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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

A New Address


Hey, y'all! Remember me? So sorry for seemingly falling off the face of the world wide web...but I have been busy! Camp Cupcake Designs has taken a sewing break and has opened June Vintage, an Etsy store full of all sorts of vintage goodies. I felt that it was best to start a blog that particularly focused on this store {and to share about all the other things I love!} I am still crafting, still learning more and more about photography, and still sharing tidbits about my personal life.

Join me over at the new June Vintage blog on Squarespace...In the right hand column, you will see a direct RSS feed to follow the blog or you can use Google Friend Connect (so June Vintage will show up in your Google Reader!) There are also some links to my Tumblr, Flickr, and Twitter pages, so you can join me over there, too!

I hope you'll join me and share with me your feedback and comments in my new little journey!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

{Three People} July Edition

{Oops! I missed June!}
...and {maybe, not so} patiently hoping that August's edition will have more little feet in it...

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

{In the backyard} Picture Practice

Hello, okra...
{you're looking swell, okra...}

Not great shot...but my sweet little man climbs on me everytime I get on the ground to take a shot from a low perspective. Every time.
That {plus the sun flare} makes me love this picture.

Sure, it's a fly. Pretend it is a beautiful butterfly. Or a bumble bee.

These unblossomed buds remind of jingle bells...

learning to take action pictures in manual...

My sweet husband tossed a ball for a good 10 minutes so I can learn to control my focus and overcome shutter lag.





After-dinner, backyard time might just be my favorite part of the day.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Thrift Store Finds

After a busy weekend, we chose to stay close to home this morning and venture no further than the Salvation Army down the street. $6.99 later, we came home with these little treasures!

Matching Seoul Olympic mugs with lids (for steeping tea, I presume?)...For those that don't know, I grew up in Seoul and getting to go to the 1988 Olympics is one of those events that will stick with me for all of my life. I particularly like that the set shows the mascot in wedding dress-perfect his and her mugs!




I don't like to sew with patterns. And I don't have a girl to sew clothing for...

But if I did, I would most certainly make her this dress...


Some summer reading for me...

Some summer reading and workbooks for the kiddo...

How cute is this little vintage book?
{Not pictured: two monster trucks that have been added to the ever-growing collection!}

Monday, June 28, 2010

{Motivation Monday} 5 Modern products to help you go Green

completely un-related picture of a visitor in my garden
{I am incapable of posting a blog entry without including a picture!}

The "green" movement is often known for emphasizing ideas such as "returning to basics" and doing things the way our grandparents would have. And while I absolutely support the idea that newer does not always mean better, I also believe that people will not take steps toward being green if the supplies are not readily available, moderately convenient to use, priced appropriately and actually work. Here are my top 5 items that are either already in your home or inexpensive to purchase:

1. Dishwasher: Of all of the water your home consumes, it is estimated that 20% of is in used in your kitchen. This is one modern machine that actually helps you consume less water and energy than old-fashioned handwashing: according to a recent study, a modern dishwasher can use one-half the energy, a sixth of the water and even less soap than rolling your sleeves up and getting your hands wet. Of course, the same rule applies to dishwashers as the washing machine-always use when running full loads to maximize the effectiveness.

2. Microfiber towels: I will say from the beginning that this one could be controversial. Microfiber is not a natural fiber and the the fibers that do make up microfiber are produced from petroleum: a non-renewable and non-biodegrable resource. However, the life length of a microfiber towel is extremely long making the need to continually purchase new cleaning products almost obsolete. In one study, the life of a microfiber mop is almost 10 times that of a traditional cotton mop and are proven more effective at removing not only dust/dirt but allergens and bacteria! Microfiber towels are so effective at cleaning that almost remove the need to use a cleaning agent and replace displosable dusting devices such as a Swiffer (for floors or furniture.) Lastly, microfiber towels are proven to use less water and energy to clean after using them. While they are not ideal, they are a very cheap way to get a long lasting product that helps you get effective, chemical-free cleaning done in your home.

3. Steam cleaner: More and more steamer cleaners (like this floor-cleaning one from Bissell or this complete home-cleaning version from Shark) are coming onto the market place. With more competition, the prices of these products are becoming more affordable. For people who live in areas with very hard water or other cleaning issues that discourage them away from natural cleaning products, switching to a chemical-free steam cleaner can keep their homes and the envinronment clean.

4. Water Filter: Filtered and bottled water is still very popular, even among my eco-friendly friends. Whether you are motivated by the convenience or concerns about pharmaceuticals in our water supply, a water filtering system along with a BPA-free water bottle can make heading to work with your morning dose of H2O convenient and clean. It is estimated that the most common of filters, a Brita can replace between 300-750 standard sized water bottles (depending on whether you are using the filter picture or the faucet filter.) The filters are made with Number 5 plastic, which is not accepted by many recycling locations however, Brita has drop-off recycling locations (or a mail-in option) for their filters.

5. The Internet: This one if not something you physically use around the house but the green possibilities that exist online are endless. Besides being a wealth of knowledge about green living, you can save countless trees (and often money) by recieving/paying bills online, opt out of paper catalogues and recieve sales/coupon notifications in your inbox instead, or read a book online instead of purchasing a physical paper copy. Of course, it is important to remember that computer usage does use energy so, if you are purchasing a new one, look at Energy Star certified models, utilize power saving modes, and watch your paper data output (think twice about whether you need to print those directions every time you Mapquest something!)


While we all can be challenged to do more, it is important to not get burnt out by ineffective efforts and products on your journey to a more sustainable way of life. Sharing what works for you and trying new ideas can make the difference in whether you continue your journey or not.
What modern-day inventions help keep you on track in your green efforts?

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

{Wordless Wednesday}


Monday, June 21, 2010

Welcome, summer!

1. Take 1 cupcake
{minus one mama bite}

2. Give it to a completely sun-screened grease monkey two-year old

3. Take pictures!



Looking for ways to capture some memories (with or without a camera attached)? Check out this great collection of ideas for summer from Willette Designs!
How are you enjoying the longest day of the year?

Sunday, June 20, 2010

{Best Intentions} Happy Father's Day!


{Pretend this one says "Father's"}

What? You want me to sit still and hold something?


How is this pose?
{Son, put your head down}
Like this? You want my head down?


Wait! Where are you going?

Happy Father's Day!

Friday, June 18, 2010

{Around Town} local art...

As I mentioned yesterday, we recently spent some time at our local farmers market...and I soaked up all of the beauty, art and culture that was present...


Fruits and vegetables were not just raw ingrediants...they were color and potential.

Even in seemingly obsecure and common items, beauty can be found...



A local Etsy artist had a booth set up and it was beautiful. Her jewelry was gorgeous-full of natural color- and her display was perfect.

Tallulah Jewelry at Etsy

Even in architecture, color and structure can be art...




Wednesday, June 16, 2010

{You Capture} Water

It has been hot around here lately...


During a weekend trip to the farmer's market, we almost melted and had to seek out a little cool water...

It was so refreshing...
{and for the furry farmers market visitors, there were plenty of these pit stops}
You Capture Assignment: Water


Photobucket

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

{Share with me} A dilemma...

"Share everything. Don't take things that aren't yours. Put things back where you found them." -Robert Fulghum, All I Really needed to know, I Learned in Kindergarden


As we prepare ourselves to welcome a new child into our home {as much as you can when you don't know age, gender, or even when!}, we have been doing our best to get our son to understand about sharing his toys, home and parents with a new kiddo. But our efforts to teach our son to share freely seem to be backfiring.

And it has got me thinking...

You know the situation: your child has a toy that he brings to a playdate. Another little one takes it out of their hand and your child gets upset. The other mother gives you that look: are you going to encourage your child to share with mine? Each week, we go to a preschool swim time at our local pool that allows pool toys and it is "understood" that all toys are essentially communal for everyone to use. And, to be honest, the whole "forced" sharing thing going on has me thinking twice about whether I want to make my child share his things.

Let's be clear: I want my children to learn to be generous, charitable and giving. I strongly believe that we would have alot less political disagreements on social issues if we all were personally a little more giving. And, for me, my faith encourages me (and I aim to teach my children) to be giving of our time, talents and resources to help others. But I struggle to accept that teaching our children that they have to share all of their stuff takes away the biggest part of obedience: your attitude. I have seen my son become less and less willing to share since I have made a specific emphasis on it. He seems to hold on tighter to his things out of fear of losing them

{oh, how I relate to this as an adult...}

To add an extra dimension to this issue, as a future parent (temporary or otherwise) of children that have been removed from unhealthy home situations, I want to be particularly understanding that they may be sensitive when it comes to physical goods, including food. I have friends with adopted children that have hoarded food, refused to allow their clothes to be removed to be washed (out of fear they wouldn't get them back) or developed unlikely attachments to odd items around the house that reminded them of things back home. I fear that adopting a policy of sharing everything could potentially hurt a child that is coming from a background of neglect (or simply has been through the tragedy of being removed from the only home they have ever known.) While I recognize that "sharing" is done to teach a good and beneficial character trait, I am afraid that when a child comes from loss, a parent or guardian making a child share, no matter how well-meaning, could be causing more harm than good.

So, I ask you to share with me...what are your thoughts on the subject?

Does your child have certain objects that they are NOT encouraged to share? How do you deal with this when it comes to other people's expectation that we should be teaching our children to share and not be selfish?

If you are a foster and/or adoptive parent who has dealt with issues of loss and attachment, what advice can you give me to a) help future children in my home feel safe and stable and b) how to prepare my son to the transistion?

Thursday, June 10, 2010

{You Capture} Fun

The pool is open for the summer.
Toes are getting wrinkled and little boys are learning to hold their breath under water.

And it is some major fun.


Photobucket

{Tasty Treats Thursday} Strawberry Lemonade

The perfect summer treat...a little sour, a little sweet. A lot of perfectness.

lemons and sugar

Nothing but strawberries...
made into this amazing puree
{which I now want to drizzle on everything...waffles, oatmeal...everything}

Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 cup lemon juice
zest of 4 lemons
1 pint strawberries (hulled)
2 cups ginger ale
1. bring water and sugar to boil, simmer on low heat until sugar has completely disolved. Remove from heat.
2. juice and zest lemons while sugar water cools. Add juice/zest to sugar water. Cool completely to room temparture.
3. Place strawberries in blender/food processor and puree.
4. add strawberry puree to cooled lemonade.
5. add ginger ale to strawberry/lemonade mix
6. chill completely
7. pour yourself a glass, garnish with mint and more strawberries as desired.
8. enjoy!