Tuesday's Organizing Brigade

Ok, so there isn't exactly a brigade- unless you count me and the baby in my tummy.. cause the cats aren't much help. For the most part the apt. is settled, but we have pockets of unorganized mess. So today at least for an hour, I am going to try and whip those pockets into shape. Our bookshelf (Expedit) is up and in full effect! Dividing my little space, housing our Harry Potters and other cuteness.

Yesterday I took some shots of two of my latest coffee cuffs- which will be in my shop today.
The first one was made from a heavy duty canvas/furniture fabric with various ribbons stitched on. The second is made from a vintage white fabric with raised soft-velvety green polka dots. I then put some fun carrot fabric over it with a handmade gingham in yellow fabric button.
Too cute! They'll be here Cuteness and Then Some!.

On another note, I'm going to meet with a Maternity Consultant at the local hospital. I'm not very happy with the way my OBGYN experience is actually going.
After watching The Business of Being Born- I realized that I didn't have to be uncomfortable, which has been the way I am feeling. It took watching this movie and a family friend casually asking me if I had a midwife- before I realized there were other options. I went to school for Women's Studies and to be honest at the time they didn't really get into too much about hospital birth Vs. midwifery. Right now I see a slew of different Docs who are partners. I never really see the same one twice and feel no connection to them, nor do I even know who would deliver my babe. So, tomorrow I'll research other options. I'll be sure to share them! But check out the movie- it was pretty amazing!

Well one of my favorite events is this week... not so much of an event as it is a civil duty.. you know- the new season of Project Runway! I'm pretty excited! I've also gotten addicted to Flippin Out- which is funny to admit. But while Z is on his weekly conference call- I look to Bravo to keep me company.

Hope you're all well
xo
M

Weekend Nest Building

The strawberries were from a local grocery/garden shop in Oneonta. They were local & delicious! We enjoyed them on the 4th of July. Which reminds me, next weekend I need to make time to visit our Farmer's Market. When I first lived in this town, I could walk to the market every Saturday and usually did. But weekends fill up and before you know it you've forgotten to stop. But I am going to make it a point to stop next Saturday. Enjoy the local flavor and the wonderful bluegrass band that usually plays.

We had a fruitful trip to Ikea and now our Expedit bookshelf is in our living room dividing the space for my studio nook. It is filled with Zach's Mego figures, some jars of buttons,Scraparellas and of course our Harry Potter busts that adorn the top. Zach and I are kids at heart- but I think it will make for a fun apartment to raise a child. The kitchen is falling into place and I have since set up my Strawberry Shortcake pieces on top of a small closet my parents gave us. The vibe is semi-retro, the color- red, black & white.

Friday mom & dad met me at Babies R Us to add a few things to my registry. How confusing!! I've been researching everything from cribs-car seats and I still don't know where to begin.I just want to make sure I am doing the most research possible to make a truly informed decision- but it is kinda overwhelming because there are so many options. So I mostly added basic items, like onesies,blankets,crib gear and other accessories. There is something about using a gun and adding things to the magical registry- that is full filling in a shopping way,yet also keeps your wallet intact.

Curtains were hung in our bedroom. We went with a Martha Stewart green stripe. Zach also hung a small lamp from our ceiling. The shade is a square rice paper in cream. Today we'll put the bed together. It is a simple frame in a silver-metal. We decided to go with the more streamlined- basic frame. I'll be able to hang my vintage quilt from the headboard- which is a nice added bonus.

Since Jasper got me up at 4:30 along with clodhoppers upstairs, I was able to see the last few minutes of the sun rising. The cats both watched with me. Hermione by her window Jazzy on the arm of the couch. At some point today a matinee for Hellboy is in our future. Hope you're having a great weekend. Stay Cool!
M

Thursday Time to Boogie!

YAY Feature on Vintage Indie~, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

I feel like so much is happening, yet everything is standing still. Does that make any sense? I've been down with a stomach bug of sorts for about a week. I'm trying not to let it keep me down.

This screen pic is from the awesome blog Vintage Indie, http://vintageindie.typepad.com/vintage_indie/2008/07/vintage-green-.html they graciously featured two of my coffee cuffs today. Check them out!

Yesterday was my 19 week sonogram. All went well ( although I had to drink 32 ounces of water and couldn't use the restroom- which was torture)- finding out who we are cooking in my belly was ALL worth it. Of course it is 90% positive- we're having a LITTLE GIRL!! We couldn't be happier. The names are just flowing and I am just trying to write them all down so I don't forget. We want something old fashioney and unique. Being named "Melissa" sort of took away from being special when there were 7 others in every class!

After the sonogram, mom and I went to have breakfast- (actually my second breakfast - apparently my child is now a Hobbit and we need to eat numerous breakfast meals). Mom & and highly recommend Ikea's new breakfast options. The home fries were yummy and the French toast sticks were outta this world! Only I could have had 2 servings- they only give you 3 per serving.

I picked up an adorable mobile made of felt , some wooden picture frames to paint and some cushions for the kitchen chairs. I was staking things out for our upcoming weekend trip. Maybe I can convince the hubbie to take me back for B-fast & more French toast yumminess.

Things in the creating department for Hobocamp have been slow. I have been doing a bit more nesting and working on home/baby projects. But I plan this Friday to spend the day crafting up new pieces for the shop. So there will be some new summery coffee cuffs which can also be used to keep your hands dry on iced cups!

Have a great day!

the enlightened hula girl

No place like home, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Up front- I'll say I only liked these words together for a non- boring title and by no means do they have any significance.

However, with that said we did have dinner and spend our evening with Zach's sister's family- who live in Hawaii. We strolled around 42nd street ate at a lovely Italian place called Azalea and people watched from the corners. It was my first time being in NYC since I became pregnant. I must now have baby-vision b/c everywhere I look their are teams of preggos. There was also a nice man who gave me his seat on the subway- so much for wondering" Do I look pregnant?"

Thursday- Saturday we spent in Oneonta with my family. Cooking out, chatting and laughing at the silliness of little kids. I had a really nice time. Everything clicked. The food was great and things ran smoothly. Although the beds are a little uncomfy- the gorgeous bathroom my brother just installed- made up for all that. I can now say I've taken a bubble bath in Oneonta. On our way out of town we hit the local Sal's. Zach scored some great shirts and I found some adorable onesies and such.

The rest of the weekend was spent hanging up towel racks, picture frames and shopping for food at the market- our first actual " big shop" for the new place.

Now Monday is here. I am visiting at my parent's house, washing all of the baby clothing I have recieved and sorting it. With hopes, this Wednesday at my sonogram we'll find out who we are cooking in this tummy of mine!

With luck when I return home today- there will be a new air conditioner, new back door, new closet doors and a new step installed in our place. I just hope the kitties behave!
Have a great Monday
xo
M

Here Comes Big Shoes...

So while I have rice in the rice cooker and fresh spinach steaming on top, I thought I'd take a minute to introduce you to my new neighbors who live above.

Yes, they wear big shoes.. possibly shoes very similar to these- for what other shoes would make such a loud noise every time they scuttle (is that a word?) - scuttle around the apartment? I'm convinced that the two elderly adults above us- never covered their floor with carpets as the lease told them to- in order for them to do their clodhopper's jig all hours of the night in whatever heavy-heeled shoes the prefer. Believe me, what sounds like utter complaining is actual awe and kinda relief that we are not hearing a TV blasting. You never know as a renter, while lies above- below or next to. The next door neighbor is a whole other post!

Either way we are S E T T L I N G in. I've hung a few of Zach's paintings and one of mine. And we may even get to IKEA next week to order our mattress and other lovlies. YAY! no sleeping on the bed on the floor! (we gave our bed frame away)-

In other events, on my mall stint I fell into Payless. Yes- I did say fall. They were having a BOGO sale and oh how I love to save a dollar! From my reciept I saved $10! I'll share the photos tomorrow.
xo
M

Sassy Yellow & Black

Macro- Custom Order Clutch, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

This is a macro shot of a custom order I've been working on. I am really happy with the way it came out- I hope the new owner is too. You never know- when you're creating a custom order. The person is entrusting you to use your crafty psychic vibes to figure out what they want.

After some much stunting time- I'm starting to put craft supplies , fabric and my nik naks in their cozy little places. I reworked my universe board- and I'm much happier with the outcome.

We're going up to Oneonta for a little getaway w/ my family. Thursday-Saturday. My brother has a little cabin up there. I love the area. The little strip has a great coffee shop with free WIFI and a great Salvation Army. We try to go up at least once a year. We might even try to go up again later in the year before baby comes. So I have the kitchen floor littered with reusable totes full of snackies and other treats to bring up for the 4th.

I'm meeting a friend at the mall in our area today. They use to have a humungo Joann's which was always a great place to stop in and check sales. But alas it went out of business. We'll probably do some window shopping and grab a coffee and I need to mail out some orders.

I'm hoping the outfit I'm wearing isn't too much for a preggo. I asked Z before I left the house. He usually is honest- but aid I looked cute. I'll have to take a pic and show you all later. I'm running out of clothes!

Have a great day and stay crafty!
xo
M

Getting It All Together

Vintage Thread, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Has been something- I don't know if I can Do! Our boxes- technically are dwindling down. I have given away 3 boxes of Goodwill since I've moved in and I have another box almost full.

Yet the part of organizing and putting together that I most looked forward to ( my studio nook) has turned into a messy- stunted project of sorts. I started using some of my favorite fabrics and framing them in embroidery hoops. Then one of the hoops fell down the side of the desk- which we can't reach. Next my board- so psyched to receive the clothespins from QueenVanna- and then I couldn't find the fabric to match- that I had previously found. ( Note: Always buy it when you see it- chances are, if you think it is fab- so will everyone else!) What a complainer! I know. Hermione is giving me a look like- oh please ma!

So, I thought I'd just let you in on my little secret- just like writers have blocks- perhaps I've reached a crafty decorating block. I think the next post shall be about inspiration and some of my favorite studios.

Till then-
xo
M