Tuesday, January 25, 2011

a long road ahead



I use to write on my blog everyday- some days even twice! Since having Hazel and becoming sick- I just haven't had the time or energy. I love reading blogs and wish I had a gorgeous array of photos to post that I took during a baking or craft session.. but I don't. Well I do actually have photos like that, but I've just been too tired.weak.lazy to share them.

For those of you who don't know, I have Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic disease of the colon, or large intestine. The disease is marked by inflammation, because the inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, symptoms typically include diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and often crampy abdominal pain. Now doesn't that sound pleasant?!

So you see for the last 2+ years I've been trying medications with some help- but it is all just trial and error. On my last Dr. visit I was given few choices with medication. One has some very scary side effects and I am not quite ready to go on that regardless of my pain. So as a last resort I am trying the SCD diet. From the book by Elaine Gottschall, Breaking the Vicious Cycle. The Specific Carbohydrate Diet removes carbs,grains and sugar from your diet. I know, I know I am still in morning for maple syrup,real pancakes,FRENCH FRIES!!! WTF?! But if this diet can help me heal myself without the use of steroids or serious drugs- I will stay loyal and swear off carbs.
The beginning diet has you on chicken soup (blech- I have been a veggie for 11 years or so and since I have become sick- I have had to resort to eating meat literally to stay alive, b/c nothing else would help. When I do eat meat ( turkey & chicken & eggs) I try to always buy organic, free range... which is better for my family and for the animals. I tried to take a short cut and just use boxed chicken broth- well that didn't go so good b/c it had sugar cane in it and well it just threw me back 3 + days in my diet. So with the help of my mother making me my 1st batch of stock and Zach helping me make my second batch- I should be OK for till at least Wednesday. They say you shouldn't need more than 2-3 days- as I am thinking*dreaming* amazed I might be feeling the effects already?! after 1 full day. I miss my dark chocolate.. but I am looking forward to a new way of being creative in the kitchen.. and dammit I still have my beans if this all works out.

For now, one day at a time is what I have been doing. During the dark, grey winter sky- trying to keep a toddler and a large puppy busy everyday- while not showing videos all day is tough-while trying to stay out of the bathroom is tough, but I am really trying. I'm thankful for friends & family who try to understand, a husband who does what he can when he can to try and keep me comfy and well and puts up with some major episodes from me and my parents who help through support on the phone a million times a day and in person... for this I am so lucky! Lately, I have been letting this disease get me down, but it is time I take charge and start to do the things I love doing when I can. I hope this whole post doesn't sound like something Debbie Downer wrote. Trying to stay positive and not be so hard on myself in return trying to be easier on the ones I love. more soon!

Monday, January 17, 2011

more snow to come!


more snow to come!, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Tonight we'll get hit with another snowstorm. So lucky we have that cord of wood to live off of! Today we did some thrifting- I haven't been in months. Still trying to do my own- only buying from the thrifts and so on- not buying new. I found 3 pair of jeans for $3.00 each- some great Sesame St. VHS for Hazel and some wonderful books. One on EcoCrafts for children.

Aside from that we've been laying low- getting ready to introduce a new little venture- which is somewhat familiar ( no I'm not preggo) that will be for the next post. A lot of organizing going on in our nest. Stay warm and toasty. xo

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

inspiration for snow-filled days


made by miss hazel,grandpa lou and papa. winter 2010




love, love loving this sweet little find!

this just makes me wanna dance!

With that, I am going to cuddle on the couch with a large, toasty pile of laundry- sip my chai and watch the snow fall. Back soon to try and start a daily space again!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

sweet little garland


sweet little garland, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Just a little something I've been playing with since before the holidays. I wish I'd had it ready by then- but I am so happy with how it came out- I really think it is kinda darling!
The flags are perfect for ringing in the new year! They're also a little bit of whimsy,which is just what some of us might need now.

In hoboland,we're just trying to pull the house back together. I'm wondering how to decorate the mantle for this time of year. I am doing some reading, currently my favorites are:
Organize Now! by Jennifer Berry, Bazaar Style: Decorating With Market and Vintage Finds By Selina Lake and The Natural Kitchen: Your Guide to the Sustainable Food Revolution By Deborah Eden Tull.

I am all about trying to seek out the me I want to be. I sat down last night and made a list of things I want to achieve- to help me become the person I want to be. Since I was younger I've always admired certain women- for various reasons and since I am almost 33, I feel like I need to try to focus and work a little harder on this journey of mine.

Again, although Wardrobe Re Fashion is coming to a close, I really want to try and continue my own personal pledge. It was always difficult to stick to- but I'd like to try. With that- I'm off to read.
xo