Lala's Tribal Times

We Moved!

2011-03-31T08:15:00.000-04:00

We moved!

Please visit us at http://www.tribal-times.com/

You will be redirected...

Snow day

2011-01-28T11:55:00.001-05:00

Max obviously had an out-of-body experience

when he found out that school was cancelled indefinitely.

Fellissimo did too, only he's a bit more quiet about it.

Get to know your shoe maker

2011-01-26T12:44:00.001-05:00

Dear Manolo,

These are the reasons I love you so:

1. You drink milkshakes.

2. You can not live without plum cake.

3. The way you say vulgaaaar.

4. You wear hot pink flats.

5. You're as sexy as your shoes.

I love Bergdorf Goodman's blog .
I think about it while I'm mucking out the chicken coop.

Grab a coffee and listen to your favorite designer answer 5 questions.

Off to wear my vulgar platforms.

Alt Design Summit

2011-01-24T22:27:00.004-05:00

I ran away from home to play with pretty things.

I was so amazed by the talented group of people I got to share a few days with at the Alt Design Summit in Salt Lake.

Not only was the fashion inspiring but the sheer talent that these gals have was more than I could handle.

And Mondo was there from Project Runway!

(We all let him know that he was robbed of his win)

I was totally not prepared fashion wise for such a barrage of style gurus.

Shayna Kulik of Pattern Pulp and myself via flickr taken by Angela and Ithyle

I got to mingle with some of my favorite bloggers

like Swiss Miss, Mighty Girl, Amy Turn Sharp, and Dooce and I found some new blogs

to spend perusing my day away on. I was in celebrity blogger heaven.

And then I came home to shanty town.

So while I was away Mr. decided to create a shack club house for the boys and neighborhood kids in the back yard.

Our yard transformed to redneck glory.

Is this what it means to live the hi/low lifestyle?

Beans N Corn Bread

2011-01-16T16:06:00.004-05:00

Sunday afternoon.

Decided to make black beans and corn bread.

So did Penelope.

Penelope our hen, that is.

What you'll need:

1 cup of yellow cornmeal

1 cup sifted flour

1/4 cup of sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup oil

2/3 cup milk

2 eggs- preferably blue but others colors will do

Preheat the oven to 400

Combine all the dry ingredients together in a bowl.

Mix wet ingredients together and add to dry ingredients.

Do not over mix- just a few strokes will do.

Hold your hen and drink your wine.

Place in greased 9 inch pan.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

After the cornbread comes out

immediately cut yourself a slice and slap on some butter.

Crumble on top of some hot black beans

and garnish with cilantro.

Cheers! And don't forget to share with you friends.

Feathered or not.

And if you want to do a little jig here's the music.

Heaven

2011-01-13T12:15:00.000-05:00

THIS

Biscuit Scout's hand knitted cream aran armchair slip cover

PLUS THIS

Series 6 of limited edition Damn Fine Tea

MAKES ME FEEL

Sweet Little Lamb hat by GrandmaMadeThis

LIKE THIS

Crayon art

2011-01-10T20:35:00.003-05:00

As a little girl, nothing was as delightful as a

brand new box of crayons.

Remember the smell?

They were perfect each one.

via wenderly

It always took me forever to start.

Each one had a distinct personality

that would spin me off in it's own

particular world.

via diemchau

I always thought

a perfect job for me would be the

official name picker-outer.

via diemchau

As I would sometimes be disappointed by the names

they were given.

Red. Orange. Flesh.

Red really wanted to be Veronica.

Pink really wanted to be Betty.

Flesh was just thrown out.

via heli heitala

In the end it didn't matter what they were called.

via pete goldlust

All that really mattered was

Via herb williams

what you did with them.

You'll find me under the table...

2011-01-07T11:59:00.000-05:00

What ~~child~~ adult would not want to play under there?

Super sweet Etsy shop Cool Spaces for Kids

Totally wish listed... for me.

via Hip Hip Hurray!

Seafaring Nomads

2011-01-05T09:12:00.000-05:00

What to do about the problem?

If you have a moment, please watch the video.

The photography by James Morgan is exquisit and the problem is grand.

People of the Coral Triangle from James Morgan Photography on Vimeo.
The NY Times article summarize the problem.
"His painterly images portray traditional lives. But they also expose the pressures faced by the Bajau to adopt economical but environmentally destructive fishing techniques, like using potassium cyanide. Fear of hardship has put the Bajau at risk of destroying the very reefs that sustain them."

I can only relate with my experience with Rainmaker.
It's amazingly difficult to change the way a culture lives.
We learned pretty quickly that our own ideals could not be imposed
on others unless they saw a benefit for them.
Our major obstacles were hunters and loggers.
To this day, we still have both.

They're here...

2011-01-04T08:43:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to share the latest collection of Noonies for the spring 2011 line!

Thank you little Kiera for being a marvelous model!
Photos by the lovely Ingrid Kaslik.

Loafing around

2011-01-02T10:03:00.000-05:00

Just in case you can't find your slippers.

Practical and tasty.

via Design Milk

Morning

2010-12-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

Can we just say that at 9

we are already living the rock star life.

Sorry Max, I'm using this for blackmail in the future.

What's Your Secret?

2010-12-22T11:54:00.000-05:00

Your secret from Jean-Sebastien Monzani on Vimeo.

Watching this video and reading the responses at Soul Pancake just solidifies my thoughts that

we are all so alike in our quirky worlds.

I was surprised to read that a lot of the kooky things people do- I do as well.

My secrets...

I have conversations with my hens. I act out both parts though.

And like another person said, when I'm shopping and I accidentally touch clothes that I think are ugly, I immediately wipe my hands off.

One more, when I was a kid I thought I wasn't cool enough to watch

The Electric Company on tv. I would leave the room.

You can imagine my dismay when they started airing it on tv again.

At least I know my kids are cool enough to watch it

and that is a big relief.

Magical Rainbows

2010-12-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Continuing on the rainbow kick

I love this idea.

Just squirt blobs of acrylic paint at the base of the windshield

and voila

a magical rainbow.

How cool would you be if you could make a rainbow

appear out of thin air!

via A Cup Of Jo

The Khan Academy

2010-12-17T21:01:00.000-05:00

One of the things I regret when I went to NYU was

withdrawing out of physics class.

I went there to study film and somehow

ended up in a physics class with 200 others trying to decipher

what the lines and arrows were supposed to be

on the board.

I simply could not understand the professor.

I wanted to so badly because

he was so consumed with love

for physics that how could I not want to know

why he was so excited.

I had never withdrawn out of a class before and that was

the last.

But it still nags at me.

Somewhere in the deep dark recesses

of my brain I must know what that world

he was in was all about.

I've been sneaking some physics classes in over at

The Khan Academy

If you haven't made your way over to that site

you should.

Because maybe there is a class you

never took

and we can be study pals together.

Manger-in-a- tree

2010-12-15T13:10:00.000-05:00

For lack of table top space

we decided to place our nativity scene

in the Christmas tree.

To a 9 and 10-year-old

this seemed like a great idea.

Surprisingly to a 30 something year old,

this seemed equally as exciting.

Some things to note...

-yes, we put baby Jesus in before the big day

because that's how we roll

-yes, that is the "elf on the shelf" on the roof

because he didn't want to be left out

and finally,

if attempting this as well, put the lights

on BEFORE you set it up.

Because we like our holiday decorating

as difficult as possible.

Reality Check

2010-12-15T12:20:00.003-05:00

My sentiments exactly...

Tighty Whities

2010-12-14T10:11:00.000-05:00

A word to the wise.

Do not buy the same color/brand underwear for your boys

that your husband wears.

Mr. will not think to check the size label

and will be convinced that you shrunk the laundry.

Strangely, he will wear the mini undies until you ask him

why he is walking funny.

Wish List #4

2010-12-13T14:34:00.001-05:00

Macaw by Sharon Montrose

Price varies by size

Because it reminds me of my other home.

Wild Letters

2010-12-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

“Once a little boy sent me a charming card with a little drawing on it. I loved it. I answer all my children’s letters — sometimes very hastily — but this one I lingered over. I sent him a card and I drew a picture of a Wild Thing on it. I wrote, “Dear Jim: I loved your card.” Then I got a letter back from his mother and she said, “Jim loved your card so much he ate it.” That to me was one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received. He didn’t care that it was an original Maurice Sendak drawing or anything. He saw it, he loved it, he ate it.”

-Maurice Sendak

via Catherine Campbell

Garlands

2010-12-07T10:38:00.000-05:00

Garlands abound!

Recycled paper garland

Tassel garland

and my favorite garland of all...

Judy Garland

because we are all stars

Remember

2010-12-02T10:41:00.001-05:00

Just so I don't forget about this...

When Max was 4 and in pre-school, he was making holiday decorations using pinecones.

He was particularly fidgety ALL morning until finally Mrs. Steinbock, a rather charming British grandma,

said to him, "Max! Do you have ants in your pants??"

To which he replied quite seriously, "No, just this."

And pulled out the biggest pinecone

he could cram into his britches.

When asked why he had a pinecone in his pants he said,

"I was hiding it because I didn't think I could take it home."

ahhh, boys...

Max left, Fellissimo right

Gift Guide

2010-11-30T10:20:00.005-05:00

For the Kiddos...

Crayon Rings $13, Fraggle Puppets $30,

Carpet Boules $12 and yes Doody Head Poo-Flinging Game $14

Holiday Postcarden $16.50

For the outdoorsy folk...

Hammock $69

Western American 6 Bird Call set $240

Mushroom Knife $98

For the BBQ folk...

Melamine Plates $40

Personalized Beer Holster $43

Stocking Stuffers...

Garlic Rocker $15

Music Balloon Speaker $45

Mama Tea Towel $50 -because she's just fabulous!

and for the person who has everything...

Donate Manure $12

from Oxfam America Org.

A guest post by TuTu

2010-11-27T13:30:00.001-05:00

I introduce my mother...

TuTu is my nickname, since Nana, Grandma, Gramie, really didn't seem to fit.

Tutu is an affectionate name for a Hawaiian Grandmother, and It takes me back to my younger days of living in that wonderful state as a young woman.

This time of the year poses great consternation as I begin prying the youngest of LaLa and Mr.'s tribe for their holiday wish list right after Halloween.

I told them when Lala was a little girl, Tutu had to stand in line for hours to snag a Cabbage Patch Doll, let alone a Furbee. Old habits die hard for a mother when it comes to holiday shopping.

This story seems to be met with wonder. I guess in this day and age it's hard to imagine a world devoid of an empty toy shelf. The truth is, the two tribal lads seem to enjoy experiences over perhaps specific toy items.

Being from the old school, I still want them to wake up to a tree with wrapped packages. I know this wonder will only last for a few more short years so it makes it all the more meaningful to prolong it as long as I can.

So this is how I happened to find myself today, in the aisles of the famous red bulls eye store, attempting yet again to fulfill this year's wish list, having finally extracted it from the young tribal lads.

With the current sales flyer in hand, an empty cart, a cell phone for emergency calls to LaLa, I was armed and prepped for the hunt. ( Did I mention comfortable shoes are a must for a successful search and purchase mission)

Little did I know that all the TuTu's within a 25 mile radius, happened to be on the exact same mission. It must be, that experience over the years has taught us, that certain popular toys will eventually be in short supply as the holidays draw closer.

Experienced Tutu's pound the pavement as soon as they can learn to pronounce the name of the toys. That saves us from the embarrassment of not appearing as knowledgeable as an 8 year old, when God forbid, we have to break down and resort to asking for help. This predicament that has led me to believe, that stores should have kids lined up as shopping assistants beside the carts for those of us less capable of carrying out a successful shopping mission on our own.

It bears mentioning, that I am especially grateful to those companies who have maintained 2 syllable toy names in easily identifiable pink or blue boxes.

Today, I encountered a number of perplexed TuTu's wondering if perhaps they should have been searching the hardware department for the items on their list.

Over time, I have also acquired the ability to spot novice TuTu's among the aisles. The blank stare, fixed gazes, a look of astonishment (mostly after locating the price), all signs of early sensory overload. I have a soft spot for them, and attempt to give them some solace having been there before. By the time we have all reached the toy train aisle we are a tightly bonded group out to give Santa a run for his toy sleigh. I can't help but thinking though, if the tribal lads will eventually remember more what TuTu gave them for Christmas in 2010 or how much fun we all had on the pirate boat adventure during summer vacation. It was probably the homemade bottle rocket launcher that Grandpa Peter made in his basement workshop for them this fall, that will win out over anything on this year's wish list.

So this Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful that the tribal lads have indulged me yet again with a list of preferred selections as I eagerly anticipated my yearly endeavor of a successfully completed shopping expedition before the holiday rush.

In due time, they will have out grown the toy aisle in favor of alternate choices, but just for a short precious time today, they have given me back the memories of when LaLa was a little girl.

Thanksgiving centerpieces

2010-11-24T15:42:00.002-05:00

I am grateful for cotton.

I am grateful for the people who grow it. Harvest it. Provide it for our family to be clothed.

Warm in the winter, cool in the summer.

We use it as an expression of who we are.

It allows me to do what I love to do.

For the past year I have been working with cotton every single day.

It has allowed my little company to grow like the babies I keep warm.

This year I decided to make cotton the centerpiece for our Thanksgiving table.

Along with some tea roses.

And lovely Black Magic roses.

and a little seeded eucalyptus.

Using floral tape to create a grid allows you to easily place the flowers in a watered vase.

Before the addition of the roses.

After with a few dried lotus pods.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Peace.

Breakdance Project Uganda

2010-11-23T09:43:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you want to get up and move!

Breakdance Project Uganda from Jon Smith on Vimeo.

Breakdance Project Uganda is an organization teaching the kids of Uganda how to, well, breakdance. Most of the kids you see live on the streets of Kampala.
Thanks Dic for the link!

Jay Parkinson

2010-11-22T10:58:00.006-05:00

"Success isn’t just about what you do with your life,
it’s about what you inspire others to do."

-Jay Parkinson

If you have not visited his site, you should.

You'll learn something.

I promise.

Wish List #3

2010-11-21T09:12:00.001-05:00

For the mini me.

Year Round Sled $89.95

I can't get enough of the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog.

Naughtyknott

2010-11-19T09:09:00.000-05:00

Lovely witty what knots.

knotty toy - cotton transformable toy for kids and adults

happy or sad - cotton canvas painted pouch

upside down - cotton appliqued pouch

I love stumbling into someone's clever world!

Just for fun...

2010-11-18T08:56:00.003-05:00

I buy lottery tickets. Just one at a time.

Not that I'll win. But I might.

I think of what I would do if my numbers came up.

I think about this at 2 in the morning.

Not the fun type of thinking, the more practical, boring part of the thinking.

I think about calling a lawyer. I think about the fact that I don't have a lawyer to call.

I need to find a lawyer to handle my lottery wins.

I need an accountant. Like a big one. Like Suze Orman. Is she even an accountant?

And then I would need a name for the trust to put the money in. So at 2:37 am I went online to see what other people have named their trust.
Here's a few clever ones:

Lucky Thirteen Plus One

2010 Blind Trust

The End of the Rainbow Trust

Roswell Funhavers

100 Miracles

Here's a few I thought of for mine:

Dumb Luck Good Karma Trust

Pandora's Box

The Whole Shabang Trust

Now What Trust

What would you name yours?

Our Today is Forever

2010-11-13T11:49:00.001-05:00

Garbage sucks.

It sucks even more in the bellies of our friends.

Please be responsible with your trash. Next time you go to the supermarket, ask yourself if you really need those plastic bags, containers, and bottles.

Take a moment to watch the video.

With your kids.

Because they are the ones that will be affected by your trash.

From the wonderful people at TEDx.

Wish List #2

2010-11-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

I stumbled upon this wonderful map!

Perfect for the boys room by Famille Summerbelle

This print is based on an original Famille Summerbelle hand paper cut. $60

Random Saturday

2010-11-06T10:13:00.003-04:00

8:45 am Saturday

-bacon in the oven

-chickens out and about

-fresh hot coffee

-all recouped from colds

-A's on the report card

-hangin' with my peeps

Life is beautiful!

Boo

2010-11-03T20:11:00.000-04:00

Elvis is still in the building.

Happy Halloween!

Oprah, unexpected...

2010-10-29T17:59:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you are given little jewels from the universe.

My came in the form of Robert- the hotel concierge.

While this post was going to be about the trip I took to the Chicago Fabric and Trim show, it happily turned into something else.

10:35 am : From our hotel window

Walking back to our hotel room after a long day looking at fabric, Mr. says, "Why don't we see if we can get tickets to Oprah for tomorrow?"

Poor, sweet, innocent Mr.

He knows not what he speaks.

He knows not that I have been trying to see Ms. O for like 20 years. He knows not that I've spent hours on the phone when tickets are up only to hear the busy signal

over and over and over again.

He knows not that I've spent hours in front of the computer pouring my heart out into that little box of possibilities only to find out that my story is in fact more than the allotted 2000 characters.

He knows not that any given woman would just about sell her first born to be able to hold said tickets in her hand.

"Ask the concierge." he says.

Three little brilliant words that come out of his mouth. The three best words he's ever said.

OK- it's up there with I love you.

So we casually walk up to Robert (aka Mr. Wonderful)

and while I roll my eyes around I say, "So, there's no possible way we could get tickets to see Oprah tomorrow right?"

To which he replies, "Um, yeah, I think so."

And then the ceiling opened up and the angels began to sing, beams of light poured in, babies stopped crying, people were healed

and then my husband shook me out of my daze.

"Hey, hey- he needs our name and number."

I think I babbled something and handed him my card and he simply said, "I'll call you in a few minutes."

You see, people of the world, there is such a thing as the "hotel stand-by line" in Oprah world and Mr. Wonderful has put us on it.

So while my initial shock wore off, new thoughts of horror sank in.

What am I going to wear?

I don't have my Oprah outfit!

I had to accept my clothes as they were. Luckily, I did bring my red lipstick.

5 am : Safeway grocery bag as shower cap

Mr. Wonderful assured us that if we get there by 6:30am, we would have no problem getting in.

And so, we got there at 6 am and were 2nd in line.

Everything is lovely in Oprah world. The Hillman bagel truck was outside giving away free pastries and coffee for all in line.

As we waited more and more lovely ladies showed up. There was so much estrogen in the air that even Mr. was starting to get weepy.

6:10am : Waiting in line

They seated all of the guests that had tickets first and then came to us. They had about 7 seats available for the stand-by crowd and we were 2 of those.

While we went through security, we saw blown up pictures of past shows lining the hallways. The car giveaway, Oprah giving her two handed high five, a sobbing woman looking overjoyed about something. I could only think back to all of those past shows I loved to watch when I would get home from school. I've gone through pretty much all of Oprah's different hair dos starting in the 80s and yet I can't actually pinpoint any particular show that was my favorite.

As soon as she strolled out everyone including me had been wound up to such a frenzy that I thought the studio would explode.

And women started to cry. And then the gay men started to cry. And then the straight men, who didn't quite know how they ended up there, started to cry.

I realized why there was a box of tissues in every aisle.

The show was about Tiger Beat teen idols. So not only were there women who adored Oprah but also really FREAKY fans of David Cassidy, Jackie Jackson (Oprah's teen love), Peter Frampton and the Backstreet Boys.

It was so cool.

Cool, because I can't think of a better word.

I was exhausted, emotionally drained, and needed a stiff drink.

I am thrilled to have been a part of it.

That show will air on November 4th, 2010.

Moral of the story: It never hurts to ask.

10:35 pm : From our hotel window

What has been your favorite Oprah show?

Pinching Earth

2010-10-26T17:41:00.003-04:00

Mehmet Ali Uysal, Pinching Earth

No explanation needed.

Wish List #1

2010-10-19T08:46:00.001-04:00

In case I have a long lost rich Great Uncle out there that would like to shower his niece with lovely goodies from around the globe, I have started a wish list.

Gomitolo Oversized Knitted Clock in White

$298, Gretel Home

Feel free to purchase even if you are not my uncle.

I'm not picky that way.

For the love of Steve

2010-10-16T09:31:00.001-04:00

If I haven't mentioned it before- whoever invented the DVR is a genius.

I get about 47 minutes while the kids are watching Myth Busters on Saturday morning. 47 lovely minutes to myself and the computer.

We have a sort of arrangement, the computer and I. We've had our ups and downs and now we know each other very, very well.

I have an imac and contrary to popular belief, it is the bane of my existence. Just ask Brian, Mel, and Brad over at the Apple store in Tyson's Corner and Jake and Jenny over at the Fair Oaks one. And the patient David who spent about 5 hours on the phone with me.
They know. We've gone through really rough times together. Somewhat akin to giving birth. In the end I ended up with a new bouncing baby computer.
I named it Steve after it's father.
So apparently after all that, Steve is still a bit touchy. He only likes to go to certain websites. He's very picky and somehow he knows when I'm in a hurry because he will taunt me with that little circle thingy going round and round until I get fed up and snap at him.
Then he gets offended and tells me that the server "lost it's connection".
I've learned though.
I've figured out how to get Steve to go where I need. The conditions have to be right. I have to set up mood lighting. It has to be quiet. (He does not like the kids around) And then while I'm on the websites he likes, I sneak around behind his back and open up another browser.
He has no idea!
It works! I feel like a teenager sneaking the folk's liquor out of the cabinet.
Like stealing their car and going for a joy ride in the middle of the night.
Errr- none of which I have ever done- boys.
Oh Steve. What will ever happen when you find out?
I just hope you will forgive me because I can't quit you.

Help a Mother Out

2010-10-09T11:32:00.003-04:00

"Diaper duty" was what I called the stage in my life when the boys were in diapers. I saw no end in sight and the thought that one day they would peeps and popes in the toilet was unfathomable. To those in the throws of diaper duty, I have come out of it and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
It does get better.
Well, it gets better in a way.
Teaching boys to "aim" into the toilet was a whole new can of worms- but I digress.

It was stressful enough- I had two boys in diapers at the same time.
I found that my days were spent figuring out how to sync their poop cycles.

I was a little sleep deprived- ok.

Add to that the amount of money it cost to keep these monkeys diapered. Times are tough and the thought of spending $$$ on diapers for some is just too much.

Help A Mother Out.

Photo credit Wendy Copley

Help a mother out is a non-profit that seeks to improve the lives of mothers, children, and families in need one diaper at a time. The organization coordinates a network of diaper donation drives throughout California and parts of the country and maintains a regularly updated blog that addresses issues of poverty, economics, children, families, and mothers.

www.helpamotherout.org

The name alone speaks to us.

Kuroshio Sea

2010-10-04T10:31:00.003-04:00

Recent count of our aquarium family has lead me to reconsider my ability to keep a lovely fish called the Tiger Barb. We started with 6 and now have none. Which leaves us with 4 sharks, one pleco, and a rainbow shark. Which is not bad were it not that all the fish left don't like to be seen by us humans.

So they hide.

I always have to tell people that are looking into the empty tank that we do in fact have 6 very large creatures somewhere in there.

Makes it kind of hard to meditate in front of the tank and ponder the meaning of life.

So I was thrilled to find and alternative. Sit back and take a mear 4 minutes of your life to watch the most beautiful aquarium footage.
Filmed at the Kuroshio Sea tank.
Watch it in full screen mode for the best effect!

Kuroshio Sea - 2nd largest aquarium tank in the world - (song is Please don't go by Barcelona) from Jon Rawlinson on Vimeo.

Sea Nymph

2010-10-01T08:47:00.001-04:00

The theme for the week was pirates.

We went to the Renaissance Festival in Maryland and apparently it was pirate weekend. So while I don't believe that there were any actual pirates in the 1400s, fun was had by all.

I do have to say that the "food on stick" items were well worth the drive. Those clever renaissance peeps had me at the mac and cheese on a stick followed by sweet potato sticks followed by cheesecake on a stick dipped in chocolate. Yum.

So to end the week, I'll share an amazing installation by Josh Beckman called Sea Nymph.

All images by Marianne Williams. More at Machine Project.

Huzzah!

Happiness is...

2010-09-25T13:28:00.001-04:00

Having the stake park all to yourself.

Fellissimo conquering the half pipe.

Somewhere over the...

2010-09-21T16:38:00.000-04:00

This would last about one nano second in my house.

I have a thing for rainbow food.

I found this rainbow goodness over at One Charming Party.

photos by Nicole Hill and cake by Dusti Ondryas

Even Dorothy would find her way back to Oz for this one.

101010

2010-09-14T08:51:00.002-04:00

Across the planet, documentary filmmakers, students, and inspired citizens will record the human experience over a 24-hour period. By participating in this historic event, you will help capture the diversity of life and culture on this planet. Together we will create a document that is a gift to the world.

One Day on Earth - Original Trailer

One Day on Earth is a documentary and new media project about the amazing diversity, conflict, tragedy, and triumph that occurs in one 24-hour period on Earth. More than a film, One Day on Earth is a multi-platform participatory media project. The flagship of this project is a 120-minute documentary to be released theatrically. Through the One Day on Earth platform we will establish a community that not only watches, but participates.

Out You Go

2010-09-10T08:31:00.003-04:00

There are many ways to go,

from the short walks and well-marked longer paths...

the main thing is to get out

of your car and away from

the parking lot if you can.

-John Madson

Life on the Back Side of the Moon

The Badlands, SD

Maxi in search of the unknown on our 2010 summer vacation.

Moroso M'afrique

2010-09-08T10:51:00.002-04:00

Or I could title this "How I Got Kicked Out of ABC Carpet and Home".

On a recent trip to NY, I stopped by one of my favorite stores, ABC Carpet and Home. I took Mr. with me to keep me sane and to hold my purse. In other words, he hid my wallet and told me I didn't need anything. I'll just show you where the problem began...

Here. It all started here. I came across the coolest furniture EVER.

m’afrique by moroso: visionary designers + indigenous artisans + traditional materials & techniques = vibrant, beautiful offerings that translate gracefully to a modern aesthetic.

The furniture is made with a steel frame and hand woven nylon. It can be used for outdoors as well as indoors. *Double swoon*

using a hand weaving technique birsel + seck created a wide range of softly rounded
products such as madame dakar, an enormous armchair.

Moroso started using a hand-weaving technique employing the plastic threads traditionally used for making fish nets. This created the success of Tord Boontje’s Shadowy collection. The same technique is now used by Bibi Seck and Ayse Birsel who created a wide range of attractive, softly rounded products, such as Madame Dakar, an enormous armchair as enveloping as a hammock.

And so, after an hour of making myself at home, the lovely lady in this section made her presence known. I was encouraged to GET OFF THE FURNITURE LADY. A small group of men, similar to the President's Detail followed us around. Which did not discourage me in the least as I pretended they were my personal posse.

Salted Caramel Macarons

2010-09-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

Pretty much, I need these for my life.

One of my favorite blogs is Cupcakes and Cashmere. Emily Schuman not only keeps me in the know fashion wise but food wise as well. Foodshonable perhaps?

Take a look at these diddies she whipped up.

Here's the recipe she used.

Oh, and Emily, if you're reading this, I want to be you in my next life :)

Happy Mention

2010-09-01T09:49:00.002-04:00

We're are the "Crush of the Month" in Pregnancy and Newborn this month!

Baby Sophie was a super great model!

Champagne for lunch!

Quick question

2010-05-31T10:07:00.001-04:00

I was listening to a talk given by Steve Jobs at a commencement speech. He posed this question:

When you wake up in the morning, do you think to yourself, "if today is the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?"

I have been thinking about this for a couple of days of now. I wrote this on a sticky note and posted it on my lamp next to my bed. I need to remember this when I wake up in the morning. So when it's time to make breakfast, I don't just give them cereal but maybe make french toast. When I get dressed, maybe I don't just put on the first thing I grab which is the same old pair of schlumpy jeans. Why do I even have these?? When I get ready to go out of the house, I put on the fancy lipstick- perfume even. It's the little kick in the arse that I needed to go from "yeah ok - I have to go to the grocery store" to "I'm going to the grocery store, and I'm wearing my go-to-hell heals."

Honey do list #56- Playground

2010-05-25T12:58:00.000-04:00

What I wouldn't do for the energy that my boys have!! I was discussing the issue of our playground situation with the Mr. It seems that the playgrounds around our area are really catered to little kids. Our boys (8 and 9) have outgrown them. Ahem- they climb on the outside of them instead of the inside of them which causes the helicopter mommies to send me disapproving eye/facial gestures.

What I really need is to build a playground in our backyard that can handle rough boy use. It has to look fun and colorful, have all sorts of climbable stuff, and most importantly- it has to look like if they played on it they "could" get hurt. All criteria for my two boys. So as I was perusing around I came across the group Go Play! These playground people are a collaboration of architects, builders, teachers and volunteers who are privately supported to build beautiful and educational playgrounds throughout the developing world. Check out what they did in Thailand!

So I went to my local dump(which I love) and found that they had all of this:

Free for the taking! So Mr. has taken on the challenge of creating the ULTIMATE playground. With the boy's help it should be completed by the time they graduate college.

Symphony of Science

2010-05-21T08:25:00.001-04:00

"A Glorious Dawn" was crafted from sampling Carl Sagan's 1980 PBS Documentary Cosmos and Stephen Hawking's 1997 PBS cosmology documentary series Stephen Hawking's Universe. Cosmos is available to watch for free on Hulu, and many parts of Stephen Hawking's Universe can be found on Youtube and various other video sites online.

The Symphony of Science is a musical project headed by John Boswell designed to deliver scientific knowledge and philosophy in musical form. Here you can watch music videos, download songs, read lyrics and find links relating to the messages conveyed by the music.

Conveyor Belt of Love

2010-05-20T13:13:00.000-04:00

Can I just say that whoever came up with the idea of putting sushi on a conveyor belt and having it pass around at eye level is a genius. GENIUS!

And it was quite tasty to boot!

Simulated swimming pool

2010-05-08T09:24:00.001-04:00

The first thing out of the boy's mouth was "Can we do that?"

Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich created this installation, simply called The Swimming Pool, for The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan. A 10cm layer of water over a piece of glass separates above from below. It must be a pretty serious piece of glass; some back-of-the-envelope math based on the published dimensions gives 1,100 kg (2400 lbs) of water that it has to support. Plus its own weight. [via Dude Craft]

Need some cash?

2010-04-29T10:46:00.003-04:00

What is stopping you from realizing your dream? Motivation, inspiration or just some cold hard cash? I came across a company called Kickstarter that may just help you turn those ideas into reality.

Kickstarter is focused on creative ideas and ambitious endeavors. We're a great way for artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, writers, athletes, adventurers, illustrators, explorers, curators, promoters, performers, and others to bring their projects, events, and dreams to life.

How does funding work?

Every project has a funding goal (any dollar amount) and a time limit (from 1 - 90 days) set by the project creator. When the deadline is reached, there are either of two results:

1. Funding Successful: If a project has met or surpassed its funding goal, all backers' credit cards are instantly charged and funds go directly to the project creator. Project creators are then responsible for completing the project and delivering rewards as promised.

2. Funding Unsuccessful: If a project has NOT met its funding goal, all pledges are canceled. That's it.

Here are some projects I found still needing funding...

Now go out there and make something happen!

Favorite Characters

2010-04-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

A favorite blog of mine is Tina Roth Eisenberg's Swiss Miss. I loved the question she asked,

If I had to live my life as a cartoon/children’s book character, I would be….

For me it would be a toss up between Anne of Green Gables and Eloise.

View more answers at Flickr.

Jaime Oliver- TED video

2010-04-24T13:10:00.000-04:00

A sobering wake up call.

Dear Boys...

2010-04-22T12:49:00.003-04:00

Dear Boys,

When you are all grown up, I hope that you will be able to show your children all the amazing places and creatures that we have shown you. I hope that you remember Morpho butterflies landing on your head and that little poison dart frogs would come out of their hiding places if you stood very, very still.

Remember that you would drink the water directly from the waterfalls and that it was so cold you would have to quickly jump in to take a dip. Remember that Carlos would take you up the mountain by piggy back and teach you about the lizards and centipedes that you would try to catch. Remember that when you played in the dirt the earth was so black that I would have to wash your clothes twice. You live in a magical place and have been very fortunate to have experienced so much in your little lives. I hope and pray that you will be able to do the same for your children. Until then, I will show you and teach you all I can about this little place we call home. Happy Earth Day.

Love,

Lala

All the pictures except the beach one were taken in our little rain forest called Rainmaker in Costa Rica.

Mother has a day- prepare ahead of time.

2010-04-18T13:27:00.002-04:00

For all those that wait till the last possible moment to get things done, here is a heads up. Mother's day is May 9. This still gives you time to think about getting something for your mother. Need ideas? Here are some to get you started:

Kat Hannah

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan

RG Creations

She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along. ~Margaret Culkin Banning

Hammermann

Women's Liberation is just a lot of foolishness. It's the men who are discriminated against. They can't bear children. And no one's likely to do anything about that. ~Golda Meir

Beesnetta

Grown don't mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What's that suppose to mean? In my heart it don't mean a thing. ~Toni Morrison, Beloved, 1987

Aunt June

The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks. ~Carrie Latet

Orange Twist

Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother. ~Oprah Winfrey

Huffing coffee

2010-04-17T13:35:00.005-04:00

I am not sure how exactly it got to this.
In my perfect Saturday, I would awaken to a hot cup of coffee next to my bed.
Mr. does a very good job of making it and I have since come to expect that it is his marital duty.
I clean the toilets, he makes the coffee.
There should be no confusion.
The fact that on somedays it appears next to my bedside is, well, magical.
In all actuality it implies - "it's time to wake up".
So today, as any other day, I wander around the kitchen to discover that the beautiful aroma that graces the air at 7:10 am is not around.
Not even a promise of a whiff.
In fact the whole coffee making unit is cold.
COLD.
In it's place are the sad remains of yesterday's brew.
Reason- no coffee mate. I need the coffee mate.
I picked up a nasty little habit when I lived in Costa Rica.
They don't have half and half in Costa Rica. A country that grows the most beautiful coffee does not make half and half!
So my needs of sweet and creamy coffee there were met with a little infusion of coffee mate.
The powdered kind.

I even travel with it.
In case I wake up somewhere.
And need coffee.
With coffee mate.
It has gone with me literally to the other side of the world.
Try explaining coffee mate to an airport security officer that only speaks Thai after a non-stop 17 hour flight with a very grouchy Mr. who keeps reminding me that coffee mate IS NOT SOMETHING THAT YOU PUT IN A CLEAR BAG AND LEAVE IN MY PURSE ON AN
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT!
Anywaaaay, how could this happen? I buy it in bulk! We're talking Costco sized bulk.
I am that crazy lady that you see lugging around the cart full of toilet paper and coffee mate tubs.
and apparently I am out. Have I gone through it all? I mean we're talking tubs- not the little bottles - TUBS!
So today, I have come to the realization that I might just be a little addicted to the white stuff.
How do you detox from it?
Just stop - cold turkey? I need a replacement.
HELP!
And don't mention tea - it's just not the same.

Even when there's milk around.

A Dirty Little Secret

2010-04-14T09:21:00.000-04:00

I have a dirty little secret. I love going to the dump! We have the best dump- I get all braggy about it because it is beautiful. Swoon! It is really well organized and run by the best group of guys and gals. Every Monday, I pile - well Mr. piles the bag of trash and I get all the recycling. As soon as I pull up, the birds are all a flutter as a welcoming dance ensues. I see our friendly Sam waiting to direct all to the perfect trashy receptacle that will be used for the day. All the containers set up next to each other neat and tidy waiting for some action. Begging for our bottles - pick me! Here's a picture. You can zoom in to see all the bins in a perfect row. There is not one bit of trash on the ground or creepy oozy stuff anywhere. I mean I could wear my Manolos if I had some! I think the ground is cleaner than our kitchen floor. They even have a "Trash to Treasures" section where you can take your gently worn furniture or toys. And it's all for the taking!

I was really surprised though to find out the other day that there are certain things you should not recycle:

Pizza boxes. The oil from pizza can contaminate cardboard boxes, making it impossible to process them into clean paper.
Napkins and paper towels. It's not the paper goods themselves that present a problem, but the fact that they're typically used to wipe up food, cleaning products, and other "hazardous waste."
Sticky notes. Their size, color, and the adhesive strip make them a better bet for the trash bin.
Plastic caps. Curbside programs won't recycle them, but Aveda collects them and turns them into packaging for new products.
Wet paper. Paper fibers that have been exposed to water are shorter and therefore less valuable to paper mills, making it unprofitable to collect and recycle.

The other thing that our lovely dump offers is an array of educational programs geared for elementary up to high school students. Check out this little game they came up with.

And if this is not a surprise - bird watchers go to the dump to admire the lovely gulls that hang out there.

Mail Bag!

2010-04-10T10:00:00.002-04:00

I have been meaning to post these adorable pictures that were sent to me by some wonderful customers showing off their new babies in their Noonies!

sent by Alison with her Pink Mod baby

baby Quintin Timothy in his Savannah

and Olivia with her little one in Child's Play

Keep em coming- I love to see them!

Food On a Stick

2010-04-09T11:01:00.003-04:00

We at the Lala family enjoy many a wacky thing, one of which being food on a stick. Something about holding a piece of wooded goodness in your hand that brings on all sorts of childhood memories. Sitting in front of the campfire roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. The smell of smoke and cut grass and sweaty Paulie Smitty sitting next to you. Ahh, heaven. As a mother of two, I have had the pleasure of passing on the same stick fascination to my boys. We discuss food-on-stick possibilities on the way to school mostly. The favorite being their future "Sticky Buns" kiosk selling donuts and cinnamon buns on a stick. Move over Cinnabuns. While perusing the internet, I found that we're not the only ones attracted by stick food phenomenon. Check these beauties out. I only wish I had come up with them.

Cake-Pops

Pie Lollipops

Scotch Egg-on-a-stick

Which reminds me, if you are ever in a pinch here's how you can cook an egg on a stick...

I just thought this was cute.

Tofu on a stick

I love this company's motto...

"Because all food tastes better when it's stick-mounted"

And finally, not your "traditional" stick- I'll let this one slide...

Edible Crayons

And if that's not enough, the Iowa State fair has dozens of Food-On-A-Stick stalls! Mecca...

Jason Fried: Why You Can’t Work at Work

2010-04-05T15:13:00.001-04:00

Via Cluster Flock

Spoonflower Fabric

2010-03-26T10:30:00.002-04:00

Exciting times for Lala's Pequenos as we are developing our children's clothing line!

One of the concepts behind the line is the use of eco-freindly fabrics. Soy, organic cotton, and organic jersey are all going to be incorporated. Sourcing fun, colorful eco fabrics used to be very difficult but thanks to companies like Spoonflower, finding fabric to use is so much fun. Spoonflower makes it possible for individuals to design, print and sell their own fabric designs. Unlike conventional textile manufacturing, digital printing entails very little waste of fabric, ink, water or electricity. Spoonflower prints using eco-friendly, water-based pigment inks on natural fiber textiles. You can choose from a variety of fabulous designs from their shop and order the type of fabric you will need. Some of our favorites include:

by troismiettes

by joybucket

by petunias

by lana kole

We can't wait to see the fabric we designed incorporated into the clothing!

Giant Noonie!

2010-03-25T11:20:00.000-04:00

For those of you who have asked if I could make an adult sized Noonie,

I have found the next best thing!

It's called a Sealpelt

I'm sure they get asked if they can make a kids sized one!

Ceiling Art?

2010-03-23T11:27:00.007-04:00

Having a kid around is a constant reminder to always think outside the box. They are like little humans running around looking at the world with totally different eyes. It must feel like a constant trip on LSD. Everything is just sooo cool and sooo possible.

So it didn't surprise me when I was looking at a site featuring Ji Lee's ceiling installations, when my 9 year old, Fellissimo, walks by and casually says, "I was thinking that too" and walks away.

No explanation. Nothing else.

So I thought to myself, wow- that little mind is so uncluttered with useless can't dos - that he still has the ability to think about setting up furniture scenarios on the ceiling.

yay!

c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e

2010-03-19T09:04:00.001-04:00

Woo me with chocolate.

Hands down the best chocolate company in the world is Vosges. I love everything about it. EVERYTHING! The combination of flavors, the look, the smell. The store- in which they (as in the poor store clerk) coudn't get rid of me. I liiiingered a little too long. As soon as I see that dark purple box in my presence, I melt.

55% soft dark chocolate praline + organic Reishi mushroom + white chocolate shell decorated with red dots

Katrina Markoff, founder (guru of all things chocolate), has come up with yet another genius way of mixing her chocolate concoctions to the next level for Easter.

And if the description doesn't get you...

"Legend has it that should you eat an entire Enchanted Mushroom under the light of the full Alder Moon in April, immortality will be yours. Be careful what you wish for. "

What more could you want?? What- you say, "Well, she can't possibly bring yoga and chocolate together."

OH SNAP- SHE CAN!!

Yoga + Chocolate Weekend Workshops with Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Pick me up. I'm on the floor. Look what happened, my font is all over the place. I'll leave you with one more thing- her blog Peace Love and Chocolate.

Well, you might as well just take the whole day off now.

Ponder the meaning of life.

Smell the roses.

Kiss a baby, cause life with Vosges is good.

Natural Kids

2010-03-18T10:00:00.020-04:00

I am a member of a team on Etsy called Natural Kids. We are a group of sellers dedicated to creating natural products for children. We are a diverse group of artisans who make natural toys, utensils, clothing and accessories for kids. Our sellers work with materials from the Earth, such as wool, cotton, silk and wood. Our goal is to support, promote and have fun together while building our businesses.

Sew Funky
We all work with natural materials in our products for children. Oh yeah, and we're all pretty darn crafty and talented too! Wool, wood, cotton...just simple materials direct from the Earth.

Finns and Flowers Toy Co.

Some of us are mothers of small children.

Some of us are mothers of grown children.

Treebottom Wool

Some of us make dolls, some of us make hats, some of us make toys.

Some of us have been selling our wares for many years.
Some of us are just starting to discover our talents and start selling.
Some of us work with natural materials for environmental reasons.

Sqrl and Bee Studio

Some of us work with natural materials as part of the Waldorf educational philosophy.

Some of us work with natural materials because we believe they are healthier and safer.

Some of us just like working with natural materials.

Some of us sell our wares for a living.

Some of us sell our wares as a hobby.

Since that time, some of us are fathers.

Just Hatched

NaturalKids Team Members Blogs:

http://thereluctantcitydweller.blogspot.com

http://thefairiesnest.blogspot.com
http://SewnNaturalstudio.blogspot.com
http://www.tribaltimes.blogspot.com/
http://www.katsinthebelfry.blogspot.com
http://www.polarbearcreations.blogspot.com
http://fairtradefamily.blogspot.com/
http://germandolls.blogspot.com
http://www.curlymonkeyandco2.blogspot.com
http://www.bananabottoms.blogspot.com
http://woolies-woolies.blogspot.com
http://birchleafdesigns.blogspot.com
http://pinpon-dayanara.blogspot.com
http://sqrlbee.blogspot.com/
http://www.thesittingtree.net
http://www.themuddyfoot.blogspot.com
http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com
http://viltalakim.blogspot.com

Tie-dyed eggs with Robert Mahar

2010-03-16T17:25:00.001-04:00

I obviously have chicken on the brain but how fun would this be to learn!

I would love to take this class with Robert Mahar.

Join your instructor, Easter egg emissary Robert Mahar of MaharDrygoods.com, and learn an impressive d

You learn how to transfer patterns from recycled vintage ties directly onto eggs.

I have some Pucci ties that would be fabulous for this. Now I just have to go back to Cali, Cali, Cali for the class. Although, I did send an eager beaver email pleading for an online tutorial.

Special Delivery

2010-03-15T08:38:00.000-04:00

I picked up our new chicks at the post office.

Fleur

Penelope

Marina (on the right, that is)

I thought babies were cute, but these peepers are ridiculous.

With $995 I could get...

2010-03-07T10:51:00.000-05:00

A pair of fabulous spring Louboutin sandals

a new chicken coop?

Sometimes you just want to throw responsibility out the window and go for the shoes.

I will paint it pink however.

It's Potty Time!

2010-03-05T09:37:00.001-05:00

Is it bad to want your boy children to go pee pee sitting down? Let's come up with a splash guard people!

Upon my quest to find the perfect boy potty, I happen upon these jewels:

Puff and Flock

2010-03-02T20:44:00.002-05:00

I came across this design company recently, Puff and Flock. Who are they? A recently formed group of textile designers, bound by a shared vision for the future direction of design. What do they create? Well, how about balloon furniture to start.

How many balloons does it take to support your bum?

Or how about a Solar Sanctuary that is a shade structure which mimics the lovely scene of a sun-dappled tree canopy.

Even better yet- Spiky - the shower curtain that is a green warrior.

Spiky gives you 4 minutes under the water before its inflating spikes push you out of the shower. You can’t stand in the shower anymore because the spikes take all the available space. You have to get out and stop using too much water. These curtains are not really for marketing but aim at provoking a debate around water issues.

Makes you wonder what kind of chit chat happens around the water cooler at that office.

Rainbow Pancakes

2010-02-26T10:07:00.001-05:00

Need I say more?

Thank you Amanda and her awesome blog i am mommy for this great recipe! It's like Fruit Loops in pancake form! We'll probably opt for the natural food dyes I bought for Easter eggs to make our own version for Sunday brunch.

Maybe rainbow mashed potatoes?

I think we'll stick to the pancakes for now.

Pretend Shaving

2010-02-23T11:46:00.001-05:00

Standing in line, Max got very squirmy. Impulse took over and I handed him my iphone. Max (aka the engineer ) figured out how to get free apps into my phone. I don't know how to get them and have only 3. That's only because some kind stranger took pitty on my pathetic, empty looking phone and suggested I needed a flashlight, a lightsaber, and a game called Aurora Feint. I now, thanks to my 8 year old, have another very useful one called Panasonic Beard Buster - I can't provide the link because again, I don't know where to find it. Google would probably lend a hand. I say it's useful because a) it entertained the child and b) in case you were wondering about facial hair possibilities, there's an app for that. And now I present the family portrait...

Lala sporting the "Van Dyke"

Mr. Lala sporting the "Handlebar"

Max sporting the "Fu Manchu"

Fell sporting the "Van Dyke"

Mirabella sporting the "Handlebar"

and

Tangerine sporting the "Soul Patch"

Noodle fun

2010-02-21T10:01:00.000-05:00

The boys are really into squid and octopus. Any creature laden with tentacles and slime is right up their alley. I came across this from the fabulous Designing Moms that is such a fun idea.

Step 1. Cut hot dogs into 3 inch bits. You can substitute with veggie dogs or turkey dogs.

Step 2. Poke 4 raw spaghetti noodles through each hot dog bit.

Step 3. Boil until noodles are cooked.

Voila! Octo- dogs! I think hubby was more excited than the boys. Who knew a noodle on a dog would bring such joy!

Art Websites for Kids

2010-02-10T10:59:00.008-05:00

Accumulating snow outside my Virginia home inspired me to visit pictures of our time living in Costa Rica.

When my oldest son, Fellissimo, turned 6 he asked to have an “Art Party”. His favorite artist at the time was Van Gogh and his favorite painting, A Starry Night.

We allowed the kids to get “into” the painting. Obviously, the highlight of the party.

We really missed visiting the Smithsonian Museams on the weekends so I complied a list of websites that allowed the boys to explore their beloved creativity. These have been approved by the boys and are really cool. Please let us know any kid friendly art sites you think are a great and I'll add them to the list!

Jackson Pollock (Fell's new favorite artist)

MOMA - great for contemporary art interaction

National Gallery of Art for kids

Albright Knox- Art Games

Starfall- Art and reading
Mr. Picasso Head- fooling with Picasso like shapes

Haring Kids- fooling with Keith Haring like shapes

Smart Museam - Interactive kids teaching you about art

Etch a Sketch

A. Pintura- Art Detective

Visual Elements and Principles

Spring 2010 Noonies

2010-01-19T10:35:00.005-05:00

Sweet baby Sophie was brilliant during our photo shoot for the upcoming Spring 2010 noonies. Thank you Ingrid Kaslik for taking such wonderful pictures!

A moment to ponder

2010-01-14T13:03:00.000-05:00

It sure makes it difficult to go about our supermarket, hair dying, cable watching day as so many people are in such a desperate state. To those in Haiti, its times like this when little miracles happen. To the rest of us, let's do something... thank you Chris Sacca for this list.

What to do for 2010

2010-01-03T10:39:00.000-05:00

A new years resolution for myself...
Dear self,
Please can we just exercise. Can we just get our tush in the car and sign up at the gym. Take a yoga class. Take a walk. Get out of the house.
Looking forward to your reply,
Alessandra

8-year-old gift list 2009 Part 1

2009-11-16T08:46:00.013-05:00

Now that my children (8 and 9 year old boys) can put their thoughts to paper, they waste no time making "the wish list". As soon as the holiday commercials begin, now around Halloween, their little minds are filled with the endless possibilities of what Santa will bring. They do still believe in the big guy. What amazes me about these lists is the perfect penmanship, the impecable grammer, the i's dotted and the t's crossed. Each one a perfect manuscript delicately crafted to include items that will entertain the mind and pass the time.
My husband and I are fascinated by what they put on "the list" and why. So, this year, we "disected" a few of the items to find out what made them so appealing.
Part 1 From the mind of an 8 year old boy:
Max is the prioritizer. He listed his items in the order of importance and just to make sure he got his point across, he appended the items with one asterisk for really want and two asterisks for really, really want.
1. **Splashy the Whale game
The point of the game is to fish out various items out of the whale's mouth. The fun part is if you touch his tongue, he'll squirt you with water.
This is a toy for a 5 year old. Why would my 8 year old be attracted to this? Because Max loves water and any chance he gets to get squirted or be the squirter, he jumps on. (For April Fools, we rigged the sink spray nossel to spray water if you turn the faucet on. Needless to say, he was beside himself when he got sprayed. And we have been honored many times with the same joke since.)

2. **Dual Action Light Saber
I think with this one, I'm afraid he fell prey to the magic of advertising. I took this right off the ad.
"Light saber replica contains a second, hidden light saber for double dueling action and light-up blades. (But wait- there's more) Attach light sabers together to create a double-bladed weapon. Battle with a light saber in each hand. (But wait- there's more) Connect them for a double-bladed weapon as you call upon the power of the Force!"
Not to mention the cool costumed boy holding the wand was well, so cool looking.

3. * Razor Sparks Scooter
A scooter that if you push down on the back, emits a shower of sparks. Max is a bit of a pyro so I can understand why this made the list. A toy that makes fire sparks. Here's what he'll do. Ride it as it is supposed to be used and within about 10 minutes, he'll get the idea to make something catch on fire with it and so for the rest of the time he'll try to "spark" the pile of leaves till the sun goes down.

4. *** Mind Flex (3 asterisk, the mother of all gifts)
Here's what it does- also taken from the ad:
"Mindflex, the new mental acuity game from Mattel, makes that dream a reality.
Mindflex combines advanced technology with the power of thought.
Create an interactive experience unlike any other.
A game where players compete in the ultimate mental marathon.
The various obstacles can be repositioned into many different configurations."
So I have to say, dad and I were both intrigued by this one. (We kinda want to try it too.)
I know why Max wanted this one. Mind control. The wave of the future in toys. The wave of the future in everything. Remote controls, computers, I think of this as the PONG of the 2009s.

One more item that made it to the list. **Another chicken.

Think Before You Pink™

2009-10-12T10:30:00.006-04:00

Breast cancer...AIDS… Heart disease… Autism…
Given the choice of two products, I gravitate towards purchasing the item that contributes to a “cause” versus the one that doesn’t. Yogurt, sneakers, make-up, pretty much anything you end up buying now has a certain charity that “benefits” from your purchase. I do it with my rainforest project in Costa Rica and my clothing line, donating a percentage of the sales to fund the daily functions of its protection.

But what are your dollars going to when you buy those little ribboned items?
I came across an organization that brings this question to light. They focus on breast cancer, but really, you can apply these ideas to any charitable cause.

Think Before You Pink™, a project of Breast Cancer Action, launched in 2002 in response to the growing concern about the number of pink ribbon products on the market. The campaign calls for more transparency and accountability by companies that take part in breast cancer fundraising, and encourages consumers to ask critical questions about pink ribbon promotions.

"It is this dynamic that drives the pink ribbon’s detractors to distraction. There is a value to awareness, but awareness of what, and to what end?” asks Barbara Brenner, activist and executive director of Breast Cancer Action (BCA) in San Francisco. “We need changes in the direction the research is going, we need access to care—beyond mammograms—we need to know what is causing the disease, and we need a cure. The pink ribbon is not indicative of any of that."

Reprinted from MAMM, June/July 1998

I was really surprised to find out how the beginning of the ribbon revolution actually started. Even more surprised to learn about the hypocrisy of certain cosmetic companies that raise money in the name of breast cancer, but manufacture body care products with known carcinogens or reproductive toxins.

“We have to question our willingness as cancer organizations to get into bed with people whose ultimate goal is profit, not health,” Brenner says. And her point—that corporate benevolence is linked with the appearance of care rather than active solutions—is supported by history. After all, homelessness was the darling corporate cause once, in the years before welfare reform.

Visit the website to learn about their recent accomplishments.

The World's Worst Mom or Free Range Kids?

2009-09-14T14:24:00.009-04:00

"What if you wanted your child to be kidnapped by a stranger and held overnight? How long would you have to leave him or her outside and unattended for that to actually happen? When journalist and author Lenore Skenazy asked people to take a guess, the answers showed a country increasingly, and irrationally, consumed by fear."
-Trevor Butterworth

Lenore Skenazy, author of Free Range Kids, got to the nitty gritty of where parent's fear of unsupervised children stems from. When Skenazy's 9-year-old wanted to travel on the NYC subway alone, she let him. (After teaching him how to safely go about it.)
After he did it, she wrote about it. Boy- did she hear it! Comments and letters poured in chastising her and calling her the "worst mom ever".

Whoa- what would that make me! I'll admit I was not the most mommiest mommy at the park. I'd forget to pack the extra diaper, toy, wipe, juice box, assorted snack mix, clothes, and that damn binky!

My kids were the ones that would pick up stray cheerios and snack 'em down. They were the ones that would wander down to the creek and jump in. And boy would I get the look from the mommies. That look that says, "You're not playing by the rules dear. If your kids jump in the creek then my kids will jump in the creek and today is not creek jumping day!"
Or I'd be trying to make polite conversation with another mommy and I'd hear. "You know, there are snakes in the bushes over there." To which I would reply, "maybe garter snakes but they aren't poisonous. I'm not concerned, but thanks." To which she replied, "It's still a snake and who knows what or who could be in that bush! You really ought to bring your kids closer."

What or WHO could be in the scary bush??
Have we really come to this people- where kids should be afraid of romping in the bushes?
I like my kids like I like my chickens - free range as Skenazy says. A good read and a must for any new parent. Check out her blog as well!
Oh, and the answer to the first question: 750,000 years. Read why here.

The Edible Schoolyard

2009-07-17T10:00:00.010-04:00

Imagine a public school where the kids are growing the food for the cafeteria! Along comes an idea well worth the effort. The Edible Schoolyard is a one-acre garden and kitchen classroom at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California. It is a program of the Chez Panisse Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by chef and author Alice Waters.

The kids grow and learn to make culinary delights using the harvest from the garden.

Students who participate in the Edible Schoolyard program learn about the connection between their everyday food choices and the health of the community, the environment, and themselves. These lessons foster sound nutritional practice, responsible food choices, and environmental stewardship.

Cafeteria food that is tasty and natural?? What an idea!

Take a tour of the garden yourself here!

What is Kiva?

2009-06-26T10:23:00.015-04:00

Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.

So, that $3.75 spare change that you found in the couch could help Akouvi Atono from Togo, Africa buy the fabric supplies she needs to continue her colorful clothing business.

Kiva partners with existing expert microfinance institutions. In doing so, they gain access to outstanding entrepreneurs from impoverished communities world-wide. Their partners are experts in choosing qualified entrepreneurs. That said, they are usually short on funds. Through Kiva, the partners upload their entrepreneur profiles directly to the site so you can lend to them. When you do, not only do you get a unique experience connecting to a specific entrepreneur on the other side of the planet, but the microfinance partners can do more of what they do, more efficiently.

Any organizations you belong to, can do it as well! Don't forget your little ones- they can create a Lending Team in their classroom.
What a great way to make your tribe a little bigger.
More info here.

With all do respect, a very spunky lady in Thailand...

2009-06-24T11:01:00.013-04:00

Moral of the story, it's never too late to make an impact.

While traveling through Thailand with my husband, we discovered the work of the late Princess Mother (the King's mother). In the Chaing Mai region of Thailand in the Golden Triangle, Princess Mother was looking for a location to build a home in weather that was more suitable to her health. She discovered a land devastated by deforestation and opium trafficking and people struggling for survival. This, then ninety year old, made it her mission to help turn the area around into the amazing place it is now.

The Doi Tung Development Project is a holistic and integrated sustainable alternative livelihood development initiative. It is the culmination of the Princess Mother's lifelong dedication to development work. And the shopping is great too!

Points of intrest:
The Mae Fah Luang Garden- 10 glorious acres of the best cultivated flower species I have ever seen amid incredible water sculptures.

Doi Tung Royal Villa- A recreation of a Swiss Chalet complete with a hand-crafted wood inlay of the Princess Mother's favourite constellations. Designed by the Astronomy Society of Thailand, installed light bulbs representing the stars in the centre of the ceiling showed the position of the constellations on October 21, 1900, the day the Princess Mother was born.

The Cottage Industries Centre and Outlet- a handicrafts training and job creation centre that was launched alongside with the Project's reforestation projects. All Doi Tung Lifestyle products are produced by skilled ethnic minorities in this compound of 8.32 hectares (52 rai). The Centre, located at the foot of Doi Tung, employs more than 300 skilled workers in four handicraft producing facilities.
Did I mention the shopping?

A very cool lady indeed, kop kun ka!

For more information click here.

A dark and stormy night...

2009-06-18T18:58:00.009-04:00

Costa Rica In 1993, standing on the corner of a very crowded San Jose side walk, my mother and I decide to buy a rain forest. The twenty- two seconds it took to make the decision didn’t take into account the 10 years it took to actually own this rain forest. And so, to those in my tribe, a dark and stormy night is all too familiar. For those who have not had the pleasure, a lovely account can be found here.

Determination can get you only so far, but friends will get you a long way. Welcome! I’ll bring the wine.

A stunning clip from the show "The Eco- Tourist" by Matt Ferguson filmed in Rainmaker can be viewed here.

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knotty toy - cotton transformable toy for kids and adults

happy or sad - cotton canvas painted pouch

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Special Delivery

With $995 I could get...

It's Potty Time!

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