Happy Anniversary to Us!

Happy 1st Anniversary to Us!, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

I can't believe that 6 years ago on the 12th, Zach and I had our first date after chatting through Friendster- does anyone even remember that site? So we chatted- exchanged a few emails and had our first date on Feb 12th... a mere 3 days before V-Day. Luckily we didn't really acknowledge that day, which made for smooth sailing and no awkwardness- there was plenty of awkwardness brought on by us both- we didn't need any help!

Our first date was at the Thai House, a great little place that use to be an old diner- but is now an authentic Thai place. I was nervous and late. He seemed very cool and didn't laugh at any of my jokes. He also came up with a plan to go for coffee after the movie we were going to see and instead of coffee he dropped me off at my car and promptly drove off. I guess he kinda forgot. It was something that I never held against him and even till this day- we get a laugh out of it.

Zach thank you. My best friend. My partner. A papa. You make it all worth it. I am so appreciative of you and how you care for your family. Through sickness and in health- here is to 60 years!

As we embark on our new journey as parents,lovers,friends and hopefully homeowners- I wouldn't want anyone else by my side.
my soul mate xo

Stay in your jammies Sunday

The shop update was rescheduled- due to all of us coming down with whatever virus it is that Hazel had! First me yesterday, then Zach today- we've got a virus hex on our house. Beware! More to come when we finally get dressed and are seeing straight!

Saturday Update

Saturday Update, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

For all things toasty, check out our shop!

Looking Forward to the Weekend..

Since Zach doesn't get home till around 7:11 after he bathes HAzel and they have some papa baby time- we don't get a whole lot of time together. So when the weekend arrives, it is always welcome.. especially if a little snowstorm is also on the horizon. This weekend though, we are looking at a few houses- one of them being built in 1850. I have no idea what a house that is 160 years old needs by way of upkeep, but I have that nosy,generally interested in how-others-live vibe inside- so we have to take a look!

There will be a shop Update this weekend *hopefully* with new coffee cuffs and a Nifty Pixie cap or two. Here are some of the photos of stitched items, new, old and the soup I've been making a lot of these days.






Have a great weekend!

The Best Brownies I've Ever Made

peanut butter brownies GF, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

story to follow!

OK, so I must admit these are made from a box err bag mix. I used the Gluten Free Pantry Chocolate Truffle Brownie Mix. It is the first mix I used when I went GF and even though I am no longer completley adhering (it wasn't really helping me) I still go to this mix. It has chips in it already. When I made it I used liquid eggs (which isn't what I normally use) I didn't use any applesauce ( which I usually do instead of oil or egg sometimes, but it gives the baked good a very thick dense consistency) and I added the peanut butter. No real recipe- just the most amazing brownies I've ever made! Baking is always touch & go with me. Even the other day using a recipe I have made a million times for 2 loaves of banana bread- because I added the brown sugar to the wrong boil, I am convinced the bread didn't bake right. I'll still eat every morsel.

Liar

So I had said that you are never fully dressed without a smile. I also said I would start getting fully dressed regardless of how I felt. But today I ate my words. It is now 2:45 pm and I am still in one of my favorite pair of yoga pants along with a vintage t-shirt, but technically I am wearing a smile. Between a sick babe and an always sick mama- the change into something other than my sleepwear didn't happen today!





Our little girl is feeling a bit better today and keeping down her food. She still isn't her usual self, but we're working on it. Lots of homemade soups from mama,cool drinks and cuddles. The camera is missing or I'd show you some of my new coffee cuffs that will be in the shop this week. Feel like I"m starving.. must get something to nibble. My mom is making turkey meatloaf,organic mashed potatoes and cauliflower for us. Her food is always delicious- I'll miss being able to eat it whenever I want once we move. Cherish these times. xo

this is your life

Just a quick note- to keep things freshly up-to-date! Hazel has come down with a stomach virus. She started getting sick (the big V) in her crib around 11ish pm. I woke up and saw her standing up in her crib and just called to her, then I knew something was wrong. So we spent the next 10-12 hours cleaning up and then lulling Hazel back to sleep.

Seeing your child in an uncomfortable or painful situation and not being able to do much is difficult and heart-wrenching. This morning I cancelled my dentist appointment and made a DR appt for her. In the morning she seemed renewed- then after a smoothie- we had to toss her duckie book, because he too was enjoying a smoothie. A quick trip to the grocery for organic grape juice & some vitamin water.

She's now napping, while a huge digger truck right behind my parent's house digs up ground in order to lay pipe. Oh have I mentioned our neighborhood will soon be privy to a water treatment plant? Yes, practically right behind my parent's house, there will be a plant that is working on purifying the Hudson River into safe drinking water. So there's that too.

On Sunday we took a trip to Beacon, NY. Where I think we fell in love with this tiny gem of the Hudson Valley. A huge main street is home to a vinyl toy shop, a hot dog place (with veggie dogs), several independent coffee shops,second hand shops, a handmade shop,the library,a dog boutique and a million galleries- the list can go on. So needless to say we want to live here. Now we just need to find a house. We saw a couple we were interested in, but alas we were beat to it. So we've got our eyes peeled and are on the prowl. It is tempting to just rent a house or apartment. This does make sense, but with all the saving we've done- I would be afraid our mojo would somehow get forgotten or lost and the money squandered at Target or a candy shop lol
(I'm joking).

Lastly over the month of January I did cut down my consumption of buying chai as well as using paper cups. It felt good to have my unique cup and know I was doing something good for myself and those around me (even if I do still get looks). I am still going to continue this into February as well as trying to only purchase preloved items. A few other things I am working on, but I think a bowl of Cocoa Pebbles is in order for the kind of week I have been having. ( is it Friday yet?!) xo