My website is up and running and I just (this morning) finished listing all of my merchandise, so you can browse my purses and shop for me online!
eccobase.etsy.com
Also, just as I was getting ready to post this link, I got an email from someone in Taiwan who'd like to buy purses in bulk and sell them overseas! Crazy! We'll see what happens...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
I went through my facebook "friends" list and "hid" status updates from people who do the following:
1) Post constantly about what they are drinking, how much they are drinking, and/or how cool they are for drinking
2) Whine constantly about their failing relationships/friendship drama
3) Consistently use vague, emo-sounding song lyrics and/or poetry quotes as status updates
4) Post complaints of any kind more than five times per week
The end result being that I am now following about five people, and I don't really need to be following these people on Facebook because I actually see them in real life.
1) Post constantly about what they are drinking, how much they are drinking, and/or how cool they are for drinking
2) Whine constantly about their failing relationships/friendship drama
3) Consistently use vague, emo-sounding song lyrics and/or poetry quotes as status updates
4) Post complaints of any kind more than five times per week
The end result being that I am now following about five people, and I don't really need to be following these people on Facebook because I actually see them in real life.
I feel bad for my family members... Matt commented to me last night that he felt "like death" and Kisa's eyes/nose/mouth look like Niagara Falls. :( Thank God for Nyquil and Baby Tylenol/Orajel, respectively.
I pretty much had to hold Kisa all night last night to get her to sleep. I can't tell if it is her tooth or her cold that is bothering her... but she was one unhappy little girl, and that is unlike her. Once she fell asleep she snored all night, which was kind of cute but also kind of annoying.
I feel pretty tired and sore this morning. I'm not sure if it's because I'm sick too or just because trying to sleep while holding an infant will yield such results.
Looking forward to nap time today.
I pretty much had to hold Kisa all night last night to get her to sleep. I can't tell if it is her tooth or her cold that is bothering her... but she was one unhappy little girl, and that is unlike her. Once she fell asleep she snored all night, which was kind of cute but also kind of annoying.
I feel pretty tired and sore this morning. I'm not sure if it's because I'm sick too or just because trying to sleep while holding an infant will yield such results.
Looking forward to nap time today.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Choke
I made the following baby foods today:
-Peas
-Mango
-Cantaloupe
-Blueberries
-Cherries
-Yellow Squash
-Potato
-White Grapes
-Lentils
Plus, I learned how to make my own blueberry juice.
It is really an exhausting process, but I prefer to do it all at once, and I think this may be the last time I have to do it... Kisa is getting to the age where she will start eating Real People Food very soon.
She would probably already be eating less pureed food if it weren't for the alarming number of choking incidents. On Sunday she choked on her dinner and after securing her safety I had a complete mental breakdown and sobbed in the bedroom for about 5 minutes. I realize that choking occasionally is a common and inevitable part of childhood, but it is REALLY disturbing watching your child struggle for air. I would go to extreme lengths to prevent this from happening again (for example, I spent over an hour today peeling a bunch of grapes because they are a common choking hazard and I just didn't want to take the chance... extremely tedious!).
I know that regardless of my best efforts to protect her, this stuff will STILL happen... which is the absolute WORST part of being a parent. :(
P.S. I know the heimlich, baby heimlich, and infant CPR. Should I ever need it.
-Peas
-Mango
-Cantaloupe
-Blueberries
-Cherries
-Yellow Squash
-Potato
-White Grapes
-Lentils
Plus, I learned how to make my own blueberry juice.
It is really an exhausting process, but I prefer to do it all at once, and I think this may be the last time I have to do it... Kisa is getting to the age where she will start eating Real People Food very soon.
She would probably already be eating less pureed food if it weren't for the alarming number of choking incidents. On Sunday she choked on her dinner and after securing her safety I had a complete mental breakdown and sobbed in the bedroom for about 5 minutes. I realize that choking occasionally is a common and inevitable part of childhood, but it is REALLY disturbing watching your child struggle for air. I would go to extreme lengths to prevent this from happening again (for example, I spent over an hour today peeling a bunch of grapes because they are a common choking hazard and I just didn't want to take the chance... extremely tedious!).
I know that regardless of my best efforts to protect her, this stuff will STILL happen... which is the absolute WORST part of being a parent. :(
P.S. I know the heimlich, baby heimlich, and infant CPR. Should I ever need it.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
I had an amazing night of sleep last night. Definitely the best night I've had in 8 months... probably the best night in over a year (you kind of forget about third-trimester insomnia). Kisa is sleeping better every night, and I only had to get up once last night (and it was just a quick trip in and out of her room- less than two minutes). Soooo amazing. Also, she has started sleeping in later and later. When I weaned her off her early morning feeding, she had started rising at 5:30 or 6, which was pretty annoying. Today she slept in until 8! I haven't slept that late in months! It was so nice.
As for myself, I have had a very busy week celebrating two family birthdays and attempting to put 8 hrs/day into my business (Matt will testify that I have almost undoubtedly accomplished this). I have no less than seven bags that are just waiting on final stitches and paint/appliques, as well as two custom orders to get working on. I am making a goal for myself to get my etsy up and functioning by Wednesday (sorry Kristin.. there is just nothing to look at yet. I will give you the URL later this week!).
This past week was an experiment in streamlining my production process. I cut a pattern and fine-tuned a few methods, which made a huge difference in terms of quality, consistency and efficiency. It's also helped me to know exactly how much fabric I need for each piece, which means very little waste, also a huge plus.
I made almost $70 in sales this past week, a very energizing accomplishment for what was really my first week. It's very motivating- even $70 represents a good deal of material I can buy!
As for myself, I have had a very busy week celebrating two family birthdays and attempting to put 8 hrs/day into my business (Matt will testify that I have almost undoubtedly accomplished this). I have no less than seven bags that are just waiting on final stitches and paint/appliques, as well as two custom orders to get working on. I am making a goal for myself to get my etsy up and functioning by Wednesday (sorry Kristin.. there is just nothing to look at yet. I will give you the URL later this week!).
This past week was an experiment in streamlining my production process. I cut a pattern and fine-tuned a few methods, which made a huge difference in terms of quality, consistency and efficiency. It's also helped me to know exactly how much fabric I need for each piece, which means very little waste, also a huge plus.
I made almost $70 in sales this past week, a very energizing accomplishment for what was really my first week. It's very motivating- even $70 represents a good deal of material I can buy!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
I am having a great week.
First of all, I have put a TON of time into my new business over the last few days, and I am starting to get some finished pieces. I sold my first piece over the weekend (to my mom... but still! It was exciting!) and I've finished two more since then, and will probably finish two or three more today. I've had a few people say they would buy from me already. I signed up for an etsy/paypal account this morning and pretty soon I will be able to snap some pics and actually list some merchandise! That will be incredible. :)
Secondly, over the past few days Kisa has made some great strides toward sleeping through the night. She is now officially night-weaned, which means no more 4 am feedings, and there is a potential for her to sleep all night long. She has not gotten there quite yet (our next step will be to transition away from swaddling), but I have been sleeping a bit better and I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Yesterday Matt and I were able to complete our taxes (I know it was really late, but it is not my fault that it was last minute-- we had to wait on forms from RezDex for several months). I am excited about getting a "payday" from the government. We have talked about potentially paying off one of our mini-debts, which would be fantastic... we'll see what happens there.
And finally, as noted in my previous post, my diet has so far been very successful. Last night I saw a number 2 as the second number on the scale, yay!
So there is a lot to be happy about today. :)
First of all, I have put a TON of time into my new business over the last few days, and I am starting to get some finished pieces. I sold my first piece over the weekend (to my mom... but still! It was exciting!) and I've finished two more since then, and will probably finish two or three more today. I've had a few people say they would buy from me already. I signed up for an etsy/paypal account this morning and pretty soon I will be able to snap some pics and actually list some merchandise! That will be incredible. :)
Secondly, over the past few days Kisa has made some great strides toward sleeping through the night. She is now officially night-weaned, which means no more 4 am feedings, and there is a potential for her to sleep all night long. She has not gotten there quite yet (our next step will be to transition away from swaddling), but I have been sleeping a bit better and I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Yesterday Matt and I were able to complete our taxes (I know it was really late, but it is not my fault that it was last minute-- we had to wait on forms from RezDex for several months). I am excited about getting a "payday" from the government. We have talked about potentially paying off one of our mini-debts, which would be fantastic... we'll see what happens there.
And finally, as noted in my previous post, my diet has so far been very successful. Last night I saw a number 2 as the second number on the scale, yay!
So there is a lot to be happy about today. :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
diet update
5 lbs lost so far.
My goal for this week is to get back into the upper 120's (I am very very close), which will be a first since December '08. :)
My goal for this week is to get back into the upper 120's (I am very very close), which will be a first since December '08. :)
Thursday, April 08, 2010
My new favorite children's book
(Thanks Grandma Fortune)
On the Night You Were Born
by Nancy Tillman
On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, "Life will never be the same."
Because there had never been anyone like you... ever in the world.
So enchanted with you were the wind and the rain that they whispered the sound of your wonderful name.
You are the one and only ever you.
It sailed through the farmland high on the breeze...
Who in the world is exactly like you?
Over the ocean...
You are a miracle!
And through the trees...
Until everyone heard it and everyone knew of the one and only ever you.
Not once had there been such eyes, such a nose, such silly, wiggly, wonderful toes.
When the polar bears heard, they danced until dawn.
From faraway places, the geese flew home.
The moon stayed up until morning next day.
And none of the ladybugs flew away.
So whenever you doubt just how special you are and you wonder who loves you, how much and how far, listen for geese honking high in the sky (They're singing a song to remember you by). Or notice the bears asleep at the zoo. (It's because they've been dancing all night for you!) Or drift off to sleep to the sound of the wind. (Listen closely... it's whispering your name again!)
If the moon stays up until morning one day, or a ladybug lands and decides to stay, or a little bird sits at your window awhile, it's because they're all hoping to see you smile...
For never before in story or rhyme (not even once upon a time) has the world ever known a you, my friend, and it never will, not ever again...
Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born.
---
"For you are fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139
---
On the Night You Were Born
by Nancy Tillman
On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, "Life will never be the same."
Because there had never been anyone like you... ever in the world.
So enchanted with you were the wind and the rain that they whispered the sound of your wonderful name.
You are the one and only ever you.
It sailed through the farmland high on the breeze...
Who in the world is exactly like you?
Over the ocean...
You are a miracle!
And through the trees...
Until everyone heard it and everyone knew of the one and only ever you.
Not once had there been such eyes, such a nose, such silly, wiggly, wonderful toes.
When the polar bears heard, they danced until dawn.
From faraway places, the geese flew home.
The moon stayed up until morning next day.
And none of the ladybugs flew away.
So whenever you doubt just how special you are and you wonder who loves you, how much and how far, listen for geese honking high in the sky (They're singing a song to remember you by). Or notice the bears asleep at the zoo. (It's because they've been dancing all night for you!) Or drift off to sleep to the sound of the wind. (Listen closely... it's whispering your name again!)
If the moon stays up until morning one day, or a ladybug lands and decides to stay, or a little bird sits at your window awhile, it's because they're all hoping to see you smile...
For never before in story or rhyme (not even once upon a time) has the world ever known a you, my friend, and it never will, not ever again...
Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born.
---
"For you are fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139
---
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Babyproof!
In the last couple of weeks, as Kisa has started to crawl, I have felt a growing urgency to remove every single object from our living room as I have caught her getting into (among other things) catnip, video games, power cords, and chunks of old baby food stuck to our kitchen floor.
When it comes to the subject of babyproofing, I have received all kinds of advice, from "remove all items but toys from your living room" to "don't change a thing, they need to learn how to live in the world". While I appreciate all the advice, I find both "camps" to be a little too extreme for my liking. While I have no immediate desire to turn my home into an Ode to Baby, I also think it is rather unfair to expect Kisa to immediately adapt to all of our desires. After all, there are three people living in this home, and my feeling is that we all have a right to live in a space that we find comfortable, beautiful and most of all: safe. Our bedrooms should be a place just for us, but the common rooms should be a compromise. Which means, at least temporarily, some minor changes need to be made to accommodate our curious (and surprisingly mobile) 8-month-old.
I spent the better part of today crawling around our living and dining room trying to assess possible dangers (Kisa has already done a GREAT job of finding most of them for me). I have a few items on my to-do list, but in general I think I have identified and solved most of the immediate concerns in our main living space.
The biggest thing for me is going to be trying to keep our floors as clean as possible. In a relatively short period of time Kisa went from sitting happily on her blanket to rolling/crawling all over the place, and it has been a reminder of my failure to clean as well as I should. Matt and I are pretty neat people, and we like to keep our place tidy, but as far as cleanliness goes, it has taken a real nosedive since Kisa was born. Soooo I'm going to have to add sweeping, mopping and vacuuming back to my list of regular tasks. I'm no germophobe (my parents are laughing right now if they are reading this), but I can't describe to you how disgusting it is to see your baby trying to lick up old, dried food that has been stuck under the high chair from the night before.
Anyway, one of my current goals as a parent is to try to let Kisa explore her world as completely as possible. I don't want to always be telling her no, or taking things from her, or taking her away from an object she is exploring. As long as she is safe, I want to be able to support her learning about the world she lives in. Which is why I have decided to (at least partially) do some babyproofing- so that I can be confident that our house is an okay place for her to explore without, you know, contracting some sick disease from her leftover squash.
When it comes to the subject of babyproofing, I have received all kinds of advice, from "remove all items but toys from your living room" to "don't change a thing, they need to learn how to live in the world". While I appreciate all the advice, I find both "camps" to be a little too extreme for my liking. While I have no immediate desire to turn my home into an Ode to Baby, I also think it is rather unfair to expect Kisa to immediately adapt to all of our desires. After all, there are three people living in this home, and my feeling is that we all have a right to live in a space that we find comfortable, beautiful and most of all: safe. Our bedrooms should be a place just for us, but the common rooms should be a compromise. Which means, at least temporarily, some minor changes need to be made to accommodate our curious (and surprisingly mobile) 8-month-old.
I spent the better part of today crawling around our living and dining room trying to assess possible dangers (Kisa has already done a GREAT job of finding most of them for me). I have a few items on my to-do list, but in general I think I have identified and solved most of the immediate concerns in our main living space.
The biggest thing for me is going to be trying to keep our floors as clean as possible. In a relatively short period of time Kisa went from sitting happily on her blanket to rolling/crawling all over the place, and it has been a reminder of my failure to clean as well as I should. Matt and I are pretty neat people, and we like to keep our place tidy, but as far as cleanliness goes, it has taken a real nosedive since Kisa was born. Soooo I'm going to have to add sweeping, mopping and vacuuming back to my list of regular tasks. I'm no germophobe (my parents are laughing right now if they are reading this), but I can't describe to you how disgusting it is to see your baby trying to lick up old, dried food that has been stuck under the high chair from the night before.
Anyway, one of my current goals as a parent is to try to let Kisa explore her world as completely as possible. I don't want to always be telling her no, or taking things from her, or taking her away from an object she is exploring. As long as she is safe, I want to be able to support her learning about the world she lives in. Which is why I have decided to (at least partially) do some babyproofing- so that I can be confident that our house is an okay place for her to explore without, you know, contracting some sick disease from her leftover squash.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Sunday, April 04, 2010
I'm so glad it's finally Easter! I love Easter. Matt is playing in Vancouver this morning, so Kisa and I are biding our time until he comes home for brunch. I am thinking about how different this holiday will be next year- Kisa will be 20 months and we can have our first ever Easter egg hunt!
Also, hooray for Stations of the Cross being over. Phew. Now I can get back to working on those purses, and in general just not wake up with a full checklist of items every morning. :)
Also, hooray for Stations of the Cross being over. Phew. Now I can get back to working on those purses, and in general just not wake up with a full checklist of items every morning. :)
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