December 15, 2011

Limitless Blessings....

                         I reopened The Artist's Way book to find a quote for art class and came across this
"Expect your every need to be met, expect the answer to every problem, expect abundance on every level, expect to grow spiritually." ~ Eileen Caddy ... below it I had scribbled in pencil
"and you will"
That was 2003, when I read the book, just moved to San Francisco, shortly after my Dad died (who recommended the book), and a few months after meeting my future husband.
On the same page, I penciled around this paragraph:
"One reason we are miserly with ourselves is scarcity thinking. We don't want our luck to run out. We don't want to overspend our spiritual abundance. Again, we are limiting our flow by anthropomorphizing God into a capricious parent figure. Remembering that God is our source, an energy flow that likes to extend itself, we become more able to tap our creative power effectively." Next to it in the column I responded:
I'm always saying thanks for the now realizing (thinking) blessings don't last forever or nothing does for that matter - Wow the blessings just change?! =)
How could I forget this simple idea, it's so freeing, and amazing, and abundant?! And true.
Blessings never fade, or die, they just change form.....
Wishing you Faith in that, and Many Blessings this holiday season,
and in the New YEar!

December 13, 2011

Finger Painting (a one year old can do it!)

Our son got his first art making materials (finger paints and paper) at his first birthday from his sassy lil friend Ione, who is about 4 months younger than him. She is walking, and flirting, and sneaking kisses already! Yep, she got one from Stosh right on the smacker this past Sat that made him cry.  She has also been making beautiful finger paintings as early as 7 months old, which inspired us. It use to take two adults to one baby/toddler to make it happen, but these days we're like ol'pros so I took it on myself with Stoshua this past weekend, and wah lah! It's a beautiful Christmas wreath.
(with some help of course!)  
It's best done in a highchair with a bib on. Stosh was definitely more amused this time around than last 4th of July, or October. He definitely found it interesting, and enjoyed looking at the paint on his hands. The finishing touch is always his "hand signature" which is also a really cute way to document his growth. This is an unexpected new tradition, seasonal finger paintings. Parents: buy the non-toxic acrylic or tempera paint, and use big sheets of paper.  We'd love to see what you come up with!
Thanks Ione and Family!  We love finger painting!!!  xoxo 

December 10, 2011

My New Roots

My New Roots is some serious blog inspiration, without reading it, you will be impressed. Similar to the excitement I feel before opening a new Anthropologie catalog, I know I am going to get new ideas from an artistic, composition perspective when I visit.  The textures, and colors, arrangement and mood are obviously considered, and then, well top that off with the fact that it is all surrounding friggen deliciously, scumpshalescent food, that is healthy!!!  This is some good s***!!  I just have to say it that way, but you'll see.  (photo below is from My New Roots blog)

December 08, 2011

O' Christmas Tree

It's so easy to think about what we don't have, and all the things we want, or could use, rather than focus on what we do have. There are times that I try to tell myself, as cliche as it is, that there will be a time, when we look back, and remember 'out little apartment' fondly, and the good times we had, and appreciate the little things we might take for granted. The kitchen for instance. It is an itimate space, that causes us to eat close to one another, pup included.  From my seat I can turn the stove on, grab stuff from the counter, open all drawers, or turn on the toaster.  Our bedroom is a similar situation. We haven't moved our son's crib into his room yet, because frankly I think it's too big for it, the crib, not the room.  Often by morning, there are four (parents, baby, and pup) of us in a full size futon bed. But on top of all that, now there is a tree too, lit with christmas lights, and ornaments that haven't been taken out in over 9 years. This is our first christmas tree together, before Stoshua, we always traveled to see family for the holidays. Each of the ornaments like many of yours probably, have a story, and a memory that's rekindled when taken out and hung up. It's a magical time, that won't last forever, and even though I at times, feel like Charlie's grandparents in Willy Wonka, I wouldn't have it any other way. Here's to what we've got!  xo
 

December 03, 2011

A message of love ~ science and art

Words are far more powerful than we realize.  After reading Dr. Masaru Emoto's book The Hidden Messages in Water I started becoming more aware of what I was saying on a regular basis. He is a scientist who researches the effects of words, music and prayer on water crystals. The results are in the video below.

Considering we are 70% water, it makes one wonder, how much good or bad have we done to ourselves simply by our positive or negative thoughts and words. I spoke about this to my HS senior English class, and asked them to do something they probably have never done before ~ write yourself a love letter. Tell yourself how truly amazing you are, tell every cell and drop of water that it is loved, and that you have gratitude, and love for your whole being. I invite you to do the same.... however awkward it might feel. Don't you deserve to get at least one love letter from yourself in this lifetime?






  Love & Gratitude - inspired by Emoto            
  Terry Stevenson is an artist in Virginia who created this stain glass artwork inspired by Emoto's work.  She is the creator of Handmade- Hope, a website devoted to her work, and her journey as an artist.
                                     

November 16, 2011

Parents and Printmakers!

I recently learned that H&M has a Conscious Sustainable line of clothing that includes organic baby and toddler clothes that are just as reasonable as non-organic! This is good news for parents and fellow Etsy print makers! And if you're still questioning "why buy organic" check out Five Hive, a lovely site for parents that gives five concise points for every topic, simple and smart.  They don't have as many colors as American Apparel's organic line, but I'm sure they soon will.   xo

sneak peak into our studio........

We are working towards listing our latest project ~ Guardian Angels Prayer Flag set. But thought we'd give you a sneak peak here first. It is amazing how time consuming the details can be, finding the most afforadble twill hem tape alone took me two lunch periods to haul 10 or so blocks uptown to M&J Trim. While there I think I saw Judith Light from Who's the Boss. Anyway below you will see our lil angels strung up and ready to sing & dance!  They were inspired by a dusty craft book made in the 70's I came across in my art class room. Who couldn't use a Guardian Angel, or a few?

November 11, 2011

speaking of developmental milestones

TED talks is one of my favorite websites.  As a working mom during my son's first year of life the speakers on the site entertained and distracted me from the akwardness of having to pump on my lunch break.

He's almost 1 1/2 years old now. We are amazed by his development which unfolds before us naturally and his ability to just "be" himself without doubt and fear.  As adults we constantly have to reset our faith, and trust that we are on the right path, that we will be provided for, so long as we are putting our best foot forward, authentically, and from the heart. Speaking of best foot forward, Stoshua, our son, isn't quite walking yet, but he is talking! This particular TED talks, is about Deb Roy and his investigation of how children learn to form words. He studies his son's journey.
I think it is worth sharing.  xo

November 10, 2011

the Autumn leaves outside my window~ harvest abundance

It's early November. The leaves are at their finest. New York City is beautiful in the fall. With the cool air, things feel refreshed despite the natural decay. I feel reinspired. Of course food enters my mind, butternut squash, yuca, roasted garlic, acorn squash, kale and good red wines. Our favorite as of late is 7 Deadly Zins from Michael David Winery in Lodi, California. It's amazing and affordable! Similar to Peachy Canyon goodness. I'm pretty proud, back to food, that my 1 1/2 year old is eating kale, broccoli, green beans, and brussel sprouts! Trader Joe's seasonally sells brussel sprouts on the stalk! Yep see the picture. That is how they grow ~ boys eating veggies, and sprouts up a stalk.  ;)  What is your favorite wine or autumn dish?     

November 09, 2011

~ Lighting up hope ~ for the holidays



 Lee Rhodes started a business in the 80's based on the idea of hope, inspired by a tea light in a glass cup. It was while she was battling lung cancer and raising three children. She fought for seven years, and beat it. Her glass candle holders have sold enough to give $626,211.73 to charities dedicated to wellness since 2003. She only sells 1 product, that is simple, beautiful and meaningful.
www.glassybaby.com

November 08, 2011

my favorite breakfast...... what's yours?

banana, tofu lightly grilled with vegan butter, ezekiel bread toasted, cinnamon, salt and pepper    make sandwiches or not     followed with delicious french press coffee with organic soy vanilla creamer     xo

November 01, 2011

Protein-Packed Pizza

When we lived in San Francisco we went weekly to Trader Joe's. We moved to Brooklyn, and the closest one was in a quaint little town, an hour and a half away by car, Westfield, NJ. We went shopping once a month. People would stare at our cart.
Then, like a dream come true, TJ's opened it's first store in NYC. In Manhattan on 14th a block from Union Square....and then a few years later....one opened in our neighborhood in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn! Felt as if it was following us..our TJ mojo was pretty amazing. We could now *walk* to get our groceries. And even though we've moved, and it's now a bit of a longer walk, with stroller, and six bags usually...we do it because we love Trader Joe's.

But back on track- we made the best PIZZA evah the other night. It was really by chance.  Using Trader Joe's Steamed Lentils, red onion, oregano, olives, peas, and oddly, cucumber peel shavings I happen to also throw in, sauteed with olive oil...spread on top of tomato paste, salt, pepper and oregano on a whole wheat pita, baked on a pizza stone until the bottom is brown and crunchy....and wah lah! Makes a really delicious smokey, creamy yet crunchy pizza. What is best is the amount of protein your eating without the bad news cheese brings with it. Although, if you must sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on it while it's still hot, my hubby says makes it twice as delish!  Baby loved it too. Simple and fast to make, affordable and healthy. Great for a chilly autumn night.
Hey Happy 11. 1. 11                                                                               XO

October 26, 2011

Sound Contest!

How does R2D2 sound?  Come on all you Trekies, throw me a bone!??                                             
     (tee hee I know I know you're not trekies, your Star Wars peeps!)

October 25, 2011

Nada es imposible!


.......... so timely, with Halloween, and Day of the Dead around the corner....but more so for so many people, and for so many reasons.... because it seems just when things get foggy, and uncertain, and scary....at the darkest hour just before the dawn, somehow we're reassured, or reminded by fate, by a message, a sign....that 'nothing is impossible'.                                              Thank you Yreina. ox

www.AyMujer.etsy.com

October 21, 2011

...our first business card!



(showing front and back)

On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort towards spirtual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear.  ~ Bhagavad Gita 2:40

October 19, 2011

Whoo-whoo or is it hoot-hoot?

                                                                                                                                                                                NEW~http://www.etsy.com/listing/84207946/owl-organic-baby-toddler-onesie-whoo 

Not all owls hoot, and owls can make a wide range of other sounds, such as screeches, whistles, barks and hisses. During the nesting season, owl calls can often be heard up to a mile away.

Owls were a huge fashion trend in the 70's but have since had a big come back. My Nana had a gold owl necklace like the one shown below, probably from the 70's that I sport now and then. This necklace and many other fun owls can be found at The Owl Lady, an adorable kitschy-fun etsy shop dedicated to all vintage, all owls of all kinds.  Hoot-hoot!
                                         Vintage Owl Necklace Large Articulated Goldtone (Rhinestone Eyes)

October 17, 2011

Stinky feet & making beets

Making cards out of whatever was available at the time has always proved to result in some really friggen cute home made cards. Being resourceful is my magic super power.

Everyone has seen or made a hand print turkey. Our 6th mth old son last Thanksgiving made his first & we turned it into a card. Not so original. But this year for Halloween my husband came up with the idea to use his foot for a ghost! Using acrylic paint on black construction paper, we stamped his foot print, turned the paper upside down and wah-lah! On the back we glued another piece of construction paper, cut a zig-zag edge & then using autumn colored markers, wrote "Trick or treat, smell my feet, gimme something good to eat"! We made envelopes out of color paper. You can also use cool magazine pages that are filled with images but then you will want to use an address label to make sure it's visible. I loved how they turned out.

The fresh organic beets on the other hand, a gorgeous golden, vibrant yellow spiral of color when sliced, baked with a sprinkle of salt, pepper and drizzle of olive oil, didn't exactly taste so great? =(  They were slightly bitter? Suggestions? We're first timers. But back to the feet, aren't those lil toes something!



xo

October 13, 2011

..one of my favorite times of year

Autumn has been here, but it finally feels like it.  The tips of trees have a spattering of color, and the air feels cleaner and cooler and I feel love for NYC again, after a really fun first night out since being a Mama. (Stoshua is 17 months old!!!)

We completed our third custom made prayer flag set working with a client and their design ideas. I truly appreciate when a person really knows what they like and want, and have images to reference to boot! The set turned out amazing I believe because of that.
We also completed the long awaited meditational yoga prayer flag set!  And with the help of Richard, loving spouse, and Prospect Park we got some great photographs of them. Speaking of the park, they are having an amazing food truck rally through October. Don't think dirty wadah'dogs either. Food trucks have evolved selling things like gourmet waffles, dumplings, all natural slushies, kimchi, and gelato! Check it out!
Our next task is making my sister her promised chiropractic tee shirts and getting on with making some holiday fun stuff.

September 10, 2011

Sew Buttons, we're gonna write a blog for CaZmira!

We'll offer a lil' morsel of goodness for you to read a few times a week because that is what the "How to Make Money on Etsy" book says one will want to do!

The author of the above book writes 2 hours a day on his blog-s! As a Mom, Art teacher, and Etsy shop owner, I am pinched for time. My posts will be short and sweet, like a daily mantra or prayer. My love of making things, upcycling, cooking, mothering, creating, and sharing is what brings me here, really, and why I hope you'll want to invest your time in reading about what I share about these wonderful things!
        
xo