CACTUS THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR OUR 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER

CACTUS IS THE HOT TREND WITH TWEENS

Our oldest turned 12 (already!) and requested a cactus themed birthday party. Jen came up with some great ideas, found some awesome cactus decor, and hand made a few items.

Cactus hugs leave a mark

Apparently, cactus and holographic go together like peas and carrots. Therefore, cactus shaped holographic cupcake toppers are a go:

Holographic paper in cactus shapes - a hit!

And old pot, some pebbles, and a sink-scrubbing-sponge cut into the shape of a cactus make an ideal centrepiece for the party's table.

Cactus - scrubbing sponge style

Michael's is on trend with cactus shaped cups. Fill with 'catus juice' (aka lemonade) and thrill the tastebuds of your party goers.

Cactus shaped cups

If you have some skills in the baking department then sugar cookies - cactus shaped of course - are the way to go. Green icing and some spikes to top them off. Watch your tongue!

Cactus cookies with spikes!

Loot bags are easy with this theme, and can potentially last a lifetime. Real cacti are inexpensive and they really wow guests. It's like giving a pet - a totally unexpected surprise!

Give plants. The gift that keeps growing.

The party took place at the darkly named Boiler Room. No, there was no boiling going on, but, there was some hardcore rock climbing.

2016 FAIRY HOUSE - "FLOWERPOT-ON-THE-STEP"

The citizens of the PUTP are back at fairy house building. You may recall the past couple of years, 2014 & 2015, there was a dire lack of fairy housing and chronic homelessness amongst the fairy folk. However, lately many humans have been helping out by building fairy houses in gardens across the country. So, the fairy housing crisis has been lessened, however, there are still pockets of fairies that are without homes. The problem is that fairies are very particular about their homes. It is known that a majority of fairies require homes with water, a pebble path, and a door into a tree. Most fairies like a home nestled in the middle of garden or in the shade of big old tree. However, there is a small pocket of fairies that like the opposite. They like a secluded house, in the sun, without a pond/pool...almost isolated from the rest of the fairy community. Fairy homes are typically not build for these fairy mavericks, they are build to accommodate the majority of faires. Which is why, this year our resident fairy house designer, Lolli, built an atypical fairy house named "Flowerpot-On-The-Step".

This house is located on its own, alone in a flower pot, with a wonderful view of the front garden and the historic front yard pine tree. This home is quaint and sunny - an ideal place for that fairy who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle. The small table allows for entertaining when needed, while the rock door hidden between the flowers gives that feeling one can slip away and remain unseen. This unique design is well suited for the anti social fairy who enjoys spending most of their time alone.

Simple and contained

A nice wiew of the surrounding garden

CRAFT SALE

CRAFT SALE KEEPS CITIZENS BUSY

What has kept the citizens of the PUTP oh so busy lately? A mixture of crafting and helping to set up and run a craft sale for the kids' school. The energy around the PUTP has been full of creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and charity as every person (young and old) has gotten involved in this event at some level.
Many hours and countless litres of creative juice were used by local crafters who made a variety of things; felt ornaments, rainbow loom bracelets, playdough kits in jars, and stockings.

Felt owls - natural habitat is a Christmas tree.

Grammy and Elli take their shift at the sale

The day of the actual event was hectic, but, as anyone who has taken on events like this (even for a great cause) know how time consuming and energy depleting they can be. They will also know the great feeling of satisfaction and pride when the events are successful. And, this event was such a success that it will have to be repeated next year! Click here to see more.

In addition to the crafts and baked goods there was a henna artist

Oskie was one lucky recipient of a henna dolphin

HALLOWEEN 2015

IS HALLOWEEN ABOUT THE CANDY - IT SURE IS!

Can last year's Muppet Invasion be topped?

Last Year

YES! The citizens of the Place Under the Pine think so. Maybe if they harness some of what makes Halloween, well, Halloween it is possible - not the scary or the spooky, but, the CANDY!

Candy is synonymous with Halloween, at least in the mind of most kids. So, what better theme to work off than candy?
This year's costume theme winner...(drum roll)...WILLY WONKA! Remember that classic 70's movie all about candy? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? The golden ticket? Anyone, anyone?

The original cast

The PUTP version

The kids really took on the roles they were given. Lolli (seen below in Violet Beauregard wear) chomped on her whad of gum while trick or treating.
Elli (top hatted like Mr. Wonka himself) hobbled along on his cane - for the first few steps down the sidewalk.

Oskie (in his Oompa Loompa workwear) hummed that repetitive Oompa Loompa tune the entire night.

♪Looompa Looompa♪

FAIRY HOUSE 2015

SECOND YEAR IN A ROW THE FAIRIES WILL HAVE A NEW HOME.

The Fairy-Home builders are at it again. Donating their time, energy, and building supplies to help ease the homelessness crisis of the Fairies.

You may recall that last year this same crew worked on a house for Fairy-anity (Click Here) and helped at least one Fairy find a home. That one house did make a difference, however, there are still countless Fairies out there sleeping under leaves and curling up into flowers at night. More Fairy houses need to be built.

To accommodate the varied tastes and needs of the Fairies, this year's Fairy House is markedly different than last years. First off, the 2015 house is located right in the front garden instead of under the big pine tree. The colour scheme and fencing is also more subdued by the use of natural colours and materials. And, as with human housing, a built-in pool is not always a desired feature.

The Pebble Place

This year's Fairy House (The Pebble Place) was loosely based on designs by a well know Fairy architect Rockcandy, who's mantra is: BE FUN. BE FUNCTIONAL

Location, location, location -  This year's house is located in the primest of prime locations : amongst the hostas and lillies of the front garden. Close to amenities such as the water spout, the front door, and the outdoor power outlet. The neighbourhood is sparsely populated, recently mulched, and always a priority when it comes to outdoor infrastructure improvements. As well, there is no chance of the lawnmower accidentally rolling over any housing. What more could a fairy ask for?

Real estate is 90% location

The house name, The Pebble Place, comes from the magnificent pebble walkway. An inviting path, lined with pinecones, leads the way up to the front door.

Premium riverstone is used to create the walkway

The door is a custom designed, hand crafted, wood door made by Elli. Hot glued popsicle-sticks have proven to hold up to any weather thrown at them, ensuring the Fairies will be snug and secure in their home.

All Fairies love entertaining outdoors. A lovely (and functional) wood chair and table set, set amongst the flowers, is sure to be well used by any Fairy family. This charming set was imported from Riley's garden supply, located only a few kilometers from the PUTP.

To add some fun, a Fairy sized tree swing was installed. This feature is sure to bring squeals of delight from the younger set. Its location, set on the opposite side of the path, will give enough distance from the adults to allow everyone to have a grand time. 

Tire - formerly part of a lego set

The Pebble Place - come out to the open house and see this Fairy abode before it is claimed. 
Directions: Front Yard, head south two steps, east two steps and look for the sign "Fairy Lane". Actual street address is #1 Fairy Lane.

YARN ALONG - HALF DONE ELEPHANT AND JOHN GRISHAM

YARN ALONG #1

The communities you find on the internet. The people of the Place Under the Pine have been diving into many niche communities on the 'net. From Haul Videos on Youtube to #twittergames on Twitter. The latest find is a good one - YARN ALONG.
Finally, a like minded group of people who have similar obsessions - yarn and books.

Click on the Yarn Along button to see more...

Currently in the PUTP, there is a half done elephant and a half done Grisham book...which one will be done first?

The crocheted pieces in the picture above are the head, arms, and legs for a small elephant. This elephant was started many moons ago...24 moons would be a rough estimate. It was initially started as a gift for a newborn Oskie. Oskie is now over two years old! However, the last few weeks have seen the elephant go from only a head to a head with extremities.

The Litigators by John Grisham has also been sitting on a bookshelf for similar amount of time. Grisham books often sit, but, when opened are devoured by the bookworm in record time. This one is no different. It may be done even faster than usual as Matty has been riding the bus to work everyday and uses that time wisely - to read.

A SPA BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR A NINE YEAR OLD

THE PLACE UNDER THE PINE IS TRANSFORMED INTO A SPA

Pine Tree Press | Events & Parties

Lolli, whom some call the 'eldest', turned 9 this week. To celebrate this event the Place Under The Pine turned into a spa where Lolli and her friends (and yes, her little brothers had to be there too) could come for a relaxing facial, a manicure, a foot scrub...all those wonderful relaxing things that happen at spas. Hot rocks were not included due to the risk of burns.

If you are familiar with the PUTP you would not have recognized the joint with all of the fru-fru decorations, relaxing nature sounds filling the air, and the unmistakable smell of nail polish...you would, however, be mildly surprised to know that the set up was done only hours before due to a hard hitting flu like sickness that struck every single citizen in the PUTP, except Oskie. Nothing like the power of the people to put together an event like this against overwhelming odds.

Tissue paper puffs - Pine Tree is seen in the background

100% cotton balls

The spa parlour is set up and ready

Handmade signs by Olivia herself advertising the amenities - pedicure, manicure, facial...

Olivia's Spa

The guests began arriving at 5:00 pm. They were provided a filling dinner and an some refreshing spa water.

Then guests were then invited to make their own lip balms.

A mix of luster dust and petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline)

Purple and pink dust made these balms shine

Unique names were given to the balms - Pinkalicious pink is shown above

After the lip balms were finished being mixed, jarred, and named, a customized facial mask was created by each person. The spa provided only the finest natural ingredients including ripe avocado, Balkan style yogurt, and organic honey.

Green is synonymous with health

Green facials

With facials underway the guests were escorted into the spa's parlour where they could relax, de-stress, and find some inner solace. Suitable snacks and magazines were provided.

Spa themed snacks

Painted toe cookies

Nail polish mallows

Foot soaks and scrubs were a well received part of the night's spa package.

The dirty feet brothers showed up just in time for a harsh scrub

Clean em'

Manicures were also a part of the evening, with many bright and sparkly colours to choose from.

Do you have Pinkalicious pink?

After this intense spa experience many of the girls found new reserves of energy which needed to be released - dancing energy, creative energy, pedicure energy...all types of loud, busy, messy energy filled the PUTP until the spa closed down at 9 pm.

Perhaps some practice is in order?

Olivia is now officially nine, with painted fingers and toes to prove it.

Olivia: Age 9 | Shown here with her new American Girl Doll