Cloth Training Pants and Knit Fabric SALE!

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Steph

I have not yet mentioned that I have multiple businesses, in addition to this blog and my impending Pinecones and Porcupines Etsy shop. I also have a cloth training pants business, Super Skivvies. I developed a pattern for cloth training pants that makes them convertible – as in, they are usable as regular undies after potty training is accomplished.

We are having a Valentine’s sale at Super Skivvies! See info below, click image to visit our website:

http://SuperSkivvies.biz

If that isn’t enough, I also have a knit fabric shop on Etsy, Sew Knitty Shop. This is where fabrics that never made it into Super Skivvies are sold. Most are pre-washed on hot so that you can use them as soon as they arrive on your doorstep, AND you get to use those extra few inches that you would have lost by washing it when you received it. Awesome, right?!

I am also holding a Valentine’s Sale there, too! Click the image to visit the shop.

Where are some of your favorite sales?

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5 Great Etsy Gifts for the Flu and Colds

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Steph

‘Tis the season! Our little family has survived a round of the flu already this year. Thankfully, The Man and The Girl had it first so that I could take care of them while I was still well. Once they were back to their usual selves, it hit me all at once. I caught the flu, though seemingly not as bad as theirs. Then, just as I was feeling good again, I contract a nasty sinus infection…going on four days now! (I plan to try a natural remedy, stay tuned for the breakdown when it cures me!)

So, I took a gander through Etsy to see what might make me, and others suffering from an illness of the season, feel better. Here’s to a healthy, illness-free rest of 2013!

Mike’s Power C Cold & Flu Herbal Tea Blend

I have recently found a love for tea. I found an Echinacea blend at my local co-op that I enjoy at least once daily (more like two or three times since falling ill), but I really want to start expanding my tea palate. Perhaps this is a good place to start? This blend includes ginger – not only does ginger give your immune system a boost, but it also works well for keeping your body feeling warm, combating those dreaded chills! Bonus: purchase some of this tea by 3/31/13, and you get a free tea ball! SHOP NOW

XL Large Sinus Pack Mask, Hot Cold Therapy Pack with Eucalyptus Spritzer

If you’ve every had a sinus infection, or even allergies that cause sinus issues, you know how painful it is! The pain takes away all ability to concentrate, and sometimes (as in my case) the ability to function for most of the day. What I wouldn’t give to have this in the evening! A hot wash cloth doesn’t stay hot for more than a minute or so, especially if you turn it, but a rice and flax seed hot mask?! I know rice packs stay hot for a good 20 minutes sometimes, so I assume this is no different. I really like how it is sewn into sections as to keep the contents evenly distributed over your face and forehead. It comes with soothing eucalyptus spray… I smell relief. SHOP NOW

Folk Salve (for colds, flu, sinus & cramps)

Magical people create magical things. After reading Selena’s shop announcement, and then the item description, I am positive she is one of the magical humans who roam this earth. Even better, she’s created a Folk Salve to ease the discomforts of the cold, flu, and even cramps! Check out the listing, and read the amazing benefits of the ingredients she included in the salve. She’s captured the amazing power of nature and harnessed it in a cute little jar pretty enough for gift giving. SHOP NOW

Netti Pot in Slate Blue

I’ve never used a Netti Pot, but I have friends who swear by it. I’m not 100% positive on how exactly it is done without drowning yourself, but none-the-less, it is done. J.R. and Kristen include an instruction sheet with this handmade nasal irrigation system, thank goodness! I should give it a try! SHOP NOW

All Natural Soap for the Cold/Flu Season, EUCALYPTUS/PEPPERMINT/ROSEMARY

When sick, a long, hot bath can provide great relief. In addition to the relaxation it brings, it also helps you feel as if you washed yourself of the illness. You feel less congested, your muscles are not as stiff, and if only for a moment, you find a bit of clarity. Add in a soap like this one, and the results are bound to be multiplied! Eucalyptus and peppermint are great for clearing the congestion, and the rosemary is so very relaxing. I only wish the seller would have included the ingredients list in her listing. SHOP NOW

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On the Needles – Milo

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Steph

Milo in Aquarius Third time is the charm!

I’ve been working on a Milo vest with an XOXO cable for The Girl for a few months now. I really only knit occasionally at night, but I’ve completed this vest twice already only to frog it all and start again. I’m on my third try now.

Reasons behind why this has not yet worked out are many. 1) I’m a perfectionist, so if it’s not perfect (in my eyes), it’s not going to be worn/used, 2) the first time, the chest was way too wide for my petite girl, 3) the second time, as well as the first, it used up all of the yarn before it was complete. I have about 2.5 oz of the solid eggplant, and about 4 oz of the colorway (Aquarius by Shades of Rae on Cestari Superfine). I am also using a worsted weight yarn and size 7 & 9 (US) needles which are much larger than what the pattern calls for, so I’m knitting based on the 12 month size rather than the 4 year size.

This time, the width looks good, and since it is more narrow, I should have enough yarn to stretch it to the end. More pics to come as progress is made!

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5 Great Etsy Gifts for Cold Weather

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Steph

I live in the Pacific Northwest. We don’t get blizzards, and we only have about two weeks total of daytime temperatures below freezing (we also only have about two weeks total of daytime temps over 85*F in the summer), but when you have blood in your body from the tropics, cold is your nemesis! I despise cold weather and am most comfortable when its 75*F+ outside. I live my life in sweaters, coats and hats and while I do love to knit such things, I do not enjoy spending so much time wearing them!

Here I have gathered a handful of items currently on Etsy that would be great gifts for that person in your life (maybe yourself?) who does not enjoy the cold. I stayed away from the hats, mittens, sweaters, etc as to not feature the obvious, but more thoughtful ideas.

SUMMER TROPIC Artisan Blend Gourmet Tea

I believe that tea can warm the soul. Drinking a hot cup of tea warms my body from the inside and takes my mind off of how cold I am, allowing me to direct my attention towards tasks that need to be accomplished. Of all the teas on Etsy, I chose this one because the ingredients are very much summer grown. Not only is it warm to drink, but you can take your mind to a warm place (like my most recent vacation to the US Virgin Islands last November!). Drink up! SHOP NOW

Sheep of a different color, PINK, All Natural Barnyard Friend

I have been eye-balling this sheep for almost two years now! I love that she is not white, or black, or gray. She is a glorious, very non-winter shade of PINK! I can only imagine The Girl snuggling up with her on a chilly day, talking to her, telling secrets. <3 SHOP NOW

Couch Throw Blanket Hand Woven Ultra Lightweight Mohair

Oh. My. Goodness. A HAND WOVEN blanket…AND made of mohair!!! I can almost feel the warmth now. I love that it is a light weight blanket, rather than heavy and stiff, so that it is easier to wrap around yourself and take along with you to the office, dentist, or movie. With blankets that have holes (crocheted), I fold them in half for added warmth, and I think that doing the same with a lighter weight blanket will lead to the same effect. SHOP NOW

Leaning Palm Tree Mosaic Necklace

As mentioned previously, I recently vacationed in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. It was about 78*F every day that we were there, even when it rained for a few minutes. I am counting the days until we return to that Tropical Paradise, but until then, I hang on to the memories and feeling of warmth (and try to forget the No-See-Em bites!). This necklace reminds me of the sand and leaning palm trees. Even better: this necklace is made in the US Virgin Islands!!! SHOP NOW

Women felted wool slippers SUSAN’S PINK DREAM

These slippers narrowly won the spot this week, I also got stuck on THESE. I dream of wool covered feet. And in the winter, when everyone is wearing black and gray to match the sky, my eyes search for color everywhere I go. It’s nice to have a budding artist in your home, she doesn’t seem to see black or gray, even in the dead of winter. Anyway, I love that these slippers are bright and super girly. The curled up felt reminds me of the ferns in the forest that have new arms reaching up to greet the spring sun. SHOP NOW

To top it off, I’d like to leave you with a photo I took in the US Virgin Islands. Warm thoughts.

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Sign the Petition – Say NO to Genetically Engineered Salmon!

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Steph

On December 21, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) released an Environmental Assessment (EA) with a “Finding of No Significant Impact” on the controversial AquaBounty AquaAdvantage transgenic salmon. The FDA action is widely viewed as confirmation that the Obama Administration is prepared to approve shortly the first genetically engineered (GE) animal intended for human consumption in the face of widespread opposition. Send your comment opposing the approval of GE fish today! (Sign the petition at http://bit.ly/NoGeSalmon)

The GE Atlantic salmon being considered was developed by AquaBounty Technologies, and genetically engineered to produce growth hormones year-round, creating a fish the company claims grows at twice the normal rate. This could allow factory fish farms to crowd the salmon into pens and still get high production rates.

FDA says escape is unlikely and that the fish pose “no impact” to the environment. But each year millions of farmed salmon escape, outcompeting wild populations for resources and straining ecosystems. Any approval of GE salmon would represent a serious threat to the survival of native salmon populations, many of which have already suffered severe declines related to salmon farms and other man-made impacts. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences notes that a release of just sixty GE salmon into a wild population of 60,000 could lead to the extinction of the wild population in less than 40 fish generations. Wild salmon populations are already on the Endangered Species List; approving these GE salmon will be the final blow to these wild stocks.

The human health impacts of eating GE fish, which would be the first-ever GE food animal, are entirely unknown, but some scientific research raises cause for alarm: for example, some scientists have asserted that foreign growth hormones in transgenic fish may increase production of other compounds such as insulin in the fish. Additionally, FDA has recognized that a transgene cannot be “turned off” once it is inserted in the organism, and will therefore have effects that are uncontrollable.

Tell the Food and Drug Administration not to approve GE salmon AND, if the Obama Administration insists on approving these genetically engineered fish, it should require the fish to be labeled when marketed to fish farmers, fish retailers and food companies, restaurants, and when marketed to consumers.

Please take action today! The public has only 60 days to comment on this misguided and dangerous action. Sign the petition at http://bit.ly/NoGeSalmon.

Looking for more information on this topic? Visit the GE-Fish Website.

{this moment}

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Steph

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.

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5 Great Etsy Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Steph

On a previous blog of mine, I had a weekly post of 5 Great Etsy Gifts for… It was a hit, and I had SO much fun doing them (what other job allows you to spend hours searching Etsy for awesome creations?!), I decided to continue with it here. Enjoy!

We are less than 30 days away from Valentine’s Day! For me, it is an over commercialized day full of expectations and store bought “love.” None the less, I LOVE all of the pink and hearts that surround the holiday, and I still dress my little girl in something pretty to fit the day. Here are just five items that would surely please anyone on the special day, no matter their stance on it!

Children’s Robot Valentine Card Kit

The Handmade world is growing, and people are beginning to appreciate quality handmade items more and more. Why not get your little one started now? This kit is perfect for the younger kiddos as well as the elementary crowd. Simply stick the heart-shaped crayons to the paper Valentine, put them into the bag, and send little Tommy to school with unique (non-character!) Valentine’s for his friends. All materials are included and this seller offers a discount for quantities of 12 or more! SHOP NOW

5mm Moissanite Engagement Ring, Hand Carved Band, Eco-Friendly

Who hasn’t heard of someone getting engaged or married ON Valentine’s Day? I’ve even seen bloopers of such events on America’s Funniest Videos! Well, if it’s in the stars…or you want it to be but Mr. Right is dragging his feet, have a look at this gorgeous handmade ring by Andrea Bonelli. You don’t have to be a minimalist to appreciate the stunning simplicity and the not-too-flashy rustic appearance of it. SHOP NOW

Halter Weekend Dress

My minimalist mind would drive most folk nuts. I only buy things with more than one use or purpose, and only buy quality items rather than something cheaper. For holiday dress-up, there is no exception to that rule! This dress is so pretty! Not only does it twirl (the only selling point for The Girl), but it is pink enough to pull of Valentine’s Day AND gosh darn cute enough to wear all summer. Bonus: the halter style is super flattering on little girls! This one not quite up your alley? Take a look through the Manini Sunshine shop…you won’t be disappointed! SHOP NOW

(Here’s a Valentine-worthy clothing item for the boys…)

Chicken Biscuits – Gourmet Dog Treats – All Natural

We can’t forget about the other love’s in our lives! Your pooch will beg to give extra sloppy kisses after you treat her with Valentine cookies of her own. Believe it or not, these cookies are completely customizable AND come in a gift box. One drawback is that the store owner has not listed the ingredients, so be sure to ask via Convo if you are avoiding any specific foods in your dog’s diet. SHOP NOW

***WARNING: Mature content below!***

2 pc Set Bodice and Panties

I’m on the fence as to whether this set is actually hand made or not, but with The Man’s help, we decided it is the sexiest thing on the first 21 pages of items of this nature on Etsy. I, lover of the color pink, adore this set and have already sent a Convo asking for a smaller size! What a surprise it would be to step into the bedroom on the night of Saint Valentine to reveal your body in this… SHOP NOW

So, there you have it! A little something for everyone on the first giving holiday of the new year. Maybe you have found something noteworthy to add? Show us in the comments!

{this moment}

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Steph

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments for all to find and see.

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Hello World! Welcome to my life!

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Steph

Hello! My name is Steph, I am the mother to a gorgeous little girl (known from here out as The Girl), partner to an equally stunning man (now known as The Man), and lover of all things wool and nature. My family and I are vegetarians, health conscience, minimalists, and grow more eco-friendly each day. The Girl attends our local Waldorf School which we all are deeply involved in. We enjoy traveling, I enjoy crafting and knitting, The Man enjoys sports and conspiracy theories, and The Girl enjoys glitter, sparkles, and art.

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands – Nov 2012

With this blog, I hope to give you a peek into our life through my eyes and mind. I am positive this blog will evolve over time as I find my way, but initially, I plan to cover topics such as:

Waldorf related topics, based on what inspires me on any given day.
Urban gardening – raised beds, anyone?
Health – ALL aspects from natural to mainstream.
Food – Recipes, general knowledge, and benefits on the body
Crafting, including knitting…my obsession.
Products that I make or use will be reviewed, and maybe a few giveaways, too!
I hope to share my journey in developing my photography skills as well!

In addition to the above, I also plan to share what I make for my Etsy shop with the same name. I have/make a product that is not yet on Etsy, so it should be a fun ride!

I am so excited to begin this new phase in my life, and am eager to get to know new people. I hope that I will open up my life enough that you get to know me, too!