my new book

It's been a couple years now since we gave up TV. While it was a big issue at first I am finally settling into the idea, except for the occasionally longing to just turn it on a tune out...but on the up side it does mean that I have a lot more quiet time in my house.

Right now I am relishing in the quiet. And by quiet I mean the slow creaks of an old house, the cold air that whistles ever so softly as it blows in through the large glass windows, the click and clanks of warm air flowing through the vents and a sweet child's little squeals. I love being home. I love being able to put my little girl in her bouncer, pour a cup of tea and put my feet up. And after a long detox from TV I am starting to fall in love with reading (again).

The object of my affections recently has been Sally Fallon's Nourishing Traditions. It's a good one! A cookbook/textbook/font of knowledge. It has had me captivated by food, real food. In addition to this gold mine I have also started Nina Planck's Real Food for Mother and Baby. I can already tell it's good because I don't want to put it down.

But reality sets in and another diaper has to be changed, the baby wants to be held and now I am typing with one hand...ahhh...I love my life. I will fill you in on the books later.

my dear readers

i have not abandoned you! But life has sure gotten in the way! But in a good way...My best friend's wedding, Thanksgiving with both sets of parents, Advent, crocheting, playing with my sweet girl, drinking lot's of wine, Christmas, New Years and more!

But while I have been away, this is what I have been reading. Another Elizabeth who is (almost) reading my mind with her posts.

So don't fret if I don't post again soon, just read her blog and you will know exactly what I am doing in my kitchen.

Cheers!

a newly aquired skill

I don't know what it is but the second autumn starts rolling in I get the itch to be crafty. There's nothing like snuggling up with a blanket, a hot cup of tea and a basket full of beautiful yarn. Knitting is the ultimate fall activity. For some reason I can neglect it and out right forget it even exists for 6 months out of the year, but as soon as the cool air rolls in so do my knitting needles.

However this year, I felt the need for a little change. (And no not b/c our newly elected president plastered in on every car from here to oregon) Instead of knitting, I taught my self to crochet and it has become my new favorite love. There is something so simple about twisting the beautiful yarn through your fingers and through the loops. You could almost get lost in the monotonousness rhythm. Hats have become my fancy. Stella almost has one in every color. I mean come on if you have to live on a budget this is a great way to keep your kids stylish! So instead of dozens of scarfs this year, I am making dozens of hats. So watch out you just might find one in your stocking.

the truth

please watch this

the best photographer I know

i know she's my sister and all but this is some amazing work. And if you are looking for pictures to use for christmas cards (and let's be honest, I know all of you send them out) then you've got to book her now b/c her schedule is filling up. And she's offering one amazing deal. Check her out.

oh and scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the "kathe" album. Image number 6 is incredible!

sleeping problems solved?

So Stella has been sleeping 8hour chunks for the past two nights. Could it be a trend? Did we finally get to that magical 3 month mark that everyone talks about? I sure hope so. And I hope I didn't speak to soon.

side note: Stella loves our bed, but only when she is the only one in it =)

I love small businesses

ok so i'm totally obsessed with my cloth diapers. It's a new found love and totally addicting. You wouldn't know it but there are hundreds of types. After much research I settled on a brand called "gro-baby" these amazing diapers are totally organic and so easy to use and not to mention Stella has never had a diaper rash!

Anyway...I have been using these diapes since stella was about 8lbs so around 3 weeks old. And I got them from a great company which is based out of Montana and started by a Mom, called the natural baby co. Well these great diapes have been working great until just a couple weeks ago the elastic went out in two of them (we have 12 total). I thought it strange after just a couple months of use so I decided to be brave and call the company just to let them know. I mean maybe I did something wrong? Well I explained the problem and without even asking for my order number they took my name and address and are shipping me two NEW ones tommorrow! I mean talk about some impressive customer service. This makes me love them all the more...you better check them out.