (well, according to the calendar...)

It's Spring!! 

(well, according to the calendar...)


Soon enough there will be flowers blooming in the garden!  I can't wait!

March 13, 2015

How to Make Leprechaun Hat Thin Mint S'mores

How to Make Leprechaun Hat Thin Mint S'mores 

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day!

March 07, 2015

Spring Forward!

Yes, it's Daylight Saving Time!

Time to Spring Forward!

Be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour overnight tonight. Darn! We lose an hour's sleep...but it's good to know spring is on the horizon!

Welcome Spring by knitting up a new tote/shopping bag for your groceries! ...a good way to go green and do your part! Click here to purchase the pattern!

February 06, 2015

Tutorial - Popcan Tab Keychain

Tutorial - Popcan Tab Keychain

Supplies: 
scraps of yarn
key ring
several popcan tabs


Cut yarn approx. 14 inches for adults to work with, longer for children.

Put yarn through key ring.

Yarn through first popcan tab: 
1/2 of one colour goes opposite way of the other 1/2 of the same colour...

Repeat for other colours and you'll have this:


Repeat for next popcan tab.

Repeat for all colours.

Repeat for next popcan tab(s).
Then tie a knot to keep it all in place.
(this is where children might need longer pieces ...
it took me 3 tries to do this knot using the lengths of yarn I had.)

Trim ends after knot.

For fun ... unravel the ends.

TA DA!!!!!!!