Tag Archives: family

No Place Like Home

It’s so good to be home!

I could almost swear I’ve been living in a time warp for at least the last 5 years. Feeling a bit like Dorothy, learning through leaving that there really is no place like home. It’s as if I just came back from a trip in outerspace, finally back on terra ferma.

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I missed painting-like skies and sounds of rain and thunder more than I realized. They comfort my soul.

Seeing the way my parents’ faces light up when Fox says something clever or when he laughs is priceless.

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I’ve seen my family more in the month we’ve been home than in the last 5 years, when we were living in Indiana. Reconnecting and catching up with old friends is the best. And I’m getting back in touch with myself as well, the person I’ve always been.

I sort of lost myself in motherhood, 1000 miles from family and old friends. Sometimes I have some difficulty remembering who I once was. Hard to determine who I am now. It’s as if there was a break in my timeline. It was hard to make new friends when I wasn’t really sure who I was introducing them to.

Figuring out who I am now is easier in the context of my old friends and family. So nice to be around people who truly know me and where I’m coming from. Not only by seeing my reflection in the eyes of people who’ve known me for years, decades, or my entire life, but also my life in the context of theirs. Friends who once discussed rehersals, and critiques are now speaking of their kids, husbands, jobs, and other adulting things. Look at us now!

So many times over the last 5 years I’ve wished to be able to go out to lunch with my mom like we used to. Just geting to run to the chiropractor and shops with her is a dream come true and I am truly grateful. This past week we actually got to go to the movies, just her and I. (I hadn’t been to the movies since we saw the first Hobbit installment, while I was super pregnant).

Our new house is so perfect for us too. More space than we’ve ever had, large studio, fenced in backyard, all new appliances, laundry room, and so. much. storage! Even our cat, who doesn’t like to go outside, enjoys exploring the screened-in porch. Fox keeps saying he likes it here and “let’s stick around.”

(Pictures of our new place to come in a future post!)

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Of course there are also all the fun Florida things to do! We already got year passes to The Florida Aquarium and are looking forward to going to places like MOSI, theme parks, and Fox’ first trip to the beach! (Excited to go back to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Russ too!)

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Burrow & Bloom will be continuing through this blog, my Etsy shop, and I’ll be setting up as a vendor locally around Lakeland and other central Florida locations before long! Custom handmade doll slings and teether necklaces are still available. And as always, if you’re interested in colaboration or consignment just send me a message here, through my shop, or email at burrowandbloom@gmail.com! Stay up to speed by following along on the ‘gram @burrow.n.bloom, Facebook, Twitter, and by following here on the blog!

 

 

 

Gentle TV Shows for Kids – Part 3: Stella and Sam

Thanks for tuning in to Part 3 of this series on gentle TV shows for your little ones! These are some of our family’s favorites! Not too busy, scary, negative, or in your face. They’re gentle, fun, and entertaining stories with sweet characters in beautifully whimsical settings.

If you’re just joining in you may want to also check out Part 1 about the show Tumble Leaf and Part 2 on Puffin Rock.

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“Funny how things get so much better whenever we spend a little time together!” – Stella and Sam Theme by Emilie Mover

Stella and Sam is the whimsically animated series, based on the books by Marie-Louise Gay, about a little brother with with fuzzy blonde hair and big sister with curly red hair! The show is sweetly creative, gentle, and full of imaginative adventures in and around their country home.

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Our family enjoys how nonjudgmental the show is. Things aren’t looked at as problems, they’re just things. Stella takes it all in stride and helps her little brother through any difficulties, frustrations, or disappointments. Sweetly, thoughtfully, and creatively!

When Sam is feeling limited by his small size, Stella helps him imagine they’re gaints! Apples are cherries, a caterpillar is a farmer, and you have to be careful not to drop the cow from way up high! To help Sam feel better after subbing his toe, Stella teaches him how to make Laughabet soup, a pot full of things that make Sam laugh!

Stella invents Brother’s Day where she makes a super sweet day full of thoughtfully simple surprises for her little brother, Sam. She even asks the “sky painter” to paint a beautiful sunset for him!

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Stella and Sam play through all seasons, in the rolling hills and woods around their home. Jumping in piles of leaves, playing in the snow, using their imaginations in the spring warmth and the summer heat. They even search for the wind, which the find on top of a hill, there’s plenty of playing outside in nature!

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Stella and Sam also like to play with their neighbor friends, Felix, Ivy, and Owen! On a hot day they imagine they’re on an African safari! Blasting off to an alien planet to find where kiwi’s come from, playing a concert over in the meadow, along with little farm animals! An imagined trip to China, complete with a friendly dragon!

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We adore how simply sweet Stella, Sam, and their friends are! They’re thoughtful and sweet with big imaginations! What shows do you like to watch with your little ones?

Gentle TV Shows for Kids – Part 2: Puffin Rock

Thanks for tuning in! Hopefully this series will help you find good gentle TV shows for your little ones! These are our family’s favorites! Not too busy, scary, negative, or in your face. They’re gentle, fun, and entertaining stories with sweet characters in beautiful settings.

If you’re just joining us you may want to check out Part 1 about the show Tumble Leaf on Amazon Prime Video.

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On the show Puffin Rock a young puffin named Oona and her little brother, Baba, live with their parents and friends on a tiny but gorgeous island off the coast of Ireland. The textured illustrations have amazing light and color! I would love to hang prints from this beautiful show on our walls!

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Nature facts are beautifully blended with the story through narrations by the hilarious Chris O’Dowd, (IT Crowd, Bridesmaids, Pirate Radio). There are plenty of funny comments for parents to enjoy right along with their little ones! Not to mention the lovely Irish accents!

Whether they’re pretending to be grown up puffins, going on a family trip to an underwater cave, or simply in awe of a murmuration of starlings the adorably sweet characters of Puffin Rock are brilliantly funny and super cute!

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Oona and Baba even help tidy up their burrow by finding new soft things from around the island to replace the old bedding, as a surprise for their parents when they return from fishing.

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The little puffin siblings play with and care for each other, their parents, friends, and anyone come across. Their best friends include Mossy, the pygmy shrew who loves to eat, May the bunny rabbit, and Silky the seal.  They also have nocturnal friends, the owls, and Bernie the hermit crab, their friend and mentor, (who they help find a new shell when his cracks)!

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Flynn the fox has a bit of a grumpy exterior but truly a heart of gold. And the seagulls don’t really get along with puffins, but it’s nothing major. My guy is really sensitive and they don’t bother him much.

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The puffins adventures take them all over land, sea, and sky! From traveling through burrows with bunnies and hedgehogs to swimming through glowing phytoplankton with whales, (on Oona’s first night time trip to the sea by herself because she’s a big puffin now)!

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We’re especially found of the episode where Oona goes around telling all her friends about the supermoon so they can stay up late to watch it together!

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Hope you and your little one enjoy the show as much as we do! I’d love to hear what you think or hear about what shows you like to watch with your family! Please leave a comment below so we can share!

Gentle TV Shows for Kids – Part 1: Tumble Leaf

For a while now I’ve been thinking of blogging about the gentle kids’ shows our little family enjoys, but I’ve stopped short for fear of judgement. Afraid of falling short of the incredible standard of natural parenting and hearing about it from other moms, more perfect than I.

But I think it’s more important to share the good stuff and let go of fear and mom guilt. So I say to you as much and myself that it’s ok! You’re in good company! Sometimes it’s the only way to get stuff done or have a moment to recharge your batteries. Sometimes it’s just nice to snuggle and enjoy a story together!

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If you’re looking for a gentle show brimming with imagination for your littlest viewers please allow me to recommend Tumble Leaf, on Amazon Prime! It’s been at the top of our list since our little guy started watching TV.

Tumble Leaf follows the explorations of adorable stop-motion animated animals on a whimsical island. It has a sweet gentle nature that’s inquisitive, imaginative adventurous!

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My little guy loves exploring things and figuring out how they work. Tumble Leaf certainly inspires him further as he plays along or acts out scenes.

Along with being very empathetic he’s always been sensitive to anything “not nice” or with too much going on. So it can be tricky to find shows that work for us. We all enjoy Tumble Leaf. I think it will always remind me of snuggling with my guys on the couch with maple & brown sugar oatmeal. Cozy!

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Each episode begins with a crab on the beach, wresting something from a crab trap with his wooden claw. He checks it out and tosses it into a treasure chest in the bottom of the ship behind him. On the balcony of the ship a blue fox, named Fig, introduces himself and his best friend before setting off to discover what the crab threw into “the finding place.” An adventure through forests, beaches, meadows, or icy mountains ensues – all while figuring something out.

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A pulley, kazoo, balloon, ball, magnet are just a few of the items discovered in the finding place. Season 2 just premiered on Amazon Prime so it’s a wonderful times to start watching Tumble Leaf!

Rumble leaf, tumble leaf!

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P.S. Stay tuned for more kid show recommendations in the coming weeks!

 

 

Moms Helping Moms – Mini Sling Giveaway!

Hello to everyone who found their way here through the dancey pants disco hosted giveaway!

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I’m a huge fan of all and delighted owner of one of Michelle’s babywearing portraits, (pictured below), as well as long time follower of her gorgeously inspiring Instagram photos!

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It’s such a beautiful thing, moms helping moms and building each other up. Sharing what we love while forging authentic connection and community. Making it possible to do what we love while providing for our families. Expressing ourselves creatively and being there for our little ones.

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Is there anything cuter than a mini babywearer?

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If you haven’t already entered to win your choice of toy sling, handmade by me, head on over to @danceypantsdisco for instructions! Winner will be announced next Sunday, December 6th!

Hope you and yours had a very fun Halloween! 

Paul Bunyan and Miss Fisher

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Paul Bunyan and Babe the Big Blue Ox

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Little Totoro Pumpkin and Big Smiles Pumpkin

Small Fall Things

I usually use the time my guys are out on a walk to get things done around the house, for Burrow & Bloom, or for myself, (can you say, shower?), but this time I couldn’t resist putting on some real pants and joining them. Gorgeous views of Fall trees from all our windows called me outside.

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Walking through leaves of yellow, orange, and red, up the wobbly sidewalk, I found Fox in his red puffer vest collecting leaves with Dadu. Joyfully exclaiming, “mama,” he ran into my arms and happily invited me to collect leaves with them too. Oh my heart!

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Back inside our bungalow was especially cozy when it started to rain. I love how a change in seasons helps you refocus on the simple things. What’s your favorite part of this time of year where you live?

Shop Talk – Upping My Photo Game, New Necklaces, and More Goodies to Come!

Super excited about all the new goodies coming to Burrow & Bloom! Thanks for the positive response on Instagram & Facebook! I’m feeling inspired and ready to play! Tried out a new indoor photo spot, figuring I’ll need one soon with winter coming. Very happy with the results! Thank you for all your support on this journey!

This weekend I photographed, edited, and listed 16 new necklaces in the shop while Fox and Dadu did “guy stuff.” They did a painting estimate for a good friend, raked leaves, set up the new garden hose, and of course there was lots of playing outside. Gotta love father-son bonding with a side of mama getting stuff done!

I found an indoor spot for photographing items for my shop with great lighting and our wood floor as a new background option. Hurray for our sunny little bungalow! There was less editing needed before the photos were ready to be uploaded, yay!

After listing the new necklaces I rearranged my shop to incorporate the new wooden background among all the items with white backgrounds. Experimenting with the way it moves the eye through the page took me back to art school a bit.

I have stretchy jersey knit fabric on hand, ready to start making headbands I’ll be adding to the shop soon. Playing with different style options, in solid colors and patterns. They’ll take less time and materials to make, so in turn they’ll be more affordable gifts for yourself or someone special too!

I can hardly wait for all the supplies I have coming for making new silicone teething necklaces! Super excited about all the gorgous colors and shapes of the beads and how they’ll work with the colorful silk cord.

I also love getting to be part of the Etsy community, making real connections with other crafters like me! Planning to feature a new friend, a fellow mama Etsian, and her fantastic items for mom and baby on an upcoming blog post! Hint: one of her items was featured in one of my Treasury Tuesdays! Can you guess who it might be?

Toddler Weekend Road-trip Adventures

This weekend our little family took an impromptu trip to visit my husband’s family in Evansville. Fox was super excited to see Grandma and Grandpa!

It always takes longer than you think to get out of the house with a toddler and husband so I packed for Fox and I while Russ was at work so we’d be ready to go when he got home.

We always make sure to bring teething necklaces, books, toys, crayons, a coloring book, and snacks for the car ride. A travel bag partially packed with diapers, wipes, diaper cream, portable dvd player & charger is always packed and ready to go. I also downloaded shows on my phone for the car, using my Amazon video app. (A couple Tumble Leaf Episodes, some Peep and the Big Wide World, and the Little Bear movie).

We always aim to travel when Fox’ tank is full; fed, well rested, clean diaper, after some time to run around. I hear some kiddos like to nap in the car, but Fox has never been one of them. Do what works for you and yours.

Long car rides with our little guy have always been tricky, but they’re getting easier as there are more things he can do in his carseat. We listen to music while the fox puppet dances. We watch shows I’ve downloaded onto my phone, read books (especially interactive books like flap-books), and when we’ve done all that and there’s still about a half hour to go we go through daddy’s wallet and get silly.

There were few squirmy moments, wanting out of his car seat to sit in my lap, but it didn’t last long before we found something else to entertain us.

We were super happy to see Grandma and Grandpa! Once we got settled Foxer played pool with them in the pole barn, telling jokes about Grandpa not having any balls down there, (at his end of the table).

While they played Russ and I got to sit and have a conversation, just the two of us, for the first time in a LONG time. It was very nice. People who live close to your family, be grateful!

Toy tractor Grandma found at a yard sale!

Toy tractor Grandma found at a yard sale!

Grandma found a wonderful toy tractor at a yard sale and it was a big hit with Fox, who’s been pretty into construction vehicles lately! He also loves throwing the ball for Abby Girl, their big sweet golden retriever.

On Saturday we went to the Fall Festival! (The 2nd largest outdoor festival in the country, behind Mardi Gras). We ate lots of yummy food and drank apple cider. I rode the merry-go-round with Fox and we played a few games. He especially liked the rubber duckies that went around on the water in a loop. He won a stuffed cheetah and a colorful little soccer ball! But it was super crowded and with all the sights and sounds it was a bit of sensory overload for a toddler. We didn’t stay too long, but it was certainly a memorable experience!

Believe it or not Fox enjoyed his first merry-go-round!

Believe it or not Fox enjoyed his first merry-go-round!

That night, while we were playing in the pole barn again a little black kitten came up to the door! She was super sweet and let us all pet her. The following morning she was on the front porch. We asked around and found that she didn’t have a home. So Russ and I agreed to bring her back home with us! Her name is Jiji, (from Kiki’s Delivery Service), and she is possibly the snuggliest and most playful kitty I’ve ever met! Perfect for Fox!

Bringing Jiji home!

Bringing Jiji home! Can you spot the kitty?

After getting Jiji settled back home we went to Musgrave Orchard for our friend’s 30th birthday party. It was the perfect Fall day for it and the orchard was gorgeous! They even had live music, with fiddle, playing on the patio for the party. Love that we have a place like that so close to home! Fox loved exploring their walking trail and checking out all the apples, pumpkins, and flowers.

Musgrave Orchard & Cider Mill

Musgrave Orchard & Cider Mill

We all had such a wonderful time and are looking forward to our next trip to visit family and to the orchard! What special Fall activities do you like to do?

Ch ch ch changes!

Big changes have been happening around here, including where “here” is!

At the beginning of the month we finally moved from our apartment to a charming 1920’s bungalow! My little guy wakes up in the mornings and exclaims, “the sun’s back up! We can go outside now!”

IMG_1048We love playing on our front porch and in our fenced-in back yard! It’s so amazing what difference having an outdoor space makes. On move-in day we had a little picnic lunch in our backyard and marveled how it really is a little slice of heaven.

Fox in the GardenWe even have four raised garden beds! Our new neighbor’s mom stopped by and taught me all about the herbs growing there and how to harvest and dry them; lavender, sage, thyme, mint, and oregano! There are also a couple tomato plants and a little strawberry bush! In the spring we plan to grow lots more veggies as well.

It’s been years since I gardened as a child with my parents and I’m thrilled to have the space to pick it back up again and share it with my son. He loves to play in the yard or water the flowers while I weed, prune, and harvest herbs. Quite therapeutic getting my hands dirty with earth.

We’ve sighted so many wonderful creatures and plants around our new space too. Hummingbirds, butterflies, chipmunks, squirrels, goldfinches, a hawk, and a big green mantis! There are several Rose of Sharon bushes around the house and a lovely vine of purple Morning Glory along the back fence.

It’s also wonderful to have storage space in our basement, along with a washer and dryer of our own. Toting our laundry up a floor to the shared coin laundry room in our apartment building was tiresome. Especially for an introverted perfectionist like me. Who wants to put on make-up just to do laundry?

When our little guy came into our lives, my painting studio/sewing room became his nursery. Now that our house has three bedrooms, I have my studio back! It’s in the back of the house with windows to the side the backyard. So very inspiring to have my own space to create in.

New StudioSince going all out for the Baby Fair in March, I’ve been scaling it back and focusing on my family. Rejuvenating. Now I feel a fresh surge of creative energy and the motivation to keep it going.

IMG_1166Last week it became clear that I had no choice but to leave my job. I was treated very poorly and undoubtedly undervalued, but it has set me free to do what I’ve yearned for for years. I’m now pouring myself into our home, family, and my Etsy business full time. It feels like coming back to life. There have been so many positive signs that this is right path for my life and my family. So much serendipity. I should have some exciting news to share in a few days actually. Can’t wait to share it all with you!

So as I’ve decided to throw perfectionism to the wind you’ll be hearing from me much more in the coming weeks and months. Lots of amazing things to come!

The Hummingbird symbolizes great courage, determination, flexibility and adaptability. This little beauty is only a few ounces in weight, yet has the courage of a lion. Indeed size is of no consequence…The Hummingbird symbolizes the respect of territories, protecting and enforcing your boundaries, the need to be feisty if needed to protect your boundaries and what is yours. [They] remind us that there are times when we have to make a difficult journey to get to the destination of our goal, there will be obstacles, symbolizing the need for endurance and perseverance. Hummingbird challenges you to say “yes I can”, and believe it will be done.