JEWELRY UPDATE: ETSY.COM SITE OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

I officially opened my Etsy store and within days had my first sale! Exciting times considering Etsy has over 100,000o crafters all over the world and selling their goods. I have some of my items listed on the right side of my blog that you can view.

Launched in 2005, "Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things hand made." You can very likely find anything hand crafted imaginable. If you are looking for a one of a kind something rather, Etsy is website to go to. It supports the crafters and their talent as well as an alternative to

A brilliant concept for folks who have a creative side to them and would like to make money from their hobby or talent. I have found some phenomenal stores with eye catching products and look forward to utilizing Etsy for future purchases.

Uber fashionable and fun!

Who could miss this magnificent ear piece? I found the picture on popgloss
and I am in love with the site. It has original/funky stuff to adorn every inch of your body and lots of cool accessories.

The website is well organized with specific categories for easy navigation and will take you directly to the manufacturer/business website to view the item.




How about these recycled denim shoes! Why didn't I think of that! All I know is that it is a small company in Thailand The listing says, "New Recycled Denim Shoes" ... a little puzzling but I know what they mean.

FREE PDF newsletters of creative arts and craft ideas for kids also written by moms!


Anewsletter written by an Australian "Mum" with numerous children's crafty activities. I only wish other magazines would catch on to paperless publications. The pdf and website is very pleasing to the eye and the craft ideas are brilliant.




Laugh - Make - Nurture - Organize - Play LMNOP

Focuses on reviews of brand products from around the world that are eco-friendly.



I came across Kids Off the Couch - KOTC - "is a free weekly newsletter for parents offering fresh ideas to get kids excited about film, culture, and family time." A great concept to combine the love of movies and incorporating activities associated within the movie.

I will post others that I come across.

Mabuhay Adeline Esme Crowder!

After many hours of waiting with anticipation (on Mother's Day) my sister in law delivered at 12:30 am on May 12th with my exuberant brother beside her throughout the 36+ hour ordeal.

Stats:
6LB 10OZ, 19" Long

Mom and I visited them in the hospital and joined my other brother with his wife. After Loralee warmed up Adeline I held her for a short while with trepidation because she was, unlike Noah much smaller. But then again, Noah's birth weight was more than average.
I couldn't help but give her a peck on her "pickled" cheek.

A new life, a new Crowder and many years of joy and some times pain as we watch our children grow up often too fast in front of our eyes. I have not given much thought to my role as the Aunt although know that I will probably be the spunky and energetic of the three that Adeline has.

You're not "LOST", I found you!

Ok, a little corny but I admit I am 'that' person who gets overly giddy when I see an actor, one of the highlights of participating at the 69th Coalition for Asian Pacific Americans
in the city.

CAPA has always been one of my favorite events because it showcases over 200 Asian/Asian American organizations in New York City. You can educate yourself in one afternoon by visiting the numerous booths that often offers hand outs and freebees. Other attractions are the line up of cultural performances, entertainers and cuisine.

I tabled at CAPA with an entrepreneur friend James who runs Arkane, a clothing distribution company that is specifically Filipino inspired. He is also launching his own Prince Giolo designs in the very near future. I always had an attraction to the fashion industry, how trends start, the marketing angle, and creating a distinct personal look.

In any case, a Filipina approached the table with Miles (Ken Leung) from Lost, Inside Man, Law and Order and other notable roles. As a follower of Lost and Inside Man I could not contain my excitement. He walked off shortly afterwards but during my free time I skimmed through the festival and saw him sitting on a bench. I could not help but approach him. I tried to keep my cool, told him I was a fan and asked if I could take a picture with him. Of course I could not pass the opportunity for Noah to miss out as well as Kevin and Tiano (the dog.) Oh happy day!

Maligayang bati Kevin! Pacific Grill at Pier 17, NYC

DIRTY THIRT(IES) -

My friends I've met in my 20's and a few who have withstood the test of our prepubescent years are slowly entering their third decade of life with positivity and realization that 'it ain't that bad!" As each birthday passes for me I don't 'feel' old and attribute it to my youthfulness and high energy.

I definitely spent a couple weeks in a depression about leaving my twenties, reviewing my accomplishments and wondering what I had to look forward to in my thirties. I came to the conclusion that I referred to second decade as the terrible twenties; a time of soul searching, making many bad judgments, feeling unsure of my career path and wondering if I would find meaningful relationships with people. All of which have defined me.

Reaching my thirties has been a time for me to reflect and also reinvent myself. Now as a mom, a far more drastic role than my earlier years; I do not have as much freedom to be carefree, to travel on a whim or be involved with the various volunteer organizations I was once affiliated with. Now it is a matter of balancing being a stay at home momma, integrating my other interests/hobbies and maintaining my sanity.

So, I am happy to celebrate the day my friends turn a new corner in their lives and look back at our yesteryears without regets!

Free Tibet.....

What will it take for the Chinese Government to allow religious freedom to Tibetans?
On one of our many jaunts through the city we passed by this window front of a statue adorned with the symbolic Olympic crown and medals around his neck. The eye catcher was the message written outside of the window.......

photo: circa 1996

Rekindling my passion....for Lacrosse.

Most of you may not know that lacrosse used to be my life until my second year at Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware, OH). I prided myself in the fact that my agility on the field let me face girls that were twice as big as me. For reasons that were not necessarily in my control I decided to quit playing and for over ten years I "hung up my stick", until a recent opportunity arose.

On my way to an appointment, I stopped for coffee just outside of Central Park West. I saw two Asian girls with their lacrosse sticks stretching on the steps and was immediately drawn to speak to them. After a quick introduction I asked them if they were part of a team and how I could join. I shared with one of the gals that I used to have nightmares of myself being unable to catch the ball. With the quick exchange of conversation and jotting of notes I signed up to play with the Central Lacrosse NYC team.

I started to have flash backs of the many hours I spent in training, running 3-5 miles a day, going to spring training in place of spring break fun, traveling to tournaments and week long summer camps.

Flash forward, I realize other than carrying Noah up and down the stairs my work out regiment has been minimal. Let's hope my weekly West African dance classes will relieve some of my concern! My adrenaline ran high after meeting the girls and signing up for the lacrosse team and I wanted to immediately go for a long run. It came to my attention that today and probably for the last five years that it is mandatory that all women lacrosse players wear goggles, something I am not familiar with at all.

I have a week before my first practice in over a decade!