As If You Didn't Notice....

My blog has changed! Again!

I was playing with some code earlier today and realized, much to my consternation, that I had in fact deleted a very integral part of my HTML and had no real way to make it come back to me. With it so far gone already, I decided the time was ripe for a little redesigning and so coded in something new. I've kept certain elements that were dear to me, added in a little new flavor and tried to integrate all the aspects of my life. You'll now find project updates via Ravelry, mood updates via Twitter, and tons of fantastic links to the places on the web I hang most. I also decided to help out my fellow HC mamas; those three ad buttons you see over on the right will feature only Hyena Cart stores for your browsing pleasure, because the world would be that much better if everyone shopped hand made, and more specifically, HC!

Hope the new format is to your liking! Cheers!

John Hancock

Forgot to mention, I finally took the time to add a little personalization to my siggy. It made it's first appearance in my last post, but to formally introduce you:

Confetti on my Floor...

Well, this marks the last day of the Ultimate Blog Party. I'm sad to see it go, I met so many new and fun people through this event. Thank you 5 Minutes for Mom for hosting such a great event, and thank you to everyone who visited my corner of the world and left me some love.

The Ultimate Blog Party 2008

*Note: This blog is post-dated to remain sticky at the top of my blog until the party is over. To get to my current postings, scroll down a bit!

I wandered over to one of my favorite blogs today and found an interesting post that I couldn't help but investigate. What I found was a barrel of fun for my little bloggy, and a way to get to know tons of other bloggers out there!

It's the Ultimate Blog Party 2008! The gist is that there's a huge online party from March 7-March 14, and in this time you get to join in, register for prizes, and explore a thousand or so other blogs! It's a fun way to get to know others that share your interest for blogging. It's hosted by a great blog, 5 Minutes for Mom, that frequently has great tidbits, ideas, and of course, events like this.

So head on over, browse around, spread the word, and join in the fun! See you there!

Blogoration!

The kids are tucked in for their naps, the cat and dog are snoozing lazily together, Evan is at the store, and I am sitting on my living room floor propped against the wall in the exact spot my couch used to be. Today, our new couch *cue the lights and music* is being delivered, hence the reason the old one has moved temporarily into our bedroom in preparation and I am sitting on the floor. Wanna glimpse?

I've spent the better part of the morning partying at the various blogs hosting a little piece of the UBP2008. I have come across some strange ones, some downright hilarious ones, and tons of great ones. In continuing honor of the festivities this week, I am posting my favorites so far.

First and foremost, although this one is no stranger to me, is the Mama Kenz Studio blog. This is MacKenzie, who lives in my very own corner of Spokane, and owns Chic and Savvy Mamas. She was the one who first introduced me to natural parenting, and most recently, to the wonderful world of wool. She is a mama who truly enjoys helping others, through her business and everyday life, and she and her little blog have inspired me more than once (check out her posts on making butter by hand and her svelte aprons, along with some super sweet longies knitted from Uraguanian wool!)

Second, I love, love, love this one. It's a mommy/daddy team, ie:Sheena/Greg, who are blogging their way through a pregnancy and into parenthood. Normally the cutesiness of that idea would inspire gagging sounds, but they've done it in such a chic and sweet way that it's hard not to love it. Just reading it brings back fond memories of a time not too long ago I awaited my own sweet babies and all the thrills (and aches, oh the aches!) that go along.

Third, lovin' me some Sprittibee. This blog is fun, informative, a little funky, and a lot creative (witness her prize for the party of Pysanka Easter Egg Sleeves). She's down to earth and quirky, two characteristics I find irresistible! I'll be coming back long after the last party snacks and confetti have been cleared away.

So that's the synopsis thus far, I'd better be off to scout out some other great hosts and peek out the window every so often in search of the furniture truck....

For the Party Goers...

Hey!

My name is Tawny, I'm a SAHM in the Pacific Northwest! Wait, you probably got that already, huh? Well, to further elaborate, I have two munchkins, my big boy helper Aidyn and my much too cute Ellery. We also have an english bulldog named Bella and a sweet kitty named Amada. I own Baby Bean Designs, which is currently in the midst of a rehaul for spring and focuses on natural parenting solutions like cloth diapers and carriers. I love the color pink, books of all kinds, shoes, cooking, and a good stiff white chocolate mocha in the morning. My pet peeves are people who can't park straight to save their lives and that one hair that just won't lay straight no matter how hard I try. My family embarked on a "natural" journey last year has led us into the territory of cloth diapering, better eating, composting, and gardening. My sister calls it hippy, but I guarentee you won't find any Birkenstocks in my closet, nor do I ever intend to stop showering or shaving. I have a full, fun life that I too often take for granted, but I love every minute of it anyway!

For all of you stopping by in the midst of the blog party to read my two cents and shower my little blog with comments, make sure you leave the name and URL address of your own blog in a comment after this or the previous post, and I'll give you some permanent linky love in my sidebar even after the party is over! I'm having so much fun "meeting" you all!

I'm also loving those prizes! I'd have to say, my favorites would be:
1. #24, A blog design from Sweet and Simple Design, because let's face it, this place could use some freshening up!
2. #136, A knitting goody bag from Craftymom, because I just can't get enough of my new hobby!
3. #14, The custom wall canvas by JuJu Beane Boutique, because I have an empty expanse of wall and that would rock it!

Really, I'd be happy with any of the great prizes, especially any of those blog design ones! I would love to spiff up my corner of the web!

Party on, I can't wait to meet some more of you!