1/31/09

A little Betty Crocker...

mixed with a little Rock n' Roll.
We'd been talking about blueberry pie in this house for the past couple of days...luckily I had frozen some fresh Butternut Farm blueberries this summer so I had plenty to work with.

and I made this little number for a Rocker friend of ours...there's a little Italian flag on the sleeve :)
***

The girls spent TWO hours outside today....let me hear you say wooo hooo!!!
I loved that they were getting some fresh air and who are we kidding...I loved the quiet.
Tomorrow we're off to celebrate a friends 40th b'day. Should be fun and it's just around the corner...yeah!
Hope you're having a great weekend!
xo



1/30/09

25 random things about me...

I've been tagged so many times with this thing both here and on Facebook so here you go!
  1. I actually like doing these types of lists...they're like taking a test and knowing all the answers.
  2. I married my best friend even though his family is convinced I'm a victim of Stockholm syndrome.
  3. I've lived in New York, Miami, Paris and Milan...it was the loneliest time of my life.
  4. I had an eating disorder for several years and can't imagine what kind of long term damage that may have caused me (no worries people...I'm naturally thin...I eat a ton!)
  5. I love whoopie pies and cupcakes.
  6. My children are proof to me of 'pure love'.
  7. I like to be alone.
  8. Once I decide something (could be something I want to buy, make, clean) I have to do it or I'll obsess over it until I do.
  9. I love watching MMA and UFC with my husband.
  10. I buy my girls a little treat almost every time I go anywhere.
  11. My sisters are my best friends.
  12. I don't let many people get too close to me...not sure why.
  13. I still remember my grandfather who died when I was about Zoe's age.
  14. I think wanting to be like my grandfather is why I ran competitive track all those years...(he was an Olympian :)
  15. I suffer from migraines.
  16. I voted with the democratic party for the first time in my life this year.
  17. Bartending was the best job of my life.
  18. I refuse to go into pet stores...(I made that mistake ONE time and ended up walking out with a financed $2100 dog because she looked at me with pleading eyes)
  19. From what I've read I'm a 'true' Scorpio.
  20. I know that if someone ever laid an inappropriate hand on my children I would live the rest of my life behind bars.
  21. I am a better writer when I'm angry.
  22. I played the violin.
  23. I don't remember my first kiss or who it was with?
  24. I love to sew.
  25. If we could afford it I'd totally go for #4.

Newly listed...

in the shop.





xo

1/29/09

A little something...

for Zoe.
Being a carpenter's wife I used what we had handy...wood as the canvas.
I custom mixed this great turquoise color (which is NOT reflected in the pic...sorry!) and used silver paint to do the words. Once that was dry I painted over the whole thing with glitter paint we had used in Ruby's room for one of her walls.
You can see a little sparkle, can't you?
Our sweet Zoe is SO hard on herself and has a hard time believing in herself. It makes us SO sad!
I thought a little reminder might do her some good.
It looks great on her wall...it's huge!
ps....we'll be painting her walls soon...that yellow is leftover from Stella's nursery :)




XO
pps. thanks Crystal for the great idea!

1/28/09

Did you know?

You may not be able to buy handmade anymore?
That the government will force millions of handmade crafters out of business?
You'll be forced to buy your kiddos what every other Tom, Dick and Harry has from Walmart and other 'big boy' companies.
This is why...

You can find this clever Iron-on here.
*

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA. Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

Want this gorgeous blanket?
I do! You can find it in this cute shop.
*

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too. How will these new laws affect you?

Don't you just love this adorable onesie? You can find it and others like it in my shop :)
*


Well, here are a few examples: To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12. To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

I've posted about this shop before on my other blog...I just love these little sacks!
*

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

These blocks are just super...I dig them big time!

*

To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

I can just picture this on one of my girlies!
*


To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America. To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

Not only does this artist make the cutest headbands but she makes gorgeous tu-tus as well!
*

To the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

Do your kids like to dress up as much as mine do? This cape is unlike any you'd find in say Toys R Us.
I've stopped shopping in places like that since falling in love with all things handmade.
*

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.


Aren't these shoes just too cute? Love them!
*


You can kiss all these goodies bye-bye if something isn't done about this knee-jerk reaction law.
Please make your voices heard.
Please.

XO

1/27/09

Fairy-fish...

Last night just before putting the girls to bed I noticed a certain 'someone' wasn't swimming around his bowl.
Yes, it's true.
Ruby's purple fish 'Goldy' kicked the bucket.
Ruby didn't take it very well.
It took big sister to step in to give Ruby the special love only one can get from a sibling.
Zoe certainly shines as a big sister.
After explaining to Ruby that her fish will now become a 'fairy-fish' she calmed down...but only long enough to catch her breath before her next bout of wailing continued.
Thinking a story might calm/cheer her up I asked her what she'd like to hear.
I was thinking Olivia (always makes me laugh) or Miss Nelson Is Missing (one of their faves)...but no.
Ruby wanted (and I preface this by saying I absolutely h.a.t.e. to read this book...it's annoying)...
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.
I kid you not.
Way to add salt to the wound there chicky!
Indeed after the story she had settled herself down and was ready to carry on.
RIP Goldy.

sisterly love...

an homage to Goldy...

the coffin decorated beautifully in pink tissue and glitter...
xo

1/26/09

This is how we...

ohm.
Amazing what a little paint can do for ones mood.
Yes, Ruby looks wiped and for sure she is (the kid insists on waking up before sunrise).
Zoe came home bummed that she got a 4 out of 5 on her report (though what she doesn't seem to get is that her final grade for the report was indeed a 5)...I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree on this one...anyone else guess who might be a p.e.r.f.e.c.t.i.o.n.i.s.t?
Stella was just happy to sit there with her 'dress-ups' on and her 'gooky' in her mouth, making her masterpiece.
Mine aren't finished yet...a work in progress if you will :)






xo

I have...


If I've done it, it's in bold and pink....
I HAVE:
1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars (with one eye open :)
3. played in a band - even if it was lip syncing...5th grade I was Belinda Calisle in our rendition of The Go Go's
4. visited Hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to Disneyland/world
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo- I forget the song but it was when I was Linus in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown...sixth grade.
11. bungee jumped
12. visited Paris- lived there for several months
13. watched a lightning storm at sea- few times!
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning- I believe this is what I told my Dad I had one very hung over morning he came to pick me up from College...he then had to find a dumpster for me to vomit behind :)
17. walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked- On Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard where this is the norm.
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset 3
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen Niagara falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an Amish community
36. taught yourself a new language- not fluently but enough to get by when I lived in Europe...both Italian and French
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen Michelangelo’s David
41. sung karaoke
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant- Not a meal but coffee and I usually will pay the tolls for any motorcyclists behind me :)
44. visited Africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the Sistine chapel in person
50. been to the top of the Eiffel tower in Paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theater
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited Russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a Nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a check
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the Lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guards in London
77. broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the Vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in Jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire Bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the Alamo in person
96. swam in the great salt lake
97. owned a cell phone
98. been stung by a bee
99. wrote a poem for someone else
100. given a toast at a wedding
We took the kids bowling yesterday.
Let me just say, you need a major shower after visiting this particular bowl-a-drome.
Ewww, ewwwww, ewwww!
I tried to put my germ blinders on while there but it was incredibly difficult.
Needless to say, we did have a good time.
Zoe won.
Ruby took Daddy and Mommy's turn and Stella would take a bow after every time she rolled the ball down the lane...now that was cute!
I will say their arcade games, while most 'out of order' were colorful and a feast for the eyes.













I'm off to start a little project. If the results are good, I'll post.
xo

1/25/09

Did you know?

You may not be able to buy handmade anymore?
That the government will force millions of handmade crafters out of business?
You'll be forced to buy your kiddos what every other Tom, Dick and Harry has from Walmart and other 'big boy' companies.
This is why...


You can find this clever Iron-on here.
*

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA. Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

Want this gorgeous blanket?
I do! You can find it in this cute shop.
*
The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too. How will these new laws affect you?
Don't you just love this adorable onesie? You can find it and others like it in my shop :)
*

Well, here are a few examples: To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12. To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

I've posted about this shop on my other blog...I just love these little sacks!
*
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.
These blocks are just super...I dig them big time!
*

To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

I can just picture this on one of my girlies!
*

To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America. To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html


Not only does this artist make the cutest headbands but she makes gorgeous tu-tus as well!
*


To the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

Do your kids like to dress up as much as mine do? This cape is unlike any you'd find in say Toys R Us.
I've stopped shopping in places like that since falling in love with all things handmade.
*

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.


Aren't these shoes just too cute? Love them!
*

You can kiss all these goodies bye-bye if something isn't done about this knee-jerk reaction law.
Please make your voices heard.
Please.
XO

1/24/09

Smile...

I thought I'd share with you some of the kiddos art from around the house. There is SO much of it...everywhere! This is just a taste :)
















****

I covered this lampshade this morning....I love the way it turned out...you'd die though if you knew how I did it and what it looks like from underneath....Martha would NOT be proud ;)

I resurrected my little boy with a boo boo for an order and I just love the way he turned out!
****
I know a to-do list was supposed to be posted today but I became overwhelmed when writing it and just erased it. I should know by now that just by ignoring something it won't go away. Here are only a couple of things that need to get done sooner than later.
  1. I need to get Stella out of our bed. I've vowed during February vacation this will get done. It's going to be a rough week. NOT looking forward to this.
  2. I need to start the potty training process with Miss S. She'll be starting Preschool in September and can't go with a diaper on. Gosh, I can't believe my baby is going to school already!
  3. I will need the 'gooky' (aka pacifier) fairy to make a visit to Miss S. someday soon...again, not looking forward to this.

****

Uggghhh...that totally sucked the life right out of me! I'm off to sew :)

xo