in the swing

This will be short, because I think part of why I took such a hiatus from this little place was because the blogging was feeling like I HAD to do it rather than I WANTED to. Funny how our brains work sometimes! After our computer crashed- we lost practically everything. I was grateful to have this blog and be able to reminisce and see all that I posted over the years.

Hazel is 2 1/2, I have been on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet since March and it's working! My Colitis is mostly always in check and I am able to better understand what I can and can't eat. Zach has switched jobs and is now able to work from home with exception for 1-2 days a week when he travels into the city. So much is changing. Our cats still lounge and meow at us to fetch them food, Bella the puppy dog still chews everything in sight- but she's trying. We've got a wee container garden.. Ozark strawberries, tons of basil ( my favorite thing to grow), tomatoes,lavender,beans,cilantro,Russian kale and spearmint & apple mint.

Way Back When...

Some New Items in the Shop! Snack Bags!

This little girl is my WHOLE world!

silly big boy Jasper

and Papa's world too-- Iron girl?!


We are coming on 1 year of home ownership- which is kind of crazy! We love it- but had NO idea just how tough it was going to be. Every day we try to make a little bit of progress, whether it's hanging a picture frame,switching out curtains or hanging a new plant. The nesting still goes on. The crafting is starting up and I am trying to climb out of the cold weather funk. Inspiration come to me~

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!

Circles in Autumn

We have this butler's closet and let me tell you- it's full. Full of doorknobs and paint cans and screws and window treatments and just about anything you can think of- it's probably in there. We've sort of been using it as our project closet. Supplies live there- get lost and sometimes even multiply. Kind of amazing. But the problem is an at-the-bottom- of your belly overwhelmed feeling- at least for me. I know it takes 30 years to get everything together- but this little house has been an exception.

Today I took my 1st hot shower since we bought the place! IT turns out something was lodged in one of the pipes. Thankfully our neighbor was able to help Zach figure it out! Tonight I am sooo soaking in the tub!Here are a few pictures of what has been happening other than house stuff! Fall in the making!

New Mini Quilts are hitting the shop in the next few weeks. This is my 1st one to sell. I've made a few for family,friends and myself. This one is a mix of all things I love about fall. This is a close up of the cool stitches my new machine makes- love it! It will be up in the shop today!


Making homemdae pizzas every Sunday. Zach does the dough, I do the sauce and Hazel does the cheese- then we all partake in the added veggies and devouring it!!



Hazel learning how to draw circles. I love it!


Making toasty forts!


Hope your future leads to toasty socks,warm drinks and cozy blankets. Fall is defenitely here and we have to get that chimney looked at! xo

Corn, Dreams and Tutus

On the eve of my favorite rummage sale, my heart is full of a hopeful mound of vintage aprons... a bag of unfinished patchwork pieces.. a pile of quilts... a table full of perfect-sized kids clothing..a box full of wool sweaters and some other timeless,vintage goodness. The plan as always is to get in, with our own bags and fill fill fill. Then we decide what we want and need- begin to empty the bag and again search for the little things. We usually go back on Saturday to see what is left- what was lurking under the huge mounds of clothing and so Zach can check out the toy boxes.

I have sort of put the shop on a few week hiatus- nothing very specific, just trying to find time to make things for our family and home. After finding the blog
The Progressive Pioneer , I was totally inspired by the sweater pants she made. So last night I cut right into an older J.Crew, wool sweater in a mustard seed. The sleeves puffed and it had a small opening in the back... gorgeous in it's day but I've had it for 7+ years and I think it was time to find a new use. Soon Hazel's little tush will be toasty for the winter.

Another project, a no-sew tutu is simple but very cute and versatile featured in this month's issue of Family Fun. They didn't have it on their website, but I found an equally easy design on the blog
Mommy Blessings. This design makes use of a pretty ribbon to tie the tutu on at any size, making it versatile for any age.

In other subjects, I'm wearing a bag of frozen corn in my bra- to help ease engorgement from weaning. Day 2 of Lialda and I feel good and was able to take Hazel to story time and run some errands, it felt great. I really felt very good today. I have been aware of what I miss when I'm dealing with a flare and I'm truly grateful for the calm moments.

I already started Holiday shopping for the kids, which are really all we're getting for this year- aside from a few grand-parental gifts. Long johns for the kids and each a handmade something. Legwarmers hopefully for some. A little sweatshirt for Hazel, I just ironed the patch on and then chaotically sewed over it. I'm pleased with it.



Off to bed, going to dream of all the goodies I might find!

Source of My Inspiration

I haven't made anything yet- but my head is buzzing and as soon as I can I'll sketch it out.

I had just started college, I remember being at a new friend's house and there I found one of the most ground-breaking books I would ever read. by SARK The cover alone, is friendly and bright and just designed like no other book I had ever encountered. It then turned out one of my roomates had heard of SARK and was a huge fan (thanks Amber). I remember we even married ourselves one day by the pond on campus. I devoured every book available and when she came to our little college town's independent (now defuncted) book store Ariel, we got to meet her and have our picture taken with SARK herself, it was pretty amazing. So yesterday when I listened to an old CraftCast interview with SARK I was so psyched! It brought back a renewed creative spirit in me. Inspiring me in a deep way I have been yearning for. I promptly took a hot bath and dialed SARK's Inspiration Line. Just when I had practiced what message I would leave, I got a message that her box was full! Oh well, I'll call again another time. Either way the message she left was amazing and really made me feel like she was talking to me one-on-one. I know I sound a little silly. Sometimes a little silly goes a long way. Have a great,inspired day.

Still Toasty After All These Years

I like people with interesting socks. I've been building my collection since my teens- I learned early from my mother and have started finding neat ones for Hazel too.

Zach has the best sock collection. Some exciting like a map of the Underground in London - silly beer bottles- a growing skull selection-and an awesome array of stripes. He also has the warmest, toastiest winter socks. Wool and warm and perfect for rainy-day toes. Perhaps it is in his blood, you know being from New England and all.. maybe there is a toasty sock clause I am unaware of. Well on nasty days, I always reach for his dresser draw of warm woolies and today is no different.

Last night I colored my hair. An auburny tint- just enough to cover my grays and whites?! Whites?@, yes! Thanks Hazel! I used a natural plant-based dye called Naturcolor. It has been over a year since I've had any color and although I like this red- I instantly kinda wished I hadn't dyed my un-dyed hair. But it did make my bad hair cut look 100% better to me. So I guess I'll grow it out and then try to leave the color alone and let it go natural again and figure something out about the dang gray & whites.

In our space, I'm starting to add our own pieces.

Just a little something handmade, to hang over the changing table. I traded my handed-down changing table for the top of our vintage dresser. This way Hazel's clothing is all inside and easily accessible one-handed.

I managed to list this this morning. It still has not gotten any easier to work and care for Hazel. Her sleep schedule is wonky and didn't nap for more than 20 minutes yesterday- but she went to sleep at 7:30 last night which was a nice change.

Who knows what adventures today will bring.

My New Crush

In the world of craft I've got a new crush. Her shoppe is Wren Willow. Her shirts are hand dyed and perfect for your little crawling- drooling or cooing hipster. A few of my favorites are:

Can you get a cuter model? Wren Willow's keeper is a super sweet mama and hails from New Paltz- ( my college town- that I love). So when you are on the lookout for adorable handmade goodness for baby-toddler or little pips- stop over here!

The Squeaky Wheel

We've all heard "The squeaky wheel- gets the oil"- my mom has said it to me my whole life. I never wanted to be the squeaky wheel- I guess because I do complain- but usually to people in my life who just listen and I don't expect anything in return.

But in the last few days and just the last year- I've noticed squeaky wheels- really DO get the oil. About 2 months ago we opened a savings account for Hazel at our primary bank. When we went in, the person who helped us was very nice and joked with us about his own children. Because the baby was still in my belly- we couldn't open it as a minor account, it had to be a regular savings.However, jokey guy never told us that when you open an account with less than $300.00 you'll be penalized $4.00 a month till you reach the $300, unless the account is for a child.( which we weren't able to do just yet) So when I checked the baby's account and saw that she was charged $4 I was really surprised. Poor kid- isn't even born yet and she's losing money!! I called the bank and requested the account be cancelled and the funds transferred. I would just open a free ING account. On saying this I was asked what could be done to keep this account? So I was offered the fee to be waved for several months till we reach $300 or once we can change the account into the baby's name and then it would be free regardless. Her account was also refunded the $4.00. It felt really good to get the $4.00 refund and to straighten the situation out. In all honesty- it was the fault of jokey guy (who happens to be the branch manager!!) he failed to tell us. But now we know to ask.

My second Squeaky Wheel moment was when purchasing organic white rice-(a HUGE staple in my IBS diet these days). We purchased 2 bags of it, got it home and noticed bugs in one of the bags. The other was fine- I went through it almost grain by grain. So we went to another shop a little closer and exchanged it (no problem) for another bag- which also had bugs in it ( but of course we didn't see them till we got it home)- how frustrating! I have to get to the store and RETURN this bag b/c I won't be buying this brand again for a while, but I wrote to the company. I explained spending the money, time and gas and I got a nice reply offering a $10 gift card for the specific store. Normally I may not have said anything and just been irritated- but giving a little squeak changed the situation.

I know I have other situations- but I won't bore you anymore! If anything these things taught me to speak up for myself.

In crafty land ventures, here are a few photos of wool & fleece soakers and our almost-finished advent clothesline as well as a new fallish tote I had to make for myself. Zach will fill the odd numbers and I the even.




P.S. I've been craving Cold Stone Creamery, which I've only had like 1-2 times. I of course can't enjoy it- somebody somewhere- eat a big bowl of it for me!
Have a great weekend getting cozy!
xo

Feelings of Hope

Amen~ We sat with eyes wide and butterflies in our stomachs... then I fell asleep and Z woke me saying "He won!". The feeling is just amazing- I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about. Being so close to change and knowing that when our bundle is born- maybe the country will be on a better path than it was just days ago. I'm so glad we did this- together! Thank you to everyone who knocked on doors, contributed time & money and helped people register! I can't believe it's over, yet just beginning!
:::::::::::::::::::::::Hope:::::::::::::::::::::::::::

With that said- This little girl and her friends are now in the shoppe!
Use them to decorate a tree or hang in your closet (moths hate lavender).

We took advantage of a great deal Venuszine was having- two months for the price of one!
I'm so proud of Zach b/c he learned how to make a animated gif for us! Yay!

Yesterday I made some banana bread, which came out quite possibly the tastiest I've ever made. This is the recipe I used. By time Zach arrived home almost half of the loaf had been eaten-silly Hazel- for making mama eat all the banana bread!

:::::::::Today I have many things to do- There is a pile of little girl ornaments waiting to be sewn and stuffed then photographed & listed. A large Rubbermaid full of holiday decorations- just screaming to get out. Piles of laundry, including a slew of cloth diapers. A bassinet and crib full of randomness and kitties who need vet appointments. Always something- hoping I can pull it all together- so Saturday I can make it to my cousin's wedding as maid of honor! Tummy don't fail me now!

Thank goodness the big picture is looking up!
M

Feeling Toasty

This is the latest girl added to the Scraparella posse. I haven't quite come up with a name yet, but the song by the Moldy Peaches
little bunny foo foo keeps swirling through my head. She's the first bunny I've made and with my excitement, I forgot to turn her ears right side out! So she's a little rough around the edges!



Friday night was spent putting the finishing touches on my cousin's shower gifts, signs, recipe box and such. Saturday, I didn't feel well enough to make the trip to her shower. It hurt, to not be there.I'm her matron-of-honor. This is only the most recent event I've had to miss due to my tummy issues during pregnancy. yikes. Luckily she was understanding.

Sunday, I felt a little better and we headed to Trader Joe's for groceries.It seems the pumpkin butter they had last year, is not yet on the shelves. However, today is the first official day of Autumn! 11:44am to be exact! So maybe next time we go.
On the way back we stopped at a flea-market at a local fire house. There was a woman selling fabrics, but nothing jumped out at me. But these did...


How could I pass these up for $1.50? She had other pieces, but I didn't want to over do it. I already have a couple of other mushroom pieces- some match, some don't. I scrubbed them clean and now they sit on the top of a bookshelf, next to my mushroom cookie jar.

In an attempt to find a proper winter coat- I had hit the thrift store closest to us last week. I found two tan jackets, neither of which actually button up really. So Zach and I decided it made more sense to buy a real, proper coat. Our winters are cold! With the lack of cool plus-size vintage in the area, I chose this coat from Old Navy. My hopes are that I can wear it all winter long- it doesn't look too much like a maternity coat.

I'm loving the charcoal color and that collar! Plus it was 20% off with free shipping, so I feel like we did a pretty good job.

Later in the day, the organizing bug bit me- actually more like took a chunk out of my brain. Because this is what I started doing around 7:30pm..


I know, scary. Zach could hear me doing something and when he came in- it was too late. I had emptied my closet and there was a mound of books,clothes etc. I got down off the chair just in time. But in my defense, I wanted to clean out my closet for a while- definitely before baby arrives- because yes, that is the corner of your crib you see there.


Here is a burp cloth I made and a bunny-girl onesie. Both are for baby Oat. I'm going crazy with the burp cloths, but why not?

With fall officially here and me hitting my 30 week mark yesterday,I can't believe we'll have a new person in our lives in less than 3 months. There is so much to do.
I better get back to my Fall-Clean-Out-The Closet-stint.
xo
M

Becoming a Functioning Member of Society

After calling the doctor's office, I found out all my tests regarding stomach issues were negative. So I just continue to keep dairy far away- as I longingly remember all the fun we had and I giddy up towards almond,soy & rice milk instead. Armed with imodium in my stomach I was determined to get a pair of jeans. Where do other functioning members of society go? Um in the suburbs? Usually the mall. I high-tailed it over to the closest Mimi Maternity/Motherhood Maternity shop.

Having bought all of my preggo clothes at either thrift stores or target sales racks up to now, i was a little shy when the uber-bubbly saleswoman acosted me. I told her I wanted jeans- plain & simple,that I work from home- so I don't need anything too fancy. With that she promptly walked me over to the Mavi/Lucky/Mimi jeans section.

I humored her b/c well I don't usually speak up- err at first anyhow. She explained that these are the "hip jeans" and that these are the jeans for people who shop at Banana Republic. oh. She then went on to tell me the back of the store was Motherhood Maternity and was more for Old Navy lovers & she sort of said it in a way that I should be ashamed if I went back there. strange.

I ended up being less hip and went for the $20.00 jeans in the back of the store. I don't normally buy jeans that are $118.00 especially when I'll only be wearing them for the next 7 months or so ( taking into consideration after the bebe). Needless to say my sale-hunter blood would not allow me to purchase the more exspensive pairs- so I didn't even try them on, I did get two pair for a fraction of the price of one.

Overall I felt like a true functioning member of society. toting a shopping bag & a chai latte- buying jeans! If I'd known how to make them I would have. But for now these will have to do. When you're tied to your home b/c your sick, once you get out you really appreciate the little things.. be them lattes or snooty saleswomen!

Afterwards a trip to the library- landed me the jackpot. Free, Better Homes & Gardens! Later I drove my under-the -weather friend to Joann's ( thread & fabric remnants) and Michael's ( large embroidery hoop,scrapbooking stickers & ribbon). It felt good to get out- we'll see what tomorrow brings~

Tuesday's Cute Patrol

So while I am not feeling so great, I've been watching episodes of Psych on the couch & listing items in my little hobo parade shop. But of course I've been searching Flickr, because, well I'm obsessed and I also get such inspiration from the crafties I've met there.

One of the great artists I bumped into is
Miss Avocado. She pretty much has some of the cutest, whimsical pieces ever. I can't exactly pinpoint what it is, but her pieces just speak to me.

I picked a few to share. A wedding topper, an adorable tote perfect for carrying your knitting or groceries, a little girl pillow- who not only has cute hair- but has a cat!! If that isn't enough this cute little illustration up top- even reminds me of who else? My love Harry Potter!!I know I'm obsessed! But for reals, there are so many unique and lovely items, like her own little world inside an avocado! So please check her
shop out, you'll be in uber! love xo
M

It Can't Rain All The Time

In our area we are on a flood warning (and now a wind advisory)- it rained most of last night and finally looks as though it has stopped. Although the weather reports assure us that it will continue. So I'll jump into my plaid rain boots. We're still nomming on the cinnamon buns I made. Which to my surprise we're pretty delish- for my first time baking them.

YUMTASTIC! I got the recipe at
BunnyFoot

I started a new design for onesies here is what it looks like.. a baby bindle stiff.


I'm also working on a girlfriend's birthday gift- who just got engaged. Usually zach does the tote bag-button work- but he was tired so I did it myself. I was pretty proud of how it came out- even if it might be slightly off. I hope she likes it. We all need to have a cute little tote for carrying around our bridal mags and other wedding planning garb.


I'm going to be writing a little ditty for the Storque- but I'll tell you about that later! My shop just reached 203 sales! I'm really excited and I can't wait to see what the upcoming months bring for craft shows and etsy. Hobocamp has been accepted to
The Providence Open Market - again- so I am really happy to go back with a fresh start, A new location, some new faces and a new schedule. We are also planning to do a few shows at SOWA The South End Open Market in Boston.

Lastly, I wanted to share one of zach's/247/magnum t-shirt design- it is (as most known my secret lover) Detective Robert Goren- Yes BOBBY! for all you Law & Order Fiends like myself. The Goren/Intense shirt I just love it and can't wait to get my own. I also saw that there will be a semi mini marathon tonight-on NBC starting with Criminal Intent ( which is now being called CI), SVU and regs Law & Order.

And since a lot of us will be setting our clocks forward- I thought I'd share this article that my husband wrote on the great time debate! Topless Robot

Happy Saturday~
xo
M

Saturday

So we went back to the church bazaar and still found some pretty neat stuff! I got a great pr of men's loafers that are super comfy and stylish they'll be perfect to wear wth my argyle sweater vest! We found a pair of miniature wooden owl magnets, a crazy large skirt made out of awesome fabric. I'll recycle the fabric to make a bunch of other lovlies. also snagged a perfect condition burgundy/wine- colored velvet blazer a few more slips and a neat pair of turqouise pumps with lace all over them Wowie!

I listed a few items today here they are:






I also repainted the little shelf I picked up from the bazaar:



We also went to the animal shelter in NJ to adopt another kitty. We saw soo many needy cats and had a difficult time with deciding it and didn't want to rush it. We also don't know how Hermione will react. We've started taking Hermione out in the backyard on a leash. She really looks like she's having fun, her tail immediately bushes up and gets all fluffy. Today she was even rolling around in the leaves.
Some pics of her:




I love her hot pink collar. She loves trying to eat flowers.