Team Tuesday: KnitStorm is a Tea-lover’s Best Friend
By Kitty | March 9, 2010
Welcome to the EtsyNJ Team Tuesday blog hop! This is my second week participating, and so far it’s been quite fun! Each week we get to blog about a fellow EtsyNJian and then at the bottom is the McLinky thing, which will bring you to a list of all of the other EtsyNJ features so that you can “hop” from one to the other! Have fun!
This week I am going to feature a fellow EtsyNJian who is also on team EcoEtsy (I’m also on both Street teams), so I see a lot of her stuff: KnitStorm! Trust me, she takes knitting by storm! Kate (the genius behind KnitStorm) says she’s a self-taught knitter, crocheter and embroiderer who just loves to create new things. She makes all sorts of wonderful knitted creations, like i-pod and phone cozies, scarves, and paper cup cozies, but my all time favorite creations of hers are her hand-knit mug cozies. I’m a tea drinker myself, but I’ve included here a variety of her mug cozies. Check them out!!
Lovely Mug of Tea Cozy by KnitStorm
Tea Love Knit Mug Cozy with Heart by KnitStorm
Green Tea Mug Cozy by KnitStorm
Don’t you just want to snuggle down with a good book and a cup of tea with an oh-so-cute KnitStorm mug cozy?? I do!
Click here to enter your link and view the entire list of entered links…
Topics: Eco Etsy, Etsy Favorites, EtsyNJ | 4 Comments »
Spring Means Skunkies!!
By Kitty | March 8, 2010
If you are afflicted with melancholy at this season, go to the swamp and see the brave spears of skunk-cabbage buds already advanced toward a new year…There is no can’t nor cant to them. They see over the brow of winter’s hill. They see another summer ahead.
I found this quote at the start of a great blog post about one of my favorite wetland plants–Symplocarpus foetidus, aka Skunk cabbage. I found the post because the author, through the Creative Commons license, used one of my photographs in the post! Pretty cool, eh?
Now, I love skunkies (as I call Skunk cabbage) for a number of reasons. Yes, they are the first flower of the year. Also, I’m one of those weird people who likes the smell of skunk. I know, “eiww gross!” Well I like it, so skunk cabbage has a certain added appeal, since it smells like skunk. Also, skunkies are obligate wetland plants in NJ, which means that finding them made my job as wetland scientist a whole lot easier back when I was an environmental consultant. Either way, skunk cabbage are an awesome plant. Read all about them on The Natural Capital Blog post entitled LOOK FOR: Skunk Cabbage, First Flower of the Year.
Skunk cabbage are all over NJ especially in the Great Swamp, one of my favorite hiking locations. We actually just went on a hike there yesterday with our good friend Sharon. While I didn’t take any pictures of skunkies this time, I did take a picture of my wonderful husband and adorable daughter Maddie. Yay spring!
Topics: Heart of Nature Fame, Inspirations, Loving the Earth | No Comments »
EtsyNJ Team Tuesday: Beachchik Designs Feature
By Kitty | March 2, 2010
Welcome to the EtsyNJ Team Tuesday Blog Hop! This is my first week participating, since I’ve been a bit out of the loop and missed last week’s premier! Each week we get to blog about a fellow EtsyNJian and then at the bottom is the McLinky thing, which will bring you to a list of all of the other EtsyNJ features so that you can “hop” from one to the other! Sounds cool! Let’s see how it works.
When I think of EtsyNJ, I immediately think of Kim at Beachchik Designs. Kim is the rockin awesome EtsyNJian who organized both OM Baby craft shows in Point Pleasant… my first two shows ever! (and only two, so far! hah) I’ve gotten to know Kim through the OM Baby shows and through facebook and email correspondence, and not only is she a super talented artist, but she’s a sweetheart to boot! She’s been loads of help along my journey into motherhood, and there’s no better person to feature, in my opinion! So here are some of my favorites from her Etsy shop. Check her out and get ready for summer!!
I love the look of these hand-painted canvases… and the fact that they are of K & G for Kitty and Garrett makes them especially special! I could see these sitting on my mantle one day…. one day when I have a mantle!
Here’s Kim’s info in the description of these fabulous coasters:
Did you know?
Seahorses are unable to curl their tail backwards.
Seahorses have a single mate for life. Every morning, they come together, dance, change their color, twirl around with linked tails and then separate for the rest of the day.
Mating is usually done under a full moon.
While mating, seahorses utter musical sounds.
Seahorses are the only animals in the entire animal kingdom in which the male has babies. The female seahorse deposits the eggs into the male’s small pouch, these eggs are then fertilized by the male.
This set of 4 tumbled marble coasters with cork backing is awesome! You can’t go wrong,… really!
No feature of Beachchik is complete without at least one of her fabulous shirts/onesies! I fell in love with this t-shirt the moment I saw it, and although it’s currently sold out, I plan on getting one for my darling daughter Maddie (provided she doesn’t shock us all and decide to be a pretty pretty princess instead of a dirt lover). Of course it will say “Nature Girl” and not boy!
Definitely check out Kim’s Beachchik shop and have a ball!! Now Maddie and I are going to go on a walk on this gorgeous spring-like day! Summer is near!
Welcome to the EtsyNJ Team Tuesday Blog Hop! To participate simply feature any EtsyNJ team member’s shop on your blog. You can find the EtsyNJ team by searching EtsyNJ at Etsy.com or by visiting our blog at http://etsynj.blogspot.com
Click here to enter your link and view the entire list of entered links…
Topics: Etsy Favorites, EtsyNJ | 5 Comments »
Baby Essentials: Mismatched Socks and Organic Bodysuits
By Kitty | March 1, 2010
Maddie just turned 2 months old on February 23rd, and she’s growing fast!! She weighs 12 lbs 12 oz and is 2 feet tall (or 24 inches long, whichever way you look at it) according to her well-baby visit with her doctor this morning!! She’s now wearing mostly 3 month or 3-6 month clothes, but the one thing I’ve had trouble finding is socks that fit. We have some awesome organic baby socks that say they are for all sizes, but even they leave dark red painful-looking lines on Maddie’s ankles. Booties seem to do the same thing. They have big feet, but a tight elastic around the ankles… and it may be fine, but the red lines look painful! I don’t want to do that to my lovely daughter! Finally, through a gift from a friend, we found the answer–Mismatched Socks by SolMate!! They come in a set of 5 socks and no two socks are the same. However, they are knit with the same color themes so they all go together in their own cool way! They are crafted with care by the Socklady out of recycled cotton, so not only are they comfy and colorful, they also are kind to the earth!. AND they fit Maddie without leaving dark red painful-looking lines! They are a bit big, so will fit for a while still… yet they are long enough that they usually stay on relatively well. I received my first set of 5 from Gina from Alluem Yoga as a baby gift (THANKS Gina!), and I loved them so much I went and bought another set of 5 in a different color pattern. They are definitely a baby essential!
Here Maddie is rocking her mismatched socks with an organic windmill bodysuit from CurlyMonkey, one of my favorite EcoEtsians. What better to go with recycled cotton funky mismatched socks than a stylish organic bodysuit? I have a few favorite organic bodysuits that Maddie wears quite often, and so I’ve included pictures here. CurlyMonkey has a great variety of organic bodysuits, blankets, baby tees, hats, and more at their Etsy shop. Check them out! Here’s a clearer picture of Maddie’s fav pink windmill bodysuit.
Another favorite organic bodysuit of Maddie’s is the first thing I ever bought for her, when I was only 2 months pregnant. I bought it at the Yoga Journal New York conference from BabyBe, but I recently discovered that they also have a shop on Etsy! BabyBe says in their Etsy announcement:
I love that message, and I love their stuff! If you are looking for wonderful yoga-inspired organic clothing for your little one, I would definitely recommend you check them out.
Finally, I have to include this last organic bodysuit since it’s one of my favorites. It’s made by The Gap…. yes, that big corporate company. BUT it’s organic and it’s oh so cute! I couldn’t pass up a Tree Hugger bodysuit, and the fact that it was organic made it a must-buy. I also ended up getting this same bodysuit in the next bigger size as a gift, so Maddie will be wearing it for at least a year!! Wahoo! 
Topics: Daily Update, Etsy Favorites, Pregnancy & Mommyhood | 3 Comments »
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
By Kitty | February 28, 2010
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I just wanted to write a quick thank you to everyone who responded to my last post about my daughter Madeline’s hearing loss. If you didn’t read it, you can find it HERE. I am so moved by the amount of love and support and the positive messages that have poured forth since my posting of that blog post. As some of you identified, it was very therapeutic for me to write out everything in one place, and through writing it I was able to come to positive conclusions. Many of you had wonderful insight to add as well, and for the benefit of anyone else who may be going through a similar experience, here are some of the words of advice and support that I’ve received from you, my loving family and friends. I am keeping these anonymous and even if your words are not included here, my thanks runs deep into my heart.
“Hearing aids will not define her as someone who can’t hear as well as others but they will define her as a person who won’t let that get in her way of living life to its fullest; it will allow her to embrace and appreciate the little things and blessings in life that most people take for granted…”
“Maddie may not have perfect hearing but she has something even better–2 parents who adore her and will be the best parents ever. She will grow up with lots of love and support and will have the strength to face whatever challenges life brings.”
“You are an exceptional person and you shall pass that wonderful trait onto your daughter. Garrett as well has the strength to see both of you through. Love is the answer.”
“She is so lucky to have been born to parents like you who will teach her just how wonderful and beautiful life can be without dwelling on what others might perceive as a tragedy. We love you very much!”
“As a fellow new Mommy, and hearing impaired person, I’d like to say that God has incredible plans, and sometimes those plans include learning to hear a different music, our own music, in our own way. With parents like she has, Maddie kicks a** (in a compassionate, ahimsa manner). Much love!”
“…As a parent it is best to start seeing your child as just another person who will deal with many of the same problems we all do. In other words, your perfect baby ain’t perfect, and you will be better able to help her if you know this.” So very true.
I love you all so very much, and thank you once again for bolstering us up as we (or mostly I, since Garrett is awesome and doesn’t see it as a problem) continue on with our wonderful life with our amazing, beautiful daughter. Every day is a gift! As Helen Keller said,
” Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Topics: Daily Update, Inspirations, Pregnancy & Mommyhood | No Comments »
A Call to All Audiologists, ENTs, and Undeclared College Freshmen
By Kitty | February 25, 2010
It took 2 months and 2 days for me to have a night like those described in all the baby magazines and articles and promised to first-time parents. A night like last night where all I could do was cry, sitting there holding my sleepless baby, overwhelmed by exhaustion and all that is in my future as a parent. I’m sure that finding out that Maddie has moderate hearing loss and will need to wear 2 hearing aids, as we found out after her follow-up hearing screening yesterday, had much to do with finally breaking me down. For me especially, since I wear bilateral hearing aids to compensate for a cause-unknown late-onset progressive hearing loss, this was heart-wrenching news. I won’t go quite so far as to say it was my greatest fear, but it certainly was a thought I had been pushing aside in my brain ever since Madeline failed her newborn hearing screening the day she was born, December 23, 2009. “About half of all babies fail their newborn hearing screening”…”It’s probably because of fluid in her ears because you had a vaginal birth”… the logical reassurance of the nurses rolled around in my head while deep down the fear was there. Despite the fact that the doctors I had visited who had concluded that my loss must be due to some genetic cause–although there is no family history of genetic hearing loss in my family–had said that even though my loss was most likely genetic it would probably not be passed on to my offspring, the fear was there. And now, confirmed… my daughter, too, will have to wear 2 hearing aids starting early as 2 months old. Granted, her loss is from birth while mine didn’t start until I was 21, so I don’t even know if I am “to blame”; if it is indeed my loss genetically passed on to her. Or perhaps it’s just luck of the draw that our daughter is the 1 in 1,000 babies born with hearing loss. All I can do is pray that her loss is static and will not progress, since she does still have decent hearing. She responds to sounds, follows voices, startles at sudden noises, makes coos and grunts and baby sounds… all of the “normal hearing” benchmarks have been met. Yet, she has hearing loss. Darn.
I can’t help but feel a bit betrayed. This is my daughter, a perfect and tiny baby. In my mind I hoped her to be the perfect combination of my husband and me, all of my “flaws” fixed. What it took me a few moments to realize is that Maddie is a perfect gift, just the way she is. I know this and love her intensely, so I know everything will be okay. I have so much to offer her, Garrett has so much to offer her, the world has so much to offer her… and I know that she has so very much to offer to the world, too!
I also know that it could be a whole lot worse, and I am glad that we found the loss early. The doctors who administered the hearing tests to pinpoint Maddie’s loss say that infants in which hearing loss is discovered and addressed early typically do not have any delays in speech and language development and most often are on grade level by the time school age rolls around. Also, Garrett and I are well versed in the nuances of communicating with the hearing impaired. Talking to Garrett, my husband, about it, he does not see it as nearly the tragedy as it first seemed to me. As he, the most loving and wonderful husband in the world, explained, he met me while I had hearing loss and he has a wonderful life that he loves and wouldn’t change at all. So what’s the problem? Maddie will have to wear hearing aids, but no biggie–it’s just like wearing glasses and tons of people do that. I hope Maddie one day finds a husband as wonderful as mine!
In the meantime, I’ve gotten over my “mourning” of sorts about learning that my daughter has hearing loss and will need to wear hearing aids. I’m sure it will be difficult for me along the road, like when she first gets fitted with the aids and I have to explain to people that she has hearing loss, just like her mom. Or when kids tease her in school and she comes home crying. Or any number of potential future hardships. Then again, who knows… maybe she’ll be proud and happy to have them. As the hearing doctors said, it’s often the parents who take it the hardest. They told me stories about kids who have hearing aids and have not the smallest qualm about it, while the parents worry and stress. Regardless, the things I will remember and that really matter the most are these:
- I love Maddie with all my heart. She is a wonderful, miraculous gift and she’s perfect exactly the way she is.
- Garrett loves Maddie and loves me with all his heart, perfect hearing or not. He will support us and love us through thick and thin.
- Our families are supportive and loving and will love us no matter what.
- I have hearing loss that is progressing quickly, yet since my hearing loss began I met, dated, fell in love with, and married my husband; I graduated from college with a BS with honors in Environmental Science; I obtained a Master’s degree in Elementary Education with a 4.0 GPA; I have worked as an environmental consultant and a third grade teacher; I teach and practice yoga; I’ve been asked to lead nature walks at a local National Wildlife Refuge; I have great friends and wonderful family…. so really, what’s the problem with hearing aids?
Everything will be okay. Actually, scratch that. Everything will be wonderful. Life is a gift and I am going to embrace it!!
Still…. to return to the title of this post. Here is a call to all Audiologists, ENTs (Ear, Nose & Throat doctors), and Undeclared College Freshman. Find a cure for hearing loss… specifically, sensorineural hearing loss. Why does it happen? Is there any way to help the nerves regrow or repair themselves so that those with hearing loss may regain it? OR at least develop hearing aids that don’t have crazy high-pitched feedback any time they are touched. And while you’re at it, waterproof hearing aids would be fantastic!
Why is it a call to Undeclared College Freshman, you may ask? Well…. if you can’t decide what you want to do with your life, I would recommend audiology and hearing research and development! Why not? You have a chance to positively impact many, many people! One can hope!
For me, my one night of crying and feeling completely overwhelmed has passed and I survived. I spent a wonderful day with Maddie and she smiled and cooed and played with me, my mom (grandma), and Garrett (daddy). We took a good nap to compensate for a sleepless night last night. Life is good. It may not be easy, but it’s good. I feel better now and hope the feeling lasts. With the undying support and love surrounding me, I’m sure it will.
Topics: Daily Update, Pregnancy & Mommyhood | 8 Comments »
Into the Woods Again…
By Kitty | February 22, 2010
Almost two months old, it was time to take Maddie on another hike. This time, I headed out with my family (Garrett was in China Town doing his Hung Ga Lion Dance for Chinese New Year… visit his blog at www.geethink.com for more on that) to another one of our favorite local hiking spots–The Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge. It was a great day with a lot more snow than we anticipated. As everyone knows, I love to take pictures, so instead of writing words upon words to describe all that we saw, here’s a picture story (with a few words):
Here we are all ready to go on our hike… I wore Maddie in the Moby wrap again, and zipped a windbreaker up and over her whole body so that only her little knit-cap-wearing head stuck out. It actually ended up getting quite warm so I unzipped her for some fresh air along the way. It worked wonderfully, though, and we had a lovely hike!
We saw lots of birds (two flitting bluebirds, lots of woodpeckers–mostly downy, a wren hopping up and down a tree, a robin–does that mean spring is coming!?) and signs of other wildlife along our trek. In addition to prints of deer, rabbits, chipmunks, foxes, toddler human–cute little boot prints!, and more, we saw these two true signs of winter wildlife:
In a couple spots deep in the woods, the fall leaves beneath the snow were rustled up like in this picture. We deduced that it most likely was a deer family's sleeping spot.
Here there are clear paths leading to and from the hole in this tree, showing the path taken by what we guessed are chipmunks in their search for food and water.
I also brushed up on tree ID, including ubiquitous American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and a few fine shagbark hickories (Carya ovata):
Shagbark hickory--one of my favorites!
I love the look of the paper-thin American beech leaves in the snow.
One fun winter flower photo of the wild carrot, or Queen Anne’s lace:
And of course, no hike is complete without a blow-out diaper by Maddie!! This time, it happened in the Great Swamp Friends’ Bookstore while I was talking with Laurel, one of the fantastic volunteers at the Swamp. And it happened while we were standing right next to the “Whose Scat is That?” exhibit!! How perfect!?
You can see it seeping up the back of her shirt. Poor Maddie!
All in all, it was a fantastic day! Next time, we’re going with daddy, too!
Topics: Daily Update, Loving the Earth, Pregnancy & Mommyhood | 2 Comments »
Whole Paycheck? No longer! The Whole Deal Coupons!
By Kitty | February 18, 2010
Today while I was perusing one of my favorite Eco-blogs, Sweet Greens, I found this fantastic post about printable coupons to Whole Foods. I try to limit my purchases at Whole Foods to obscure items I cannot buy elsewhere (or can’t find at my local natural foods store) since somehow my bill always ends up exceeding $100 when I do go to Whole Foods. Thus, no doubt, the common nickname for the store “Whole Paycheck”. Have a similar problem? No fear!
Whole Foods now has printable coupons on their website!! This month you can save on milk, Nature’s Path breakfasts, Greek yogurt, and more! Thanks for the heads up, Sweet Greens! I just had to share–enjoy the savings!
Topics: Healthy Eating | 1 Comment »
Restorative Yoga: Relax, Unwind, Renew
By Kitty | February 12, 2010
What better way to end this week than a Restorative Yoga workshop by Leigh?? Really, I can’t think of a better way (especially since I’ll be spending quality time with my wonderful husband and darling daughter beforehand, thereby ending the week in a PERFECT way!). This was my first week back to Ashtanga yoga since giving birth to Maddie, and I’m a bit sore (understatement). I do feel great…. but my muscles and tendons and ligaments are like, “whoa nelly! I forgot we could do that!” So this Restorative Workshop will hit the spot, I’m sure!
Here is the description of the workshop I’ll be attending:
Taking time out to relax and renew is essential to living well. Restorative Yoga presents nurturing physical postures based on yoga. When practiced regularly, they will help you heal the effects of chronic stress in as little as five minutes a day. This workshop is designed to help you learn to relax and rest deeply and completely! During deep relaxation, all the organ systems of the body are benefited. A few of the measurable results of relaxation are the reduction of blood pressure and the improvement of immune function, as well as improvement in digestion, fertility, elimination and the reduction of muscle tension and generalized fatigue. You will use props to support the body to create deep states of relaxation, ease and health. Come experience the art of relaxation. You will feel rejuvenated and renewed!
Now, although I’m an Ashtangi at heart, this will not be my first time experiencing restorative yoga with Leigh. The first time I went to her Sunday morning restorative yoga class, I literally melted like butter. I actually went to a prenatal massage later that day, and the restorative yoga felt WAY better (seriously!). It was fantastic! So, for those of you in the Cranford, NJ area, I invite you to join me at this Restorative Yoga workshop…. work out the kinks from a week of shoveling, enjoy some chocolate (can’t go wrong!), some candlelight, the soft rumbling cascades of the river, and make some new friends. Alluem is the place to be tonight! See you there!
Topics: Yoga | No Comments »
Back to the Mat… as Momma!
By Kitty | February 10, 2010
This morning I woke up to a wonderfully white winter wonderland… a perfect day for baking, blogging, and playing in the snow with my little darling! And so… it’s a perfect time to write about my first night back to Ashtanga since I gave birth to Maddie!
Last night I packed up my darling yogi daughter (the picture is from Monday night when we went to visit the Yoga and Healing Center studio to say hi… still working on a babysitter for Monday night!) and gathered up my yoga clothes and mat and headed over to Grandma and Pop Pop’s house. They excitedly will be babysitting on Tuesday nights so that I can start teaching Ashtanga again at Alluem. Last night, though, I asked Karen, who has been covering my class for me while I’ve been out on maternity leave, if she would mind if I took her class once before taking over teaching again. Being the awesome yogi that she is she said, “Sure!” and last night I had the pleasure of practicing Ashtanga for the first time in over 7 weeks… this time, returning to the mat as a Momma!
I must say, I was VERY excited but a bit nervous going into it. I hadn’t done a lick of exercise other than short walks with Maddie since I gave birth, and I was worried I’d be all huffing and puffing and stiff as a rod. I was pleasantly surprised–I felt GREAT!! I was amazed at how much my body remembered and how easily I slipped into the Ujjayi breath and the flow of the practice. David Swenson, my all time favorite Ashtangi, says that the Ujjayi breath is best attained when you gently smile… and I certainly had a smile on my face the whole practice–yes, even during Navasana! I felt strong, at peace, and so invigorated all at once. It was a fantastic practice!
A big part of what made it so wonderful to be back is the yoga family at Alluem. It was fantastic to see Gina again–she’s the amazing woman whose dream and vision it was to create Alluem Yoga, and it was an added bonus to practice with her eldest daughter Alex! The room was also full of the “regulars”– including Brittany, who captured amazing photos of my birth experience– as well as some newbies. Being surrounded by such happy, wonderful people really kicks the energy up a notch or ten during the practice. It surrounded me with a blanket of peace and well-being, and I can’t WAIT to return to Alluem for another practice… and to teach next Tuesday!
Here are some pictures Karen took of me on my first day back to Ashtanga after 7 weeks of maternity leave and 9 months of increasingly serious modifications prior to Maddie’s amazing birth on December 23rd:
Topics: Daily Update, Pregnancy & Mommyhood, Yoga | 3 Comments »
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