Mother Earth News Fair

This is a cross post from my personal blog but it was so much fun I have to share it here too.

Rebekah's latest Senior Year Project post will be posted tomorrow. Poor thing has been without internet and sick for the past few days. That's cruel and unusual punishment from the universe!

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Apologies on the lack of crafty posts. I've been up to other things. Ya know, trying to keep my life interesting and enriched. :)

This past weekend I helped out my friend Jessi with her booth at the Mother Earth News Fair in Puyallup, Washington.

It was a totally different type of show of what I'm personally used to but it was a lot of fun.

I felt like I was totally exposed to my friend's "other life". You think you know someone well and then you witness them in "work mode" and its a whole new person.  It was awesome!

Jessi drew a massive crowd for her "What the Cluck" talk. Times like this I go into my "older sister" pride mode for her. She had people who were shoulder to shoulder rolling with laughter while taking notes.

Her book sold out completely. (I've seen this happen at two different shows now!)

And she has really fun garden world friends. I'm totally comparing them to my extremely fun crafty friends. It would be one insanely fun party if those two worlds could collide. Apparently we're all drinkers.

Erica from NW Edible stopped by. Love, love, love her blog and highly recommend it to my local friends.

The super funny Lisa Taylor stopped by the booth before she it the stage. If you ever have the opportunity to listen to one of her talks, you must! She is hilarious.

Jessi's publishing company (Timberpress) reps were so fun! My eyes started leaking a couple times from laughing so hard.

And a special shout out to my new crush Ivette Soler. First she is absolutely beautiful, gorgeous porcelain skin. She is also wise and real - I totally got that from her just from a 20 minute conversation with her. I am totally buying her book The Edible Front Yard.

I could gush about the whole weekend but honestly I'm pooped. I didn't think I would be since I didn't have to do any real work so to speak. It's exhausting to have so much fun!

Here's a slideshow of the pictures I took in case you're interested.

Happy Monday!

-Thea

Snowed In

January 16, 2012

Yes, friends that's what we have been.

January 17, 2012

I have to admit we got a big chuckle when our weather made the national news. 

It made us sound like a bunch of snow wimps. 

My kids have been loving every minute of it. We've been baking cookies, birthday cakes (my family has 3 birthdays this week), playing games and of course enjoying the snow.

But no one loves the snow more than my dog.

January 15, 2012

Stay warm homies!

Thea

Last minute gift guide for locals (Western WA edition)

Hi all! Sorry for the lack of posts on this blog. I have a ton of excuses like any mom on the planet so I won't bore you with any. I am going to pull a cross-posting move though for today and come back tomorrow with a super (SUPER!) easy soup recipe.

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This week and next tends to be a time where many head out to the stores to pick up any last minute gifts. Or if you're like my husband - you've just begun to shop.

Why not make it easy on yourself and shop local? Shipping would most likely be quick, you'd be avoiding long lines at the stores and you'd be supporting a small local business.

Let me give you some ideas.
A little something for everyone-
I discovered Pepperjack Home at Urban Craft Uprising. They were my neighbors at the show.

They're based out of Arlington (Northern Snohomish County) and they have a wide array of home products. Everything from reusable snack bags, cotton washcloths, laundry soaps, reusable dryer sheets and more.
I picked up some dryer balls. I've been wanting to try some out. I have to say I love mine!

Dryer Balls from Pepperjack Home

For someone who is making the change to a greener lifestyle definitely check out theirwebsite and or their Etsy store.
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Have a sweet tooth on your list? Well, definitely check out Sweet Coconut Bakery.

Sweet Coconut Bakery's table at EtsyRain's Handmade Holiday Show

Based in Seattle - Hazel's sweet treats are delicious! We were vendors at two shows together and I treated myself to her goods at both.  Cookies, Filipino sweets (polvorones are my favorite!) and so much more. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop. It's okay if you get yourself a "gift" too.
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For the wee ones in your life:
World of Whimm and NueToMe both amazing shops with one amazing Everett based designer at the helm. World of Whimm offers imaginative costumes, masks & capes for kids. NueToMe offers more costumes, clothes and play food created from recycled t shirts. I just adore everything she makes!

A snapshot of her display rack at the EtsyRain Handmade Holiday show.

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For the cook or host/hostess-
Annie Two Braids Designs is based out of Seattle and creates clean and sometimes silly etched glasses, jars and other containers for the home.

Photo By Annie Two Braids Designs

Wonderful reusable containers and a wonderful girl behind the products!
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Other honorable mentions:
For the shoe lover - Strut in the Greenwood/Phinney Ridge area. Shoes, socks, accessories & an attractive shop owner to boot. I adore her so I am biased.

For your fashionable lady - The Frock Shop (Seek out the glam.spoon line - glam.spoonuses vintage fabrics and upcycles them into awesome creations!!!)

For your fashionable man - Momo - in the International District actually offers a bit of everything for him and her. But the men's section there is quite nice, Button up shirts, tees and hats.

For something that sparkles-
Elizabeth Space - Seattle local who makes wonderfully classy jewelry. I love the earrings I bought from her.
GlassElements - Another Seattle local who makes the most colorful jewelry with glass components. I drool every time I see her work - the colors are so vivid!

And bit of everything else:
Loran Scruggs - I believe is based out of Port Townsend makes the most creative whistles and toys from recycled bottlecaps and tins. Her work is amazing- please just go have a look.

All things Rockabilly, Vintage and Kitsch - my friend Sassy has a great eye and collection to share in her Etsy Shop. - She's local to Edmonds.

Know someone who likes to write? Sydney Designs based in South King County creates the most wonderful cards from vintage wall paper. What a great use for vintage wallpaper right? Each card is unique.

One of my personal favorites is Amanda Kindregan - is based "out in the sticks" of Seattle's Eastside near me. She creates the most whimsical art that reminds me of the art in books from my childhood. I love to just admire her work. One of her pieces hangs predominately in my family room.


I hope I've helped someone out with those last minute gifts yet to get.
Shop local & handmade!

xo-Thea