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Category Archives: simple living
we do what we love
Last year, my boys and I watched a documentary called Between The Folds. The film showcases a group of scientists and artists who strive toward modern paper folding, going beyond traditional origami, and interpreting their world through paper. Their creations were awe-inspiring, it was phenomenal what they could do with only their hands. This film captivated … Continue reading
Posted in a question for mamas, behind the scenes, conscious parenting, family life, inspiration, personal life, simple living
Tagged between the folds, documentary, instincts, intuition, motherhood instincts, origami, paper folding, paper molding, parenting, parenting rules
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How Do You Hold It All Together?
We mamas handle a LOT. We work round the clock, do we not? Even when everyone is asleep, our mama-radars are always on, listening for the sounds, the sniffles, the coughing and the calling. We get up and make breakfast, we pack lunches, we clean the kitchen, transfer the laundry, pick crumbs off the carpet. … Continue reading
Posted in a question for mamas, family life, home, inspiration, motherhood, personal life, simple living
Tagged busy mama, busy mom, busy mother, chores, dishes, housekeeping, kids, laundry, lunches, mothering, open loops, overwhelm, parenting, stay at home mom, tasks, to do list, work, working mom
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Stretching Wings
The value of letting kids play and bumble, letting them wander out of your site in a safe place. Stretching their wings, quizzing their own sense of autonomy. Letting them know that you’re there, but not hovering. Letting them know that you care, but not smothering. The freedom, excitement and big-kid feelings of not being … Continue reading
Posted in conscious parenting, inspiration, motherhood, motherhood paintings, personal life, simple living
Tagged autumn, baby, child, chill, collecting, crisp, fall, halloween, holding hands, leaves, mother and child, mother and daughter, mother and son, motherhood, native american, october, parenting, separation anxiety, september, space, toddler, walking
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the Mindful Mothering Project ~ I’ve chosen another photo!
I’ve chosen my FOURTH photo for the Mindful Mothering Project ~ and I look forward to sharing progress with you, as I create an intimate motherhood painting on canvas, inspired by this lovely photo submitted by Suzanne. You can follow along with the process of this piece over on the Facebook Fan Page ~ and … Continue reading
Posted in archival print, available paintings, babywearing, inspiration, mindful mothering, motherhood, motherhood paintings, new paintings, painting process, simple living, special offer
Tagged baby-wearing, breast milk, breastfeed, child, infant, mama, mindful mothering, mother, mother child art, nursing, paintings of mothers, toddler
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Mama Meets The Grocery Bill – Part 2
Read last week’s post: Mama Meets The Grocery Bill - Part 1 Lentil Soup, Flat Bread and Salad ~ I had plenty of organic bulk lentils in my cupboard to make a yummy, healthy, satisfying – yet easy - soup! My Steps to a Healthier Grocery Budget (in process, but here they are so far) ~ surely … Continue reading
Posted in a question for mamas, family life, home, inspiration, motherhood, personal life, recipes, simple living
Tagged cupboards, family dinner, groceries, grocery, lentil soup, menu planning, pantry, salad, shopping
2 Comments
A Little Wake-Up Slap
I first see pride when I see this mama looking at her son. It feels soulful to me ~ deep and honoring, yet sad with longing ~ but I think that is me, reading my own feelings into the image. As I lie next to my own 6 year old little boy on his bed, I feel the … Continue reading
Posted in personal life, simple living
Tagged 1948, baby boy, death, father as child, grandma, grandmother, grandparents, hip, holding, loss, memories, nostalgia, old photo, sadness, son, time, when my dad was a baby
2 Comments
Free Cards Winner ~ Healthy Skin ~ Healthy Mama ~ Muddy H2O
Sharing with you a product in my own personal self-care arsenal! a note from my friend Gabriela, founder of Muddy H2O Etcetera Muddy H2O began producing high quality, natural body products in 2003. Our goal today, as it was then, is to promote the use of natural and organic ingredients in personal care products and to … Continue reading
Posted in behind the scenes, personal life, recipes, simple living
Tagged facial masks, mud masks, muddy h2O, natural beauty product, natural products, skin care, Vancouver, vibrant, wa
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Free Cards Friday | A Simple Regret of My Own | Mother Regret | Biking
As a proud mama of two little boys ~ I have gratefully had the opportunity in my life to be able to breastfeed, babywear, co-sleep, bubble bath with my boys and many, many, many other activities that come along as joys when raising a child. I do have a regret though. Off the top of … Continue reading
Posted in a question for mamas, inspiration, personal life, simple living
Tagged babysitting, bike ride, bike seat, biking, motherhood, pretend, regret, toddler
6 Comments
Free Cards Friday & Inspiration from Zen Habits’ Leo Babauta ~ The Pause
I read this post and instantly knew I had to share it with you. I have many of these urges: eating junk, jumping online, biting my nails ~ so I’m going to think of these words as I move forward… The Pause Upon Which All Else Relies Post written by Leo Babauta. There is one … Continue reading
Posted in available paintings, inspiration, motherhood paintings, personal life, simple living
Tagged habits, inspiration, pause, zen habits
3 Comments
feeling… & Dr. Brené Brown
Hmm, I’m feeling… today, and thankful at the same time for all of the wonderful people I’ve worked with in my business. Those with high integrity and honesty. I’ve been learning a lot about this lately. My friend gave me the term “bunchy chi (Qi)” when she was talking about feeling uncomfortable about something, like an … Continue reading
Posted in behind the scenes, conscious parenting, inspiration, motherhood quote, personal life, simple living
Tagged Dr. Brené Brown
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Free Calendar Friday ~ talking to strangers ~ Happy Holidays!
Instead of Free Cards Friday this week, I’m offering a Free Calendar to one winner instead! It’s Free Calendar Friday! (a $16.99 value) Here’s how to be in the running to win: Comment on this post and let us all know in 10 words or less: ~ One of your favorite ways to brighten a moment for … Continue reading
Handmade Ornaments for the Kiddos ~ easy, elegant, addicting!
A friend gave me the idea to create handmade glass ball ornaments ~ by coating the insides of the balls with swirly paint. An instantly easy and do-able project, I shot to the craft store over the weekend and picked up some glass balls ($5 for 12), some acrylic paint in bottles (2 for a buck!) … Continue reading
Posted in family life, gifts for mom, home, inspiration, personal life, simple living
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Featured Mama: Becky of Dixie-Soaps
I am pleased to feature Becky, an honored collector, but most importantly: a mama, a soapmaker and owner of Dixie-Soaps! I recently ordered a bunch of soap from Becky and was thrilled with the exquisite products when the package arrived. Visit Dixie-Soaps’ website. Here are Becky’s words: I’m 32 years old, a wife, mama to two precious girlies, … Continue reading
Posted in co-sleep, gifts for mom, home, simple living
1 Comment
Featured Mamas: Plenty-Full ~ non-toxic lunchware
Plenty-full, non toxic stainless steel lunch containers My two mama-friends are the brains, passion and creativity behind Plenty-full ~ a new source for (might I say, beautiful) non-toxic stainless steel food containers. This holiday season give the gift of healthy living. Plenty-full’s non-toxic containers are waste-free, BPA-free, and worry-free so you eat healthier & save … Continue reading
Posted in conscious parenting, gifts for mom, home, personal life, simple living
3 Comments
Simple Living ~ part 1 ~ just a toe in the waters
For years and years, I have been wondering if there were others out there like me ~ others who wanted less, not more. Less items, less things, less stuff. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be nomadic, to have just what fit in your car, and nothing else. This idea has excited … Continue reading