Alto: An Intuitive Sewing Machine

Posted in She's Crafty by

 

I’ve been contemplating replacing the Bro for a while now. I was doing some online research online and came across this beauty. Wow. This gorgeous thing is Alto sewing machine. Created by Sarah Dickins, who wants to bring “make do and mend” back into fashion. Her Alto sewing machine, a contender for the 2012 James Dyson Award, combines sleek, vintage-inspired lines with beginner-friendly controls to encourage display and invite frequent use.

The Alto is a sewing machine that not only demands to be placed in full view, but simplifies manipulation for novices. A metal guide that runs from reel to needle, for instance, makes threading a cinch, while pressure sensors along the needle plate and in the rubber foot allow the beginner to control the machine’s speed in a manner that’s natural and intuitive. A flexible drive shaft replaces the traditional pulley system to create Alto’s distinctive arch, increasing room for fabric and improving workspace visibility.

Feedback from the Alto prototype’s trial run has been overwhelmingly positive. Volunteers described the experience as “very natural,” agreeing that “you automatically know how to use it.”  The Bro might have to work a while longer until the Alto goes into production.

 

Dream Year 2012 Update

Posted in Dream Year 2012 by

Well it’s been about 4 months since I started this thing, so I thought I’d give you an update as to how it’s going.

I’ll be running my first 5k in 17 days. !!!! I’ve been training for this using the Couch to 5k program. Before this I would NEVER believe I could run around the block, let alone a 5k, but this program made me a believer. Unfortunately, I’ve had a few set backs so I’m not as far along in the program as I’d like, so I’m not sure I’m going to be able to run the entire time, but I am confident that I will finish.

Yoga was a bust. I just couldn’t get into it at that studio. I just didn’t click with the instructor or students. I’m going to try out some classes elsewhere and see if I can find something more to my liking.

We’ve also made some changes in eating around here. We’ve made the switch to shopping at Whole Foods. I know that some people call it “Whole Paycheck” but I have actually seen our grocery bill drop compared to before. I think it is because I was already buying organic dairy, meats, and produce prior to switching and the old place would mark those items up more. I’ve been trying to purchase the organic option whenever available for pantry items as well. I feel that there is either a increase in the quality of the product or there is no foreseeable difference, however the price is either the same or lower.

I’ve also been making a conscious effort to meal plan for the week. This has led us to eating in more instead of ordering something because we are tired and don’t want to deal with figuring out what to make. I’ve dusted off the cookbooks and also have been adding to my repertoire from magazines and Pinterest.

Obviously, this is a work in progress, but I am feeling pretty good and think that these are changes ones that will stick. I’m going to continue to work to find more ways to improve my life and health and make this Dream Year happen.

No sleep ’til . . . .

Posted in Oh Baby by

20120904-171413.jpgThe past couple of weeks has been a bit rough with Joseph. He’s been going through . . . something . . . and he hasn’t been sleeping the best. Now, I know in the grand scheme of things he is an easy, happy baby and his sleep “issues” are rather minor compared to most babies. But, I will say that he out of his usual pattern and I’m not sure what to do.

  • Here are the main issues to deal with: Naps – He has been on average taking 30 minute naps about 4 times a day. Sometimes all he needs is this little cat nap, but others I can tell that he is still tired and won’t sleep longer. This leads to me not being able to get things done and having no “down time” in addition to him being a super cranky guy by the end of the day.
  • Sleep ritual – He needs to have a bottle and will not fall asleep without one. Its to the point where if I take the bottle out of his mouth too soon, he wakes up, cries, and I have to start all over again. Same thing occurs when I lay him in his crib. Wakes up, cries, bottle.

I’ve been reading up on different sleep training methods and have been trying to decide if we should go the “Cry It Out” (CIO) method or not. There is some major controversy around this topic. I’ve known moms who have used this method and swear by it as well as those who think it is akin to torture. I am on the fence right now. Shawn and I discussed it and here’s our plan:

  • Enter the Sleep Sheep – Joe already has a “lovey” – a small, soft blanket that we call his Soos. He currently only uses it on occasion, but we make sure that its in his crib with him. Some people recommended a white noise machine of some sort to help calm him and help extend his sleep cycle. I got him the Sleep Sheep and I have to say that I think that it MIGHT be working. I put it on the 45 minute cycle with either “rain” or “ocean” playing and he has been doing better with the length of his naps. Its not consistent yet, but the longest he’s gone now has been a blissful hour and 15 minutes!
  • Earlier Bedtime – Joseph would usually go to sleep around 8ish and would sleep until 6 or so the next morning. The problem was that he was so cranky and wound up that it would take forever to get him down to sleep. I’ve moved his bedtime up to 7pm and I’ve found that this is making a difference. He doesn’t fight me as much to go down and he’s sleeping through the night for the most part. We’ve had a couple of middle of the night wake ups and he’s getting up earlier (between 5 and 6) but I feel that we’re on the right track and he’ll sleep later in the morning soon.
  • A New Routine – I’ve instituted a routine to help get him ready for bed at night. He has his dinner, then its straight into the tub. After his bath, we put on lotion, diaper, and jammies. Then we turn off the lights, turn on the Sleep Sheep and I give him a bottle. If he finished the bottle and is still awake, into the crib he goes. This has only happened twice so far and he went to sleep with a minimum of crying. I’m hoping to phase out the bottle at some point, not sure when or how this will happen.

We’re still having some issues with naps and Shawn and I tried CIO with him and it worked . . . twice. The other times he was a mess and so was I. I’m not sure I can go that route. I’m hoping that these things will work instead so I don’t have to go down that road in the future. However, I’m not ruling it out at this point. I just feel like it’s going to be my last resort.

I’m wondering how other moms deal with this issue. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Please leave them in the comments area so everyone can join in.

August’s Birchbox

Posted in Fashion by

This month’s post is a little late coming, but it’s still August, right? Lets just say that this was a month of smells. . . .

  • Miss Jessie’s® Pillow Soft Curls – Hair lotion that is supposed to enhance your natural curl while keeping your hair soft, instead of crunchy as some curl-enhancing products can be. I normally use Aveda’s “Be Curly” style-prep and it works for me. This product product was a bit  . . . disconcerting. I think it was because of the smell/texture. It was like I was putting fabric softener in my hair. It totally smelled like Downy. Which isn’t bad, per se, but it was um, weird. The product did work as it said, producing soft curls in my hair. If there was an unscented version, I would go for it.
  • Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur – What is it with the super sweet smelly perfumes? I guess they hit the back-to-school theme with this one, I can see the dorms wreaking of this on the weekends. Not for me, thanks.
  • Whish Three Wishes Body Butter – This organic body butter is scented like Pomegranate. The scent was okay, not too sugary as some “pomegranate” fragrances are. As for the skin-softening qualities. . . meh.
  • DDF® Brightening Cleanser – This gentle gel cleanser is supposed to use natural skin brighteners, including licorice root and mulberry bark, to even out your complexion and lighten discolorations. Over time, you’ll have noticeably smoother, brighter skin. I have some discoloration on my forehead from pregnancy and the sun, I’ve been using this for about a week now and I “think” I might be seeing a difference. This product also has an unusual scent. It has licorice root and mulberry bark in the ingredients and you can totally smell them. Kind of like a black jelly bean and tea combined. Strange to be smelling at 6am in the shower, but not bad.
  • Bonus Freebie: Schick Hydro Silk Razor – I normally use the Mach 3 Turbo, same as Shawn. (I buy them in bulk at Costco – much cheaper!) I  gave up on women’s razors a while ago, I felt that they were too bulky and I end up cutting myself. The Hydro proved that “girl” razors have come a long way since the last time I tried one. It’s got 5 blades which gave me a closer shave than the Mach 3 and the additional lubrication strips made it glide along great. I still hate having to pay more for razors just because I’m a girl, but I can see this one worth being worth it, at least while its still swimsuit season.

**Pardon the awful photo, was shot with no natural light and a fussing baby**

Fall Baggu in Leather and Suede

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I am loving the new fall colors for Baggu. They have expanded their leather line by adding suede options. I am particularly coveting the blue (suede) and fig (leather) perhaps an early Christmas present?

 

 

101 Things: 64. Become a member of the Columbus Zoo 82. Go to the zoo

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Knocking two off the list! I’ve been wanting to go to the zoo all summer. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the best zoos in the country. I don’t forget   it’s world famous zoo keeper, Jack Hannah.

I decide that we’d sign up for a family membership, since it’s only 30 minutes away and a good place to go “strollering” and something we can do all year long. Shawn and I decided to make an afternoon of it with our nephew, Luke, and Joseph. We packed up lunch and the Bugaboo and made a day of it. I haven’t been to The zoo in years, it was a ton of fun seeing the animals and doing some people watching.

Joe was not that impressed with the tiger.

Joseph: Five Months

Posted in General Life, Oh Baby by

Holy cow did this month fly by! This was a big month developmentally for Joe, so many changes!

I now have my two bottom teeth! I am much happier now that they broke though, although I am still very drooly. I also started eating cereal this month. I absolutely love it and have a great appetite.

I am scooting backwards a bit and starting to try to get up on my hands and knees for a few seconds at a time. My favorite thing to do is jump in my Jumperoo. Once I get going, watch out!

I laugh and giggle with mommy and daddy and love playing on the floor with Walter. I still love to go in the pool and splash in my tub. I am still fighting my naps, but sleep at night like a champ.

I am a happy little guy and every day my personality comes out more and more. I can’t wait to show you what I can do this month!