Want to Get to Know You

One of my favorite beauty bloggers, FuzKittie, tagged her readers in a want to get to know you post and I thought I’d participate. If you find yourself inspired to answer the questions as well, I’d love to read them!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:15am

2. How do you like your steak? Medium rare.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Babies

4. What is your favorite TV show? Modern Family

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Where I already live: between Santa Monica and London.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Oatmeal with almond milk, walnuts, flax seeds and bananas

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Japanese and French

8. What foods do you dislike? Highly processed foods

9. Favorite place to eat? Koi, Sushi Roku, Katsuya

10. Favorite dressing? Olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Toyota Prius

12. What are your favorite clothes? I love J Crew and A.P.C.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? I’ve always wanted to visit Tokyo

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Half full of course!

15. Where would you want to retire? South of France or English countryside.

16. Favorite time of day? Twilight

17. Where were you born? Southern California

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Basketball, but I must say I have gotten into the World Cup this year…

19. Are you a morning person or a night person? Both.

20. Do you have any pets? Gatsby, world famous Chihuahua / Dachshund

21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Hmmm… well I am about to give birth any day now!

22. What did you want to be when you were little? A writer

23. What is your best childhood memory? Visiting Europe for the first time

24. Are you a cat or dog person? Dog

25. Are you married? Yes, to Mr. Connoisseur

26. Any pet peeves? Rudeness

27. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Prosciutto and olives

28. Favorite Flower? Roses

29. Favorite ice cream? Coconut

30. Favorite fast food restaurant? In N Out... j'adore!

31. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? I don’t believe in maxing out my credit card but this is a fantasy question so… Brunello Cucinelli.

32. Do anything spontaneous lately? Purchased this summer’s limited edition of Stella Sheer edt.

33. Like your job? Yes, I am really lucky.

34. What was your last vacation? Barbados for the New Year

35. Last person you went out to dinner with? Mr. Connoisseur and I dined at Rustic Canyon- I had quail... it was rather disgusting. I am never having quail again

36. What are you listening to right now? Friendly Fires

37. What is your favorite color? Cream

38. How many tattoos do you have? 0 and it will stay that way.

39. Coffee drinker? Yes, love it. Cream, no sugar please.


Gatsby, world famous Chihuahua Dachshund, is pictured above...

wordless wednesday: made for myself, by myself

fine silver etched charm, ocean jasper tablet


copper wire flowers headband


simplicity handknit wire chain with glass beads 


 ruffles flower T shirt upcycle


knit and felted cloche hat 


salsa verde 

in retrospect: June

the rejuvenating effects of a blurred photo (oh yes, i'm only 22)

OK, June - Junuary, as it's known round here (and yes, you were indeed Junuary with only a few sunny breakthroughs) .... what did I achieve in June?

Well, on the business front there were three craft fair appearances; a municipal opening, a weekender and a very dismal street party. I'm slowly learning to be a lot pickier about when and where I turn up (and where I hand over the ash for table fees) these days. Two out of three this month wasn't bad. Supporting local events is hard work but can be a great way to network and meet new friends, or it can be a a freezing cold dismal and expensive way to subsidise someone else's street party (Car Free on Main Street = never again!).


with two out of three missing pals
 
The Wee Guy didn't get any more regular playdates scheduled but we did borrow a classmate for a couple of afternoons. He did also have a wonderful reunion with his best mate from babyhood (aww too sweet) but sadly it was only over a couple of afternoons before N and his bros returned to SK (we miss you guys).


day 2 capsule wardrobe challenge: it got less scary-looking honest

On a personal level I learned a bit more about making my wardrobe work for me by taking part in a capsule wardrobe challenge. Phew! Five pieces for five days???? I managed but only by reclassifying camisole tops as underwear. I did however finally use the tripod mr ebb gave me and worked out a way of taking some semi-decent self portraits. I even smiled in some of them.


i wish i was a jellyfish ....... (it's a jellyfish, OK?)

As usual I ranted and fretted with a side order of daydreaming thrown in. Life was a beach over on my other blog, and I instituted a fibre friday series of blog posts to counteract the ranting over here.

So June, June ... whither June? And now it's the end of June and school is out (this morning OMG).
Summer is here

(OK show yourself!)

mama renew monday: all the things i didn't say

me and my pair of shaddocks

(and this could be a verrrrrrrrry looooooooong series of posts ..... just sayin')

OK, so my mama renew sessions have come to a close and I'm going to miss getting together with a simply awesome bunch of mamas on monday nights. If you want to know what we talked about .... then I suggest you sign up for your own sessions - what goes on at mama renew, stays at mama renew.

But usually the questions 'in class' begat more questions and ponderings and exploration so perhaps I'll have a wee peek at some of the issues I've been left musing over.

In our last class we were asked "what holds you back?" or words to that effect. Fear? Embarrassment? Lack of confidence? Inertia? Lack of time? Yes, well apart from lack of time (the usual culprit) what does hold me back from achieving my goals and attaining joy? I didn't answer - I knew only too well what it is that is holding me back and I didn't want to spoil the meeting by getting all ranty (I save this for the blog, dear reader) and then becoming all blotchy with crying (sometimes I just don't feel like becoming that raw in public, unless it's the pool and I can blame the chlorine).

I'm as good at self-sabotage as the next woman but what really holds me back from my goals and joy? It's knowing that it's all completely up to me. Once more it is all my responsibility to get something done. There's no one who can do it for me and no one who will step in with a master plan of organisation ...... and after spending what seems like a lifetime doing what seems like everything for everyone else I'm really getting tired of it .... so the thought of having to haul my butt in gear yet again, and even though it's for me this time, just doesn't fill me with enthusiasm.

Ever felt like that?

my little friend modeling a handcast fine silver maple leaf (gathered locally)*

Advance warning of a couple of significant events.

1. School is out (at 10.30am) on Tuesday (holy freaking cow!!)
2. I will be plying my wares in the artisan village at the Coquitlam Canada Day celebrations at Town Centre Park on Thursday.

These mean that I shall appear rattier and more stressed than usual on late Tuesday/all day Wednesday.
You have been warned.

Happy weekend to all (another reason for being uberstressed IMO).

*PS: I'll be flogging some of these at the artisan fair on Thursday (hint hint)

friday forte: the division of labour

crazy stack of felted pi pots

I look after the dinner, the meal prep, the groceries, adequate nutrition and balanced meals.

I look after the housework, the house maintenance, the running repairs and seasonal changes.

I look after the Wee Guy; I'm there in the morning to feed him breakfast and send him out of the door with a packed lunch; I'm there in the afternoon to collect him from school, wrangle homework, a healthy snack and explanations from him.

I look after the pets, topping up bowls, emptying bowls (and worse), washing bowls.

I look after the social needs of the family. I program playdates, I know who goes where with whom, when and how. I facilitate our entertainment needs fulfillment.

I look after the health department - I know which doctor we go to, I know where the walk-in clinics are and how to get to ER (and when). I look after the medical supplies, vitamins, bandages, Tylenol and paper tissues. I look after vaccination schedules and holiday health insurance.

I look after the special events. I look after the gift buying for all. I look after the gift wrapping (except when we ran out a few christmases ago), gift receiving and thank yous.

I look after the budget. I look after the finances and the cash flow that I don't generate. I look after the bills, the savings and the the financial worries.

I look after the big picture.
I look after the details.
I look after the minutiae of living.
I look after the things you do not see.


.... who looks after me?

self portrait thursday: when i grow up i would like to be .......

My careers teacher thought I should be a chiropodist. It had something to do with the number of science subjects I was taking and the general ambition of girls at the high school I attended I guess.
Whatever! I assume she hadn't bothered to check out my class exam marks when she tried to put me off my chosen goal of veterinary medicine.

To cut a long story short I did become a chiropodist. I've dealt with the foot problems of guinea pigs, mice, rats, cats, dogs and the occasional reptile. I sliced into my wrist quite deeply paring a dairy cow's foot, and removed the entire toe of a ram using only a gigli wire, sedation and local anaesthesia.Oh yes indeedy, I became a chiropodist but not in the narrow one-species-centric vision my dear careers advisor envisaged. I had ambition and wasn't put off by the very competitive nature of my chosen profession.

So that was my first career.
It metamorphosed into a research track from clinical work and by the time I left the UK for Canada I hadn't been in practice for seven years ... and that was my second career.

So what now? Is being a stay-at-home parent my third career or is it merely a stop gap giving me some thinking space? What do I want to be now that I've grown up?

Do Cellulite Creams Work?

Interesting Question

In a word: NO....That was easy! Of course if you would like to know why they don't work...please feel free to read further.

What Is Cellulite?

It is spongy, dimply, cottage cheese-looking skin that seems to cause angst and frustration to so many women.

Cellulite is a normal function of our bodies and is more than likely the product of genetics and hormones. Cellulite is a storage pattern of superficial fat! So basically, instead of fat being stored diffusely, it is stored in little pockets separated by fibrous strands.

Many articles promoting cellulite creams make claims that cellulite is the result of toxins, poor circulation or clogged lymphatics. Whereby, using a cream designed for cellulite can correct these issues within the skin. When in fact, comparing cellulite fat to other fat, there is no biochemical differences.

Three Main Components Typically Found In Cellulite Creams

Caffeine ~ this is in almost every cellulite reducing product that shows any benefit, because it helps blood flow to the skin and acts like a diuretic. So essentially by removing moisture from the skin, it firms it, but note this is only temporarily.

Retinol ~ As seen in many anti-aging creams, it is supposed to work by being able to penetrate the skin, exfoliate it, and increase collagen production, which makes skin thicker and hides the dimpling fat. However, the amount which would be needed to have such an effect would be at levels such as in Retin A which is used for scarring, sun damage and acne, whereby, this could have similar effects such as causing skin to redden, then peel.

DMAE ~ this is an antioxidant derived from fish that when combined with amino acids which has been shown to stimulate the muscles to contract and become firmer. There are some cellulite creams that promote through the use of this ingredient, but again how well does it work in the levels used, and on areas where skin and subcutaneous fat are thicker unlike on our faces.

Why Do Some Women Feel They Work?

Due in part out of a desperation to have them work and to also see an improved appearance to a degree.

But the question remains: is it the physical kneading of the body part, or the diuretic effect of caffeine? Which to the latter part of caffeine, a question.... why would anyone want to deliberately pull moisture from the skin, especially as we age?

Moisture retention helps reduce the signs of aging, so to help remove it for all in the name of smoothing a fat cell, is the other harm we are causing our delicate skin. Plus, when you think about it...fat cells have nothing to do with water being stored in the body. Loss of water weight does not equate with loss of fat weight.

Diet and exercise will do more good for reducing cellulite structure...when our body loses weight, fat cells shrink, leaving us with a slimmer version of ourselves. But an important thing to remember, is even thin women struggle with cellulite, making the argument of genetics and body composition all the more sustainable. And on the other side of this, I have seen heavy women with perfectly smooth thighs. It is all how we disperse the fat throughout our bodies.

These skin creams may reduce the appearance of cellulite which is only temporary. Plus, the daily attention one would have to pay to this tireless ritual would become an addiction in and of itself, ...and despite ones' best efforts, they will not get rid of cellulite by mechanical means.

Research Does Not Support The Claims

One 1999 published study showed no improvement in cellulite for 56 women who had tried a tissue-kneading machine or aminophylline cream, one of the ingredients in current anti-cellulite creams.

Let's look at the science: When something is applied topically, what concentration would we need to have it penetrate through multiple layers of skin and into the subcutaneous fat? With this we would now be entering an area of science related to nano technology, and to date I could not find any studies reflecting this type of research, or if it had been proven, and whether or not topical application could perform such a feat.

Furthermore, there is also no standardized means of measuring cellulite, making it difficult to gauge whether improvement has indeed taken place. Both caffeine and aminophylline which are main ingredients found in these creams, are simply dehydrating agents.

Reduction in water may make us look less puffy, but for thickening the skin which has only been proven to work with the use of Retin A, there is little these creams will actually do for cellulite.

More data available through research and these are located here: Cellulite Removers. Some of these practices may effectively work at reducing the appearance, but it can take hundreds to thousands of dollars and a life time of maintenance to keep, if any, the results.

Federal Trade Commission Also Says "NO"!

The FTC went after QVC for making claims about many products including vitamins, weight loss and of course Cellulite Creams. They were postulating that a cream named "Lipofactor Target Cellulite Lotion" would reduce or eliminate cellulite based on measurable differences on the areas of the body most prevalent with cellulite! This is in direct contradiction of what 1999 study showed.....The case was settled last year! The Original Complaint in District Court.

They were ordered to pay fines and compensatory damages to consumers who bought the cream based on bogus claims. QVC to Pay $7.5 Million to Settle Charges that It Aired Deceptive Claims

In doing a search for this lotion, I come up blank, literally...all hypertext to this product are replaced with other personal care products or a blank page shows. So I presume this product has been removed from the market.

Save Your Money

Buying these types of snake oils only fuel our insecurities of our bodies with a desperation that accompanies lowered self esteem over something by which we have no control over.

I have learned over the years, and now that I am much wiser and savvy, when looking at all the research, it is easier to accept what I have been given and to do the best with what I have, and focus on being a better human being as a whole instead of being defined by a body part.

I never used to be caught dead out in shorts or a swim suit without a tan since it helped to hide my little imperfections including bumps and bulges....now....I am strutting my stuff, baby. I am me, and I don't worry so much about what others think of my shape, because I am more than a body, but a soul, and with this I have peace.

My Mantra and my slogan for my company, and one I truly take to heart: Always "Celebrate Your Natural Beauty"!

xoxo

Have a great weekend...hopefully summer will finally settle in for the duration...needing my heat please!

And now off to do some cellulite reduction exercises....

Cheers!

What’s in my Handbag?

A while back I was reading Colin Cowie Chic, where Mr. Cowie suggests you can tell a lot about a woman by the state of her handbag. In this context he mentioned that when he is hiring someone new and wants to know if they are tidy and organized or not he glances at their open handbag or the inside of their car. If it’s a hot mess, he passes. If things are neat and clean, he considers.

Since reading that, I have become diligent about cleaning out the inside of my handbag on a regular basis. It only takes a few minutes… it’s amazing how receipts, loose change, hair pins and other miscellaneous items tend to accumulate- making the whole situation not very chic.

I also couldn’t help but wonder if Mr. Cowie has a fascination with what ladies keep inside their handbag. Don’t we all wonder... just a little bit?

Well, here’s what I carry around on a regular basis:

Wallet- I have a brown faux snakeskin wallet by Marc Jacobs that is wonderful- easily organizes credit cards, cash, change and business cards.

My blackberry

Hand Sanitizer- in case I find myself in a situation where I can’t wash my hands(my worst nightmare).

Chanel pressed powder in beige- for those moments when I need to powder my nose.

A moleskin leather journal and pen- for when inspiration strikes!

Dior Addict Lip Gloss in Beige- a luxurious neutral color for lips.

Peppermint Altoids- so essential...

A travel size vial of my favorite perfume, right now it’s Stella Sheer

Oliver Peoples wayfarers

Tissues

Keys

C’est tout!

I would love to know... what do you keep in your handbag?

My handbag, pictured above, is a black leather Monserrat de Lucca Doctor’s bag that I have been using for almost two years... might be time for a new bag! I have my eye on the Louis Vuitton Neverfull... here's hoping :)

wordless wednesday: hope and inspiration

the Crossroads Hospice Labyrinth garden, Port Moody

second day of summer

Here's to the summer!
Enjoy!

PS: I've just finished a new range of jewelry "life's a beach" and will be posting about it on my other blog (in case you are interested).

Lupicia Fresh Tea- Jardin Sauvage

Not being able to drink my favorite teas and coffees while pregnant has proven quite challenging. I normally am a green tea fiend- a connoisseur, if you will, that usually enjoys at least two cups a day. I also love an afternoon coffee (cream, no sugar) **sigh**... Anyway, don’t feel too sorry for me- the day will come when I can enjoy my favorite beverages again. But in the meantime...

I wandered into my favorite tea shop in Los Angeles, Lupicia Fresh Tea, and explained to them my woe in not being able to drink the tea I love (I usually get their Momo Oolong Supergrade or classic Sencha Green Tea) . They explained to me that rooibos tea, or African red bush tea, is actually quite good for pregnant and nursing women and is recommended as being safe to drink. I did my research- and they were correct! So I journeyed back and purchased Jardin Sauvage- a green rooibos tea flavored with mango and citrus- and have been delighting in it ever since. I love rooibos tea anyway (after all, it is Mma Ramotswe’s drink of choice) but this green rooibos has such a smooth, lovely flavor, I'm happy to add this to my repertoire of favorite drinks.

As I write this, I am enjoying a cup- along with a perfectly chilled sliced white peach... a delightful afternoon treat.

My beloved Royal Albert bone china tea set (a present from my mother in law) is pictured above. This antique set makes the ritual of drinking afternoon tea even more special...

I would love to know… what is your favorite tea?

fibre the-day-after-friday (that would be saturday)

Over on my other (cough) work blog I've been blogging sporadic 'fibre friday' posts (which are warmer and fuzzier than the friday forte! posts here) about my adventures with, er, fibre.


But it's not just the creative side of me that gets to appreciate the wondrous ways of fibre.


So in the spirit of all that is so bloody marvellous about being a housewife let me sing the praises of the Mr Clean microfibre Magic Eraser (and no, I'm not being sponsored or paid or anything to review the product here - I'm not in that stellar league of mommy-bloggers-who-industry-gives-a-damn-about).


The poor dishevelled scrap in the picture above surrendered its life to remove two year's worth of bath crayon from the tiles and grout surrounding the Wee Guy's bath (yes, he has his own bath - we're posh out here in the 'burbs).


It didn't take any noxious wax-dissolving chemicals or over-application of elbow grease to remove the artistic tub graffiti, and now my tiles look almost sparkly once more.

• eco cleaning method - check
• no nasties poured down the drain - check
• reasonable number of calories expended - check
• clean tiles and non-grubby grout - check

Oh my cup of domestic happiness runneth over with glee.


(pass me the gin)


PS: come celebrate Father's Day (aka 'palm the kids off on Dad for some quality daddy-time' day) with me at the Blim market on car-free Sunday, Main Street!

friday forte: so what is it all about then?

friday forte: in which i blog about my midlife crisis and you read about it, dammit!


Tum te tum. So what have we covered so far?
Well, we've been thru looks, appearance and wardrobe (still working on wardrobe, apart from the shoes).
I've muttered on about childcare solutions and failures.
I've hinted at relationship woes and successes.
We've covered finances, ageing and dabbled in pregnancy matters via events around mother's day.

What's left?
There's an awful lot left (she says menacingly, looking daggers at anyone who dares to check a watch or try to leave early).
My career, godammit! *growls*

To be completely honest I put the career on hold when we emigrated to Canada in late 2001 (my choice). Once we got here the lure of part-time work at the weekends was, meh, not that enticing (poorly paid, not in my field of interest) so we recklessly spent our free time exploring our new home. Instead of paid employment I volunteered while mr. ebb was at work in The Big City. I helped coordinate continuing education for local veterinary surgeons (yes, I built that website too!) and kept up with my own professional development in return. I taught adaptive snowboarding on a local mountain and gained both CASI and CADS (level II) teaching certificates as a result. And I virtually lived at Vancouver Aquarium with its incredible volunteer program - I taught marine mammal biology to schoolkids, transcribed interviews for a book, dabbled in graphic design, helped cover the news desk, got dirty and smelly at seal rehab (during the first icky trimester of pregnancy nonetheless), and brushed up my admin skills in the volunteer office. (I was busy). I gained my Bronze Fish pin in my first year there.

So I got pregnant too; a sort of traditional posted overseas, expat, trailing spouse kind of thing to do. It made sense - my eggs weren't getting any younger, indeed they were probably frying as we debated, and when would we get the time to pursue fertility like this again?

The Wee Guy arrived, we became parents and I became a fulltime SAHM .... and mostly it wasn't too frightening. I did what my mother had done for me - I stayed at home while the Wee Guy did his infancy growing up thing.

He's now in school full time - he still needs me to be around, but I now have this chunk of childless time in the middle of the day, not really long enough to do anything out-of-the-home constructive with but long enough to make me wonder, "what the heck am i doing now?"

.... which is the crux of my question. What exactly am I doing here now? What should I be doing? Where should I be doing it?

I'm over the 'it being a complete luxury' to stay at home - we don't need two incomes so far, end of discussion. We only have one child, one car and few expensive tastes (shoes don't count - I get most of them at thrift). Should I feel guilty for being at home 24/7?* Should I feel guilty at wanting to resume some kind of career? Should I feel guilty for 'wasting' my education? How many shoes is too many?

But, what about security, financial security, job security and all that jazz? I am financially dependent on my husband, for today, tomorrow and into retirement now. My job skills are not current - if he loses his job it is unlikely that I can just pick something up to keep us afloat. And what about retirement? - he now has to think in terms of a pension for two ........and all of this because we chose to raise a family and have a parent at home for the child we are raising.

I would like (and it may be lala cloud cuckoo fantasy land in reality) to work out something which would remove so much of the burden from my husband, which would allow me to contribute to the household budget in a meaningful way ie. not just pouring it into childcare, which would provide a satisfying out-of-the-home life for me, but still allow us to parent our child in the way we choose to.
Is this too much to ask? And what exactly am I asking for anyway? What exactly am I prepared to give up in return? Do I have to give up the SAHM-deal in return for the kind of career/financial/not-just-a-mum existence I'm envisioning? Will the extra work be worth it all?

Yes, I know - back to the gin and the Valium! Thanks for reading :))




forte!

* Hell, no!

textile art inspired by the sea

Tonight is the opening for an exhibition by one of my favourite (and local) textile artists, Kirsten Chursinoff. I was lucky enough to catch her exhibition and artist talk at Place des Arts a couple of years ago.
Her work is an amazement of embroidery and fabric collage .... and so much more than my limited adjectives will allow me to describe.
I suggest you try to catch the exhibition in person.

The Hypocrisy Of The EWG!

Guest Post Today By Donna Maria Coles Johnson

Today, I would like to introduce you to Donna Maria Coles Johnson. She is the founder and CEO of the Indie Beauty Network, a trade organization serving small and independent companies nationwide in the health, beauty and lifestyle industries. She is the author of “Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions,” and the host of Indie Business Podcast, a weekly show featuring influential small business authors and thought leaders. Donna Maria blogs at Indie Business Blog , and you can follow her on Twitter.

Not only is Donna Maria the founder of this network, but she works tirelessly in staying abreast of changes which are occurring within the beauty industry. She is also why I am an active member of the Indie Beauty Network. Whether it be legislative changes, industry standards or FDA mandates, Donna Maria has been an advocate and a mentor for keeping her members in the loop as these changes come down the pike, never allowing a stone to go unturned.

This latest piece I found to be so on point of what is happening of late and to show the hypocrisy of this entity. Some of you already may be aware, but I felt that Donna Maria highlighted the key points so well I simply had to share her take on it.....and this is why I love her and what she does for her Indies.

Enjoy and thanks Donna Maria for always having our backs. Cheers!

The Hypocrisy Of Using Scare Tactics To Impact Public Policy

Lately, I have enjoyed fast and furious conversations with IBN members (login required) about non-governmental organizations’s efforts to spread unwarranted fear about ingredients used in cosmetics. One of those organizations is the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which continues to publish “reports,” which are really thinly veiled scare tactics to support an agenda that seems to include promoting itself as the new FDA.


One of their latest publications places certain products containing active sunscreen ingredients and claiming certain Sun Protection Factors (SPF) on a “Hall Of Shame” list. Also included in the Hall of Shame is the FDA, which regulates cosmetics, and The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Scare tactics of any kind are usually irresponsible and always unhelpful. Let’s consider the details here.

EWG’s Hall Of Shame slams Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 55, saying this:

“Can a product be ‘mild as water to the skin’ if the label warns to “Stop use and ask a doctor if rash or irritation develops and lasts”? And certainly when swallowed this product is nothing like water: “Keep out of reach of children” and “get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away,” reads the warning label.”

EWG is slamming the targeted product and the company that makes it for placing language on its labels that reminds consumers to keep sunscreen out of the reach of children. I want to keep all kinds of things away from my children, but that doesn’t mean those things are undesirable or inferior in and of themselves. And what is wrong with letting parents know that, if a sunscreen product is mistakenly ingested, they shouldn’t just panic or sit around whining — they should call for help?!! Of course you should get help if your child eats sunscreen! Duh!

I also noticed that you cannot comment on EWG’s Hall Of Fame page. You can Tweet and share it on FaceBook, but you cannot share your opinion, ask questions, or disagree with EWG on their turf. Publishing information designed to affect consumer health and important public policy issues in a forum that does not welcome public discussion and comment is arbitrary and capricious. Again, just my opinion.

Another disturbing consideration is the hypocrisy. Many pages at EWG’s website remind site visitors of how expensive it is to create reports that unnecessarily scare them. Because it’s so expensive to whip you and your friends into an unnecessary tizzy, they invite you not only to donate to the cause, but also to head on over to their Amazon affiliate page to purchase all of the products (including the above-mentioned Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 55, available at Amazon), they say are worthy of their Hall Of Shame. Of course there’s a disclaimer that they don’t endorse any of the products they earn commissions on, but still, shop ’til you drop, I guess literally, for all those dangerous sunscreens and other cosmetics that can harm you and your family.

If some of the products sold by Amazon are inferior or not to be trusted, then it seems disingenuous to encourage the people you claim to be trying to protect to buy them. This sends a potentially conflicting message to consumers that the products are inferior, but if we get paid when you buy them, it’s not so bad after all.

wordless wednesday: good morning

mr and mrs pig 'do brunch'

dilemma

The Wee Guy is a singleton.
He started out as one (or perhaps two since he's a lefty) and will most likely always be a one.
I started waaaaaaaay too late on this procreation lark, the events surrounding the actual birthing process were a little iffy, and even though I loved being pregnant it's just Not Going To Happen Again.

So he has no siblings. No ready-made playmates or sparring partners. We have to go seek them. On a daily basis I attempt to organise playdates, arrange out-of-school activities where we will meet mini peeps, and orchestrate social interactions.

But mostly it's just him and me, out for the afternoon. He's naturally sociable and I encourage him to "make friends".


This afternoon at the beach he "entertained" a couple of inquisitive two-year old twins, coping admirably with toy appropriation and their alien concept of sharing.

I watched as he made tentative steps to joining a group of older children playing in the sand. He asked me first before picking up his bucket to go join them, stopping a few feet away and hesitating until an invite, a glance was issued.

My heart aches for him at such times. He'll never have a confident or delegated older sibling to forge these new paths, or a brash younger sibling as an automatic ice breaker. I wrestle with stepping in to fight his social introduction battles for him but hang back knowing he's acquiring his own valuable life skills. He's developing his own social persona sans interference.


I hope this is the right way to parent. I guess I'll never really know because I really did start waaaay too late.

in, around and in spite of my family

my first attempt at shibori!

I admit - it is all about me.
In my wanton pursuit of crafting happiness I was willing to drag my son, the Wee Guy, to a totally self-indulgent shibori workshop ........ which we both enjoyed.

• quality time - check
• play time - check
• crafting time - check
• spending time with my son time - check
• in, around and in spite of the family - check!

multi-tasking ....... bring it on!


KoolAid dyed shibori silk by the Wee Guy
 

Pregnancy Update

Thank you to everyone that has sent me a comment or email asking me how the pregnancy is going. I’m currently 7 ½ months pregnant and am feeling great! I’ve had a really great pregnancy- no morning sickness, nausea, insane cravings or extreme weight gain (all things that I was expecting to happen!). I feel very blessed because I’ve had such a great time so far.

I plan on doing a lot of reading, resting and preparing (and of course blogging) in this final month and a half to go. I just want to say thank you again to all of my wonderful readers- your comments, support and advice really make my day...

Bisous,

Jennifer xx

wire crochet mesh cuffs & jewelry plus cufflinks by ebbandflo

via etsy.com

I'm dipping my toes into the world that is posterous in an effort to streamline my online life.
So I've added the Posterous button to my AddThis toolbar (which has streamlined my web browser) and tweaked my autopost .......... let's take it for a spin!

Posted via web from pomomama's posterous

capsule wardrobe challenge: the end

day five: all set for the rain


So I completed the wardrobe challenge!
Using only five main items of clothing (a Tshirt, a pair of jeans and a pair of capris, a sundress and a bright red cardi) I got thru the week ...... in questionable style.



That's all folks!


So what have I learned from the experience?

• Well, five items is not very much. Since I won't wear the same top again without washing it it I also had to practice strategic laundering. Maybe I should have cut down to only the jeans and the dress but the weather has been too variable to guess the depths of heat/cold to be experienced.
• Getting ready in the morning was much faster - I didn't waste as much time on selecting an outfit. However, the evening before and the strategic laundry planning did take more time than expected so I'm not sure if I gained at all.
• I was a little bored ..... the weather wasn't much help either.
• I don't consider throwing a vest into the mix as cheating - it's an undergarment.
• I'm not too good at accessorising with scarves - in fact I suck! Must do more homework on that one.
• I used my tripod to take some almost OK self portraits of each outfit - will definitely do this again.

Did I cheat?
Not really though I did make a subsitution halfway thru. My original choice included another T shirt but by Wednesday I was crying out for some colour so in came the red cardi (a good choice IMHO). No, I didn't get changed immediately after taking the day's photograph!


What will I take from the experience?
I think I will start planning my clothes for the next day as having an unhustled morning start was a luxury. I think I'll start being a bit more creative with my clothing choices and maybe making them multi-task more.



my week's wardrobe

What next?
Well, there are other documented wardrobe clothing challenges. The first one which springs to mind is Andrea Zittel's uniform projects where the artist makes a piece of clothing which is worn for a period of time. In one project dresses were made, each appropriate for a season and then worn for a period of six months. The exhibition I saw at Vancouver Art Gallery included her fibre uniform series which are made by directly felting wool into a dress form. By creating a uniform a lot of the choices, impositions and requirement for different outfit each day are removed. Her latest clothing project, smockshop, involves other artists interpreting her design into their own garment.


Another formidable project is MakeShift where only handmade clothing (including underwear, shoes, socks, coats etc.) will be worn for an entire year. The project has been running since September 2009 and the amazing wardrobe is being blogged.


Other challenges include little brown dress, in which the same handmade little brown dress was worn every day for a year, and a one year 100% recycled wardrobe project in which all clothing was sourced from within the same collection of clothes.


And the originator of this wardrobe challenge pledged a whole year of not buying new clothes ... and she succeeded.


So what next for me?
I've done A Week of Skirts (which got me out of a jeans/Tshirt/sweats rut) and started me thinking about pulling myself together appearance-wise. Could I wear the same dress for a week? - well, probably no as I have issues with underarm stinkiness and unnecessary loads of laundry. A Week of Trousers (that's pants to you N Americans) lacks impact but a Week of Formal Attire would be fun. I could wear some gorgeous dresses which currently rarely see the light of day due to my limited social life and I'm sure the other parents on the school run would be amused (community service). A Week of Thrift is a possible - wearing nothing but charity shop or upcycled items, including shoes but not knickers or bras (ewww) - and of course would earn me extra points on my Good Mother Chart.


Otherwise ....well, I have some lovely thrifted jeans I cannot wait to try in some new outfits, and a couple of items bought Friday from the Roots factory outlet sale ..... and there's a dress I rescued from my charity bag ...... and hopefully it will be summer soon ........ in fact I may just change outfits several times a day just for the hell of it.

friday forte: SAHM, the myth vs reality

contemplating the reality fun that is The Toilet

It has come to my attention that some of you gentle readers may not fully understand what the life of a SAHM is actually like, with some myths and confusion muddying your minds.
Fear not - I can dispel these untruths and make all clear again. Read on!

Myth no. 1: being a SAHM is a complete luxury
Reality: No, the real luxury is being able to survive on one income and not have to go out to earn extra thus being available to parent and housekeep. There's not much about what a SAHM does that could be seen as luxurious living.


educate, dammit!

Myth no. 2: you are a waste of your education
Reality: True enough. I don't think there is anywhere in the world where you can get a certificate, let alone a higher degree, in de-crusting a toilet. My PhD, BVM&S, school diplomas, music certificates, Girl Guide badges, etc are of no practical use for the tedium of running a household but they do come in handy for inspiring my child who is the real reason why I am currently at home 24/7.

Myth no. 3: SAHMs have it easy and have nothing to complain about
Reality: I guess I hung up my right to hold opinions at the door when I put on my pinny then? Or if I do hold opinions on my world then I should keep them to myself? OK so my world has contracted sharply and is maybe more focused on child rearing and housework than someone with outside aka salaried/non-child interests but it doesn't mean that I should put up or shut up.


luxurious poolside living, earning some pin money during the Wee Guy's swim lesson

Myth no. 4: SAHMs are 'kept women'
Reality: Yes, I'm being 'kept' by my husband,  the breadwinner who also pays for the living expenses of his other leeches offspring too. What he does not pay for is housekeeping, childcare, prepared dinners, delivery services, sex, after-school care, a personal assistant, counseling, accountancy services, domestic services, laundry, a concierge, a gardener, .... and so on. I do all this 'voluntarily'.... or 'in return for my keep' ....... sheeesh!



new shoes: what else is a mall for?
Myth no. 5: Isn't it just one long round of coffee with the girls, shopping sprees and gazing at the pool boy?
Reality: (we don't have a pool) If I wasn't also responsible for the family budget maybe I would fritter away more time in coffee shops .... in reality other mummies are dealing with their home responsibilities or grabbing some peace and quiet while the kids are out at school. Housework does take some time (all day if you're bored) but mostly I'm working on my own projects while in the house by myself. It's my way of staying sane among the tedium (and making some pin money).

Myth no.6: Must be nice to have the house to yourself all day, easy to potter about doing the housework and relaxing.
Reality: Firstly may I state that I usually do not do my housework during the week while everyone is out. Why should I give my son the illusion that housework is done mysteriously with no sweat or toil and not by himself. It's like saying that the brownies will do it all for you? I pity the poor girl who ends up with him if that's what he ends up believing! I also firmly believe in making sure my husband is not totally clueless about domestic matters either! Secondly, I don't usually relax. OK I took a week off  but that was Unusual. I work ... on my own business, not family housework stuff! Thirdly having the house to myself means that some days I don't see another living being from school drop off to afternoon pick up, and then my only conversation is with a 7 year old. Very relaxing.


just about got the hang of this housework thing

Myth no. 7: Don't you just sit around painting your toe nails all day?
Reality: Hmmmm ... I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer, cretin!

Myth no. 8: It's a cushy old life!
Reality: Absolutely! For being a kept woman, relying totally on my husband and staying home with the kid I'm not losing out at all re: career, pension or future earning potential. All the skills I'm building up while staying at home will be totally meaningless when/if I do get out into the job market to resume a career so I probably will end up dead-heading dahlias into my dotage.Oh yes, I can keep the economy afloat by volunteering ...... hoo bloody ray. I feel so worthy.


Myth no. 9: You must have oodles of quality time with your child(ren)/family
Reality: We live together - we don't need to artificially schedule "nice times" with each other. We interact, warts and all - it's called being a family.

Myth no 10:  SAHMs should be totally devoted to their children and family, to the exclusion of all else. After all it's a choice that they've made so they should live with it.
Reality: I'm tempted to call in answer no. 7 to this one or direct you to no. 3 above. All I can say is that this statement most commonly comes out of the mouths of other women, either "working" mothers or those who are childless "career women", and it's usually meant as a complete put-down when they discover that SAHMs are active in so many other areas than just "kinder, kirche, kuche". Somehow a SAHM is meant to function within the small realm of home, husband and child and, wait for it, be satisfied! The implication is that, since many have made the choice to 'withdraw' from the 'world of work' then they should be happy with their lot. Bull.shit. Some have no choice in the face of inadequate childcare or have done the maths and realise that pouring money into contracting out the parenting makes poor economic sense for the family. For others, a chosen career does not fit in with the rigours (yes, you heard me - it's hard work) of raising a family so returning to the career world is either delayed or regretfully shelved. Many strongly believe in raising their own child in an age-appropriate way, which often means being there as a parent when the child needs them. Sadly (and this might be news) society still doesn't value raising a family which, in translation, means that it is darned difficult to be on an almost-equal footing with the childless working population. Whatever the choice (or lack of) expecting a SAHM to forsake everything else just because she is at home all day is as bat shit crazy as expecting 'working' people not to run errands during a lunch hour or pick up groceries on the way home from 'work' or even not do any 'work' over a weekend or perhaps (gasp) not blog (yes, inspired by the old "if you're blogging you must be neglecting your child" chestnut). SAHM hours and work location are poorly defined at the best of times without imposing extra workplace practices from an uninformed viewpoint. Sure, I'm here for my child when he needs me but sometimes he doesn't want anything to do with me, playing quietly by himself (self-directed) or working on some solo project (developing his concentration). Likewise, running a household cannot/should not be done in isolation of childcare so I do the domestic stuff while he is around too (gasp. neglect, neglect!). In translation, there are times during the day when I don't need to be ironing gussets, pretending to be a spaceman, cooking, cleaning, wiping, tidying, whoring, titivating/titillating, adding, subtracting, provisioning ...... and I don't just go into stand-by mode, sometimes I do indeed blog! As I've explained, I consider it important that a child knows that housework is not done by a  mysterious sect of little people, that parenting is important, that parents regardless of employment status are people too, and that being the stay-at-home is not all fun fun and coffee mornings as exemplified in myths 1 - 10 above.

PS: I can paint my toenails and do the housework - multitasking = easy peasy

day 4 capsule wardrobe challenge: what to wear to Science World

exterior, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Well, it has to be something that's easy to move around in. There are an amazing array of interactive displays to get stuck in to.


the recycling barrel full of monkeys

.... and then there's the child(ren) to chase around after. They rarely stay still!


blur of interactive motion

So much to see and do, with only brief moments of stillness. Clothes have to stay the pace.


intense and concentrating

Wipe clean, non-staining or camouflage is also a good idea, especially during mealbreaks.



When having fun, clothing should be functional and non-inhibiting.



capris and jacket: H&M
Tshirt: Dorothy Perkins
shoes: New Balance
pendant: yours truly