A Nantucket State of Mind

Crafting Sweet Valentines with My Daughter

2012-02-04T14:41:00.001-05:00

Spent 2 Days home with my daughter this week. On the 2nd day we crafted these sweet woven hearts and hung them with embroidery thread. Actually we made LOTS of these hearts and hung them from the locks of our windows. They are so pretty from inside or out.

Just google woven heart templates in images....there are soooo many out there for this VERY easy craft.

Tip: Use double sided scrapbooking paper for great looking hearts from either side.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome....Not Such a Pretty Title

2012-02-02T08:20:00.002-05:00

My daughter had an episode of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome last night.

She is eight years old and was diagnosed with this unforgiving syndrome at the age of three; although we can trace it back to infancy.

Cyclic Vomiting is recurrent bouts of vomiting. It is thought to have a connection to migraines, and is often referred to as abdominal migraine. Many of the children, ( and adults), experiencing this syndrome have a family history of migraine, (as does my daughter).

CVS episodes are often times triggered by stress ...even good stress, like Christmas, the first day of school, or a birthday. Certain foods, like cheese, chocolate, or foods containing MSG can also be triggers. Other children (like C), are called "Calendar Kids", because they don't seem to have a particular trigger, other than time. C's episodes used to be 8 weeks apart. Not 7 weeks, 6 days...but 8 weeks to the day. Yes, we would put it on the calendar, and wait for it. Cal's episodes are now somewhere between 10 and 11 weeks apart. Yes, we are still able to put on the calendar and watch for it.

Because we know it is coming, we prepare ourselves: hair elastic, throw up bowl, water, tissues. I sleep in C's trundle so that I am right there for her. She stays in bed, and tries to fall asleep in between...although the stomach pains and nausea can sometimes prevent this.

We're "lucky" compared to other families experiencing CVS. Some children vomit so violently, and often that they frequently end up hospitalized. C has terrible vertigo the morning an attack is coming, is then fine all day...and once she falls asleep that night, the vomiting begins. It usually happens once an hour for the entire night. Once morning arrives, the cycle is broken. C has vertigo for 2-3 days, and then another 10-11 weeks pass before another episode. Some children have episodes that last for days.

C was diagnosed with celiac Disease in May. After 9 months totally gluten free, we still do not see a connection between Celiac and CVS, although we had hoped to.

CVS is still not a well-known syndrome. I have found it in medical books from the 1800's; however, you rarely hear anyone speak of it. We need someone like Ellen Degeneres to get the word out there. There has to be some hope of treatment for the future for this mysterious illness.

Click this link to read more or to make a donation to a worthy cause.

www.cvsaonline.org

Celebrate with Donna Hay

2012-01-27T15:59:00.002-05:00

We picked up Donna Hay's 10th Anniversary issue this week. It's a sentimental thing for us, as we have been purchasing this wonderful (Australian based) culinary magazine since our children were just wee ones!

Our collection has a special spot in our kitchen....ready for action....

Issue 11: Little Pea Tartlets

Issue 17: Macarons

Issue 21: Bocconcini and Tomato Melts

I have highlighted a few favorites....too many to mention them all....

And on a gluten free note: The Macarons are fabulous....they use almond meal!

Cake Decorating 101

2012-01-25T18:24:00.001-05:00

So while my son seems to be a budding photographer, my 8 year old daughter has been busy designing cakes with her ITouch. I think she's on to something. I may try my hand at this. I can't tell you how many times I've had the perfect cake or cookie design in my head....what better way to save it as a future reference!

Apps: CakeDoodle and CookieDoodle

A January Glow

2012-01-24T16:08:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but I am all about "light". Natural light. The light that floods a room when shades are raised, and slips away when shades are drawn.

Due to my early morning schedule, our shades (most of them) stay drawn until I return home at 3:00 pm

On weekends the first thing I do when I get up is raise the shades. Light changes the feeling of the house, brings in life.

This week we had a foot of snow...then the fog came and took it all away! It was in the 50's today!

When I came home, the light was very pretty:

The Paper Whites Were Blooming...

The Doorknobs Were Sparkling...

My Dad's Shells from Guam Were Singing Ocean Songs in the Afternoon Glow....

He's At it Again!

2012-01-23T19:02:00.000-05:00

I'm rather enjoying the fact that my 13 year old has been out in the snow again today taking photos...mom is off the hook! i must admit that I adore the back of our "garage". The front is shingled to "match" our gray shingled antique cape....the back is in all its glory....our home was built in 1830.

here is a sneak peek of what I am crafting with my coveted felt hearts....attached to burlap bags with twine...so very sweet.

Birds in the Snow...

2012-01-22T17:51:00.003-05:00

My 13 year old took some lovely bird photos in the snow today. We received about 11 inches of snow yesterday.

"What do you mean this isn't MY big purple bunny?"

Desperately Searching For a Heart

2012-01-21T12:09:00.000-05:00

I am in search of these hearts. They are from Target's Christmas decoration section. They are sold out (unless your Target still has a few left).

I would love any color...and they came in green, blue, purple, red.....

I am crafting with them and need as many as I can get my hot little hands on.

If you bought some after Christmas, I will gladly pay you for what you have. And if you find some left over at Target for $1 or less for a 3pk, please pick up and I can paypal you or send a check.

I know how crafty all you bloggers are...so I'm HOPING someone has some extras.

Thanks!

email:

maggie_3@comcast.net

Winter Wishes

2012-01-19T19:27:00.000-05:00

Sometimes January (and February...and much of March) here in New England can be long and monotonous. The sun sets early, and rises late....leaving little time to look out the window and dream of spring and summer....

I like to think of these months as a time for "Winter Wishes". Winter Wishes are the things you dream of, hope for, long for....maybe they will come to fruition...perhaps not....but you still dream them....

Here are a few of my Winter Wishes:

1. Decorating the Bedroom with Fabulous Bedding
(which I happen to have and have not yet used)

(photo Pottery Barn)

2. A Fabulous New Bathroom
I still wish Nate Berkus would come knocking on my door...ours is extremely sad....gold and avocado, with a little paneling thrown in, need I say more....

This one is stunning:

(myhomeideas.com)

3. Images of Comforting Cottages with Fabulous Gardens:

(katyelliott.com)

4. A More Attractive and Organized Coat Area on our Sunporch:

(thehomeslice.files.wordpress.com)

5. A Great Manicure and Pedicure:

That will do for now...and you?

Gorgeous Galvanized Pieces for the Garden

2012-01-14T20:54:00.004-05:00

Shop: ShabbyRoad Shop Owner: Ember Site: Etsy.com

galvanized Click Here

Click the above link to see the "treasury" I created at Etsy of galvanized pails, buckets, watering cans, etc...

I haven't joined Pinterest yet because of the need to link with Facebook, so this is my way of "Pinning".

Click the Link and Leave me a Comment!

Our Daily Routine

2012-01-13T14:09:00.000-05:00

Thought it might be neat to read about one another's daily routine...we know our likes....and yes, even our dislikes....our dreams....and our hobbies....but what about the everyday ordinary life we live from day to day?

Thought I'd start it off, and you can link up if you'd like!

Typical Weekday:

5:20 alarm goes off(although I'm usually already awake)

5:25 Get your sorry *** out of bed.

5:30 Turn on the little heater in the bathroom and hop in shower.

5:40 Dry hair/get dressed/make-up, etc....

5:50 Greet the puppy...get attacked in her "I've missed you" frenzy. Feed her.

5:55 Pop my son's waffles in the toaster and pour his milk.

6:00 Wake my son.

6:05 Pack lunches/Get Lunch Money Ready/Water Bottles/Backpacks, etc...

6:15 Wake my daughter.

6:20 Finish getting ready. Pack something to eat at school for breakfast and lunch.

6:30 Wake my husband and kiss all good bye.

6:50 Arrive in my classroom.

6:50-7:30 Prepare for my job as a 6th grade Math and Science Teacher

7:30-2:23 SCHOOL

2:23 Book it out of school to make it to my daughter's pick up at 2:45.

3:00 Arrive Home

3:00-4:30 Clean up the breakfast :( Throw laundry in, do dishes, general clean up, etc...

4:30 Start something for dinner. Still cleaning as I go.

5:00-5:30 Eat at some point in this time frame.

5:30-7:30 Help with homework, do a little schoolwork, pay a few bills, laundry....you get the picture.

7:30 Jeopardy! Wouldn't miss it. Still doing dishes, etc....as I watch....

8:00pm Read to my daughter, then watch a bit of TV

9:30 Good-Night

Now help me figure out where to insert time for working out, doing work for my Etsy shop....

On another note, aren't these the cutest topsiders you have ever seen?

The Wonders of the Canning jar

2012-01-11T18:12:00.000-05:00

I must admit I have a strange fascination with canning jars...and apparently so do quite a few others.

Apple Pies

chadzilla.typepad.com

Granola

ladybehindthecurtain.com

Adorable Cakes

tookies.etsy.com

Sewing Kits

marthastewart.com sewing kit

Fashionable Lighting

barnlightelectric.com

Even Sweaters!

homegrownhospitality.typepad.com sweater

They Make Great Vases for Zinnias

From My Garden :)

A Lavender Sachet in a Jar

From my Etsy shop.

Do you have any more ideas?

Wedding, Birthday, and First Communion Favors

2012-01-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

Every now and again I must do some shameless self-promotion. Take a peek at several new favor bags from my Etsy Shop (follow the link in side bar). Hope you like them!

How to Get Through the Doldrums of January...Some of My Favorite Products

2012-01-05T18:28:00.001-05:00

I have a few things that help me get through the winter...

1.) A Great Foot Cream:

loccitane.com

2.) Adorable Socks:

paisleyprintshoes.com

3.) Bronzer for Extra Chalky Winter Skin

narscosmetics.com

4.) A Cardigan That Looks Fab:

www.etsy.com

Go to "shops" and put in the name Ovejanegra. She calls this the Riona Sweater. It is hand-made. $155
5.) Garden Catalogs...Dreaming of Summer...

6.) Tassimo Suchard Hot Chocolate Syrup:

7.) Cheap Entertainment...Celebrity Wife Swap

What are some of your favorite ways to "tolerate" the winter?

(This post is purely the author's opinion...no compensation has been made by any merchants)

It Pays to Shop in the Kid's Department!

2012-01-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

Do you love these boots as much as I do? I found them on Rue La La after Christmas for a fourth of what they were selling for on other sites.

They are the Primigi Anya boot. I purchased them from the girl's department! Don't overlook the kid's department....especially European shoes. I purchased a 39. I am usually a 38 or 38.5 in European sizes, but knew that I could handle a 39, and that's all that was available.

I love the fact that they are unique....and snuggly....after all, it was only 12 degrees this morning!

Gluten Free Magic Bars and a Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T10:20:00.001-05:00

Thanks Soooo Much Kinnikinnick! We finally found a yummy baked good that really doesn't taste any different than the original. Needless to say, we have been eating LOTS of Magic Bars around here. I modified the original Eagle Brand recipe.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups Kinnikinnick Gluten-Free "Graham Style" Crackers*
(I process in food processor)
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts if desired

*You will need to buy 2 boxes....use the extras to make s'mores!

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.
Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature.

Note: I always check that the chocolate chips I am using have not been processed in a facility that processes wheat or other gluten containing products.

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T21:20:00.000-05:00

From my world to yours...Have wonderful holidays. Enjoy every second with your family and friends. Smile, embrace, laugh, make memories to be recalled for a lifetime.

Love this photo of the lighthouse in our pretty little town.

photo courtesy photosouthcoast.com

Tales from a Birdwatcher

2011-12-22T10:37:00.000-05:00

Sparrow

Tufted Titmouse

Cardinal

Junco

Any other winter birdwatchers out there?

You Have to Love this Face

2011-12-17T20:50:00.000-05:00

Easy Christmas Craft

2011-12-13T19:01:00.000-05:00

My daughter and I crafted these "balls" this past weekend. I remembered buying something similar at a craft fair when I was a kid. I've never been able to find anything like them...so I decided to make them.

Supplies:

-styrofoam balls

-felt cut-outs: I bought mine on Etsy, but would sure like to know how to make my own!

-common pins with the colorful ball end (I'm sure they have a different name :0

-vintage seambinding...or any scraps of ribbon that coordinate

Directions:

1. Place felt flowers on ball one at a time, sticking pin through center of flower.

2. Slightly overlap.

You may want to lay out your piles by color....much easier to alternate colors

3. When ball is filled, pull one flower up and fasten looped ribbon onto ball with pin.

That's it!!!! So very pretty!

A Fun Night Out

2011-12-08T18:29:00.000-05:00

My husband and I went to Boston this past weekend (about an hour north of us). It was a night like I haven't had in a VERY long time. It was my husband's best friend's 50th. They've been BFF's since they were 12!

We traveled with 20 good friends by limo to Delfrisco's Steak House. So nice not having to drive, park, etc...

I cannot remember the last time I had so many laughs. We were in a private room, so we were able to have a "mini roast", and maybe get a bit louder than we would have in the middle of the restaurant.

The food was AMAZING, the restaurant stunning, and the company was ideal.

We were eating chocolate mousse and cheesecake at midnight, and finally fell into bed around 2:30 a.m.

Now for those of you who follow my blog....you will know that this in itself is amazing. I mean, this 46 yr old teacher is usually in jammies watching tv by 8:30...up at 5:20. So 2:30 made me feel like I was 25 again. Of course, puppy had me up at 5:15. So I was hurting for a day...or two.

Probably won't happen again for another 20 yrs...so there will be plenty of time to work on the newly made laugh lines I acquired that night....well worth it.

Congrats to Maya!

2011-12-04T10:56:00.001-05:00

Congrats to Maya of Completely Coastal! She wins 5 of my lavender sachets!

Please email me at maggie_3@comcast.net with your address!

Ok...Help Me Out Here....Please?

2011-12-03T12:57:00.000-05:00

I bought this ensemble from Pottery Barn a year ago...still in the shipping box as we speak.

I would love some advice.

Currently our bedroom is wallpapered. That would have to go. But I think a skim coat would be in order to get nice smooth walls.

Any suggestions for paint color?

Window treatments?

Our bedroom is our "catch-all" room. Piles of bills, boxes for Ebay and Etsy, stuff we "shouldn't" throw out. But I really need this to happen.

Now I know there are LOTS of great decorators out there...I read your blogs, I know....so lend me your tips....pretty please?

Don't Laugh...But....

2011-12-02T20:26:00.001-05:00

...this is really what I want / need for Christmas...

Undies...

ts-bees-1.jpg" />

Burt's Bees...all seem to be running out...

Dr. Hauschka Kajal Eyeliner....at least TRY to look awake....

Bronzer....Pale, pale Irish skin...

Bare, pale legs....no one really wants to see them again til summer....especially me....

I am so bad at getting the things I need. I keep telling myself I can go "one more week"....but , well, not really. In fact I think that week was up 6 months to a year ago.

Enter my giveaway below!

It's Giveaway Time!

2011-12-01T17:33:00.000-05:00

I am giving away a set of 5 of my organic sachets to one luck winner! We grow organic lavender and pick the blossoms. As a family we strip the buds after they dry. I hand-stamp the seahorse motif onto the bags in a pretty denim color blue, and fill the bags with lavender.

I will select a winner on Sunday, and I will mail on Monday.

You must be a follower to enter.

I will also giftwrap each in a cello bag with a handstamped vintage ribbon if desired. They make fun gifts for teachers, secretaries, Secret Santas, etc...