Brain is mush...

I wish I could make today's blog entry really pretty and poetic, but I'm really beginning to think I've lost brain cells. So here it goes...

Green: Green doesn't have to be all about name brands anymore! Hooray! Safeway has their "generic" green line and it is called "Bright Green". So far I have been using their detergent (yummy lavendar scent) and their toilet bowl cleaner (lemon scented). I have to say that so far I'm quite impressed. It works just as well and it costs less than other brands. I'm still hooked on several favorite Method products, but these are definately great products worth mentioning.

Knits: I can never have just one project going on! I admit it, but I'm in finishing mode right now. Pictures to follow soon! First of all, I finished a nice blue scarf for my mom - she bought the yarn and found it difficult to crochet with. I found it to be a bit easier, but I must ad that the cast on, first knit row and bind off were enough to commit me to an insane asylum. Finished project - quite nice and nubby. Next, the dress I've been trying to finish for my friend's daughter, Chloe. So cute, but it's taken forever, so I made it into more of a baby-doll shirt. This will look great with a little white t-shirt and rolled jean capris. I still need to knit the straps and weave in my ends...I'm not allowing myself to work on anything new until this is done. Finally, I'm attempting to finish my yoga bag. So, I have to say that it is really cute and when you actually have time to knit, it goes quite fast. That being said, I know I messed up a few times, BUT it hard to see, so I'm not sweating it. I can't wait to finish this - I will cart around my yoga mat when it is done!

More: A day in my life goes as follows: I run a promo business and juggle a toddler, emails and phone calls all at the same time. I pick up the same toys multiple times a day. Laundry is a never ending vicious cycle for a family of 5. I clean as much as possible, but I really need someone to come in and help me (I've yet to afford this). My daughters are less than a year apart, look nothing alike and fight daily. I drive kids to basketball and soccer practices (depending on the season), doctor's appointments, school functions, etc. My toddler is teething molars. My life is often hectic and crazy. I love my kids, I love my life, I have realized how precious our time is with family and friends. Someone is saying "mommy, mom, mama" over and over again...right now...gotta go...

A New "Green" Product - watch this infomercial...

"If I Were President" a third grade perspective...

Every so often, my girls bring home little gems from school that warm my heart. With the recent presidential election, the Taylor's class has been discussing our government and the presidency. I found this essay that she wrote a few days ago and decided to share it. Here is what it says:

If I were president I would make more hospitals because I want the world to be safe and healthy so no one will get sick. If I were president I would have safe homes for animals because they help the Earth to be healthy and clean. If I were president I would help people that are poor and do not have a lot of money. If I were president I would give to the poor and the good. If I were president I would plant trees and save the whole entire Earth! If I were president I would save the people of the Earth. If iwere president I would be safe, thankfull, nice and forgiving to every thing in the whole entire world.

If only we could all be so pure in mind.

Support Crafters this holiday season

I really dislike buying gifts when they seem - unoriginal. I find that sometimes my gifts feel that way. So, I was thinking about this and decided that I'm going to try to do some of my shopping at Etsy this season. I have both Christmas and birthdays coming up, so I've already started searching. www.etsy.com You can shop on Etsy by area, city, state, etc. so that you can support your local crafters. Also, you can shop by holiday, person you are buying for, etc. - this just helps your search since there are 1,000's of products on the site. Today I purchased a coffee cozy set - I'll be giving one to my mom and to my sister in law for her birthday. I'd like to mention that this is a nice "green" idea so that you no longer waste paper with the sleeves they give you at Starbucks and other coffee shops. Here is a picture and the link to the Etsy shop (KnittyBitties): knittybitties.etsy.com.

Here are some other interesting shops that I found on Etsy...check them out:

CoffeeHouseSuds.etsy.com
morganstreet.etsy.com
urbbody.etsy.com
gamiworks.etsy.com - Japanese Inspired Candle sets - CUTE!
Lockette.etsy.com
naiad.etsy.com
janinekingdesigns.etsy.com
littlefishbigpond.etsy.com

Happy Shopping!!

Blogger is lame, but for a good reason...

A few days ago, I posted some pictures of probably one of the cutest hats ever. I was going to sell these hats for Christmas, but I've decided to refrain from doing so this year. One reason for this is because of time. I just didn't think about the fact that I should have started earlier to get this done. Also, as you might have seen from my previous post (from yesterday) it is really apparent that there are children and babies in need. SO - I'll be doing some small charity knitting projects for this cause and for Colorado Children's Hospital. I encourage you all to use your talents this season to benefit those in need.

After sitting down and coming up with samples and designs, I will be selling the hats. This just isn't going to happen before Christmas. So thanks to all who inquired.

T

A new reason to come together as Americans

I understand that not everyone knits or crochets, but for those who do please read on and participate. For those who don't, please read on and enjoy the fact that we can work as a team to help people and cause change. Change can only happen with actions. Below I've pasted today's blog from Vickie Howell (popular in the knit and crochet community). Also, I've posted the link to her blog with this post.

http://vickiehowell.blogspot.com/2008/11/knit-one-save-one-with-warm-up-america.html

"Knit One Save One, with Warm Up America!


Check out this Warm Up America press release about an exciting new program that we can all participate in. I'll definitely be knitting one, to save one! xo, Vickie


Big Stars Make Little Caps to Help Newborn Babies

Knitters and crocheters nationwide are mobilizing to help save babies lives. And there are a list of prominent knitting and crocheting celebs who are doing their part as well, including Save the Children Artist Ambassador Gwyneth Paltrow, actresses Rebecca Romijn, Debra Messing, Lisa Edelstein, Vera Farmiga, Mischa Barton and Patricia Arquette.

The campaign is called Knit One Save One and it’s sponsored by Save the Children (STC), the global health organization, and Warm Up America (WUA), the industry charity that works with volunteer knitters and crocheters to provide afghans and clothing for people in need. (For all of you crocheters out there, our apologies for being left out of the name. Our friends at STC came up with the name before we were onboard, but this is definitely for crocheters as well as knitters.)

The campaign is bringing U.S. knitters and crocheters of all ages together to draw attention in Washington, D.C. to the nearly 4 million newborn deaths that occur each year in developing countries. Participants are asked to create one baby cap to keep a newborn warm during the first critical hours and days after birth, and to write a personal note to the President-elect asking him to lead the way in reducing newborn deaths globally.

The campaign that kicked off at the end of August will continue through December 31, 2008. Early next year, Save the Children will take the personal notes to the new President to Washington, D.C. The caps will be distributed to mothers and newborns through Save the Children’s community health facilities in Africa and Asia.

Hollywood’s biggest stars made little caps in all colors and wrote personal messages to the mom and baby on a tag attached to the cap. Gwyneth Paltrow knitted a raspberry-colored baby cap gathered at the top and finished with charcoal trim. Paltrow’s cap tag says: “As a mother of two children who mean everything to me, I share your joy. Love Gwyneth.”

All of the leading ladies’ baby caps and cap tag messages can be viewed at www.savethechildren.org/knitonesaveone. An interactive web game on this page lets fans match the caps to their favorite stars. To view a special video message from Lisa Edelstein, visit Save the Children’s nonprofit channel on YouTube at www.savethechildren.org/youtube. To download a Knit One, Save One action kit, which includes cap patterns, cap tag and more information about the program, go to www.savethechildren.org/knitonesaveone, or call 1-800-728-3843. Knitters and crocheters can also download patterns at the Warm Up America web site: www.WarmUpAmerica.org."

Lame Blogger posts the hat picture!

In reference to my earlier email regarding custom hats, I never posted a picture. Thinking this would be ok for a short time until I found the picture proved that I'm pretty lame for thinking that was ok. So here you go my friends...that hat...






And a close up shot...
Taylor is about 4 months old in this picture and wore this hat for the rest of the cold-ish season (it was California...doesn't last too long).