31.5.08

~ Super Cute Stockton & Co ~




Stockton & Co makes the cutest "Sweet & sincere: prints, stationery, and lunch bags." I am so in love with her bears & bunnies and I dare you to get any cuter than this "team international dumpling button set." I've recently purchased their "creamsicle mini pocket snack bag" You can check it out here:
I was totally sold on the thought of making lunches for Devon and writing cute notes to stick in that adorable pocket :)




29.5.08

~ Kung Fu Kitty ~





I made this "Kung Fu" french terry jacket for Devon as a summertime cover-up for windy days and chilly nights. The fabrication makes it warm and snuggly, but it's still lightweight enough so she doesn't get cranky from that "bulky" feeling she gets when I stick her in the Bjorn or her stroller with a sweater on. It snaps in the front for quick and easy dressing and looks so smart with her new Yoruk onesie!
Check out more of Yoruk's "origami" print animals @ http://www.yorukapparel.etsy.com/
All she needs now are some super cute sneakers :)

24.5.08

~ Folklore Camisole ~



Here's our newest 100% cotton eyelet camisole paired with Devon's bulls-eye knickers. You can view more pics of this sweet summertime basic by clicking on my listing:


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12025925

The super cute owl hair clippie is by Coco & Milkweed!

http://www.cocoandmilkweed.etsy.com/


23.5.08

~ Chilly Afternoon in May ~

I wanted to do a photoshoot with the new summer top that I just made for our Etsy boutique, but it's weirdly chilly today for the end of May. You gotta check out those shoes, though (just got them on Wednesday) and her stripey leggings are from Lucy's place: www.lucysplace.etsy.com


19.5.08

~ The End Of Our Age ~

According to the Ancient Mayan Calendar 12-21-2012 marks the day for the end of our Age into another. This calendar has been eerily accurate throughout time.


"The Mayan civilization of Central America was and is the most advanced in relation to time-science knowledge. Their main calendar is the most accurate on the planet. It has never erred. The Mayan fifth world finished in 1987. The sixth world starts in 2012. So we are currently "between worlds"


1. Humanity and Planet Earth are currently going through a huge change or shift in consciousness and reality perception.


2. The Mayan civilization of Central America was and is the most advanced in relation to time-science knowledge. Their main calendar is the most accurate on the planet. It has never erred. They actually have 22 calendars in total, covering the many timing cycles in the Universe and Solar System. Some of these calendars are yet to be revealed.


3. The Mayan fifth world finished in 1987. The sixth world starts in 2012. So we are currently "between worlds". This time is called the "Apocalypse" or revealing. This means the real truth will be revealed. It is also the time for us to work through "our stuff" individually and collectively.


4. The Mayan sixth world is actually blank. This means it is up to us, as co-creators, to start creating the new world and civilization we want now.


5. The Mayans also say that by 2012we will have gone beyond technology as we know it.we will have gone beyond time and money.we will have entered the fifth dimension after passing through the fourth dimension Planet Earth and the Solar System will come into galactic synchronization with the rest of the Universe.Our DNA will be "upgraded" (or reprogrammed) from the centre of our galaxy. (Hunab Ku)Everybody on this planet is mutating. Some are more conscious of it than others. But everyone is doing it.


6. In 2012 the plane of our Solar System will line up exactly with the plane of our Galaxy, the Milky Way. This cycle has taken 26,000 years to complete. Virgil Armstrong also says that two other galaxies will line up with ours at the same time. A cosmic event!


7. Time is speeding up (or collapsing). For thousands of years the Schumann Resonance or pulse (heartbeat) of Earth has been 7.83 cycles per second, The military have used this as a very reliable reference. However, since 1980 this resonance has been slowly rising. It is now over 12 cycles per second! This means there is the equivalent of less than 16 hours per day instead of the old 24 hours.


8. During the Apocalypse or the time "between worlds" many people will be going through many personal changes. The changes will be many and varied. It is all part of what we came here to learn or experience. Examples of change could be- relationships coming to an end, change of residence or location, change of job or work, shift in attitude or thinking etc."What is so special about the Mayan Calendar?

http://enlightenment.en.funpic.de/index.php

On 2012 when the plane of our solar system lines up with the plane of our galaxy, the earths polarity will reverse, causing extreme cataclysmic events. It is said that the answer to resetting the earths polarity is the discovery and realignment of the 13 ancient skulls

"One of archaeology's most compelling mysteries is that of the 13 Crystal Skulls. Skulls have been one of the most powerful objects of symbolism in human history, all over the world. Several "perfect" crystal Skulls have been found in parts of Mexico, Central and South America.

Together, they form a mystery as enigmatic as the Nazca Lines, the Great Pyramids and Stonehenge. These skulls are believed to be between 5000 and 35000 years old. During early expeditions, archaeologists were told by locals that the skulls possessed magical powers and healing properties. However, people were unsure as to where they came from, or even why they existed. Some like to believe that these were remains from the lost civilization of Atlantis.


Others like to believe these are fakes. And yet another group of psychics believe that these skulls have the capability to enable us to look into the past, present and future. Historians and social anthropologists decided to find out more about the strange skulls. Very soon, they came across an ancient Indian legend saying that there had been thirteen crystal skulls of the Goddess of Death; they had been kept separately from each other under the strict control of pagan priests and special warriors."


"Where did these skulls come from?" and "Why do they exist?" There are countless hypotheses that they are the legacy of some higher intelligence. Many believe they were created by extraterrestrials or beings in Atlantis. Yet another theory maintains that these skulls together contain a history of mankind. Also, as mentioned earlier, local legends say that these were given by the Goddess of Death.The most obvious theory links these to Mayans, although the Aztecs are a more formidable candidate for this, since a lot of their artwork as well as religious symbols featured skulls. In addition, they were the finest known crystal sculptors.


Some believe that “The ancient Crystal Skulls are the computers of the ancients, they contain important information that help humanity to pass through it current series of challenges to take us into a Golden Age.”, and “They were a powerful tool for healing the body, mind, and spirit, by ancient civilizations such as the Mayans or the Atlanteans”Or perhaps these skulls are somehow linked to the "Year Zero" or December 21, 2012, the date at which the Mayan Calendar ends.

But what if mankind cannot stray from the path of self-destruction? Would that mean that the world as we know it really would end in less than 5 short years? That would mean that Devon would never have the chance to grow into an adult. My husband, Isaac said "at least she will only know LOVE" It made me feel slightly better to think that (if the worst did happen) she would never have her heart broken, that she would always retain her childlike wonder, fascination, and exuberance with life. Which is unfortunately something that we all lose a little of when we become "responsible adults"

Of course, while it still makes me incredibly sad to think that it all could end so soon, we all know that eventually everyone that we love one day will die. Whether it happens all at once as the result of some cataclysmic event, or by old age..it's gonna happen.

Which is why it is so important to live every single day to its fullest, as if it were the last day of your life (because you never really know!) and the present time is the only time there is :)



"The Hopi and Mayan elders do not prophesy that everything will come to an end. Rather, this is a time of transition from one World Age into another. The message they give concerns our making a choice of how we enter the future ahead. Our moving through with either resistance or acceptance will determine whether the transition will happen with cataclysmic changes or gradual peace and tranquility. The same theme can be found reflected in the prophecies of many other Native American visionaries from Black Elk to Sun Bear."

3rd Rare White Buffalo Born on Wisconsin Farm

17.5.08

~ Cross-stitched Clothing Labels ~


This is our current label for our "Devon Rose" Baby & Child Clothing line. I made up a batch of one dozen of these babies! They are completely hand sewn and (as I found out) extremely time consuming to make. So, even though it's a really nice "little touch" to complete the look of our hand sewn garments, I feel that it will be much more appropriate to have them embroidered for our fall line. Get them while you can :)

16.5.08

~ Yummy Chicken-fried Skirt Steak ~

For you meat lovers out there, this skirt steak served with asparagus and buttermilk buscuits is to die for :) I am in love with the country gravy!

Chicken-fried Skirt Steak with Country Gravy~

prep: 25 min. total: 25 min. makes 4 servings ~

1 cup beef broth divided

1/2 cup all purpose flour

4 4-to- 5 inch-long pieces skirt steak

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick ) butter

1 fully cooked breakfast pork sausage patty (about 1 ounce), finely chopped

1/2 cup whipping cream

1/2 teaspoon dried sage

pinch of ground cloves

1/3 cup chopped green onion tops


Pour 1/2 cup broth into shallow bowl. Place flour in another shallow bowl. Sprinkle steak pieces on both sides with salt and pepper. Dip steaks into flour, then into broth, then into flour again, coating each time.

Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add steaks. Saute until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to plate.

Pour off butter from skillet Add 1 teaspoon flour from shallow bowl. Whisk in remaining 1/2 cup broth, sausage, cream, sage, and cloves. Boil gravy until thick enough to coat spoon, whisking often, about 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Spoon gravy over steaks!

13.5.08

~ Bulls-Eye Knickers ~



"Bulls-Eye" Knickers are ready! These came out super cute. I love the "Mickey Mouse" waistband with wooden buttons and circle bum target. Devon will be wearing these all summer long!




I'm sad she's already grown out of her first pair of Levi's :( Currently, I'm working on a pleated denim skirt, cotton blouse, and a "multi-colored" raw-silk jacket. It's her outfit for her grandmother's visit next week.

11.5.08

~ I Love You, Mom ~


This is one of my fondest memories of my childhood, just being silly with my mom in the backyard. In a time before digital cameras, I am so fortunate to have this moment captured forever in a photo. My mom is the absolute craftiest women I've ever known. She makes amazingly intricate quilts by hand, spins her own yarn from rabbit wool to make sweaters, and can draw animals, people, and even architecture as realistic as a photograph. She can paint, sew, cut hair (people and dogs!) and is completely self taught in all of these things. My mom has always been my creative inspiration and I just hope that I can be as inspiring to Devon one day.




I Love You, Mom! Happy Mother's Day :)

10.5.08

~ Plant my Biz Cards ~



I'm super excited about my new biz cards (another great result from an alchemy request on Etsy) It started with an interest in having my cross stitch "Devon Rose" logo printed on recycled paper (in an effort to get the word out on my new baby and child clothing line) but what I found was much more fun!
Recycled Ideas is a great boutique to find wonderful "green gifts" They make plantable paper, card boxes and bookmarks from recycled junk mail, cereal boxes, newspaper and magazines. You can view these papers embedded with wildflower seeds by clicking the link below:
My biz cards will come with complete instructions on the reverse for planting (a great project for parents to do with their little ones!) You can see how Recycled Ideas has successfully germinated these papers at her blog:


9.5.08

~ Two Front Teeth ~




Devon's two bottom front teeth are really coming in now. It's not such a great thing for breastfeeding, but she looks so adorable with that toothy grin! It reminds me of someone else I know :)

7.5.08

~ Our hearts will always be in San Francisco ~





These paintings of San Francisco might seem dreary to some but to me they are comforting like warm soup, blankets and Netflix on a rainy day. My brother painted these. He is amazing, when I first saw them I thought they were photos. He has an incredible tutorial at his website that demonstrates how he created these masterpieces. Check it out and be amazed.





When I lived in San Francisco and made frequent trips to LA to buy fabrics, it always seemed that the people I met in LA did not like San Francisco and vice versa. I admit I used to say"I'll NEVER live in LA" and then in December of '03 I convinced Isaac that we should move there. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time. I had shut down production of my women's clothing label and had also racked up some really hefty debt after my divorce. Since I no longer had the funds to run my own company, I had to support myself by working at a fabric store (and, of course, this would not do at all) It seemed like such a waste to let 7 years of experience and training go down the drain, so I decided that I would get an industry job. I would go to LA and design for someone else for awhile. I would learn everything I could about design and get a fat paycheck as well. Besides, LA was bright and sunny, right? It seemed like a fresh new start but almost as soon as we got here, I regretted the move. I missed everything about San Francisco. I miss watching the fog roll over the hills, trips to the Saulsalito dog park, my favorite spot at the beach. I even miss the things I used to not really appreciate about the city, like the lack of sun. It's actually a wonderful thing for playing up your personal style. I miss all those crazy "layered- up" Art Academy students everywhere. Even more, I miss all the great food, bars and how people really got together there to just "hang out" and talk and have a drink. There has been so many times since I moved to LA that I've made plans to try and be social in one way or another..."let's do lunch" or "lets' meet for coffee" which really means "I'd love to see you but I really don't want to have to battle the traffic to get to you". Driving in LA makes me tense and angry and unfortunately there's no way to live here and not have to drive all over it's awful sprawl. SF...We will be seeing you soon <3


5.5.08

~ Bubble Striped Dress ~





I love it that babies can wear horizontal stripes with bubble hems and it looks so adorable and flattering on them as well. This week, I'm finishing up our Devon Rose's "Bulls eye Knickers" and then finally getting a chance to shop for new fabrics for more summer pieces. It's been so long since I've been able to do that, I'm going to be like a kid in a candy store :)

3.5.08

~ Yummy Spanish Omelet ~


We've been trying to mix it up at bit for dinners. Isaac and I have an agreement (he cooks dinner if I do the dishes) I also do the grocery shopping and was really getting sick of the same ol' same ol'. This week I decided to actually find some recipes and try them out (completely new territory to us) This recipe was amazing hot and served cold for lunch the next day :)



Spanish omelet with potatoes and chorizo
time to make: 30 minutes and serves 4


3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped

2 ounces Spanish Chorizo (cured sausage), sliced into thin half moons

3/4 pound red potatoes, diced

Kosher salt and peeper

3/4 cup flat leafed parsley, roughly chopped

10 large eggs, beaten

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Manchego or Sharp Cheddar



Heat oven to 400* F


Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large oven proof skillet over medium heat. Add the large yellow onion and cook for 5 minuets. Add the chorizo, potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, covered stirring occasionally until the potatoes are tender, 10 minutes, Stir in the parsley.


Pour the eggs into the skillet and stir to distribute the ingredients. Sprinkle with the Manchego and transfer to the oven.


Bake the omelet until puffed and brown around the edges and a knife comes out clean, about 15 minutes

1.5.08

~ For the Love of Dog ~


I wanted to share with you some great Etsy boutiques that I've discovered that specifically cater to your furry best friends (shown above are our guys, Bik Wu and Billy) Wanna show 'em you care? "Little Pies" was born from the love of a chocolate Lab named Molly Brown Truffles.




Little Pies creates all natural, handmade, organic doggie treats in super cute shapes! My personal favorites are the "Secret Squirrels"




you can also check out their blog for new products, ideas, and upcoming shows at the Brown Dog Blog http://thebrowndogblog.vox.com/


If your little guy is more of an "active, athletic" type then maybe he would better appreciate the time that he can spend with you tossing about great handmade toys in the park :)
RescueMeTugz offers a great selection of handmade dog balls, tug toys, squeaker toys, and chew rings. The really awesome thing about RescueMeTugz is that all proceeds are donated to Great Dane Rescues! RescueMeTugz is currently working on helping Dante at Heartland Great Dane Rescue. Please read his story at http://www.heartlandgdr.org/.




Is "Fifi" as much of a Fashion maven as you are? Looking to find some unique doggie gear? Check out some of my favorite doggie jackets and knits @ these links: