Fresh

MAY :: EMBRACE

2009-05-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

This month we are all about embracing: each other, our children, our passions, our dreams....

To share in this theme and to celebrate Mother's Day, we are stocking items made with or by our children along side our own creative endeavours.
So join us on May the 9th at 9 am and 9 pm for a warm embrace!

::Upcoming Events::

2009-04-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

There are lots of special stockings coming up, so stay tuned for the details about the Bu Bash frm Tickety Bu, the opening of the Alchemy Congo and more! This week:

Kobieta celebrates Mother's Day with a fabulous stocking and a wonderful contest about the women who inspire you! April 23 & 24 at 9 PM
TODAY (Tuesday at 1 PM) Beneath the Rowan Tree has 100+ pieces of clothing at great prices to clear out...

::HUMOUR::

2009-04-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

Hang on little freshling!

::HUMOUR::

2009-04-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Another funny freshling...

Previews are Live! Stocking Tomorrow (09/04)

2009-04-08T05:04:00.001-07:00

Check out the spirit of humour offerings this month at ::FRESH::!And more to come, including the return of Made by Maria this month!

::HUMOUR::

2009-04-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

Such a mean mom, but these pictures still make me giggle a year later....
Pushing Puppy in the swing....Puppy pushes back....Yep, right in the forehead.
Everyone was fine, no tears, just a little surprised!

::FRESH:: Guest:: Knits n' Bits

2009-04-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

This month we welcome Susan of Knits n' Bits as our guest at ::FRESH::Susan is a part-time working mom (out of the home~ technology support) ~ the work is part-time, not the mom part! She is mom to a 7 year old and a 3.5 year old. Her business flows from her love of knitting, spinning and just about any crafty activity.

Susan's favourite part of her craft is spinning on her wheel. She is most challenged by figuring out how to get everything done (I am sure she'll share the secret if she figures it out!).When asked about what kind of funny she likes, she chooses the straightforward kind of funny~ the kind she doesn't have to work to hard at enjoying (makes sense for a very busy mom!).

We are looking forward to see her offerings for ::HUMOUR:: (april 9th on the 9s) this month, and in the meantime you can visit her little spot at the Serenity Tree Congo and her gallery of gorgeous homespun fiber!

::HUMOUR::

2009-04-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

Humor, if you must ;) Another happy freshling to make you smile!

Congrats to Tickety Bu!

2009-04-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

Our Kristi of Tickety Bu was chosen as the 'Momtrepreneur of the Month' by the Surprise Photography blog~ take a peek for some gorgeous pictures of Kristi and her little ones as well as of her deliciously soft and lovely bamboo products. The interview is fabulous!

::HUMOUR::

2009-04-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

A little giggle from a funny little freshling:

HUMOUR :: the 9th on the 9s

2009-03-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

hu⋅mor

–noun

1.	a comic, absurd, or incongruous quality causing amusement: the humor of a situation.

2.	the faculty of perceiving what is amusing or comical: He is completely without humor.

3.	an instance of being or attempting to be comical or amusing; something humorous: The humor in his joke eluded the audience.

4.	the faculty of expressing the amusing or comical: The author's humor came across better in the book than in the movie.

5.	comical writing or talk in general; comical books, skits, plays, etc.

6.	humors, peculiar features; oddities; quirks: humors of life.

7.	mental disposition or temperament.

8.	a temporary mood or frame of mind: The boss is in a bad humor today.

9.	a capricious or freakish inclination; whim or caprice; odd trait.

10.	(in medieval physiology) one of the four elemental fluids of the body, blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile, regarded as determining, by their relative proportions, a person's physical and mental constitution.

11.	any animal or plant fluid, whether natural or morbid, as the blood or lymph.

–verb (used with object)

12.	to comply with the humor or mood of in order to soothe or make content or more agreeable: to humor a child.

13.	to adapt or accommodate oneself to.

—Idiom

14.	out of humor, displeased; dissatisfied; cross: The chef is feeling out of humor again and will have to be treated carefully.

Origin:
1300–50; ME (h)umour < class="ital-inline">h)ūmōr- (s. of (h)ūmor) moisture, fluid (medical L: body fluid), equiv. to (h)ūm(ēre) to be wet (see HUMID)

Join ::FRESH:: as we celebrate HUMOUR (or, if you are American, 'humor') April 9th at 9 am and 9 pm.

::FRESH:: Faces: Alfabette Zoope

2009-03-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

This interview first appeared in the BTRT newsletter ( Rooted) in February 2009.

Lori, the creative force behind Alfabette Zoope is one of those artisans I wish lived a whole lot closer to me! Not only is she madly talented but she would be fun to hang out with, too! I took a little time to ask Lori about her business~ gorgeous batik clothing and hand dyed yarns.

BTRT: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

AZ: I'm mama to a 5yo boy and 3yo girl and married to a big and proud geek of a husband for going on 9 years now. we live on the edges of the Chicago burbs -- there are at least three dairy farms within a mile of our house. I love the open spaces around here while still having suburban
conveniences (lots of shopping, schools, etc) just a few minutes away.

BTRT: Your shop has an unusual name~ how did that come about?
AZ: alfabette zoope in its first incarnation was my personal website, that housed/houses some of my high school and college-era photography, web design and poetry. the name was a middle-of-the-night idea -- as were many back then when sleep wasn't nearly as precious a commodity as it is now -- since I wanted the site to be organized by the alphabet as a repository where I could collect anything and everything and file it neatly under the right letter. It seemed fitting to use the name as I was trying to recapture some of the creativity and freedom I enjoyed playing with that website for years.

BTRT: Batik is a lovely and unusual art form~ how did you learn/start?
AZ: I first tried batik in 7th or 8th grade... instead of sitting in study hall passing notes like other kids, I'd wander next door to the art studio and decided to give it a shot. Hey, I got to play with fire and do something no one else was doing -- pretty darn cool. I just did the waxing, the teacher
took it home and did the dyeing for me. I didn't touch it again till several years back when I was trying to pick up some creative hobbies to help balance out the lots less creative day to day stuff with a toddler and a baby to take care of. I jumped in as I tend to do with little research and learned along the way.

BTRT: What can you tell us about batik that we probably would never guess?
AZ: My first batik was of gumby (this is the one from 7th or 8th grade). sort of off material for batik, looking back.

BTRT: How do you come up with all the wonderful ideas you have (what inspires you?)?
AZ: Oh goodness, it comes from anywhere. Usually the kids inspire certain designs, knowing what their current and past interests, phases and favorites have been. Looking around online sometimes gets the wheels turning. Just being out and about in daily life has spurred some ideas
as well. By degree I'm a graphic designer and that definitely influences my style a bunch as well.

BTRT: What is your favourite part of your business? Least favourite?
AZ: The best moment is seeing a shirt once the wax is boiled out and I get an idea how the design and dyes took. The worst part is shipping and writing item descriptions.

BTRT: What is your favourite colour?
AZ: Green. Love that it can be funky, earthy, soothing, spunky, bright, muted, and so on. There's a green for every mood.

BTRT: Is there a new skill you are learning or hope to learn?
AZ: Oh plenty, but I never seem to find the time. One thing after playing with all this yarn is I really wish I knew how to knit. I mean *really* knit. Some of the things I see people make are just amazing, someday I hope I have the skills to make things from all this lovely yarn too!

BTRT: Talk about balance~ have you got it? Do you want it?
AZ: oh balance... no, that's one I'm still working on in so many areas of my life. I'm in a really good place in many ways, and really crummy other ways. I guess that's balanced in a sense, but it's always a struggle trying to dance the dance of kids, housework, husband, other family, friends, business, health, sleep. Inevitably some things draw the short straw over and over again. Though I'm getting better at the dance, tiny bit by tiny bit, and it is getting a little easier with the kids getting a little older.

You can check out Lori's work at:

Home Page: http://alfabettezoope.com

Places she stocks: The Leaf Shoppe & Fresh

Gallery

::FRESH:: Daily (24/03)

2009-03-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!These adorable fleece marshmallow treats
will be the perfect addition to any little one's play food collection.
You will receive 2 pink and 2 yellow in the set.
Each measures approx. 2 3/4" x 1 1/4".
Instock today at All "4" Kids, $3/set

March Winner!

2009-03-20T19:19:00.001-07:00

Many thanks to those who contributed their comments about growth

they are working on for this spring (check out the comments for the post below this one).
From organization to self-reliance to better health
we wish everyone strength and patience and commitment
as they strive to grow this spring!
Congratulations to our (randomly selected) winner of the March ::Fresh :: Giveaway
~Ryann of Woolen Wishes for Baby!

Stay tuned for our Fresh Daily Feature, feature interviews,
guest news and lots of fun for April as we celebrate ::HUMOUR::
(or 'humor' as the Americans may know it ;) )

March Giveaway:: The Cloth Canoe

2009-03-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

March is all about ::GROWTH:: and here is your
chance to win a little something for sharing your growth story with us!

Our feature artist for the giveaway is Gen, at the Cloth Canoe~
maker of gorgeous and functional cloth for mama and baby.

Visit The Cloth Canoe
Come back here and leave a comment on this thread, including one way you hope to grow this spring~ personal goal, new skill, fresh start...
The winner will be drawn at random from those comments that meet the criteria

This is your chance to win 1~ 10" minkee cloth pad by The Cloth Canoe! Gen will choose the color of minkee out of these 4 represented in the photo. Your Cloth Canoe pad will have the top layer of minkee, 2 sewn-in contour layers of organic cotton bamboo fleece to absorb, and backed by fleece for protection. Always with wings to keep them in place! This 10" cloth pad is perfect for your light to regular days.

Visit~ Comment~ Win!
This giveaway is open to the USA and Canada and will run from Sunday, March 15th - Friday March 20th at 9 PM.

::FRESH:: Daily (14/03)

2009-03-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!
These orange shorties are recycled from a soft wool sweater. The color is kind of mottled or speckled and is a lighter golden orange. A sun and little seedling have been machine appliqued onto them using recycled wool and wool interlock.

Measurements:
Waist: 14"-20"
Hips 19" (unstretched)
Rise: 18"
Inseam: 15"
'And the Sun Will Make the Flowers Grow' Shorties
by Aliah's Creations in stock today, $22.

::FRESH:: Daily (12/03)

2009-03-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!
earth muffin is running a wonderful coop through Crunchy Coops.
You have to join the board to participate, but the savings and wonderful array of products are worhtwhile! Check it Out!

So Many Goodies in Stock!

2009-03-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

Take a peek at ::FRESH:: today~ still lots of great items in stock.

::GROWTH:: Monday!

2009-03-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

::FRESH:: goes live tomorrow with our guest Nita from Hot Salad!
Items stocking at 9 am and 9 pm.
See you there ;)

::FRESH:: Feature: Hot Salad

2009-03-06T05:26:00.000-08:00

Our Guest at ::FRESH:: for the month of March is Nita from Hot Salad.

Nita describes herself this way:

I am a 38 year old Mom to four. I've been married for 8.5 years to my wonderful husband Todd, a guy I've known since high school. I collect hobbies, I sew, paint, draw, bird watch, garden and collect cookbooks. I'm a knitting failure! My kids are all old enough now that I'm getting some quality reading time back too, which is fantastic!

Her business name, Hot Salad, is interesting and definitely begs for definition! Nita says it is a
nickname her husband received when he unwittingly heated a cold salad on a hot August day. It
also represents her blended family, her variety of products and even her love for... salad and
growing the veggies to make it!

When asked about her favourite thing to make at the moment the answer was simple: ruffles.
The proud new owner of a ruffler Nita is ruffling everything she can: skirts, peasant blouses,
pants... (this creates a very interesting picture!). She is also enjoying making salad in this cold
northern winter, claiming lettuce is king at her house (except with her four year old son!).

Nita has many skills, but many more she’d like to learn. On the top of her list is silk screening
so she can make shirts for families and kids with special needs (she has some cheeky ideas). She
would also like to improve her graphic work, her writing, sewing machine repair, pattern
drafting, copyright law, photography... I am exhausted just thinking about it!

This month’s theme is ::GROWTH:: and when asked about a place of growth in her life at this
time, this was Nita’s reply (and she says it so perfectly herself, I’m quoting it!):

At the risk of sounding completely cliche', motherhood. I've entered into motherhood in two different ways, through foster/adoption and through birth. It has been such a journey, and continues to be. I am a completely different person than I was when I started. The new leg of this trip is being the mom of no babies, just watching them grow and getting to do different things now that everyone is walking, being close to diaper free. Being able to be more active as a family and introduce them to the parts of life we enjoy that have been hard to include them in, like hiking, canoeing, gardening. I guess my point is that now is an incredible time of growth for me. I'm taking out of storage the parts of me that I happily set aside to be Mama to babies and toddlers, dusting off the cobwebs on my painting cabinet, sweeping the dust bunnies away from my seed starting unit. It's a new thing to not be longing for an adoption date, a positive pregnancy test..the future, and just kind of living in the now with these people we brought into our lives.

::FRESH:: is excited to welcome Hot Salad this month (9th on the 9s) and you can always find
Nita’s work in her own Hyena Cart and at the Inspired congo. You can see more of Nita's wonderful work in her Gallery.

::FRESH:: Daily (05/03)

2009-03-05T06:05:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!A delightful little purse for the delightful little girl in your life.
Handspun, knit, felted and needlefelted!
Measuring 5 x 6" with a strap length totalling 14".
Sturdy and pretty and one of a kind.
In Stock today at Beneath the Rowan Tree, $38.50

::FRESH:: Daily (04/03)

2009-03-04T05:01:00.001-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!Introducing All "4" Kids new items! FELT FOOD Sandwich + Fixings!
This is regular felt NOT wool felt.
It is the Rainbow Classic Felt by Kunin and is made from Ecospun.
In Stock Today at All4Kids, $8

::GROWTH:: 9th on the 9s

2009-03-03T05:33:00.000-08:00

growth [grohth] –noun
1. the act or process, or a manner of growing;
development; gradual increase.
2. size or stage of development: It hasn't yet reached its full growth.
3. completed development.
4. development from a simpler to a more complex stage: the growth of ritual forms.
5. development from another but related form or stage: the growth of the nation state.
6. something that has grown or developed by or as if by a natural process: a growth of stubborn weeds.
7. Pathology. an abnormal increase in a mass of tissue, as a tumor.
8. origin; source; production: onions of English growth. –adjective
9. of or denoting a business, industry, or equity security that grows or is expected to grow in
value over a long period of time: a growth industry; a growth stock.
Origin:
1550–60; see grow, -th
Synonyms:
1. augmentation, expansion. 6. result, outgrowth. 7. excrescence.
Antonyms:
1. decline, decrease.

Join us at ::FRESH:: on Monday, March 9th at 9 am and 9 pm.
As spring emerges~ celebrate life, celebrate ::GROWTH::

::FRESH:: Daily (02/03)

2009-03-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!I don't know about you, but I am really wishing for Spring
right about now, and was inspired to create a set inspired by
spring flowers and butterflies. Included in this set is a size 18 month
(fits true to large) babydoll top
batiked with a simply butterfly and lwi-dyed lavender and violet pink,
plus 6 oz of soft, smooth and versatile BFL Aran
dyed in a light and airy colorway with lovely shades
of violet, lavender, pink, natural and green named Thinking Spring.
Set by Alfabette Zoope Instock Today at Felt Fusion, $50.

Giveaway Winner :: Yay!

2009-03-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Natalie at earth muffin for her generous giveaway! The winner is commenter #12, 'Mrs. Shew'. Yay!

::FRESH:: Stuff : CLOSED 01/03

2009-02-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

All done~ thanks to all for playing and check in at the end of this month for our next giveaway!
This month Natalie from earth muffin has a wonderful treat to give away!

Awaken Facial Serum ::All Natural:: 1 oz

Awaken Facial Serum is packed full of the good stuff including,
rooibos, DMAE and MSM. It will awaken your face and leave you looking and feeling younger!
It is a perfect serum for all skin types,
but it is particularly good for acne prone, oily and sensitive skin.

What is a facial serum?
Well the best I can explain it is a super charged moisturizer. It is used in place of or in
combination with your moisturizer and is said to help improve skin tone and diminish the
appearance of fine lines and keep your face looking fresh and awakened.

Check out the earth muffin listing for this serum for all the details about rooibos and all the other good stuff in this serum.

To win this serum, completely free, just visit earth muffin, take a look around at all the amazing products (I love the headache balm!) and come back and leave a comment on this post. The winner will be drawn randomly from among the comments on Sunday, March 1st after 9 PM.

::FRESH:: Daily (24/02)

2009-02-24T05:46:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!

Made from two layers of super absorbent bamboo velour and sized 10"x14",
they are big enough for the biggest messes.
But they are soft and luxurious enough for baby's face, or even to snuggle up with.
A set of two burp cloths low water immersion dyed in soft pink and butter cream.

INSTOCK Today at Tickety Bu, $12.

::FRESH:: Daily (23/02)

2009-02-23T05:21:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!Kobieta by Tadpoles N' Butterflies stocks today at 1 pm
~ so many wonderful women's items from XS to plus size,
custom and instock, auctions and buy it now,
and special guest Simcha's Jewels. Check it out!

::FRESH:: Daily (22/02)

2009-02-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!I knit these little overalls quite a while ago and there were just no takers, LOL.
they were knit with a light worsted wool, NaturSpun.
It was knit to have a higher rise, to give an old fashioned appearance.
There are three button holes on each strap for adjustability,
and they come complete with a hammer loop!
There are some short rows in the bum, and a gusseted crotch.
Hip: 18.5"
Rise to upper border (high rise): 20"
Inseam (not including gusset): 2"
Available today at Bugsnugger for up to 100% HC$~ Auction!

::FRESH:: Daily (18/02)

2009-02-18T06:34:00.001-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!Cool keyfobs~ available in a wide variety of modish fabrics, you choose!
In Stock Now at Miniature Magic, $6

::FRESH:: Daily (17/02)

2009-02-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!Heartfelt Set, $55 at The Leaf Shoppe.
Use $10 HC$!
This is a perfectly adorable set from Aliah's Creations and Alfabette Zoope!
Included is a long-sleeved size 3-6 month Heartfeet lap tee
from Alfabette Zoope that has been LWI-dyed in red-violet
and wine to coordinate with the cozy cashmere-lined wool shoes
and striped recycled Lambswool longies by Aliah's Creations.
The shoes feature half a heart on each sole in suede,
echoing the design on the shirt.

::Fresh:: Daily (14/02)

2009-02-14T07:17:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!A lampwork Protozan cabochon
and a Thai Hill Tribe fine silver charm
hang from a sterling silver ball chain.
A sweet little necklace!
In Stock Today at Starving Artist Bazaar, $32

::Fresh:: Daily (13/02)

2009-02-13T05:09:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!Featuring a tattoo style flash sparrow, this little dress and diaper cover set
is hand dyed by low water immersion in shades of turquoise, blue and pink.
The sparrow is hand painted.
The dress is a short baby doll style, suitable for crawling and cruising about.
The diaper cover is ribbed cotton for stretching over fluffy bottoms.
Size 12 M
In Stock Today at Beneath the Rowan Tree, $18

::FRESH:: Daily (11/02)

2009-02-11T05:19:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you
find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!A new addition to our catalog, this cotton jersey skirt
is extremely versatile and has a stretchy banded waist
that can be worn either at the waist or lower on the hips.
I got these with maternity/transitional wear in mind,
but they would also make an excellent every day addition
to any wardrobe.
Custom Maternity Yoga Skirt, In Stock at Big Bad Voodoo Mama, $33

::FRESH:: Daily (10/02)

2009-02-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you find the instock stuff you love
from our fresh faces in other places!This Cuddle Blanket(tm) is perfect for your little monster. Made of one layer of Ooga Booga
bamboo interlock and one layer of chocolate bamboo velour, it has no serging, no picot edge, no
trim, nothing to get in the way of cuddling up with the softness and silkiness of the velour. The
appliques are bamboo french terry. Sized 29"x36".
In Stock Today at Tickety Bu, $28.00

Stocking Day!

2009-02-09T05:43:00.000-08:00

::FRESH:: brings on the mischief today at 9 am and 9 pm,
with special guests Lindsay of Lucky Ewe and Stacey of Tall Corn.

Here is a little sampling of the mischief they have made!See you there!

Previews are Up!

2009-02-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

Check out the previews for ::MISCHIEF::, going live tomorrow at 9 am and 9 pm!

::FRESH:: Daily (07/02)

2009-02-07T05:54:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you find the instock stuff you love
from our fresh faces in other places!Features 1 12" cloth pad made with the gorgeous LWI Jungle colorway on BV, dyed by Kristi at Tickety Bu. With organic cotton bamboo fleece sewn-in contour soaker, and backed by fleece. With wings to keep them in place and size 20 snaps. Soft bamboo velour makes this pad oh-so-comfy! Perfect for those heavy to regular days, with good coverage while being trim and comfortable.
Created by The Cloth Canoe
Chocolate Covered Pistachios 12" Cloth Pad, $12 in stock at Venus Vanguard

::FRESH:: Daily (06/02)

2009-02-06T05:36:00.000-08:00

Something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you find the instock stuff you love
from our fresh faces in other places!Brown Sugar Body Scrub ::All Natural:: 4 oz.
This yummy body scrub is one of my favorites! Made with organic brown sugar and a mix of nourishing oils, it will leave your skin soft and smooth.
Created by Earth Muffin.
In Stock Today, $12

::FRESH:: Daily (05/02)

2009-02-05T05:14:00.000-08:00

A new feature!

We will endeavour to bring you something ::FRESH:: every day.
In between monthly stockings we'll help you find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!Introducing All "4" Kids new items! FELT FOOD. This is regular felt NOT wool felt. It is the Rainbow Classic Felt by Kunin and is made from Ecospun. The sushi set from All "4" Kids is an 8 piece set including a seaweed wrap, rice square, prawn, lobster meat, crab meat, cucumber, zucchini, and lettuce. (Not pictured here, but each piece is separate so your little one can assemble their own sushi!)
In Stock Today~ SUSHI Felt Food by All 4 Kids, $7.00

::FRESH:: Daily (04/02)

2009-02-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

A new feature!

We will endeavour to bring you something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!Adorable lap tee & Beanie hat set made from the very hard to find Munki Munki Inchworm
Fabric! Paired with a soft interlock jersey in racer red that matches the foliage on the print
perfectly. And added sweet touch is the single inchworm patch on the sleeve cuff. This is size
from NB- 3/6M.
Created by Tadpoles N' Butterflies.
$28.00, in stock at Lemon Tree Lane.

::FRESH:: Guest:: Lucky Ewe

2009-02-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

::FRESH:: welcomes Lindsay of Lucky Ewe as our Guest
at February 9th's ::MISCHIEF:: stocking.
This stocking will be a fresh start for Lindsay as she has reinvented her business
around her needles and a new passion!
When asked to tell us a little about herself and her business Lindsay says:

I am Lindsay, S/WAHM to my wonderful bustling toddler Joshua, and wife, to an outgoing, busy, freedom serving man, Matt. I started knitting when Josh was around 1, and I wanted to learn for longies ( for cloth diapering). That was 3 years ago. And then one day I decided, why not share the love of longies with others, so I opened my store. I didn't know how to say 'No' to folks, so I burned out quickly. Now I am back, with a better sense of how to do things, and I'm only doing SOCKS!

Her business name, Lucky Ewe, was a decision rooted in her heritage~
Irish~ and a little of that Irish luck paired with her love of wool.Lindsay loves socks. She really does. She loves that they are portable~ stuff them in a project bag and she is good to travel anywhere. And as a sister fiber-lover I am going to bet she also loves all that awesome sock yarn out there!Like most creative folks, Lindsay is always striving to learn new skills and improve her current one. One project she is working on is pattern writing and meeting the challenge of conveying to others, in words, what her fingers do so naturally on the needles. She is also seeking to master double knitting so she can conquer two socks at one time (and tomorrow, she takes over the world!).When asked to share a bit of mischief from her life, Lindsay admits to hiding her yarn in bins when it arrives in the mail (if there is any chance her husband may turn up). She peeks and stashes it. And the next day when hubby is at work? Ewe betcha! She opens up the bins and loves up her new yarn properly.Please join us at ::FRESH:: on Monday, February 9th at 9 am and 9 pm and see what Lindsay has created to make your feet happy (lucky ewe!)!

::FRESH:: Daily (03/02)

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A new feature!

We will endeavour to bring you something ::FRESH:: every day.

In between monthly stockings we'll help you find the instock stuff you love

from our fresh faces in other places!

"Chalk it Up" Portable Chalkboard & I-Spy Play Mat *Classic*
Cloth chalkboard on one side, I-Spy mat on the other, and it all rolls up to travel with your child wherever! These are great for vacation, road trips, to occupy the kids at a restaurant, homeschooling, or just to play with at home. The "Chalk It Up" mat makes a wonderful gift too! Made by Aliah's Creations

$19.50 in stock today at The Leaf Shoppe.

::MISCHIEF::

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mis~chief (n.)
1. conduct or activity that playfully causes petty annoyance.
2. a tendency or disposition to tease, vex, or annoy.
3. a vexatious or annoying action.
Synonyms:
devilment; mischief; mischief-making; shenanigan; roguery; devilry; deviltry; roguishness;
rascality; mischievousness
Hypernyms ("mischief" is a kind of...):
misbehavior; misbehaviour; misdeed
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "mischief"):
blaze; hell (noisy and unrestrained mischief)
monkey business
hooliganism; malicious mischief; vandalism

We don't mean any harm, but we sure have some mischief in the making this month!

Congratulations to Our First Giveaway Winner!

2009-02-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

The winner of our first giveaway is BURNSIS.
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to visit, and comment~ hopefully you have found a new favourite from one of Jennifer's amazing creations!

::FRESH:: Stuff : Giveaway from Starving Artist Bazaar

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I don't remember the protozoa in Biology class being this beautiful!
Jennifer, of Starving Artist Bazaar, part of the ::FRESH:: team, creates the most fascinating and lovely one of a kind glass jewelry.
She describes her work this way:

...the Protozoa and the Amoeba. In the Protozoan line different types of glass are layered together and pressed into marbles molds. In the Amoeba, I create quirky organic circular shapes with different color combinations. Both of these styles are like microorganisms from another planet. Think of my jewelry as little glass sculptures. Each glass art piece is one-of-a-kind.

Our January Giveaway is this gorgeous piece by Jennifer:

Different colored glass are layered together in this beautiful necklace. These wearable single cell creatures are handmade using marble making techniques. Each glass art piece is one-of-a-kind.

Lampworked glass in sterling silver setting. Hangs from delicate sterling silver ball chain. Pendant is 3/4 inches. Chain is 18 inches.

Just visit Jennifer's shop and leave a comment here
(about what you saw and loved!), on this post, to win!
SAB on Etsy
Jennifer's Original Art Shop on Etsy
The winner will be drawn from all comments on Saturday, January 31st.
Be sure to see Jennifer's work at ::FRESH:: on the 9th of every month, on the 9s.

Now with Added Freshness!

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FRESH will be stocking on Thursday, January 22nd at 9 am and 9 pm. This is a supplemental stocking for all the lovers out there looking for that something special for Valentine's Day or just some extra FRESHness in their month!

Say Hello to Bealoo

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Bealoo is our guest for the January ::INSPIRE:: stocking at Fresh.

Bealoo is a team of two moms in Kelowna, BC~ Bea and Lucy. Bea is the artist behind the delightful illustrations you will see in their Etsy shop and on their homepage. In her former life, Bea was a cartoon animator. Now a stay-at-home mom who says she needs her creative work, even as she needs to be home with her kids (she is the mom of 3, the youngest just 2 months old). It can be a challenge running a home based business and being mom all at once, but Bea loves both!Bea and Lucy use Bea's artwork and translate it into many wonderful items for decorating children's spaces. Artwork, wall decals, clocks, growth charts and more. The adorable images draw you in with their vibrant yet gentle colours and the details keep you looking!
When asked what inspires her, Bea says that she is inspired by her children~ to be positive, to give and take in order to keep a balance in her life and to feel rewarded by all she does~ motherhood & art and more.
Thanks Bea and welcome to Fresh!

::INSPIRE:: Previews are Up

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Come and take a peek!
Come and see the many ways our artisans are inspired...

By our children:

A Little StinkerA Fairy LoverA Cuddle Puppy

Four Sporty Boys

By the Seasons:

Citrus for the Winter

Spring in the Midst of Winter A Season of Love

Simple Pleasures:

Warm FeetSoft SkinThe Perfect Bag

A Warm Welcome:

To a New MemberA Special GuestCome and be inspired!

What ::INSPIRES:: You?

2009-01-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

in⋅spire

verb, -spired, -spir⋅ing.
–verb (used with object)
1. to fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence: His courage inspired his followers.
2. to produce or arouse (a feeling, thought, etc.): to inspire confidence in others.
3. to fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought, etc.: to inspire a person with distrust.
4. to influence or impel: Competition inspired her to greater efforts.
5. to animate, as an influence, feeling, thought, or the like, does: They were inspired by a belief in a better future.
6. to communicate or suggest by a divine or supernatural influence: writings inspired by God.
7. to guide or control by divine influence.
8. to prompt or instigate (utterances, acts, etc.) by influence, without avowal of responsibility.
9. to give rise to, bring about, cause, etc.: a philosophy that inspired a revolution.
10. to take (air, gases, etc.) into the lungs in breathing; inhale.
11. Archaic.
a. to infuse (breath, life, etc.) by breathing (usually fol. by into).
b. to breathe into or upon.
–verb (used without object)
12. to give inspiration.
13. to inhale.

What does inspire mean to you?
Leave us a comment and share your inspiration!

Welcome to the FRESH Blog

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We are excited to have our own little corner of blogdom to share with you.
Please check back regularly~ better yet, look to your right and subscribe to the RSS Feed so you won't miss our freshest posts!