Preserve's Mail Back Toothbrush Recycling Program | ecofabulous

Preserve's Mail Back Toothbrush Recycling Program | ecofabulous

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Solar-Powered Dollhouse; Yes Please

I want this--not necessarily for the baby--for me.  

How awesome is this Bamboo Solar-Powered Dollhouse by HAPE?!

It's currently out of stock at EcoMom; but worth checking back for, right?

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A Word for Wednesday

 


erisive: contemptuous or mocking; characterized by or expressing derision

As in: I am so tired of hearing the derisive remarks that the political candidates are making about each other--thanks goodness election day is less than a week away!

**This Word for Wednesday is for my cousin, Justin--we heard this word used while watching an episode of Parenthood, and agreed it was a good word, but couldn't quite put our fingers on the definition...

Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische.
Definition from here.

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Blue Valentine

Really. Want. To. See.

BLUE VALENTINE: Movie Trailer. Watch more top selected videos about: Movie Trailers, Blue Valentine

Thanks, KLav, for sharing.

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The Bump at 6 Months

For those who have asked--here is the most recent baby bump picture:

My sweet Aunt Susie, sister Cat, cousins Sam and Justin, me, Mom & baby Taylor

 

I think this angle and the white shirt make me look even bigger than I am, but it's not too far off--I feel huge! 

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Brunch at Fat Hen

Last weekend I made a day-trip to Charleston to see some of my best friends, Austin & Collin, and their brand new baby, Martha Bennett.  Bennett is adorable, and slept most of my visit, (she's only 3 weeks old).

It was a beautiful day, so we ventured out to grab some brunch at Fat Hen, the sister restaurant to Wild Olive, which I reviewed here a few months ago.

Fat Hen is located on Johns Island, and the atmosphere is comfortable and the servers warm and helpful.  We sat on the back porch to catch the cool fall breeze-- Miss Bennett snoozed the whole time.

Austin and Collin indulged in a Sunday morning Bloody Mary, (served in a mason jar and rimmed with Old Bay), and I stuck with water. 

We were all pretty ravenous, so we started with soup; Austin and I had the French Onion and Collin had the Soup du Jour, Tomato Basil with Creme Fraiche.  Both were delicious!

And there ends the pictures...I totally forgot to snap any of the main course, sorry!  I ordered the Fat Hen Burrito--which was huge and delicious.  Austin had the Fried Egg Sandwich, and I believe Collin had the Duck & Apple Sausage Gratin--it was sooo rich, but yummy!

Some other menu items that I might have tried in addition to my burrito and soup, (if I weren't actively trying to not be the largest pregnant woman of all time): Bacon Cheese Grits, Blue Cheese Bacon Cole Slaw, and the Creme Brulee French Toast--next time!

All in all, a wonderful brunch with wonderful company--love Charleston!
XO

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My Sweet Muffin

I couldn't resist posting some items I recently bought from one of my new favorite on-line baby/kid stores, My Sweet Muffin.
I found out about this store from one of my favorite blogs, Bluebird Vintage.

And, without further ado, here is what I purchased:

HABA Rotundo Clutching Toy- for nephew Taylor for Christmas

HABA Fabric Ball Miniland

 

Born to Love Waffle Visor Beanie- My absolute favorite thing I have bought for Jones so far!

(Sorry the pic is sideways...couldn't figure out how to turn it...)

Aden Anais Bamboo Muslin Swaddling Wraps- also for Jones

Hope everyone has an amazing Fall weekend!  I have to work all day tomorrow, but am headed to Miyo's for dinner this evening and maybe one last trip to the Fair on Sunday.

XO, Becca

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A Word for Wednesday (late) & A Cool Columbia Store

 


rganic: characteristic of, pertaining to, or derived from living organisms

As in: "K.D.'s Treehouse aims to be a one-stop-shop for parents seeking products from clothes to diapers-bags to cloth diapers to toys that are made with organic and eco-friendly materials and fair labor practices."

KD's Treehouse is located at 2900-C Devine Street, and it has quickly become my favorite place to shop for babies and children in Columbia.  Socially-responsible, adorable, and non-commercial clothes, gear, and toys for babies and kids--love it!

Last Friday I registered for the baby--whose name, btw, will be "Jones Milledge Hill." (Jones is my mother's maiden name and Milledge is my dad's first name; we'll call him "Jones").

Dea, one of the store owners, was incredibly helpful, pointing out things I would need as a new mom and explaining function as well as eco-friendliness along the way.

Here are a few of my favorite things:

Go Gaga Messenger Diaper Bag

Unisex, so the hubs will dig it too, and so cool with tons of pockets and an ergonomic strap...apparently, lots of celebs like these bags too.

Lifefactory's glass bottles with silicon sleeves

Pretty, functional and 100% non-toxic!

Utensils and Plates by Green Toys, Inc.

Made from 100% recycled milk jugs, dishwasher safe and printed with soy inks.

 Green Toys Stacker

Also made from recycled milk jugs.

KD's also has amazingly cute and soft clothing for infants through 8 year olds, and is one of (if not the only) local retailer to carry cloth diapers by Swaddlebees.

If you are in the market for anything baby or child-related, you should definitely support local business and check out KD's Treehouse.  Find them on Facebook here and their blog here.  Tell Conni or Dea that Becca sent you!

Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische.

Definition via here.

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SC State Fair- for Lunch

So, the hubs and I ventured to the Fair last week for the first time in years--I had really missed it.  We went there in search of some oh-so-unhealthy, but really fun and unique Fair food for lunch.  The Fair has this amazing deal on weekdays for lunch-you pay $5 to get in, you are awarded a plastic token, then if you return the token before 2 PM, you get your $5 back.  Genius.

The pregnany cravings and aversions kept me from being too adventurous on this lunch trip--I had a slice of pizza (mediocre at best), and vanilla "ice cream" dipped in sprinkles.  This was like no other ice cream I have ever had--it was super-thick, almost an icing/marshmallow consistency--not incredibly good. 

Love this guy--it's his birthday today too!

James tried a slice of pizza and a fried blooming onion, which was perfection.  It was fried just enough, crunchy on the outside and served with a great spicy dipping sauce.  Yum!

If we go back I will definitely get some Fiske fries with vinegar.  And I'll snag some fried mushrooms to take home to mom--her favorite.

Here are some pics of items we didn't try--but we certainly had fun seeking out the most random and unhealthy of them all:

 Not even sure what this means...my stomach refused to let me go in for a closer look...

Fried Bologna Sandwich

Deep Fried Cookie Dough, Oreos, and yes....Butter

Anybody ever tried any of these amazing deep-fried delicacies?  What's your favorite Fair food?

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A Word for Wednesday

 

urling: the second stitch new knitters learn, after the knit stitch.  The opposite of the knit stitch.

 image via here

"stockinette" stitch--alternating rows of knitting and purling

As in: last night Lara, owner of  In the Loop, taught me and 3 other beginners purling.   The knit stitch and purl stitch work together to create the pattern of your knitted fabric.

My progress in knitting has been steady, and I should have something to show you soon.  If you're interested in learning to knit, call Lara at In the Loop for details on upcoming classes.

Definition via here.
Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische.

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'The Great Gatsby' as Theater

image via here

A New York theater company, The Public Theater, has created a production of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby called Gatz.

It is a 6.5 hour-long adaptation and it has been getting rave reviews, according to this NPR story.

I, for one, would love to see this.  Does it sound infinitely painful to you, or a divine theatrical experience?  Has anyone in New York seen this?

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Christmas in October

I can't help it--I love Christmas.  Here's a warm-up list of things I love for Christmas this year--to decorate with, to gift others with, or things I would love to receive:

Balloon Dog Ornament- Urban Outfitters $10

image via here

 For those of you who know my husband, he would love this.  He claims to be a pro balloon-animal-maker--I will admit he has skills, but pro-talent I have yet to see.

Goldencup Bolero- Anthropologie $118

image via here

How beautiful is this amazing little ditty?!--it would look so pretty overtop a little black dress.

Temporary Hand Tattoos- Dinos and Robots- Uncommon Goods $12

 image via here

 A perfect stocking-stuffer for a certain nephew...

Kraft Snowflake Wreath- West Elm $30

 image via here

 Wishful-thinking kind of decoration.  (Probably the only snowflakes I'll see this year).

Astro Ornament- CB2 $2.95

 

image via here

Unique and affordable.

 

 Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa Red Velvet Cupcake Mix- Sur la table $12

 image via here

I'm obsessed with Ina Garten and my sister is obsessed with Red Velvet anything...check out Ina's other mixes available at Sur la table.

 

Nordic Ware Holiday Pancake Pan- Target $34.99

  image via here

I'm currently craving pancakes...and these would be so cute for little ones!

 

Hope this gets you in the holiday spirit, albeit a little early!  What do you want for Christmas?

XO 

 

 

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Vintage Finds and My Craftiness Makes a Come-Back

I have gotten back in touch with my crafty side the past few weeks, maybe it's part of my "nesting" phase....

Simple white kimono-style infant shirt embellished with some vintage buttons

Flour sack burp cloth embroidered with a guitar and the baby's initials, JMH

embroidery patterns from Sublime Stitching

I also got my first knitting lesson today.  I have since forgotten all I learned, as I have officially mucked-up the scarf I started this afternoon, but I will not give up!  I went to In the Loop, a knitting store on Devine Street, beside KD's Treehouse.

Lara Winburn, the owner, was so helpful and really fun.  She is pregnant too, due in December, so we had lots to talk about as she coaxed my clumsy hands to knit.  It was fun, and I will be back next Tuesday for my second lesson with a group.  As soon as I have something that halfway resembles a hand-knitted item, I'll share.

Last weekend I went to PackRats for the first time with a couple girlfriends--I am officially in love.  My two amazing vintage finds:

working vintage lamp, painted an amazing red color- only $16!

framed black & white photograph of a couch in the woods- $10

I was on a serious budget last weekend and couldn't spend any more money, even though I wanted to, but I just couldn't leave these two items in the store.  PackRats has amazing vintage clothes, shoes, purses, and household items, as well as unique handmade items--at waaay affordable prices.

PackRats is located at 2009 Greene St, beside 5 Points Tattoo.  (Walk up the stairs from Greene St, right beside Andy's Deli).

Have you any new discoveries or creations?  I'd love to hear about them.

XO

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Weekend Round-Up

So, I haven't done one of these posts in quite a while...(being nauseous 24 hours a day didn't really do much for my social life)...but I'm back in the saddle, so here goes.  My weekend suggestions for Columbians:

 image via here

1) Remember when Joaquin Phoenix went kinda crazy a couple years ago, announcing he would not be acting any more, but singing hip hop?  Well, Casey Affleck has made a documentary of that crazy year of his life, and I for one am interested to see it: I'm Still Here will be showing at The Nickelodeon Friday, October 8th through next Thursday. 

image via here

2) Trenholm Road United Methodist Church's Annual Pumpkin Patch is open.  Interested in purchasing a pumpkin or seven to decorate with?--it's the place to be.  It's open 10-7, Monday- Saturday and 12:30-5 on Sundays through October 31st.

3) ESPN's College GameDay is in town on Saturday...maybe not a big deal to some, but to others, this is everything.  I will be in attendance at the USC vs. Alabama game.  I'll be one of the only sober ones, just enjoying the food and fall weather and hoping the Gamecocks don't get embarrassed...(Alabama is #1 in the nation, y'all)...and maybe trying to catch sight of Mr. Herbstreit.

image via here

 

4) Not into football at all?  Go shopping!  You know you need a Halloween costume, and Hip-Wa-Zee is having a costume sale. 

 image via here

Little Lambs & Ivy is having a calendar sale all month- each day is 20% off of something different in October--Thursday is 20% off all items with ANIMALS, Friday's special is 20% off all RED items and Saturday is 20% off all Baby Gifts. 

 image via here

And, if you haven't checked out PackRats yet, I highly recommend doing so--if you're into really cheap but cool vintage items and/or handmade stuff, check them out.  (I went for the first time last weekend and am enamored--post to come this weekend highlighting my vintage purchases!)  They also have a blog here.

So, what are you doing this weekend?

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20x200 Project

Have you heard of Jen Beckman's 20x200 Project?

In her words: "As we see it, there are a lot of people out there who want to sell their art and a lot of people who'd like to buy it. They just have a hard time finding each other. The internet is the perfect place to bring those people together, and we're exactly the right people to make it happen. We're passionate about art and the internet at 20x200. We're really excited about creating a place where almost any art lover can be an art collector."

The site introduces at least 2 new editions a week, one fine art photo and one work on paper.  All art pieces are available in multiple sizes, and prices start at $20.  Even poor social workers like me can own original, limited edition art from new, up-and-coming artists, no less!  Exciting!

Here's a print that I love, just released this week: prettymaps (sfba) by Aaron Straup Cope.

image via here

And here's a print I purchased from the project: Ideal Bookshelf 6 (cookbooks) by: Jane Mount.

 

image via here

Original art for everyone!

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Etsy Loves

Here are some of my favorite recent Etsy finds:

image via here

I am obsessed with finding a small terrarium to put on a bookshelf in the baby's room!

image via here
Awesome blanket made from vintage materials.

image via here
 Beautiful handmade scarf.

image via here
Amazing, unique art print: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

image via here
Handmade clutch--love the fabric!

Have you fallen in love with Etsy yet? 

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The Gender Reveal Party

This past week the hubs and I went to the Dr. for my 5 month ultrasound, where we found out the sex of the baby.  We invited close friends and family over for the "big reveal" that evening. 

James made cupcakes with an M&M (pink or blue) in the center, and we had everyone gather together to bite into the cupcakes and discover the sex.  We also had all the guests wear pink or blue based on their guess as to the baby's sex.

"Team Blue"

"Team Pink"

Obviously, those who thought the baby was a girl greatly outnumbered those who thought it was a boy, and that was probably my doing--I was so sure it was a girl all along!

But, as everyone found out a few seconds later....it's a BOY!

James and I are thrilled and have finally decided on a name: Jones Milledge Hill.  Jones is my mother's maiden name and Milledge is my dad's name.

Thanks to everyone who made this night so fun and special for us.  4 1/2 months to go!

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