Happy Holidays from Dress Me Up!

I’ll be closing my studio over the holidays, spending time resting and celebrating and being with family. I’ll be open again in mid-January with some exciting new fabric prints and toy designs – always committed to designing and making natural, organic products that encourage simple, creative discovery for our little ones.

If you have recently placed an order on Etsy or at DressMeUp.ca, your order will ship as soon as possible. Please Note! Orders placed between December 20th and January 3rd will ship the week of January 4th 2010. Orders placed after January 4th will ship within the usual time frame of 1-3 days. (Wholesale orders for my retailers will resume January 15th, after I’ve had time to re-build my stock.)

I am a very small, home-based company located on the west coast of Canada. With the support of my husband, 3 year old daughter and the help of dear, local mama friends, I am able to design and create beautiful hand made products for you and yours. I am deeply appreciative of your support and business, and wish you all the best for a prosperous and creative New Year!

Very warmly,
Tressa

Moss Street Holiday Market - this weekend!

I'm so excited for the weekend - my last event of the season, the Moss Street Holiday Market has been happening each year for more than 10 years now. It's a Victoria handmade holiday shopping institution. As it's my last event, I'm going to have a few little sales - namely on my organic + vintage linen cloth balls.


Sat + Sun Dec 12 + 13
10am-4pm
1330 Fairfield Rd

I'm in the Fairfield Community Association building - the green heritage building right on Fairfield Rd. Come see! Hot apple cider (bring your own mug!), hot lunch by the International Women's Cooperative and Salt Spring Island coffee too. Mmmm, mmmm.

Green Local Love

I’ve received some lovely local press this month! Thanks to Monday Magazine and the Times Colonist for including me in your features. Check out the articles!

To Baby, with Love, an interview wtih Amanda Farrell-Low, Monday Magazine
12 Way to a Green Christmas, a sweet mention by Steve Carey, Times Colonist

I love how easy it is to choose ‘green’ these days – no excuses! And don't forget that I've got the 20% off Sale happening at DressMeUp.ca until December 15th. Enter code "GIFT20" at checkout.

Marche Noel, without Dress Me Up

Just a quick note to let you know that I've had to withdraw from the wonderful Marche Noel at the Vancouver French Cultural Centre this weekend - I'm battling a cold and felt that I should stay home in Victoria, getting better and saving folks from my germs. I'm so sorry to miss Marche Noel! I hope that you can make it, still.

wishes of health and warmth!
Tressa

Noel Bazaaaaaaaaaaaar!

Last night was the first evening of Noel Bazaar! It was spectacular spectacular, I hope you come see us today or tomorrow ... there is so much good shopping to be done.



Wed 2-9pm, Dec 2
Thur 2-9pm, Dec 3
Licensed.

Fun stuff for sale

At near every event I'm asked if I make all of my products myself. It's an exciting question because I'm so proud to say that my hand is personally in each and every product that is made and sold - it's not just a concept that I came up with and handed off to others to make - and because I get to let people know about the amazing women who help me make Dress Me Up possible. Cathy is one of those women, a stay at home mum keeping it together beautifully in the midst of all sorts of transitions and - you know, life.



I'm so fortunate to have found her - Cathy does the middle stages of my Organic Leaf Bibs and Cloth Balls - and it's my pleasure to direct you all to an online Clothes + Toy sale that she's having right over here. For folks in the Victoria area, this is a perfect way to score some near-perfect pieces for your little fellas, nephews, grandsons and god-sons. Happy shopping!

Because it just keeps getting COOLER

People. The Rebel Rebel Noel Bazaar. I'm in.
Heck, yeah merry hand made shopping!



Click on the poster to read the dates + details.
Can't wait to see you there.

Knitted Owl

Tonight! Tomorrow! Come for awesome designer craftiness!



Make it a handmade holiday.

All grown up

This is a picture of Ruby on our new couch. Can you believe it? She's three years and one-and-one-half-months old now. How grown up is that.



I'm actually wondering if any one has any tips on how to clean scent from a leather couch? We bought this couch used from a really lovely young fella, but ... it turns out that he wore a strong cologne. Strong for me anyway. Nathaniel thinks that most would say it's very subtle, but when I lay down to nap (ha!) it's all that I smell. I was thinking about using an unscented leather cleaner and putting a drop or two of an essential oil into it - something like orange or cinnamon. Am I nuts?

Craft Talk

Okay, I still have tears streaming down my face, this video made me laugh so hard. It came to me from Katie (Katie is my master ball and block stuffer, hallelujah!). Last night, Katie came by to pick up some work. We were talking about how, when we get to the point where we know it's time to stop and go to bed already, we end up saying to ourselves 'just one more block, just one more bonnet, I can do it, I can do it!'. We just can't stop the craft ... I am pretty sure that one of us said the words 'work through the pain' to describe those last I CAN GET IT DONE minutes. Okay, hours.



Thanks, Katie!

Stockings Posted

Just a quite note today to let you know that I've got Stockings 1, 2 and 6 listed on dressmeup.etsy.com. More are to come - you can see what's in store in the image above. (I have just enough vintage wool to make two stockings from some of the wool pieces - email me if you're interested in one that is not yet posted to my Etsy store.)

Mmmmm, Christmas! It's a-comin'.

When in labour ...

I had the best email this morning from a customer in Switzerland. She was placing an order while she was in labour! Now that's a super mama. How exciting!

Also exciting - my first Holiday events this weekend. Quickly, here are the details:

1. Christmas at the Lake Craft Fair
Sat Nov 14, 10am - 4pm at 5358 Sparton Rd, just off W. Saanich Rd at the Prospect Lake Comunity Hall. My dear friend Mercedes will be running the show for me, come by to say hi!

2. IGLOO
Sat Nov 14, 12pm - 11pm at the Marriott Hotel Ballroom on Humbolt St in downtown Victoria. Andrea, Nathaniel and Leanne will be at the Marriott as I run back and forth between the two shows!



Keep next weekend open too for the Knitted Owl Designer Fair ... Fri + Sat Nov 20 + 21 at the Fernwood Community Centre. I'll post details on Monday.

I heart Scrubs

Scrubs is one of my all time favourite TV shows. It makes me laugh so hard. Remember the episode "My Musical" when the rival intern gangs break it down West Side Story style? Now, that's a hospital show.

Anyhow.

Judy Reyes, the actress who plays the amazing and don't take no crap Carla (Karla?), is pregnant (yes, in real life) and recently was thrown a baby shower. The gift bags were provided by Jewels & Pinstripes, a celebrity gift bag company in LA, and get this - each gift bag contained one of my Teething Bonbon and Leaf Bib sets. How's that for cool!



Oh! And if you want your hand in winning one of the gift bags from Judy Reyes' Baby Shower you can enter here on Celebrity Baby Blog. Good luck!

Tea Linens and Woolen Stockings

Today we get a new (used) couch, and pass on our old one ... and all of a sudden our living room will feel so grown up. This is a proper living room sofa we found. There's no turning back.

Today we also hope to sell our car, and I hope to get some sewing done. Ruby hopes to go to the park, and Nathaniel ... well, I think he hopes that we all nap.

On my sewing table today are stacks of cloth balls - this week, made from vintage tea linens and organic cotton, and stuffed with lamb's wool. I'm preparing them for my coming holiday craft shows, and I'm thoroughly enjoying working with different fabrics for these one of a kind toys. (I will have my all organic, hand screen printed toys at the shows too.)

If things go really well today, I will also have images of the woolie stockings to post (ahh, this may be a teeny bit ambitious) ... Oh, you will drool with delight when you see the wool fabric pairings. Sock it to me, retro nostalgic charm.

This week I was honoured to be interviewed by Emira, co-author of The Boss Of You, and the interview is posted here on their website. Emira and Lauren's book is a must read for every woman starting and running her own business. Thanks for the props!

Don't forget to take advantage of my 20% off discount code for all products on DressMeUp.ca! Enter GIFT20 at the checkout. Enjoy!

Heatfelt Gratitude ~ 20% Off!

From my newsletter:

My studio is buzzing! I’m gearing up for my holiday events and there are lots of orders going out to retailers and customers alike. I so love and appreciate all your help in making this a successful year for Dress Me Up! To say thank you, I’m offering a 20% discount for all online orders at DressMeUp.ca*, just in time for the holidays!

The discount code is GIFT20 and you’re more than welcome to share the code with friends and family. (My customers outside of Canada + USA can enjoy the 20% discount as well! Just send me an email with your order details, and I’ll send you a PayPal invoice for the discounted total plus your international shipping cost.)

Enjoy!

* Not available on Etsy.

That toy is a real three penny beaver, eh?

I've just posted our newest soft toy, the Limited Edition Three Penny Beaver to our DressMeUp.ca site! Available now for immediate shipping, this sweet woodland friend makes a darling gift for your newest Canuck. (Don't forget the ex-pats!)



Some have asked why "Three Penny" for this little beaver's name? Colonial Canada's first postage stamp was for 3 cents, and featured a beaver. The stamp came to be refered to as 'the three penny beaver'. More recently, the phrase 'three penny beaver' has been used to describe something that's really awesome. The online Urban Dictionary offers this example of useage (I love it!)

"That poutine is a real three penny beaver, eh?"

Heck, yeah!

Safety never takes a holiday

We live in a sixty year old, one and a half story house. It has six steep and narrow concrete steps up to our front door, steps that - when we first moved in with our little one who was just mastering stairs - made me nervous. They still do, though we're all used to them now. However, tomorrow night, when little costumed ones bound up them with enthusiasm and reduced vision (darkness! masks! wigs askew!) and laden with loot, my worst fear is tripping and tumbling. So, last week when we went to Dan's Farm to choose our pumpkin, I picked up six smaller pumpkins with our front stairs especially in mind.


Day ...

I do have to admit that inspiration for this idea came in part from Ella at Little Red Caboose. One of my favourite Etsy stores and inspiring crafter-aquaintences, Ella and I were both exhibiting at the One Of A Kind Show and on one of her display shelves, she had a beautiful photo showing her wool felt balls tumbling down a flight of stairs with vinyl numbers on each rise, counting the steps up.


Night!

Paired with an orange bulb in our porch light, these glowing orbs will do the safety trick. And did I mention how much Lil R. LOVES counting them again and again. And again. And ... again, just one more time. Ooooh, numbers.

Do you want plastic with that?

We're doing Halloween at home this year (last year we went to friends). Lil R is dressing up as a TIGER and we've planned out a 8-house route for her (she is only 3). We have Kleenex ghosties in our front window and carved pumpkins on our step waiting to be all lit up. Today I went to buy candy for our neighbourhood ghoulies, and as I poured over all of the awful ingredients and product placement packaging, I wondered - if I'm not going to find anything remotely healthy, what will be my next criteria for choosing from the rows of candy?

Packaging.

I bought the only (one!) type of candy that was not wrapped in plastic - it's the movie candies: mini Junior Caramels + Mints, Toostie Rolls, Charlston Chews, etc. If I have to give any props to any sugar company, it's theirs, I guess, for using recyclable, cardboard wrappings instead of plastic.

Addition: It turns out that the Junior Mints, while in cardboard boxes, are also individually wrapped in plastic, about 10 per bag I think. I believe this is to keep the mint from contaminating all the other flavours. Weighing the packaging of all the candy I saw, I would still choose this variety.

Igloo

What a lovely flyer! I'm so excited to be part of Igloo this year, what an honour to be nestled in with Victoria's finest designers! Put this date on your calendar: Sat 14 Nov, 5-11pm at the Marriott Ballroom.

(I'll be sending a Newsletter out with all my wintery events - early next week. If you haven't signed up for my Newsletter, why not do it now?)

Yes!

It's not raining and the sky is covered in ribbons of clouds glowing from the rising sun's light. It's going to be a gorgeous autumn day! I'll be at the Moss Street Market, 10-2 at the corner of Moss St + Fairfield Rd. I've got new woolie Winter Bonnets, Ostrich Blankets and my new Three Penny Beaver ready for show. Come visit me, and all our Market vendors!

Woolie Stockings

Last Christmas I made new stockings for our family. I recently pulled them out of the Christmas box for inspiration on this next project and I was reminded of how much I really, really love them. It's the beautiful vintage wool pairings that ooze nostalgia and cozy, makin' my heart flutter with the desire to drink hot chocolate and string popcorn and hum carols with Frank and Bing. Now, that's a good stocking.



It's a bit early to be thinking holiday decor, but I did want to give you a heads up - this year I am making 30 or so, one of a kind stockings just like these - for you! Come November, I'll post all the wool pairings together in one-easy-to-choose-from-image, showing the available combos. All you have to do is let me know which combo you'd like and what your special letter is.



Made from 100% vintage wool suiting and blanketing, and lined with certified organic cotton so that the stocking won't loose it's shape. All the seams are hidden so no treats will be snagged or caught up in the toe. Approximately 22" high and 12" at the widest point. The letter is approx 4x4". Each stocking has a coordinating, secure loop at the top for optimal fireplace hanging. $55.

Happy Holidays, indeed!

Cotton on

The Ostrich Picnic Blanket circa 2007!

It's really foggy and damp in Victoria today. I love it. And it's inspired me to return to making the Ostrich Picnic Blankets - I've got 4 in the works right now, and I'm hoping to finish 6 for this weekend's Moss Street Market and for a custom order from Fort McMurray. I'm cutting and sewing stacks of vintage wool blanket pieces, yet all I can think of is cotton. Cotton! This is because I started a fascinating book last night, "Cotton: The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber" by Stephen Yafa.



I can't read while I sew, so I was thrilled to find this podcast of an interview with Yafa. I about to press play ... I hope it's as exciting as the book!

Downpour

My, it's been some time since my last post! We had a fun and successful show at the One Of A Kind event in Vancouver. Thanks to so many for stopping by to shop and say hello - it's inspiring to connect with my customers personally. One woman came by just to say that there's a little baby in Denmark chewing on one of my Teething Bonbons (she bought it at the show last year). Love it.

Today I hoped to be at the Moss Street Market, but it is raining. Really raining. I don't usually let a bit of wet keep me away from the Market, but today the rain is heavy and shows no signs of letting up ... even after pouring down all night long. So, instead of schlepping my gear and goods and risk it all getting soaked, we're enjoying a cozy family day that started with pancakes and organic hot chocolate. Now, Nathaniel and Ruby are sitting on the couch listening to an old read-along record and soon we'll be piling up the van with our extremely large stash of plastics. We're heading to the Pacific Mobile Recycling station, then stopping by the Market to get some veg ... and maybe, just maybe if time and energy allows, popping into the museum for a bit of historical exploration.

If you were hoping to pick something up from me at the Market today, remember that I've now got a 'Free Pick Up' option on my website for local orders. Handy!

Happy, rainy day to you!

Random Number Generator

I used the RNG to determine the winner of Little Three Penny + the two tickets to the One Of A Kind Show. The RNG chose #8! Congratulations, Emira!

Thank you, everyone, for your warm comments and Three Penny cheering. I hope to see you at the OOAK Show! I'm going to be in the Green Section at Booth I-10 with my Three Penny friends, and other delightful soft toys. I'd love it if you would come and say hello!

Three Penny Luck!

Thanks for all your entries! The contest is now closed, and the winner will be announced on Tue Oct 6th.

It's finally ready to unveil ... Little Three Penny, Our Industrious Woodland Friend!



This is a limited edition soft toy, all organic, hand screenprinted fabric and stuffed with lamb's wool, just like my other soft toys. The Little Three Penny Beavers are going to be launched at the One Of A Kind Show, next weekend in Vancouver!

To get everyone excited, I'm giving away a pair tickets to the One Of A Kind Show and one Little Three Penny. All you have to do is leave a comment here on this blog! Entries are welcome until Monday the 5th, and I'll announce the winner on Tuesday the 6th. Best of Luck!

Off to Market, winter bonnets in tow

The weather has definitely changed here on Vancouver Island. The end of September and October's short beginning are brisk! and rainy! and oh-so-autumn! I love it, pulling out my warm sweaters, layering tops (I'm so stuck in the 80s) and stealing my husbands wool socks to wear as slippers. Autumn is also birthday season! Yesterday was my daughters THIRD birthday. Three. It's a big number.

Today the whole family is off to the Moss Street Market, as usual. It's a great Saturday routine. I'm excited to have a large stack of freshly stitched Winter Bonnets with me today, I only wish I had a picture to show you! You can go back a year or so in blogland to be reminded of the dallying I did in Winter Bonnets last year. This year, I've created a new pattern with a different brim and shorter chin straps, and the fabric pairings are so lovely! You'll have to come see for yourself, or just wait until I get Little R to model them for picture taking.

See you at the Market!

Start spreading the news

This morning I dropped Nathaniel off to work with this big box.



On Nathaniel's morning break, it's going to the post office, and then winging it's way to my new retailer, Kid O, in New York City. Dress Me Up in Kid O? THRILLING! One look at the image of their store and you can see why.



Now, clearly, I must arrange a trip to the Big Apple. Just to make sure not a block is out of place.

Baby Fair, Day 1

Here's a couple of pictures of my booth at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair:







We're having a lot of fun at the Baby Fair, and I was thrilled to meet the gals who run Podlings, one of my retailers located in Courtenay - their set up is beautiful, full of natural play items and books, all of which I covet for Ruby. Be sure to check out the website of Heather Armstrong - she's in my neighbouring booth, and UrbanMommies - they have a sweet pink Vespa parked at their booth!

Hope to see you today! The show runs from 10am to 4pm at the Pearkes Recreation Centre.

The scene in my living room yesterday.

Lissa has a true calling as a gift arranger, no word of a lie. She worked magic with the five pre-wrapped gift sets that I'm unveiling at this weekend's Vancouver Island Baby Fair!



The gift bags are Canadian-made from 100% mixed-sourced recycled paper, and the raffia is made from recycled plastic too! Tucked inside each gift bag is a Rabbit Rattle card (printed in Vancouver on 100% tree-free paper with soy-based inks) and a Dress Me Up Pencil (union-made in the USA from recycled newpaper). Now that's a whole lot of eco-mindful, and natural gift giving made easy.

See you at Booth 62!

A windy autumn morning...

Starts with a lovely giveaway! (And two beautiful gals.)



SouleMama.com is one of my favourite blogs, and Amanda is sharing a giveaway of my Ra Ra Gift Set with all of her readers (and now mine!). To enter, simply visit her site and leave a comment. So Simple! And be sure to note down the 20% discount code to my online store. I'm offering the discount until Sept 30th. (For customers outside of USA + Canada, please contact me directly for the discount and to determine shipping to your country).

Happy windy day, may it blow luck your way!

Seaside Friends

One of the things I love about Twitter is all the entirely random connections people make with me, and me with them - like with my newest follower/following: Jenn Docherty. Her little seaside friends are so amazing, I had to share them with you too! This image is from Jenn's website.



Oh, Somerly! How I would like to be on the sea with you.

And the winner is!

Using the Random Number Generator, the winner of my Newest Born Gift Set + Baby Fair Tickets is Mom Most Traveled! Congrats, MMT!

CanCan (Mom Most Traveled) said... "I love the toys! I can't decide if I like the Dress Me Up Organic Rabbit Rattle or the BonBons best :) ps, I'm not in CA so if I win (WOOHOO!) you can pass the tix on to someone local."

Now, if you don't yet know about Mom Most Traveled, definitely check out her blog. I found MMT on Twitter a few months ago and thoroughly enjoy her blog and tweets. How fun is it that she entered my contest and won, all the way from Alabama!

Stay tuned for my next giveaway - tickets to the One Of A Kind Show + Sale in Vancouver! Details to come soon.

If you go into the woods today ...

[Last day for the Newest Born Giveaway. Details here!)

It's a busy morning, packing up for the Moss Street Market while also getting our family ready. Saturdays are always a rush of energy and last minute organization, no matter how many Saturdays I do the Market!

Come see us discover today's Featured Product (remember, I'm featuring a product each week until the end of Market season - a little thank you and fun for all my customers!). Hint - this week's featured product comes in two sizes and is a droolin' babe's best friend.

See you at the Market!

Having a ball with Yoyobelly!

[The Newest Born Giveaway is still on. Details here!)

One of the my first product reviews was done by Annemarie on Yoyomama, about a year and a half ago now! A lot has changed for me in that time, and for Yoyomama as well - I've refined my creations and gone out into the world with over 40 retailers carrying my line, and Yoyomama has grown as well!



Yoyobelly is part of the Yoyomama family, and dedicated to "keeping mums on-the-grow in the know" - they've just shared their enthusiasm for my Organic Cloth Balls in today's Yoyobelly Newsletter! Read the full article here, and sign up for their lovely newsletter here. And if you're a mum or parent already on the go, be sure to check out the inspiration and resources of Yoyomama too.

Thanks, Yoyobelly!

It was a dark and stormy night ...

But today is looking like it will shape up into something sunny, and I will be at the Moss St Market for all your natural baby and toddler gift giving needs! 10-2pm at the corner of Moss St & Fairfield Rd.

From now until the end of the Market Season, I'll be featuring one of my products - just for one day. Come see which squishy squashy soft toy has a special price today. Hint: it comes with a draw string bag ...



See you at the Market!

(Newest Born Gift Set Giveaway is on until Sept 12th - enter here!)

The Newest Born Giveaway!

This contest is now closed - the winner is to be announced soon! Thanks for all of your entries!

The Vancouver Island Baby Fair is only 24 days away - I'm excited to be offering a Giveaway of 2 tickets to this excellent event, paired with one of my most popular Gift Sets!


The Newest Born Gift Set + Two Baby Fair Weekend Passes

The Prize
* Two weekend passes to the Vancouver Island Baby Fair
* One Dress Me Up The Newest Born Gift Set (Organic Burp Cloth Set + Organic Receiving Blanket) in Blueberry. Oooo, ahhh!

How to Enter
* Visit my website DressMeUp.ca and, then leave a comment here on this blog stating your favourite product!

How to Enter Again!
* Post a link to my Giveaway on your blog, and then leave a second, separate comment here with your link.

Entries will close on Saturday 12 Sept, and the winner (chose by the random number generator) will be posted on Sunday the 13th! Remember that I need to be able to get in touch with you - be sure to include a valid email address when you leave your comment.

The Baby Fair is celebration of the whole family with a focus on pregnancy, birth, babies, toddlers & preschoolers, parents & grandparents! Shirley, Baby Fair co-founder, has brought together amazing info & resources, contests and services, and unique shopping opportunities - including me! You'll find me at Booth 62.

best of luck!
Tressa

Home again, home again.

It is good to be back at home, back in the studio, back to the garden and daily routine. Our family time away was fulling of adventure and blessings and – sigh – rest, and visiting with dear ones who live far away from us.

I thought I’d share a couple of pictures from the ‘Tie Dye ~ Arts for the Table’ course that I lead at Naramata Centre. This is how we kicked off our family trip – it was so much fun (and work!). My participants were from the age of 9 up to the glorious 50s, and together we made table placemats, roll-up picnic mats and sets of the most beautiful chakra prayer flags I’ve seen.

Day 1: Just starting out, learning knots and ties, and practicing impermanence by dyeing with coffee.

Day 4: Abundant chakra prayer flags drying in the shade of the giant elm and pine outside our program space.

Taking a break from my Dress Me Up studio work, using my hands for an entirely different craft, and resting and playing with my family was so renewing. I find I’ve got many fresh ideas and insights, and piles of excitement for the busy-ness of Dress Me Up work this fall. Hallelujah for holidays!

I’m back to the Moss Street Market this month (except for the last Saturday), and the Vancouver Island Baby Fair is only 25 days away (!), quickly followed by the One Of A Kind Vancouver Show and Sale in October. Stay tuned for more news on my participation in these events, and for details of my upcoming New Baby Gift Basket Give Away!

Hello September, I say: I welcome you in!

best,
Tressa

On the Road!

With a home-based business, any time is a crazy time to take a holiday – but my little family is throwing caution to the wind and hitting the road and I have to say, I’m so excited for the change of pace and scenery! I’m teaching a week-long tie dye course in Naramata, then spending a few nights at a yoga centre in the Kootenays. Ahhhh.

While I’m away all Retail orders will be filled by the Amazing Amie! The orders will going out twice a week, which is pretty close to the regular shipping schedule so you shouldn’t notice anything different. Emails won’t be checked as regularly, but all will be followed up on when I return – thanks for your understanding!

Have a wonderful rest of your August! If you haven’t seen it yet – here’s the link to my latest Newsletter. Enjoy!

all best,
Tressa

Off to Market

Grey skies and wind never keeps me away from the Moss Street Market! I'll be there today, as usual, with all my lovely organic goodies. And it's Kids Day at the Market - lots of activities for children, music and a parade! Much fun, see you there!

Give away on Tiny Decor!

Enter now on the Tiny Decor Blog to win one of my Tummy Time Gift Sets!



One of my favourite eco-focused design blogs is Tiny Decor. This month, I’ve partnered up with Tiny Decor to celebrate the launch of my new website by offering an amazing Give Away! Visit the Tiny Decor Blog and leave a comment to be entered to win!

Step by Step, ooo Baby!

For the next little while, the posts here on this blog will be the same as the posts on my What's New page on my *NEW* and *EXCITING* website. Come September this blog will again be full of divine finds, adventure stories and probably more recipes (because I like that it makes me look like I cook. Ha!)

Making Tracks

I woke up this morning to a smokin’ review of my organic collection on one of my favourite BC blogs – www.Mommyfootprint.com! When I met Suzanne (also of the amazing Green Planet Parties) at EPIC I was already a dedicated Mommyfootprint reader. It was exciting to hear that she wanted to review my products on her fantastic blog. Thanks, Suzanne!

It's live, it's LIVE!

The following is extracted from the What's New page on my NEW site, I can't wait for you all to check out the smokin' hot and fantastically improved DressMeUp.ca website!

Oooo, ooo, ooOOO! It's LIVE!

It’s been a couple of months in the making and now it’s finally ready …

I am SO excited to share my new website with you all! Matt of Oculus Design is my stellar designer who brought together function and form, and a whole lot more, to beautifully showcase my artisan soft toys while making your shopping experience quicker and easier.

I’m thankful too for two sharp photographers worked with me to bring the new product images to you – Devon of Tall Tree Photography and Aaron & Emmy of E/A Photography. And big shout outs to the Mamas & the Papas and the wee ones who squirmed and giggled and modeled for me too.

Enjoy checking out the new site, exploring my collection of hand made natural, organic toys – and let me know what you think!

very warmly (there’s a heat wave on this-here west coast),
Tressa

Oak Bay Night Market

For those of you in the Victoria Area, you'll be interested in knowing about Oak Bay Village's first Night Market - happening this Thursday evening, July 23rd. From 4-8pm, the store-front stretch of Oak Bay Avenue will be transformed into a European-style market featuring local Artisans, Musicians and Farmers.



Many of the local businesses are remaining open into the evening and offering tantalizing specials and events - estate olive oil tasting at Ottavios, fruit wine tasting at the Pennyfarthing, tea tasting at Nicholas Randalls, and more.

You'll find me at the corner of Wilmot & Oak Bay Ave, nestled between Nicholas Randall and Starbucks Coffee. I'm pleased to be offering 10% off all Dress Me Up Organic products for this premier evening market event!

A course of action; a method of proceeding

Through SouleMama, this morning I found a lovely and simple blog post on SewGreen that took me to the larger story here at the LA Times - the stories of the Children of the Great Depression and their life lessons.

"They learned the value of a wild imagination and honest neighbors."

It's been a doozy of a week - full of highs and lows and challenges (the good ones, as well as the kind that I just want to hide under a couch). This article reminded me to return to my authentic centre - the place where creativity transforms, moving me out and up. Today as I dive into stacks of emails, orders and production prep, I'm thinking about the creative, transforming power that the Great Depression necessitated, and I'm taking this quote with me:

"If you need it get it. If you don't need it - forget it." Thelma May Beets b.1918

Thanks, Thelma May. Today, I'm makin' tracks and filling my bags with grass. How about you?

A Little Star Struck

Now, perhaps you're going to laugh at me, but I was pretty happy when I spotted a wee birch bark basket full of my Teething Bonbons, tucked just behind Paige's left arm. See 'em?



This pic is from The Little Seed Blog. I visit their blog frequently - it's a lot of fun and it's really down to earth. The Little Seed just launched their private label - a bright and beautiful line of organic clothing and accessories. This picture is from their party night (Weleda sponsored the event - I super HEART Weleda, especially their Wild Rose line.) I wish I was there!

A Piper is Down! A Piper is Down!*

Well, not really a piper but rather - my website. There's been a bit of a glitch and it's not loading ... but do not fear, it will be back.

* Get the movie reference? Comments with the correct answer get a super-dupes Dress Me Up Pencil made from recycled newspaper! (I just need your mailing address - you can email it to me if you don't want to leave your deets here).

A Little Pride

Tonight I feel that my eyes are melting. All day I reminded myself to stretch and blink while sitting at the sewing machines - I got the stretching down, my back actually feels pretty good, but my eyes, ahhhhhh my eyes! Nothing that a good shut-eye won't fix. Too bad that will have to wait 'till Monday. ;)

I wanted to have some pics for this post showing off some of the new lovelies that I'll have at the Organic Islands Festival, but it's been all work and little play, so you'll just have to come see my new stuff in person ... stuff like, my Organic Sun Bonnet! I've been working on a pattern for a season or two now, and I've finally settled on something that I like (for now!). My dear friend Lynda has been helping sew these bonny beauties in time for the Festival - they are all natural, organic cotton with my screen printing on the brim and bonnet backs. Very awesome. And reversible. And fairly gender-neutral ... as far as bonnets go.

I truly hope to see you at the Organic Islands Festival this weekend! Taking a little break from Ms. Pfaff, I just tallied up the Value of my Newborn Gift Basket - $285!! That's a great prize to be won, and I have a fun little eco-give away (while supplies last), so even in these penny pinching times you'll have something with love from me to take away.

And hey, Happy Pride Week too!


Montreal Pride in 2003, Photo by moi.

Win and Save When You Visit Me!

In a few short days, the Organic Islands Festival will be rockin' the Glendale Gardens, and inspiring thousands of visitors in green living ways. I'll be there in Booth 104, at The Lookout!

Yesterday I sent a Newsletter out to my subscribers with the all the Festival details - here's the link to read my Newsletter online! (And if you're not yet a subscriber and want to receive my Newsletter, click here. I send one out every 4-6 weeks, give or take, to let you know about upcoming Events, Sales and New Products.)

I've got a 20% Off Coupon for folks who make a purchase from me at the Organic Islands Festival - print it off and bring it with you!



And - so exciting! - I have put together the dreamiest Dress Me Up Newborn Gift Basket - all Visitors to my Booth can enter to win!

• 1 Organic Double Cream Blanket
• 1 Organic Rabbit Rattle
• 3 Organic Burp Cloth Sets
• 2 Organic Teething Bonbons
• $75 Gift Certificate to Amie Brotsky RMT, Victoria BC’s leading Pre & Postnatal Massage Practitioner
• 1 Organic Lavender Eye Pillow, ahhhhh...
• $25 Gift Certificate to Dress Me Up for Mama to choose a little treat for her little one

I hope to see you in the Gardens!

Phillips Chocolate Porter Ale Cake

It was a quiet Sunday for Dress Me Up - a day I usually spend half of Sunday working while Nathaniel and Lil R have a morning together (usually playing guitar and making coffee - that's Cafe Lib for R. and Kicking Horse for N.). Being Father's Day, work was pushed aside and we spent the whole day together, including a luxurious family nap in the afternoon, baking a delicious chocolate cake and hosting family for dinner. *Bliss*

I'm all back to business today, though. There's so much to do! I've got two giant projects on the go - one is still a bit of a surprise, and the other is gearing up for the Organic Island Festival. So I've got to keep this post short. Why not bake a cake while waiting for my next update! ;)

Here's the recipe for our amazing Father's Day cake. We substituted the brewed coffee for Phillips Chocolate Porter Ale (thanks for the idea, Kristina!). Yummmmmmy. The cake is from the Rebar Cookbook.

Cake:

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1 1/2 cups unbleached flour

1/2 cup cocoa

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup strong coffee or Phillips Chocolate Porter Ale!

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup + 2 tbsp vegetable oil

2 eggs (1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk)

1 tsp vanilla

Cake filling*:

5 oz milk chocolate

5 oz dark chocolate

1/2 lb unsalted butter, softened

1/4 lb cream cheese, spreadable

1 tsp vanilla

Ganache

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp unsalted butter

5 oz semi-sweet chocolate

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Prepare three 8" cake pans with oiled parchment cut to fit the bottoms of the pans. Set aside.

2. Combine the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, soda and salt in the bowl of a mixer and whisk on low to combine, making sure it is lump-free. Add the coffee, buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla and mix on medium-low for 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides. The batter will be pourable.

3. Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 15 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool before removing them from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack. Remove parchment papers before assembling.

4. Next, prepare the cake filling. Melt the milk and dark chocolates in a double boiler and stir until smooth. Cool 10 minutes. Cream together the butter, cream cheese and vanilla. Mix the cooled chocolate into the creamed mixture.

Next, prepare the ganache by heating the cream and butter to just before the scalding point. Pour the cream over the chopped chocolate and let rest for 3 minutes, then whisk gently (to avoid incorporating air as much as possible) until melted and smooth. Cool slightly.

5. To assemble the cake, place one of the cake layers on a cooling rack with a large baking sheet underneath to catch drips. Evenly spread half of the filling over the layer, then position a second layer on top. Repeat with remaining filling, saving a small amount to thinly spread over the top. Position the cake top layer over the filling. Chill 10 minutes. Next, slowly pour the warm chocolate ganache over the entire cake while carefully spreading it with a large metal icing spatula to make a smooth surface. Carefully transfer the cake onto a plate and into the fridge to set.

* We made a single layer cake in a spring form pan (it was all I had on hand), so we didn't make the chocolate filling.

HEAVEN!

Organic Island Shuttle Bus

The Organic Islands Festival has put the Shuttle Bus info on their website - check out how to get to the Festival, goin' green!

Now and Then

If this doesn't take you back to the late 80s/early 90s, then clearly you weren't living your teen years in the Okanagan, working after school stuffing flyers into the local paper, spending summers cliff jumping and sun tanning, staying up to make tapes from late night CBC radio, doing your hair like Robert Smith, and yearning to be best friends with Caitlin and Spike, alternately.

All the Things I Wasn't
The Grapes of Wrath, July 1989



That was then, this is now: The Grapes of Wrath are kicking off their 2009 renuion tour at the Organic Islands Festival + Green Living Expo. Catch them on the Main Stage Sunday afternoon. I wonder if I'll be able to see them from The Lookout?

It's Getting Easier to be Green

Look at this glorious, glorious scene (and wave hello to Nathaniel and Lil R, sitting like little ants on the grass, off to the right).

Can you image a more beautiful place to be? Or, a more inspiring place for Canada's largest Outdoor Green Living Expo?! I certainly can't (the tropics would be too hot, no?). This July 4 & 5th, the Organic Islands Festival is filling the breathtaking Glendale Gardens with an amazing sustainability expo dedicated to living green at home and in our community. Deb Morris, the event founder and organizer, and her team have pulled out all the stops this year - with a commitment to zero waste, the main stage powered entirely by solar power, a natural gas full demonstration kitchen, bike parking and a SHUTTLE BUS for attendees, this event is truly green in every way.

I'm proud to be exhibiting at the Organic Islands Festival - you'll find me above the Children's Village at the Lookout. I'll have a few eco-freebes (while they last) and a draw for an amazing Dress Me Up Newborn Gift Basket, plus lots of information about health and safety for our Little Ones toys and home environment.

Buy your tickets online to save 25% and have your name entered in for a spectacular Organic Islands Festival prize package!

I'll be making more updates about the Organic Islands Festival as the event draws near - letting you know about new products that I'll have exclusively for the Festival, photos of the Dress Me Up Newborn Gift Basket, and, likely, lyrics from my *favourite* junior high band WHO IS PLAYING ON THE MAINSTAGE ON SUNDAY. I think I'm going to just die.

See you at the Fesitval!
Tressa

PS. The Festival is also looking for Volunteers - you'll find info on this exciting opportunity here.

Blankets + Burps Now In Stock

My organic flannel shipment finally arrived (it was a 3 month fabric mix up marathon - I tell ya!), and I'm busy busy busy getting it pre-washed and cut up and sewn into Burp Cloths, Receiving Blankets and Double Cream Blankets ... Folks, the Blankets and Burps are now back IN STOCK!

Finding a little balance

This gorgeous image is from SuzanneArms.com

I'm really excited to let you know that tomorrow night, two exceptional Victoria-based health care providers are offering a free introduction to the benefits of massage and chiropractic care in pregnancy. I hope that all of you mamas, mamas-to-be, and thinking-about-becoming-mamas-to-be in Victoria & Area can make it!

Amie Brotsky, RMT and Dr. Maya Edgar BSc. (Hon), D.C. will be discussing the issues that can present for women during pregnancy and how their treatments can address those concerns, ease stress and promote a happy and healthy pregnancy. Come learn what to expect during your initial treatment and have your questions answered!

The talk will be held at Amie and Maya's practice:
John Douglas Chiropractic
560 Johnson Street, Market Square, Victoria BC

The talk is from 6:30 - 7, with time for questions from 7-7:30.

Please call to RSVP: 250.384.8038.

Amie is my beautiful sister, full of grace and compassion, and a highly sought after massage therapist who also attends births offering massage support! She was with us for Lil R's arrival - here's a picture of her prepping the birthing pool, and with Lil R only 1 day old.

It's Market Day!

My booth, from 2 weeks ago

I'm off to the Moss Street Market, family in tow! Come see me, just down from the Donut Queen and Galloping Goose Sausage.


Stack of Ostrich Blankets in the works ... wait 'till you see the finished product!

And I've got 8 new Ostrich Picnic Blankets at the Market today - last week I sold out in the first 2 hrs! What amazing Customers I have. :)

An Epic Tale Told

Arriving, setting up

I've had lots and lots of people ask me how EP!C went - remember that huge sustainability trade show, way back, and the new Vancouver Convention Centre? I kid. It wasn't that long ago, but golly - the month of May has flown by.


Contemplating placement, part way through set up

EP!C was, in a word, an ... experience. For me, at my still-small-starting level, it was full of challenges -


Workin' the floor, my incredibly amazing Nathaniel

- yet, through it all I had a good time and learned a lot. I handed out hundreds and hundreds of my new product cards and I met a warm community of amazing moms (and dads) working at their own meaningful, green companies. The EP!C staff were supportive and available, and I met a number of really exciting shop owners and established a couple of new retail locations! The personal highlight for me was hearing one of the most inspiring women I know, speak - Stacey Malkin. (Seriously, check her out - and women, please start make changes now, for you and your children!)

Two New Dress Me Up Retailers!
Green Room Interiors, Courtenay BC
The Eco-Store Clean Calgary, Calgary AB

And a Few Mums (& Pops) Greenin' the World!
Green Party Planet, Vancouver BC
Dr. Heather Manely, Kamuela Hawaii
Agoo!, Vancouver BC
The Little Humbugs, Kelowna BC
Hank & Cheef, Vancouver BC

I'd also like to offer a big thanks to AnneMarie at YoYoMama, Vancouver BC - YoYoMama sponsored the Eco-Moms area. They were amazing, and us mamas were gifted with a swag bag on Mother's Day! Dress Me Up hearts YoYoMama.