B and Blogging

Benj is happily napping on me after nursing...and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Boy, have my days changed since becoming a mother. What's one thing that I will forever be impressed by now? Single parents! I couldn't give B the attention he deserves without all the work that James does for us. I am a very lucky woman. I am also proud to still be breastfeeding. It's a truly wonderful feeling.

Next step? I've been amassing design / crafts / art ideas that I really want to accomplish (and blog about)...so I need to work on more B naps in his crib and more me time in the studio. When I get something done for my personal future on top of being a stay-at-home-mom, I feel like Superwoman! We just went to England and Lake Sunapee, NH to visit family and friends and I actually got some art time in! So I'll be posting those photos today, hopefully. (I've also learned that plans may change and often...and that is okay! I am loving my more spontaneous and giggle-filled days.) My other current goal is to meet other parents with children B's age in my area. I'm doing a "Boot Camp" workout on an upcoming Tuesday at one Mama's house and I recently bought a pass for "Mommy and Me" Yoga on Wednesdays in Montclair, NJ. I'd also love to get back in to horseback riding, book a few appointments (hair for a much-needed cut, dermatologist for a suspect mole, eye Doctor for my blurry left eye as of late, and maybe lactation consultant to check B's latch before teething starts...which I'm a little nervous for, OH!, and paddle-boarding and surfing lessons), and start swimming lessons with B! He absolutely loved "swimming" in Lake Sunapee and I loved paddle boarding again...new inspiration, that's for sure.

 (I painted this tortoise-shell onesie for Benji in NH this past week. I was totally inspired whilst wandering the annual League of N.H. Craftsmen's Fair...)

Life should be filled with the things you love. B has certainly helped me realize my priorities: family, friends, art (sewing and sketching), outdoor activities, slow food, and globetrotting.

Cheers to laughter, love, and splashing in the lake.

(Camp Carter Porch View, Great Island, Lake Sunapee, NH, USA)

<3 alex

Moda Bake Shop: Cathedral Window Baby Playmat

Moda Bake Shop: Cathedral Window Baby Playmat

This is so pretty...I definitely have to give it a go!

<3 alex="alex" p="p">

Benjamin William PHOTO BOMB

This is why I haven't posted in a month...good reason, right?!  I'm so in love!  But, I'm also back and ready to post, create, sew, and sell.  Here goes!

xoxo, Alex

Thanks Brahmin and Vogue!

I love my surprise gift! This bag is beautiful, yet again! Thank you so much Vogue and Brahmin. I have a Brahmin bag for nearly every occasion now! Although, one can never have too many amazing bags!

<3 Ale

Neighborhood Walk

Yay! First time out walking with Benjamin!

<3 Ale

Bump and Breakfast...

means I am the luckiest woman alive AND I'm so in love!

Embroidery in Progess

Necklace or t-shirt/tank applique?

<3 Alex

Sewing in Bed

Best bed rest set-up possible, I guess! Any other suggestions?

<3 Alex

Baby Blanket for Bump

Appliqued owls and colorful ribbons, oh my!

Would you buy this?

<3 Alex

Studio : Crazy Fabric Stock-up

Thank you Rock Paper Scissors in Montclair, NJ!

<3 Alex

Design : Vintage Modern Spring Coat

Here's my third (and probably final) entry in to the Vintage Modern Design Challenge with BurdaStyle and Indygo Junction!

My BurdaStyle Studio.

My BurdaStyle / Indygo Junction Vintage Modern Design Challenge Entry.

(Crossing fingers!)

<3 Alex

Studio : Tea Fabric and Patterns

The Breckenridge Distillery mug is definitely my favorite...with some Harrod's Earl Grey and sewing? Perfect Sunday afternoon.

Happy Spring to all!

<3 Alex

Studio : BurdaStyle, Indygo Junction, Ikea

Ikea fabric is so fun! This is for the sleeves, pockets, and belt for the BurdaStyle & Indygo Junction Vintage-Inspired Modern Design Challenge.  Third entry, wish me luck!

<3 Alex

PS: I'm "MarthaHaskins" on BurdaStyle!

Bump gets Support & Tulips

These tulips smell wonderful, Bump! Soon you'll smell flowers too!

<3 Alex (a.k.a. Mom)

Gerard Stricher

A new artist to love...deeply, deeply love.


{2012}

<3 Alex

How To Make Leggings

Source: tumblr.com via Sigmund on Pinterest

Etsy's How-Tuesday this week: Design and Sew Your Own Leggings

Good luck - and send me your photos to be featured on the blog!

<3 Alex

A few more of my favorites:

Source: wondermode.com via Ashlea on Pinterest

Source: google.ca via Taryn on Pinterest

Messy Studio

So many fun projects!

<3 Alex

Tulips Day 3

Thursday, 10:40 am EST!

Wow!

<3 Alex

Tulips Day 2

Tulip growth! Wednesday at 5:22 pm EST.

Happy Leap Day!

<3 Alex

My tulips are bursting out!

Tuesday, 2:30 pm EST...

<3 Alex

Rethinking Fashion: Design Responsibility

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 @ Parsons The New School for Design

Panelists:

Danielle Levine - Head of Marketing and Communications (us), Yoox Group

Amanda de Vaulx - VP Business Development - Americas, Stylus

Massimiliano Bizzi - President, WHITE Group

Giusy Bettoni - Founder & CEO, C.L.A.S.S.

Dr. Stefano Cochis - Business Unit Director Filature Miroglio Group, Filature Miroglio Newlife

Moderator:

James Mendolia - Interim Director, Fashion Marketing, Parsons The New School for Design

(I took his Eco-Fashion &Under-Armour Project classes whilst attending Parsons last year.)

Great panel. My favorite notes are all about how sustainability isn't meant to stand out in it's own way (ie: as "crunchy granola"), but to end-up being out there because people love the design, and oh yeah, it just happens to be good (or at least, better) for the planet. Transparency is the next big step for most companies (Nau, Patagonia, Timberland, etc... are leading the way). Consumers want to be connected to a purpose and honesty - so sustainability cannot be stopped! It just doesn't need to be pointed to as the reason to buy from a line, rather, it's almost a "bonus." And closed loop really is happening already and more to come. That's exciting! Really good stuff from brilliant minds. Thanks James & Parsons!

<3 Alex

Addicted to Making Baby Booties

They're just so cute! This pair is going on Etsy when I finish!

<3 Alex

A More Positive Life

After a dear friend of mine reminded me about Shawn Achor - I watched the TEDx video she recommended: HERE - I realized that I also own his book;

I am now nearly through it for the second time and have to say, it is truly worth reading and implementing.  Want a more positive life outlook?  Read it!  Get it at your local library if you can or borrow it from a friend.  Even purchasing it is definitely worth it.

Thank you Shawn and Lauren!

<3 Alex

DIY Doily Wedges

Corinne!  I found you!

I was a daily Threadbanger podcast follower and was so bummed when they left...but she's here!  So easy to follow and always so sweet - I love it!



<3 Alex

Simple Apple Tart

"The Art of Simple Food" by Alice Waters - I can't wait to try my dairy-free version of her (pg. 180) Apple Tart!

I also roasted a chicken tonight with brussel sprouts, carrots, an onion, and red potatoes (somewhat following Alice)...life is yummy! I was totally inspired by my sister-in-law's (KD) and my mom's amazing cooking in Breckenridge, CO over our New Years Holiday...we were totally spoiled!!!

<3 Alex