Caribou Design in the Press

eclectic other design

Jen from The Haystack Needle posted about the vintage soda pop crate wall display I designed for Caribou over at Houzz, beautiful photos! Thanks for the design shout out.

Small Furniture Crush

Always on the hunt for great, small space solutions and I love this bunk from AVA Room!  At 63.5" long and only 53.5" high it would work really well in a low ceilinged room.  I also like that the ladder is contained within the frame of the bed so that it doesn't take any extra footprint. Of course I don't think it is available in the states, le sigh.

Family

People think that B looks like me...and then they see him with his dad and they realize it is just the blue eyes.  I think that B is the best of both of us. 
What is a family anyway?  Sometimes I think that the only 2 choices are to be a couple, or to be a bitter ex-couple with your child in the middle.  I refuse to believe that these are my only choices, they are certainly not the choices made by my parents and step-parents for my sister, brothers and I.  I believe that A and I made a commitment to each other and our son the day we had him, and that commitment has nothing to do with our status as a couple.  We are a family.  Our future may be our own road, but it will always end in us being a loving family.

What I am going to do about food at my son's school

I realize that this has been my personal blog, and that, beyond my mom and a few friends, I really have no readers, which is fine, it is my life.  However, I am overwhelmed at the issue of what my son eats at school.  He is less than 2 weeks in and his pooping has already changed from eating processed food, he is pooping less regularly and instead of being a good consistency it is either hard and painful for him or runny and gross.  It never really smelled disgusting before and now it does.  I have noticed the difference in his poop and children who eat processed food before, this does not seem like a good direction.  (I'm sure my few readers wanted to discuss poop, at least B would think it was hilarious) On top of that I already see him struggling with impulse control, especially with hitting other kids, either for attention or because he doesn't know what to do with his emotions.   This is always a struggle for him, but I have noticed many times the correlation between him consuming sugar (juice counts!) and these issues.  He has enough trouble with it, I don't want to set him up for failure by giving him juice and a "bagel" pocket with jelly first thing in the am.  This is not a good snack for him or any other child and I find it appalling that I didn't even know he was getting it.  This snack was not listed in the school's menu, nor was the fact that they give children a morning snack mentioned...in fact when I asked about this snack, which my son had described to me very accurately, and I described as a bagel pocket filled with jelly (exactly what it was) at the first PTA meeting, school officials told me he must be talking about bagel pizzas (I won't even start on the problems I have with that!)

However, all of that being said, I know that this school has the best interest of the children at heart and they do many things that I respect, and more that I am sure I will learn about as the year progresses.  I know that school lunch (and breakfast, and snacks) are truly needed by some students, and may be the only meals those children eat in any given day.  I just found this out last week, but my son's school recieves title 1 funding, which means lunch (and breakfast and snacks) are given to all students based on the community's income level.  On a practical level this means I can pack all the food I want for my son, but I can not control wether he chooses chocolate milk or the schools pbj for lunch over what I packed.  I have asked him to choose regular milk, and have explained to him why and so far he seems willing to do that, but I know that won't always be the case.  It seems unfair that I can help my son make these choices, but some children won't even know what choices they are making.  I even brought up some of these concerns with my sons pediatrician at his 5 year checkup and she was under the impression that food at schools was getting better.  It is not.  Unless we are all educated as parents, as educators, as citizens about these issues nothing will change.

I wanted to wait to begin speaking out at the school for issues I see as important until I understood the structure and routine of the school, but this is too pressing a matter to wait.  What we feed our children is just as important as any book they read.  If we are filling their bodies with things that will make it harder for them to concentrate, give them terrible sugar crashes, put them at risk for awful diseases, how are we helping them learn?  I will be speaking out at the very first public opportunity I get.  In addition I foresee all sorts of problems with convincing administration to look at these issues when they have so much else on their plates, and little money to address such concerns.  I will be using this blog to record research and links as I start to compile information about these issues.  I am also going to start a non-profit organization, specifically aimed at supplementing the cost of fresh, real food and trained staff to plan and prepare meals in public schools.  I know that this will not be easy, but from here on out this will be my good work, for my son, for all children, for the future.

This ends in tears

Went to the NY Ren Faire this weekend with BFF & family, + old friends.  Fun was had by all, but several sword battles (at the end of a long week of new schools for both boys) led to a few tears, but they certainly enjoyed it while they enjoyed it.
Have I mentioned how much I love these boys?

On another note, I switched B to a different kindergarten class in the same school, this is a french immersion program that I only recently found out existed and they somehow had a space in the class, so B is in.  I am excited about this, but not so much B and he had a very hard time at drop off!  and a bit of a hard day in general.  BUT while this was rough it is par for the course, HOWEVER I was there to see the kids get a morning snack that I didn't even know they get, some sort of processed bagel pocket filled with jelly and juice.  I found out from one of B's friends that B was hitting him all day.  They are pumping my kid full of sugar at the beginning of the day and of course he is going to have an impossible time.  This sucks.  I don't know what to do.

Pirates on the Hudson

B and I took the ferry back from IKEA after an emergency trip on Sunday, lo and behold, there was a pirate ship!  I'm sure that this is some vessel with a specific name and purpose, but B and I watched the sunset over Manhattan and watched for boarders.  It was a nice day.

B goes to Kindergarten

The first day was chaotic, the school seemed unprepared and they offered us very little info and prep as parents, so that we would know what to do, but B has already made a friend and the second day, when I knew what to expect, everything went much more smoothly.  We are definitely not in Kansas, or at least a tiny montessouri school in Williamsburg, anymore.

This will be an adventure for both of us, I'm sure one with plenty of trials and tribulations, but hopefully an opportunity for my son to grow (me to) for us to be part of a community, and to learn together.  The first PTA meeting is next week and I am def going to that!  There is actually one at 9am and one at 6pm....I might go to both, just to get the lay of the land.

Great adventure ho!  First stop work with Bowie on hand-raising, so he won't get in trouble.

Love you my big boy!

Happy 5th Birthday my Beautiful Boy!

Today you turned 5.  The last year has been a crazy one for us my little one, your mama went back to work in earnest and I didn't get to spend as much time with you this year.  I feel every missed minute, but you are turning into an independant little soul (though you still want me to put on your clothes for you, and sit with you while you fall asleep, even if you sleep in your own bed)  There is no question about your talking or your charm, you talk to anyone who will listen and charm them as soon as they stop.  You like to use big words like cumbersome and despicable.  You make me laugh, even if most of your jokes are about poop.  You like to play video games with your daddy and do puzzles with me.  You are so good at memory, though I don't think you get the competitive nature of the game since you always tell me where my matches are.  We got to spend a lot of time with your grandparents this summer, and boy do you love your grandma and grandpa.  Your mama is a nervous nellie and sometimes you are to, but don't ever be afraid to do new things or jump into some amazing opportunity, because you think you might fail.  There is always failure, but you can't reach greatness without a few failures along the way.  You are as beautiful as ever, smarter then I could imagine, and kinder then I could wish for (even if you sometimes knock your friends to the ground)  You think of the ones littler than yourself, and do nice things for your friends.  You kiss your mama unasked and tell me you love me.  Baby boy you are my center, you bring me back to life when I fall into the depths, you teach me to be a better person and a better mama every day.  I can not imagine a life where you weren't born.  The last five years have been the best I have ever had.  Thank you.  I can't wait to see what the next year holds as you start kindergarten, a new chapter for both of us.  I love you, my Bowie.

Thoughts of Margaret

My friend's mother died last week, she was 56. I have known his family since I was 15, and I sat with them for two days while they watched her slip away from this life, on the third day she took a breath and not the next.  Have you ever had something happen that is so sad that you think you will never stop reeling....but it is not your sadness and the person you ache for is not yourself, but you feel it so strongly that it threatens to eclipse your own life for a moment?  I never knew Margaret closely, but I loved her because I loved her son.  In fact it would be impossible to care about Jason and not his mother, so much were they a part of one another's lives.  She was strong, she fought breast cancer to the end, a three year battle and when I saw her in July she was talking about going back to work in a few weeks after she got past some complications, even 2 weeks ago she was fighting to stay here. As I sat alone in a chair outside her room moments after her death, I watched the family she has held together all these years go in to say goodbye to her.  I can not help but cry for her sister, who spoke to her every Sunday and her mother, who never expected to bury her child, and her 2 granddaughters who will barely remember her, and I mourn for her sons, who had a mother who loved them above all else.

20 years ago I moved to NY, I dreamed of being famous, of success, of riches and earthly delights, but all my grandiose schemes have gone and I have a quiet life with my own son, a sweet, charming boy whom I love above all else.  If I could be like anyone, in this moment, I would choose to be like Margaret, to raise my son to be a good man, to send him out into the world and spread a little of me to those he meets.  Margaret can not disappear from this life, her two sons will always carry her within themselves and in this way anyone who knows them will know her and admire her.

Daily Lunchbox

I am re-committing to my blog, and what better way to start than with B's lunch!  Today the lunch is packed in the fabulous and light weight stainless steel container from Lunchbots, courtesy of the baby and kids store I designed, Caribou Baby.  There are a gazillion great products, I am slowly making my way through product testing! Anyhoo, today's lunch contains the following:
organic graham crackers
strawberries
a pear
and a sweet corn, arugula, & cheese quesadilla on a spinach tortilla (left over from dinner)

I am also re-committing to my son's lunches.  I must admit that the last several months lunch has been an OMG affair, with many a stop at one of our fave coffee shops (RIP Boneshakers) on the way to school.  I miss thinking about his lunch, and I am afraid my wee man has not been getting enough fruits and veggies.  He is a picky eater at the best of times, and without patience and creativity on my part I'm afraid it is nothing but apples and peas for this little boy (not that there is anything wrong with apples and peas, but come on! Let's get some leafy greens in there!

What we have been doing....

I have been working...A LOT.....and missing my BBoy like mad.  Here we are this fall on the IKEA ferry....which is appropriate since I have been taking B there like once a week!  Luckily he loves it, but let's face it, he is my son, and what is not to love about a place that sells good 'ol swedish style and has a giant ball pit?

Anyhoo, if you want to see the store I designed check out their blog or look at all of the grand opening madness on Treehugger.

My New Baby

As per usual I have disappeared for a while...been busy (and managed to smash my camera) but this is what I have been busy with....this picture up above. Fellow Brooklyn Mom (and friend) is opening a store and classroom space for babies and parents and I am designing it. It's taking up most of my time right now.  See some more pictures of the interior, and read more about it at the Caribou Baby blog.

Uncle M

When B was little my friend M would take us out to eat,  just B and M and I.  The hostess would invariably look in confusion at my blonde, blue-eyed boy and then at my dining companion and ask M if he would like a highchair for his son?  always with the question mark.  I got a good laugh out of it.  On the day these photos were taken my parents were visiting and we were around the corner from M's house so I called him up and asked him if he wanted to grab lunch with us.  He showed up in a matching outfit to little B.  Well, I do aspire for B to get his Uncle M's style sense, so I guess we we are on the right track.

Baby Boy School of Karate

More video goodness from my sister's library.  This is from our vacation on the North Fork over the summer. (PS we go from sweet kisses to karate chops and throwing sand....this is what boys grow into.  I can only hope that I teach my boy that both his exuberance and his kisses are important.)

BB and BFF...LIVE!

Working from my sister's house today, and got distracted by her photo library.  Sheesh, she has done a way better job of recording my son's life than I have (I think I've been too busy trying to keep him alive!) Found these videos and couldn't resist posting. 
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I LOVE these boys!

Reincarnation.

RB_Makers_Santigo_7
Originally uploaded by Adam Aleksander Presents

I used to be a bartender, (and a waitress, and a bar manager, and a busser, and even a dishwasher) I have worked in restaurants most of my life....in fact I loved it in a lot of ways. It is a mini-economy of beautiful simplicity, it is social, you meet incredible people, and you don't have to take your work home with you (though for years my anxiety dreams were always about a dining room full of people who's orders I couldn't take fast enough!) I also hated it, there is not a lot of respect from your managers, no matter how experienced you are, it is hard on your body, the lifestyle can consume you....too many drugs....too much drinking....(hey mom! just to clarify, I never did any drugs, they are just all over the scene, but def drank enough for 3 lifetimes)

I miss it though, sometimes. I was good at it, especially once I began to move into management. It kept me on my toes, required quick thinking, excellent people skills, it was fast-paced, with something new everyday, plus I got to do the bookkeeping and inventory, which, though I know it is weird, I love!

I have this amazing friend of 17 years, he is a lawyer, a home chef extraordinaire, one of the best friend's you could ever hope for, plus handsome and smart and kind...oh and he can knit! Well he and his equally amazing girlfriend recently started a cocktail club called EVOE! to shine a light on the history and deliciousness of the cocktail! They have been invited to create the cocktail menus for some amazing events, and every now and again I come out of retirement to work with them.

Here I am tending bar at the Red Bull/Makers Faire event (put on by Adam Aleksander Presents) and at the Michelin NY 2010 release party (from their facebook page). Thank you M and N for a few great evenings of fun and the reincarnation of previous self!

Been Gone...

I'll post some new stuff soon...have a camera full of abandoned shoes, houses i'm obsessed with, B's birthday and school and lunches and BFF.....business has conspired with technical difficulty and blog has been temporarily abandoned....will come back.

Dear Aunt S......

Besides being one of the smartest and most stylish people I know, you are wise and kind, empathetic and entertaining, loving and lovable.  You are amazing, one of those people that everyone wants to know and talk to.  I can't believe how much I lucked out being your sister.  You are my most dear friend, my most dependable ally, and the best Aunt I could hope for to my little B.

Just thought I would take a minute tonight and tell you how much I  love you and appreciate all that you do for us and are to us, to me.

Love you sister.

Happy Fourth Birthday Baby Boy!

You have filled my life with such joy. I remember the day you were born...I knew you would come that day and I waited, so eager to meet you.  You were late, past your due date, but as with most things, once you decided to come out you were quick about it.  Dr. David delivered you to me (a million thank yous Dr. David) and he set you in my arms and you were beautiful, sort of pink and yellow all at the same time, with such tiny perfect limbs and fingers.  I couldn't bear to be away from you after you were born, I took you with me everywhere, cuddled up next to me in your carrier.  As you got bigger we would chat.  You always liked people and would smile and coo at everyone we met, they always smiled back at you.  You were such a beautiful, round ball of a delight as a baby.  Babies grow into toddlers, and eventually you did too.  You took a long time getting around to walking too, but one day you just walked, but you still liked me to carry you.  You would walk everywhere in the park though, and still you liked to talk to people.  Eventually you started to speak in sentences, with your little lisp.  You would say "otay" whenever I asked you to do something....bigger still you would kiss me and tell me that you loved me.  I love you to my boy.  You are good at puzzles, and you like to play games.  You love superheros, and I love your theories.  Maybe superheros did live with the dinasours....they are all extinct now.  You are in school now, and I miss you while you are gone, even though I rush about trying to work.  My favorite time of day is 3 o'clock, when I pick you up and you run to me.  You were so tired tonight..it was a long day of birthday...you fell asleep before we got to your third book.  I finished Little Bear all by myself.  I love you my sweet four year old!  Such a big boy you are, and so handsome and clever.  Sweet too, we keep talking about plans for your birthday party next week, but you just keep telling me about all the gifts you want to get for your friends.  I can't wait to see what you grow up to be, but I hope you take a long time getting there, because I love every day I spend with you now.

You are the most dear and best thing that has ever happened to me.  Happy Birthday my sweet sweet boy.

I love my son

Just sayin'.  He is the sweetest, most beautiful, delicious boy thing that has ever existed.  I didn't get to spend much time with him today and he is asleep now.  Asleep in his own bed...lately he has been wanting to sleep there.  I worked for months to get him to sleep there and give us some room back in our bed, but now I miss his warm little body, I miss hearing his breath.  I still have to get up in the night to make sure he is breathing....I used to check like a 100 times per night, but now just a couple.


I love my son. So inadequate for this feeling.