a scruffy start

So from my last few blog posts, you can see I've been under pressure and feeling stressed. When I am stressed out- the best person for me to talk to is my husband, Zach. He just makes me calmer- focus and think things out. He also adds another pov- which is usually always needed.

After my full steam ahead post about not buying anything, I saw that Sock Dreams was having a sale and I promptly spent $8.00 for 2 pair of over-the-knee striped socks. I guess I was pushing too hard and then I pushed myself back- sort of like having a fight with yourself. "He pushed me first", "No, I didn't you pushed me", you get the idea?

Last night Zach didn't get home till about 12:15am. The man left the house around 6:30 to catch the ferry. The ferry was out of commission, so he was driven by bus to Tarrytown. After work he had to go to an 8pm screening, which after travel time- got him in our little home a little after midnight. I waited up, I couldn't go to sleep.

Tonight, we had a mushroom curry for dinner (I should have lied about the apples I added- b/c apples are not Zach's thing and I think it made him un psyched after that) This afternoon Hazel & I had a lovely play date with friends and I thought for sure she would fall asleep like a champ. Instead she cried for 2 hours (we kept going in, took her temp,changed her diaper and put her back down with dolls & blanket too many times to count. But no friends, this kid was not going to sleep. So eventually I just brought her out to play. By leaving her quieter toys, dimming the lights and rubbing her back... again I thought for sure she will be out. Nope. Nadda. Finally Zach had to put her in our bed (where we all reside these days) and resorted to going to sleep with her. (I'm sure after his night he was happy to be in bed by 10.


Our new shop banner- by Zach

We even found out our insurance has changed for the worse- of so much more for the worse, but I am grateful we have insurance.
All and all there are so many things to be grateful for and it is easy to become scruffy and forget them.

Tomorrow is a new day full of promise for positive vibes. Perhaps a walk with the big red wagon. We still have some holiday gifts to deliver around town.
xo

New Year, New Me

Let's not put too much pressure on myself, right? This last year has been a total whirlwind. Hazel was born on the 2nd of December, so 2009 was the year of the baby and unfortunately the year of my colon. Watching her grow- so far has been amazing. Everyday she learns something new and makes us laugh, while turning into her own little person.

I do believe my colon is still intact, we have a love/hate relationship. My medication has been increased and I am trying to use what little computer time I do have to research everything & anything about colitis. But after a slight breakdown this weekend- due to stress of the holidays,being sick and our house-or lack-there-of I lost it. We are running out of space and right now I am grateful that Hazel's birthday & Christmas are not for another full year- which will give us time to make room for the things we have now.

With all of that said.. like Fawkes, I will rise. (We all know I am a dork, right? OK glad that is settled). So today with the babe down for a nap, Zach out running errands before the snowfall and a fresh mug of hot cocoa I wanted to share a few things.

I am going to start
this project. Although I am really proud of how are family has reduced our footprint, there are still many things I personally need to work on and things as a family we could work to change.

Here are a few of our green initiatives we've accomplished in the last year:
switching from tissues to cloth hankies
switching from our brief roll with disposables to a cloth-wearing babe
leaving the thermostat lower and just layering our clothes
recycling more heavily. There are more- but this is what I think of off the top of my head.

My goal for this month is in 3 parts. One, is to always use a reusable mug at coffee shops. I have them, I even make adorable cuffs to decorate them, I just don't always remember to carry it!

The second is to try and ease up on my consuming of certain fancy soy chai lattes. I can make this drink at home. It is taking up precious time I could be creating- spending quality time with Hazel and not in a car (I usually go to a further one that is a drive-thru.. so not to bother the sleeping babe).

Lastly, if I am not driving to get a chai- I am saving money, gas and lessening my footprint. So it is a win-win. Now I just need to really focus and see that I am buying into a ridiculous habit. I guess because there are so many things I can't eat- I get comfort out of one thing that doesn't bother me and is so widely available. Either way, I know I need to lessen this habit.

As for our family, I spoke with Zach while Hazel quietly listened and we've agreed to try and not buy anything new for a month. Of course food and essentials, but clothing or toys all must be hand-me downs or thrifted (which really is fine b/c I do love a good thrift store). I also will be following the 1 in 1 out theory as well. So watch out!

I hope you will join me on this journey to try and make a change for the earth. One small change is a great idea! Happy New Year!

First Attempts

I finally finished a pair of wool soaker longies for Hazel. I made them from one of my favorite sweaters- that after having for years just started shrinking. The pants are very plain. The legs are my sleeves. I left them the same legth, with hope sthese can be worn for several years. Right now our bedroom does not have heat. Although we do a bit of co-sleeping, I wanted Hazel to have toasty,wool pants to romp and nap in. To finish them, I tied them with a recycled bit of t-shirt I used as a cord.



When I first started Hobocamp in 2004, I saved ever little piece of fabric and worked it into another piece, somehow. Well with various moves every year after the creation of Hobocamp.. I started getting lazy. Perhaps it was the idea of packing up bits & scraps or then finding a place in our new home for them- either way both were a challange. I've since started using suitcases, which stack and allow me to savour some of the little bits I am just not ready to part with. This also goes for my growing wool sweater collection. When Hobocamp was a wee toddler, I made a couple of hats from recycled sweaters- listed them and voila they sold! So to keep with tradition I am digging into my sweater collection, mixing some little bits and coming up with a line of recycled caps for babe, kids & mamas and the odd papa thrown in. Sunday was spent sketching,pinning and cutting. Monday night was spent sewing. Today I took some quick shots. I mean very quick. Hazel has a superior runny nose and is in an all-around grumpus mood, so my pictures are not great. BUt this is my first attempt. Hope you enjoy them! Stay warm! The caps, I am lovingly calling Nifty Pixie Caps- will be available this weekish-weekend. They are a mix of creature,pixie,gnomes and whatever else you might imagine.




xo

December in many forms

Well as everyone gears up for Christmas, I'll leave you with an excerpt from A Child's Calendar By John Updike. We lost him this year and he will be missed. One of my favorite authors. I read this to Hazel a lot while in my tummy and now with her on my lap or rambling around the room playing as I read aloud.

:::::December::::::
First snow! The flakes,
So few, so light
Remake the world
In solid white.

All bundled up,
We feel as if
We were fat penguins,
Warm and stiff.

The toy-packed shops
Half split their sides,
And Mother brings home
Things she hides.

Old carols peal.
The dusk is dense.
There is a mood
Of sweet suspense.

The shepherds wait,
The kings, the tree-
All wait for something
Yet to be,

Some miracle.
And then it's here,
Wrapped up in hope-
Another year!

Be well- Merry Christmas xo

What A Year Makes

Yes! It has been a year since my little babe, Hazel was born. Here she is all decked out with her papa exploring the snow.I should add, she wasn't all that impressed. She kept toppling over and her fingers looked very cold in her mittens. After a few photo ops we headed back in. Maybe next year she'll be more interested in snow.



This was Hazel a less than a month old. Looking at the first snowfall from the warmth of papa's arms.

Saturday night was spent finishing Hazel projects. I also added a quick one for her mama. Matching hats!



We'll be heading up to the tundra of Rhode Island- where I do love it so. Visiting Zach's family then coming back to NY to see mine. Packing,baking today and more little crafts as I get a moment to do so. This morning I am following a lead on wool recycled wool sweaters. xo stay cozy

full speed ahead

I know I have used this blog title before. But as Christmas is a wink away, I need to keep up my steam and get some things in order. As for the partying that took place the last few weeks, here are a few snapshots from Hazel's 1st birthday!


Her Rhode Island Party! Complete with gingerbread cake!


New Radio Flyer from Grandma Judy & PopPop Lou.

The New York Party:

not quite sure what to think of it all! I decorated her highchair with pink tulle left over from our wedding (3+ years ago!).


siblings & cupcakes


Wearing her snowflake crown I made her, along with a cute onesie. Scarfing down a GF cupcake with cranberry apple butter topping. They were delicious- if I do say so myself!

In Hoboland... We have a few new cuffs- just in time for the holidays!




Available in the shoppe!
Order today to have it for the big day!

flurry

Today is Saturday. Since we are living in very tight quarters these days, we decided to try and have an outside- winter-themed party for H at a local park. Today was the day, but we cancelled. We had read it would be sunny out, then the weather report turned to rain & snow. Such is luck for a December baby. I can only hope by this time next year, maybe we'll even have our own little home- that way no matter what size- we can squeeze our family & friends in all at once.

Today will be spent preparing for tomorrow and running errands. Hazel is fastly out growing her car seat, so we'll be shopping for a new one. Then maybe a few stops in Nyack at some natural stores, Playing Mantis and a new eco baby shop- just to look- of course! When I get home, I'll be making stuffed mushrooms with GF stuffing (shh), meatballs in a cranberry-type sauce and some other yummy GF fare in prep for Hazel's 2nd family party (this is for my side). Have a great Saturday!


Did I mention? Hazel got hr first pair of big girl shoes. Um Yes, Thanks to Grandma Judy, Hazel is sporting green New Balance, with Oscar the Grouch. Here she is trying them out!