babybe organics & yoga

Can you even stand it?!

2010-11-08T16:52:00.001-08:00

Blog your favorite quote

2010-11-08T16:24:00.000-08:00

Lately I find myself scouring the net for inspirational quotes. Quotes that propell you through everyday life and give you a moment of reflection. A purpose for centering, of you will

babybe's facebook page has been a landing place for a few...

“A weed is no more than a flower in disguise, Which is seen through at once, if love give a man eyes”
James Russell Lowell

‎"You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight."
— Elizabeth Gilbert

a true soul mate is a mirror, a person who shows you everything that is holding you back...probably the most important person you'll ever meet, tear down your walls and smack you awake. Live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of ...control that you transform your life, reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.
-Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

Always fall in with what you're asked to accept. Take what is given, and make it over your way. My aim in life has always been to hold my own with whatever's going. Not against: with.
-Robert Frost

Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.
-Robert Frost

God long ago drew a circle in the sand exactly around the spot where you are standing right now. I was never not coming here. This was never not going to happen.

But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.
-Robert Frost

These quotes probably tell a story... a story that many of us know so well.
In the wake of loss, find the light within.

Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Eat,Pray,Love depicts loss and recovery in a way that speaks so intimately to many. I am blogging to yogini's, who have probably read, highlighted, and re-read this book. If you haven't, read it. and read it again.

Mojito Fruit Salad... YUM

2010-07-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of vegetariantimes.com

Inspired by the Cuban cocktail, this breakfast brain booster is full of tropical flavor. Yogurt contains tyrosine, an amino acid that supports neuro-transmitters, resulting in improved communication between neurons. Ground flaxseeds are a rich, vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve memory. And papaya is a great source of vitamin C.

Ingredients
Serves 4

Mint Simple Syrup
1 cup packed fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 cup sugar

Fruit Salad
1 1/2 cups cubed fresh pineapple
1 1/2 cups cubed fresh papaya
2 kiwifruits, peeled, halved, and sliced
1/2 cup fresh blueberries or frozen, thawed
1 Tbs. lime juice
2 tsp. lime zest
2 cups vanilla low-fat yogurt or soy yogurt
2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint leaves
4 tsp. ground flaxseeds

Directions

1.To make Mint Simple Syrup: Bring mint, sugar, and 1 cup water to a boil in saucepan. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and steep 15 minutes. Strain syrup, and discard mint leaves. Cool.
2.To make Fruit Salad: Toss pineapple, papaya, kiwifruits, blueberries, lime juice, lime zest, and 1/4 cup Mint Simple Syrup in large bowl (reserve remaining syrup to sweeten iced tea or coffee). Divide among 4 bowls. Top each serving with 1/2 cup yogurt, 11/2 tsp. mint, and 1 tsp. flaxseeds

I will be pouring this over some angel food cake tonight *wink wink*

Beach Wedding....

2010-07-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

mmmmmm.... even as a big girl, I dream of my wedding someday

my love. my babies. beach. and of course, all the stuff that goes along with my dream.

The box that holds our rings

dress

toes

place cards

and a thank you

::Heaven in Upstate New York::

2010-07-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

This is a piece of heaven that I want to share. There are State Parks that have capitalized on these beautiful beaches... but tucked behind Lakeview Wildlife Sanctuary is the most private, secluded (must walk or row a ways...) , and freeeee white sand beaches reminiscent of Florida beaches. No worries about hundreds of families converging into one area. Simply pack a lunch, hike or row in... and you are in paradise. Only 45 minutes from Syracuse, New York.

courtesy of the NYS DEC website:

Sandy Pond Beach Unique Area

Sandy Pond Beach Natural Area is a serene and relaxing area located in the town of Sandy Creek in the northwestern tip of Oswego County.

History
Sandy Pond Beach lies at the heart of a 17 mile long barrier system which stretches from the Salmon River north to Eldorado Beach along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. In 1995, the New York State DEC, The Nature Conservancy, and The Friends of Sandy Pond Beach joined together to establish and manage the area for nature and people. Prior to that time, the beach was being compromised by improper usage and disturbance to the natural habitats.

Today, the area is being managed in order to preserve and restore the dunes, protect feeding, resting, and nesting habitats for migrating and breeding birds, and provide public access that is compatible with this fragile area.

Field Notes
Possessing outstanding environmental qualities, as well as spectacular scenery, Sandy Pond Beach Natural Area is an incredible asset to the community. There is over a mile of beach front and a walkover and walk through which allow access from t he North Sandy Pond Shore with the Lake Ontario shore line.

A bird sanctuary, located on the south side of the channel, provides critical nesting habitat for numerous rare and common birds. While this area is restricted to the public, many birds can still be observed from just a short distance away.

Sandy Pond Beach Natural Area, part of the barrier system, encompasses a diverse matrix of landscape including sand beach, coastal sand dunes, sand flats, marshes and wetlands that are highly unique in New York State. This dynamic system supports a mosaic of plant and animal communities, many of which are evident at Sandy Pond Beach.

Extremely secluded, this beach is best accessed by boat. The alternative is to park at neighboring Sandy Island Beach and walk. As this is seldom what visitors do, those who venture into this area experience a unique ecosystem.

***Stay Safe- Bring A Friend***

Directions:
Take NY I-81 to Exit 37 (the Sandy Creek/ Lacona exit). West off the ramp, on Oswego County Route 15 (Lake Road) to NY 3. Follow signs to Sandy Pond Beach.
Boat Access- Trailer your boat to one of the marinas located on NY 3 north of the Route 15 intersection, or west on County Route 15.

::babybe OM:: for your toddler

2010-06-22T20:30:00.001-07:00

toddler offerings for the summer! be the change.

::INK + WIT's newest eco stamps::

2010-06-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

for your child's....

room decor
birthday gift mama and child project wrapping paper
fun. fun. fun.

THESE are unique and amazing. Inspirational art.

INK + WIT also offers Artic Friends and Paris Friends stamp sets.

me oh my...hot mama

2010-06-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Myyyyyyy kinda bathingsuit! and so perfect for the beautiful mama figure.
Bravo La Drama Queen!

::Friends:: a kind reminder of what should be

2010-06-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

“A friend is someone who helps you up when you're down, and if they can't, they lay down beside you and listen.”

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.”

“Best friends are the ones who can be the farthest away but there the fastest when you call.”

“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”

Mama's Mopine

2010-06-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

With the passing of my mama recently, I am always delighted when I come across something that was so dear to her and our family.

My mother never kept paper towels or napkins, only mopines. A mopine is an italian term for napkin, hand towel, or wash cloth.

The listing reads...
mopine (moh peen, with the long e). A mopine was a dish towel that my mama and her family always kept by the stove. You would never, and I mean never move that mopine on Sundays. If you moved that mopine off the counter, and accidentally used it for another purpose, or placed it in the hamper, she would say, "where isa my mopine???bringa back the mopine". Never mess with the woman's mopine. No, Sundays are not Sundays without her favorite mopine.

LOVE.IT. * I bought two *

::babybe Facebook Fan Contest!!!

2010-05-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

babybe organics & yoga
babybe Fan Contest!!!! Become a fan, suggest to your friends, and post a comment to this post. Prize.... onesie and beanie of your choice along with the babybe blankie! The new onesie collection will be available Monday. SPREAD THE NEWS. Contest results will be posted Friday, May 21st! Be well. Oh and...if you ...are resposnsible for someone else becoming a fan = DOUBLE ENTRY.

Modern Day Romantic Love... or Hurt

2010-05-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

For every one of you that ever feels frustration with your romantic love... this is the article for you.

Shambhala Sun | March 2010
You'll find this article on page 42 of the magazine.

MINDFUL LIVING: RELATIONSHIPS

Romantic Vision vs. Everyday Disappointment

Ode to Mamas

2010-05-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... me and my mini me (p.s. my son, Shamus, refuses to take a picture with me! he's 10). She looks and acts like me (uh oh!). Tomorrow I will awake with my two babies and I am so thankful. Thankful for their health and for their happiness. In all that is life, there is so much to be thankful for.

We will go to where my mother rests peacefully tomorrow and say Happy Mother's Day for the first time with out her spirit on Earth. I bought her a hydrangea plant today, it looks just like the one she gave me last year for Mother's Day. She always honored me as a mother, that was the type of mother and woman she was.

Tomorrow is a day for honoring. Gifts are lovely... but tomorrow I am thankful. Thankful for gift of motherhood and having been blessed with having her in my life.

May the light shine upon you and within you. Jai Beghwan.

Spring on the babies!

2010-04-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

I've noticed with the break in the weather the blossoming of flowers and the bellies of our expecting divine mamas! With so many expecting mama's, many of you maybe pondering what to get the modern mother...

Yummies

Try Vegan Green Tea Cupcakes from "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World"

The Earth Element...

Inspiration

Born Yogi's Gift book

Comfort

mama and baby massage oil by Aromatic Health

Practical

Yum bib by babybe

::Food Revolution::

2010-04-02T07:04:00.001-07:00

This day I sit in the waiting room of St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, NY waiting to receive my step father after his emergency quadruple bypass surgery. The doctor described to us the journey of heart disease and how it begins early in life. In my step dad's case it began some 40 years ago.

I hear often about friends of friends and family finding out they have developed diabetes, or blood pressure is high, and how hard it is to lose weight.

WE MUST begin a new way of thinking. We must care for and maintain our temples, the most sacred possession we have. The one thing we cannot replace.

As parents, we must take responsibility for our children and help facilitate a healthy start for them.

... and, hey- I know I'm preaching to the choir....

Jamie Oliver deserves props for his passionate focus and incredibly difficult journey to change the very stubborn minds of the American public school lunch program.

Have you watched his show Food Revolution? A common discussion in society is our ever horizontally growing population with a specific concentration on our children.

This is an amazing opportunity for us to rally around each other and pressure our school systems to change. For the sake of our babies that we care so deeply for.

Sure I can pack my son's lunch, I make sure he has his whole wheat bread and Honest juice boxes. I am fortunate enough to be able to give him that nutrition. What about those children whose parents cannot afford $5 a pack organic juice?

It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a village to raise a child.

In the Organic Spirit

2010-03-20T14:30:00.001-07:00

In the organic spirit of spring... I would love to share some organic tips and favorites!

greenrainbowshop.com offers the best organic and earth friendly spirited offerings for spring and Easter. Add some Eco-Dough to your baby bunny's Easter basket! Eco-dough is a molding dough handmade with flour, salt, cream of tartar, organic rosemary oil, vitamin E oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, potassium sorbate, citric acid, natural and organic fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from beets, spinach, paprika, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage, blueberries and tomatoes.
Whowww!!!
Conforms to ASTM D-4236. CPSIA compliant.
By eco-kids.

While food shopping today, I was excited to find some fruit that I'd forgotten with the winter snow. We all want so much to be able to provide 100% organic diet for our little ones. Organic fruits and veggies can be very expensive and lets face it, many of us find it difficult to buy EVERY fruit and veggie organic. Well, let me help lift some guilt off your perfect mama shoulders!

Here.... are the "Clean 15", lowest in pesticides
Onion
Avocado
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato

You don't have to sweat buying these fruits and veggies not organic. Happy Spring!

Ayurveda and the Doshas

2010-02-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of holisticonline.com

In Ayurvedic philosophy, the five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces or interactions called doshas. Dosha means "that which changes." It is a word derived from the root dus, which is equivalent to the English prefix 'dys', such as in dysfunction, dystrophy, etc. In this sense, dosha can be regarded as a fault, mistake, error, or a transgression against the cosmic rhythm. The doshas are constantly moving in dynamic balance, one with the others. Doshas are required for the life to happen. In Ayurveda, dosha is also known as the governing principles as every living thing in nature is characterized by the dosha.

The three active doshas are called
Vata,
Pitta and Kapha.

We all carry characteristics of each of the doshas. You will find that you are predominately one over the other two.

Once you understand your dosha, you can understand how to keep in balance.

For example, I am predominately Pitta. When Pitta is out of balance these are some of the characteristics I might exhibit (don't be scared...)

Signs of Pitta Aggravation Angry, Irritable
Hostile, Enraged, Destructive
Impatient
Critical of self and others
Argumentative, Aggressive
Bossy, controlling
Frustrated, Willful, Reckless
Acidity, heartburn, Stomach ulcer
Fitful sleep, Disturbing dreams
Diarrhea, Food allergies
Bad breath, Sour body odor
Very sensitive to heat, Hot flashes
Skin rashes
Boils
Bloodshot eyes
Acne
Weakness due to low blood sugar
Fevers, Night sweats

Sound familiar to anyone? More importantly, how can I bring this back into balance?
I can follow the food plan that favors the Pitta Dosha.

And follow these simple guidelines; Do things that cool the mind, emotions, and body. Avoid conflicts. Cultivate the virtues of honesty, morality, kindness, generosity, and self-control.

Ode to Surrender

2010-02-23T17:38:00.001-08:00

This quote popped up during one of my many facebook surfing sessions:

"Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable.”

Did you know this? Really know this? I guess it seems pretty obvious once read, but I wonder how many really live by this... I know it is a certain struggle for me. As the one of the many daughters of a generation of divorce, I imagine this is easier said than done. I suppose I am referring specifically to the vulnerable part.

Manipulation probably depends very much on your personality. However, over my short adult life (I am 30) I have observed a good portion of the population reacting to others.

Much of what I've observed is in effort to change (or manipulate, as the case may be) the environment to fit the need of the individual.

"Surrendering completely to love, be it human or divine, means giving up everything, including our own well-being or our ability to make decisions. It means loving in the deepest sense of the word. The truth is that we don't want to be saved in the way God has chosen; we want to keep absolute control over our every step, to be fully conscious of our decisions, to be capable of choosing the object of our devotion." - The Witch of Portobello, by Paulo Coelho

"If the opposition disarms, well and good. If it refuses to disarm, we shall disarm it ourselves." -Joseph Stalin (1879 - 1953)

And, ummmm how well does that work out? Not so much.

Om shanti.

Build A Nest buildanest.com

2010-02-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

Find babybe products on buildanest.com
25% of proceeds go to the cause

Why Nest is Unique

“A man came to our community and offered to provide us with loans. It had high-interest and we could not afford it. He came and locked up our house while we were outside and would not let us in. We had to beg for help to pay off our loan before we could have our house again. With Nest loan, I have no fear.” - Lolita, Trichy, India -

Mission

Nest is a nonprofit organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world. Using a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, as well as a market in which to sell their crafts, Nest helps its loan recipients create successful small businesses. Nest instills pride of ownership, preserves ancient artistic traditions and successfully moves women from poverty to self-sufficiency.

Wholesome sweets for the most wholesome sweets in your life...

2010-02-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

Vegan Oatmeal-Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
courtesy of...cookiemadness.net)

1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour – spoon and sweep, don’t pack
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons applesauce
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup natural type peanut butter (Jif would be fine too)
1/4 cup peanuts (salted is fine)
1/3 cup bittersweet chocolate chips or 1/3 cup chopped up good quality chocolate

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Grind oats in processor. Add flour, baking soda and salt and pulse to mix.

Stir oil and both sugars together in a medium bowl. It’s okay to do this with a spoon – no need to pull out the electric mixer. Beat in applesauce, peanut butter and vanilla. Add flour mixture and stir until blended. Stir in peanuts and chocolate chips.

Using about 2 tablespoons of dough, form dough into balls and place on ungreased baking sheet. Flatten slightly. Bake until edges are golden brown, about 12-14 minutes, Cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer to racks; cool completely. Cookies will firm up as they cool.

Makes about 6 cookies

NO BUTTER! Non-hydrogentated.... sweeten these cookies more with organic products. YUMMY!

Green Rainbow Shop

2010-02-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

Simply Divine.... Green Rainbow Shop offers eco friendly products for your family and your home. Coming soon.... babybe will also be available through Green Rainbow!

In the words of Biggie Smalls... and if you don't know, now you know

2010-02-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

As a vegetarian and yogini, I am often asked why I chose this path. The long and short answer for me is (well maybe not so short); I believe that you manifest through your actions. So, if I choose to nourish my body with that which has suffered, then that negativity will manifest in my body and my life.

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu May all beings be happy and free from suffering. With so many options as fortunate free citizens, why cause unnecessary suffering?

Among the spiritual and moral "Reasons" also dances around the basic nutrition information. Do you know that broccoli and asparagus, a couple of the many vegetable protein, have more protein than animal protein? Vegetables also are easier for the body to digest, allowing your body to benefit from the nourishment.

and.... to boot... your poop smells better!

Check out this GREAT article by Yoga Journal. It is fabulously educational.
The Roots of Vegetarianism

The Return

2010-01-26T19:29:00.000-08:00

.... Well, I'm back. It has been 6 or so months since my last blog post. babybe's life was put on hold for a while to tend to my mother, for whom I have dedicated some of my previous posts. My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer some 4 years ago. The cancer began to take her physical body fiercly in August of 2009.

I am sad to say that she was not able to win her fight... although it has brought me so many life lessons. As with all challenges that universe and mother earth commands, so comes the beauty of life. The beauty of the exposure of the purest form of love and emotion. The kind that I didn't know really existed until now. For that, I am thankful. I can only hope that each of you are able to experience that at some point in your journey.

Let this be the beginning of a new babybe journey.

Reusable Sandwich Bags by UldeYrth

2009-07-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous way to teach your children to live ethically. Send them to camp this summer with a lunch box using these amazing snack and sandwich bags by UldeYrth!

Ahhhh!

2009-06-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Your Vegetarian Pregnancy, by Dr. Holly Roberts.
Ahhhh! It IS possible to be vegetarian and have a healthy pregnancy and baby! LOL! Of course! But how wonderful to have a book to guide you.

Enjoy!

Jillian's Drawers

2009-06-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Jillian's Drawers of Ithaca, NY.... (my soon to be new home).
Jillian's offers products for natural parenting. This little shop's primary focus is cloth diapers. They offer an array of options and an awesome trial program. Visit Changing Diapers, Changing Minds to explore this program.

To boot, their website is amazing and they ship EVERYWHERE!

You can also come visit the most Eco Friendly town in New York, visit the many Falls and Gorges, and stay at the Holiday Inn Ithaca Downtown. Jillian's is 2 blocks from the hotel!

Namaste!

Personal Photography

2009-06-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

Photography that depicts the spirit of your family and the "other kids"....

http://www.stugallagher.com/

Contact: sdgallagher@gmail.com

Awareness

2009-06-01T19:26:00.001-07:00

Three and a half years ago an important journey began in my family's life. I began my first personal encounter with cancer. Up until then, I had only hugged friends consoling their personal struggle or shed a tear watching a TV program depicting an other's struggle. But it had all been so removed. Until my mother called and said that they found two masses, one the size of a grapefruit on one ovary and the other the size of a baseball on the other.

The surgery was scheduled one week later. The doctor biopsied right on the table and performed the hysterectomy immediately after finding the tumors malignant. They also had to remove one lymph node that was also effected. Later I will learn that this little lymph node was incredibly significant.

My brave mother endured 6 months of chemotherapy and emerged victorious. No tumors visible and cancer cell counts lower than even a healthy person.

A year later, there was another tumor. This time, inoperable. And since then more and more. She is still fighting every day, but the cancer seems to be winning.

After doing some research on my own, I was amazed to find how incredibly aggressive this cancer is, and how unaware the public is.

So... let me help you understand how this down right nasty disease has effected our fellow sisters in human kind.

Each year, approximately 20,000 American women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 15,000 women die of the disease. In 2008, it was estimated that 21,650 women in the United States would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 15,520 women would die from the disease.

The overall five-year relative survival rate for all women with ovarian cancer is 46 percent. This means that compared to women in the general population, five years from the time of diagnosis only 46 percent of women with ovarian cancer are still alive. However, the survival rate improves greatly to 93 percent if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage before it has spread. Only 19 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at this local stage. Approximately 75 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage after the cancer has spread beyond the ovary (which is where the lymph node becomes significant). The five-year survival rate for women with ovarian cancer has not significantly increased in the past 30 years—a mere 8 percent.

So with this information, it seems that early detection is the key. The problem with that is, the cancer is quite aggressive. My mother had a normal GYN visit 6 months prior to developing her symptoms. The cancer grew very quickly.

What are the symptoms?

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

*Several other symptoms have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation and menstrual irregularities. However, these other symptoms are not as useful in identifying ovarian cancer because they are also found in equal frequency in women in the general population who do not have ovarian cancer.

It is important that you spread the word. Be an advocate on behalf of my mom, Regis. Inform the women you love. My mother pressured her medical insurance, along with the help of her doctor and Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, enough to give my sister and I (and subsequently my daughter) the gift of genetic testing. She was tested at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. She tested negative for the Breast Cancer/Ovarian Cancer gene.

The next time you look for a cause to dedicate your time and love to, consider a cancer that seems to be hovering under the radar and destroying women everywhere.

Purchase the "So Hum" Onesie or Toddler Tee from babybe and 15% of the sale will be donated to the Lynne Cohen Foundation.

The Ever Changing....

2009-05-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing is permanent. Eventually this life we cherish so comes to an end and all of our worldly possessions no longer matter. My father always says, "Kid, you can't take it with you". He was never upset with me for unintentionally destroying something or if a family member obsessed over a material item or money.. he would kindly remind me by reciting this line.

Recently, I opted for a change in my career and left my employment of 11 years for a new adventure. While in the same industry, this change will move my husband and two children... oh, and did I mention that I left my job of 11 years?

There had been days leading up to my last day at my beloved job that I wondered, "Will I ever be as happy as I am here?" or "Will I enjoy the people at the new job as much as I do this one?". And here I am typing in my hotel room, 80 miles from my husband and children (sleeping away from home a couple nights a week until the move), and somehow I feel like it is all perfect.

My children are moving to a beautiful part of Upstate New York, to a town where the earth and health are top priorities. I recently learned that the daycare around the corner from the hotel I manage has a vegetarian menu. Oh! And the local yoga studio is across the street.

And, btw, the people here are just as caring and human as the people there. While I couldn't take it with me, the comfort that is, all I had to do was let go of it for a short while... and here I am again, nice and comfy.

babybe Summer 2009

2009-05-22T16:35:00.001-07:00

The Summer Line for babybe is sooo yummy. The new designs for the summer are:

Sweet Peace, a cupcake is our symbol for each baby being a Sweet Peace of the world.

Om, this lime green design on bark fabric is eye catching and artistic. The sanskrit mantra, "Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu (May all beings be happy and at peace)" is exactly what we all want to instill in our babies.

So Hum, the sanskrit mantra that means " I am you... you are me". This can be interpreted many ways; as mamas we are literally one with our babies during our pregnancies and we are all part of the universe and infinitely connected to each other.

Love + Bliss, two elephants link their trunks to form a heart , while Love + Bliss dance behind them.

See the collection at babybe.etsy.com

INK + WIT for your Baby and Child

2009-05-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

Everything Counts and Animal A-Z posters by INK + WIT are absolutely inspirational for mommy and daddy, educational for baby, and good for the environment to boot!

16x20, offset, 100% post consumer recycled paper, soy inks, packaged in a recycled kraft tube mailer. There is only 1 Earth indeed.

PS. Tara Hogan, owner of INK + WIT, is babybe's chief artist and partner in design.

The Shifts in Our Lives

2009-04-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

So, I know I speak to so many when I write about shifts in our lives. We have babies, we take on new challenges, maybe we experience changes in our physical bodies (pregnancy, disease, new or chronic pain). We all move on with daily life despite these changes, because... well, life moves on.

If you're like me, you try really hard to move on and put the effects of those shifts on the back burner. You don't have time for it, right? The kids need their breakfast, your office is having a change in their computer system and the world will stop if you don't help with that, you have an ill family member that needs your ever positive disposition... time to sit and deal with your needs??? Not today.

And then something happens. Someone says or looks at you funny. Someone cuts you off on the highway. All of a sudden you are a blubbering mess or yelling at your partner for no real reason, except you don't realize it.

So, now you must deal with it.

Enter, the Chakras. A brief explanation from Wikipedia, I could not dream of explaining it better myself:

Chakra is a concept referring to wheel-like vortices's which, according to traditional Indian medicine, are believed to exist in the surface of the etheric double of man.[1] The Chakras are said to be "force centers" or whorls of energy permeating, from a point on the physical body, the layers of the subtle bodies in an ever-increasing fan-shaped formation (the fans make the shape of a love heart). Rotating vortices's of subtle matter, they are considered the focal points for the reception and transmission of energies.

Let's focus on Muladhara Chakra. The first chakra, also known as the Root Chakra, which is located at the perineum. When your respective world has "shifted", Muladhara Chakra may become unbalanced.

A couple of yoga poses that help bring Muladhara Chakra back into balance are; Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) and Janu Sirsansana (Head-to Knee Pose). Balancing the first chakra can bring benefits such as; a sense of calm and the enabling of the mind to be more tolerant of change and more willing to remain content in one place.

Overall, the most significant gift that I've received from from my yoga practice is the understanding that control is an illusion. The idea that you can control the outcome of a situation or control loved ones is ultimately maddening. I have to say, it's kind of nice to surrender to what is.

lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu

may all beings everywhere be happy and free from suffering... that includes YOU.

Little Yoga

2009-04-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

My two year old dances around mimicking poses from this book. A beautiful introduction to yoga.

Next week look for babybe's latest toddler tee titled, "Sweet Peace".

Little Yoga is available on Amazon and through the publisher, http://us.macmillan.com/littleyoga

Blessings for a sweet and peaceful week. Namaste.

Organic Foods... How do I choose?

2009-04-04T17:28:00.001-07:00

So, as a mama and householder... I know 100% organic all the time isn't always practical. And there is something to be said for providing a little challenge for your family's immune system.
I am constantly reminded in daily life of how fast our children are maturing physically. Much of that is the result of the growth hormone that is injected into the food supply. Although it hasn't been proven scientifically... it is thought that girls are getting their menstrual cycles, breasts, and adult hair sooner due to the heavy additives to our food supply. I'm also always reminded when visiting my teenage sister that hormones in the food supply can't help the violent mood swings of today's teenage girls!
So, how do you choose? Which foods have more impact on your child's body?
A good place to begin is with the foods your children and family ingest the most of. Milk is one that instantly comes to mind. Maybe peanut butter? Eggs... your kid's favorite fruit... and so on.
Here's a list of foods that are the most contaminated by pesticides. Buy these foods organic as much as possible; Peaches * Apples* Sweet bell peppers* Celery * Nectarines * Strawberries* Cherries * Lettuce* Grapes (imported)* Pears * Spinach* Potatoes .
Here's to happy and healthy children and a bit more peace of mind in the lunch box.
Namaste.

YJ NYC 2009

2009-03-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

babybe organics will join INK + WIT for babybe's retail debut in Manhattan at Yoga Journal's Conference in May. The Spring/Summer line will be available along with the addition of babybe's first sling and baby blankets.

2009-03-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

Felt Food Breakfast Set by Curly Clips! Pankcakes, eggs, and sausage (soy, for sure)!
This product is amazing. Amazingly creative and earth friendly.

Let your babies make you breakfast. It's yummy in so many ways.

On Curly Clip's Etsy Shop this set shares the shop with felt chocolate sugar cookies, fruit, and sandwich.

http://www.curlyclips.etsy.com/

Infant Massage

2009-03-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

As a part of the Spring 2009 mama and baby yoga series, we've incorporated an introduction to infant massage, which I am so excited about. As a mama, just another tool for you to sooth baby and ultimately self.

I am so excited to see how the babies respond to their mother's touch. Babies are pure inspiration... their ability to be with whatever is for them at that moment. Somewhere along the line, that gets lost. Yoga is about getting back to that point. To allow what is around you with the acceptance that you have no control over any of it. Everything is... indeed perfect.

Ahhh.