this and that

In the paper over the weekend, there was an article about a local craftsmom Rachel-Marie and here is some of the beautiful yarns she spins and dyes here in Lancaster:

I ended up ordering this cool pattern from her... it's called "Bird In Hand Mittens":

My "To do" list is about a mile long right now! But it is fun to look ahead at everything. I ordered these three forms to make some kokeshis. They were pretty pricey so I need to find a way to make them myself if I want any more!:

I found the cutest blogger through Chelsea Ann: Effunia! I got this little "Fanta Tropschen" and he came in the mail yesterday!

 
I've actually started to knit again! I'm doing sleeping socks for Caroline so her little toes don't get cold this winter! Now is the time to start that fall/winter knit project! This is the softest yarn: Natural Organic Cotton. I found it at A.C. Moore for a decent price!

It is also time to find sandals at great prices! I found these Ariat sandals at more than half off the original price (which was pretty steep because it's an equestrian shoe maker).

[Disregard the weird angle that makes my ankles look huge! But I am loving this toenail polish color!]
On the urban homesteading front, it's always easier to do these things with a friend! I'm lucky enough to have a friend (Stephanie) who has been looking all over the area and found a farm here which sells raw milk and dairy products, and also real grass fed beef and organic poultry. Here's what the family has accomplished so far:

1. The kids are onboard with the "No GMO" food! All I had to do is show them the "World According to Monsanto" documentary!!

2. We've found several stores which carry organic foods.

3. I bake my own bread now (in the bread maker!). I want to learn to make it by hand now.

4. We've started to grow a few things (tomatoes, herbs, peppers, lettuce, watermelons, cantaloupe, and pumpkins). I haven't gotten much yet from all of that, except for the herbs.

5. We are definitely recycling!

6. We gave up bottled water in favor of filling our Sigg bottles with water from our own tap (which has a water purifier on it). Saves money and keeps less plastic out of the house.

7. I open windows a lot more now!

8. We are buying eggs from a coworker of Stephanie's. He raises chickens at his house. He only charges $1.50 a dozen. You can't beat that! (unless you raise your own chickens!)

9. I try to limit my road trips.

10. Craig is going to give up his SUV at the end of his lease and drive a fun little car next!

11. I'm making others aware of GMOs. I want to launch an informative blog to use as a resource. And I have some fun ideas for getting the word out and supporting other organizations that do!

Today at the Health Food Store, I mentioned to the owner that Barbara's cereals was owned by Quaker Oats and was not organic (they use GMO grains). He didn't know. I came back later and all the Barbara's cereals were marked "sale" to clear them out! It's amazing what just talking can do to change the world!

Now I need to comply with a self-imposed spending freeze!! 

Hope you're having a good week!

Bethany

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