Embracing the Caterpillars

Aside from one actual caterpillar who was crossing our driveway during the late summer, the caterpillars I am referring to are my eyebrows. Since high school, I have usually kept them very plucked- no hair out of place- very 1940's chic. I would pluck them to no end and they always grew back- much to my surprise. But in the last few years, I've really gotten tired of getting them waxed. My last experience was while visiting my in-laws in Westerly. I went to a random shop one quiet Saturday morning and had them waxed by a very quiet, older gentleman. Aside from his quick "OK, I"m finished" neither of us said a word. I was the only customer there and when I looked in the mirror it was like a Monet (if I can quote Clueless) From far away my eyebrows looked great, but up close they were a true mess! Instead of plucking the strays he cut them. It was not pretty. This all on the tail ending of me waiting weeks for them to grow out to get stood up by the threader at a local salon. So now, I am embracing my Brooke Shields caterpillars. I am letting them grow in and just taking care of the real rambunctious ones, aren't you happy I shared that!?

Now for something cozy...



everyone needs a little cozy spot every now and then even if that is in mama's basket of new yarn!

In other news, we've (well, I and my parents) have started decorating for Winter/Christmas. Zach does not seemed very excited- but he's always been my little
Ba humbug anyhow. It is just a magical time of year and our little girl is turning one- so I want everything to be festive.


our little autumn leaf faerie



I'm working on two Scraparellas- which have taken waaay to long at this point, it is sort of embarrassing. One is for Hazel and another for a dear friend's daughter. Yes it will be for Christmas and thank God they aren't paying me- because I would feel even worse. But all I can do is harness the power of Santa's elves and get it done. Then that doesn't even begin the list of holiday gifts I need to make or presents for Hazel I want to make.. including our outfits for Thanksgiving! With all the hustle of lights going up on the house, wooden beads draped on the windows, my bird collection in it's winter best.. I am searching for inspiration and a firm kick in the tush to keep the locomotive
(emphasis on loco) moving at full steam! xo Have I mentioned Hazel is having 3 parties?!

veg city

Veg City Diner, was one of my most favorite places in the world to go to. It was located around 14th street in NYC. One of the only places in the area where you could get a vegan meatball parm hero at midnight! Then one day they were gone. But don't let me fool you, I was speaking entirely about myself. I am- veg city. Veg city is the glazed eye, TV on,do nothing look I've had the last few months. Some also use the word couch potato. Running around after an almost-toddler is paying its toll and I'm beat! So when Zach gets home at 7- it is all I can do to hand him the babe- hopefully make us dinner or be smart enough to have something cooked or on the stove and then put her down to sleep. After that the TV goes on (in my defense, Zach works for Television Without Pity and needs to watch in order to edit content and write reviews). I have no real excuse.

So tonight, I will bring the sewing machine into the kitchen and begin. A ritual? I don't know yet, but something I would like to try every week. Shop projects and handmade gifts for the holidays and for our home. I am so inspired and read so many crafty blogs and then feel frozen.. almost overwhelmed by the amount of energy so many people exhibit. With kids? How? Even without kids- working full time?! You are my hero!

I am also going to stop the consumerism. I have been telling myself "oh this is OK, this little thing was on sale". But in the end it all adds up and it all comes from our little nest egg we are guarding.. ( in order to own our own nest some day) so if I can push myself forward through this lump of a moment and learn something- we'll all be better served.

With that said here are some pictures I took for inspiration, yesterday on an adventure with Hazel. Maybe not a traditional place one might look for inspiration, This is Letchworth Village, located in Thiells NY. Built in the early 1900's it was used as a home for disabled,epileptic, and other illnesses or disorders doctors didn't understand. It closed in 1996. We didn't even get out of the car, but as you can see there was some real history here- a lot of it sad, unfortunately. My sister worked here briefly, years ago and she had some happy tales to share. Now it is closed up and a source for ghost stories, double dare ya's, and the unknown. From photos of what I've seen inside, there is water damage, rot,graffiti and everything else you would expect from an abandoned building. It calls me every time I drive by. The piece of a curtain blowing out of a boarded window, the broken glass panes, the old stone. I'm no photographer, but I was happy with what I got from a car window. Zach has said he'd go walking around with me, because it is all paved.













Hopefully next time I'm back I'll have some sights to share- no pressure though!

First of Many

Although we were semi-rained out, we still managed to have a great time. We kept the costumage very simple. A handmade pumpkin hat (thank you aunt Linda) a handmade tutu ( mama) and some very inexpensive (dollar store) wings. The group consisted of my parents,brother & wife, their 3 kids, Zach and us. We only went to the houses that knew us- but Hazel wasn't that into it- just yet.

The remaining weekend was spent rearranging bedroom furniture and books. Switching the books in the living room from my craft/sewing/art books - Hazel's board books etc. This way when she is pulling them off the shelf, she isn't doing any damage. We also rearranged her crib and our bed. Living in a small space- you MUST be able to have an open mind and be willing to try something new. Parts of our space is cramped- so other parts are free of clutter in order for Hazel to play & crawl etc.

Was advised to call my GI tomorrow and then we can go over a new medication. I'm just happy he seemed open to helping me via telephone, because it is a big deal to go into the city to see him. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Trying to e a s e back into gluten free, not that happy about it.. but t r y i n g to stay POSITIVE!
xo

checking in

The weather this fall has amazed me. Pouring rain for two days straight- now we have a sunny day, with a yard full of golden yellow leaves. gorgeous.

Hermione, our first kitty has been going through something, I took her to the vet and it appears the spell of fleas we had during the summer- must have affected her and she seems to have developed an allergy of sorts. She is nibbling her little, skinny legs down to the bone. She's now on antibiotics and received a shot of cortisone for the itchy & inflammation. So when I see her in peace, sitting next to me- basking in the sun, I'm grateful for us both. A cat, that when we met her at the shelter they were calling "Angel" yet telling everyone she was "vicious" intrigued us. We didn't want a kitten, we wanted the runt- who was a little older (3 at the time) and possibly in need of real love. She is still a very shy kitty and scares easily- but the love she shares when cuddling up can warm the coldest heart. She's even gotten over that slight scratch/bite people thing.

Then there is this girl...



I can't even believe a year has almost gone by. Another holiday season beginning. Halloween starts it all off for me. I'm very excited to get dressed up- in whatever random-fun I can find and take Hazel around the neighborhood. My brother & sister-in-law and nieces & nephew- we'll also drag my parents out too. Still figuring out what Hazel is going as, Zach calls her a mischief fairy- which is very appropriate.

So much to do- 4+ knitting projects in baskets around the apartment- gifts to be finished- 3 December birthdays, including Hazel's first. I'm looking forward to the weekend!
xo

decisions lead to more decisions

(the Hudson River in fall)

When it comes to certain things- I have my decided view point and am usually willing to sway when I hear more details or ahem facts. But on the whole I can be very indecisive. That is why I've been talking about getting a bread machine for a bazillion years now and am yet to get it. Well after reading several Gluten-free blogs over & over some pro bread machine- others not.. I decided to go without. I guess I have always been afraid of bread making and baking in general because the proportions have to be exactly right.. or something tastes funny or doesn't rise etc. I also don't have the right tools.

With the thought of going gluten-free I decided instead of spending money on a $100+ bread machine, I would look for the supplies to bake my own bread from hand- still using a mix- at least for now. So I scoured the web searching for a somewhat comprehensive, realistic list of tools I might need, The Kitchn
had just the thing. So today I am going to try and gather these tools be it new or old.

A quick trip to the fabric shop this weekend landed me with a gorgeous 3 yrds of Heidi Grace mini damask for $1.00 a yard! I bought what was left on the bolt. I want to use this to make Hazel a little jumper and myself a skirt for Thanksgiving.We'll see how it goes.

Here are two of my vintage winter hats I've been sporting.

(a few weekends ago, Zach had a cold and we were trying to find our winter clothing- in tubs in our shed. The shed my parents so graciouslly bought us since our clothes runneth over.)



Have a cozy Monday!

the days in photos

So the rummage sale did not let me down. The first day, I scored a bunch of beautiful & useful items and Saturday I dragged Zach back for more. It amazes me how I can go over a place with a fine-toothed comb the first day- yet when I go back there are gems I've missed!


A couple of vintage berets, a wool skirt, some wool sweaters for felting and upcycling. A pair of jeans that a perfect for roaming around town-running errands or working in the yard with leaves.


Some vintage tablecloths


Some cotton longjohns- which is perfect- I've been looking & trying to collect these!


The haul- the first day!


The last of our nursing. Hazel woke around 1 ish and Zach took a few shots in the dim light of our last nursing session. I've been dealing with it. Hazel has been a true champ and is much enjoying her bottles. This kid has an amazing spirit. She's very much a go-with-the-flow, easy going babe. Maybe her mama should take a few tips from her!


Still trying to have hope this new medicine works. But I am very skeptical as I'm sick every morning for at least 1-2 hours. The weekend is here and so is the rain. Got some light sewing in last night. Made Hazel her witch's tutu for Halloween as well as added some tulle to a new dress for an upcoming wedding. Running to the market,maybe bake some spiced muffins- defenitely drinking hot cocoa and cuddling. Then there is our new obsession,Fringe. Zach brought home the first season and I'm hooked!

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!