go - Monkey Design

Finding Balance

2010-04-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have my baby turning 5 this week and getting ready to attend kindergarten this coming year. Well its brought me to some soul searching on the next chapter of my mothering and home skills adventure.

I started my home based business to create a bit of extra income and be able to stay at home with my two young growing boys. My husband and I own a vintage 5 and dime thats had barely survived the past 60 some years. Some month are better than others and we have adapted by not always living for the money. But its amazing to be ones own boss and feel like we are not part of the rat race. I have always been a bit different in the ideas of what norm is, and as I'm approaching this next chapter of being a mom and wife what do I want. Thats the question.

I know I have grown a lot since I had my first child 8 going on 9 years ago. I have recently really felt from the deep of my belly the need to nurture and be a creative person so very much. I Love making cheese, soap, candles and the sense of peace in the garden from creating food that will fill my little mans belly is simply amazing. I crave this, this moment of fulfillment and connection. About a year ago I read a book Animal vegetable miracle and it changed my life. I finally found my connection. In the past I had that urge but did not know what it was. After reading the book so much made sense to me and I started to apply it to my own home and family. Now Im not perfect and there are quite a bit I just cant do. But I am finding more and more I can apply to our lives.

now I have a direction of where I want to go with my family, but I need to figure out the balance. But I know it can be achieved.

I want to be a homemaker!

Spring and Seeds

2010-03-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

Oh how I welcome today! Spring...

The tulips are emerging as well as the daffodils with their sunny optimism. The ground is damp with the thaw and is beckoning to be tilled. So with my thirst for new, fun and a diverse garden I did some shopping for new seeds for my growing Vegetable Garden. Ive always had a small plot in which I cultivate the classics. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and squash. But over the past two years I have really grown a passion for growing the abundance in which to feed my two growing boys and of course one hearty husband. The need to nourish them with real food not "what we see at the super market". But to be able to grow things like these amazing Heirloom Cosmic Purple Carrots, WOW!

I can just see my boys faces when the pull these babes from the earth!

Or how about these Heirloom Cherokee Tomatoes

This is just a few of the gorgeous Items I purchased from Azure Dandelion On Etsy! Yes you can buy seeds on etsy! I hope you will take the time to plant something different and unusual this spring and enjoy the abundance this summer as much as I will.

Sunday Moments of Coziness

2010-03-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

I am going to start a new post all about the lazy or homeyness of a Sunday. About things you may want to do or not to do on a Sunday.

This Sunday morning I woke up with a yawn and with a feeling of contentment. The weather is stormy a warm 42 degrees and quite grey. The overwhelming feeling of curling back into bed and pretending I could stay there all day was very tempting. Alas the sounds of two young boys drew me forth...

So I sat with coffee contemplating about what to do with this day, work (which there always is) cleaning (ditto) and of course I could read or knit. I always feel a bit guilty doing either when the sun is up and I should be productive not relaxing. But then one must just take a cue from the outdoors and just be still and sit.

So here is a few items from designer Veera Välimäki , I found her while browsing about on Ravelry and just fell head over heels in love with her designs. Now I must decide which to start with! Should it be the Modern Garden Cardigan?

August Pullover

Or

Twenty Ten Cardigan

Ohhh I love them all! You can check out here work http://100-rain.blogspot.com/

A chic boutique

2010-02-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

A chic boutique

Thanks so much I love the stlty and colors you put together.

go-Monkey Design

2010-02-10T14:44:00.001-08:00

go-Monkey Design, originally uploaded by bloomize.

Ohh I love!

Etsy Front Page 1/12/10 Admin

2010-02-10T14:43:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 1/12/10 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Thanks so much Etsy!

Draw String Knitting / Crochet Project Bag WIP by gomonkeydesign

2010-01-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

Draw String Knitting / Crochet Project Bag WIP by gomonkeydesign:

Need a sturdy, functional AND fabulous project bag.

Then here you go! Perfect for sock projects, hats, mittens, gloves, and so much more. Great for keeping your precious work safe and clean.

This bag is created with designer quality prints inside and out. This bag is shown standing on its own so you can see how substantial and sturdy it is. Each bag has my signature ticking which not only gives it shape but also keeps your bag protected. Each bag has a flat gusseted bottom.

Approximate Measurements as each bag is created by hand:
8.75' width, 10' height, 3' gusset

Fabric Placement may vary

♦ Spot clean only please ♦

please ask any questions you may have and thanks so much!

proud member of etsyfast, newnew and etsymom
Added on Jan 30, 2010"

Etsy Front Page 11/17/09 Admin

2009-11-17T16:18:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 11/17/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Thanks etsy!

mmm... Soup!

2009-11-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

Well I woke up this morning with a day of cooking in mind. Clean out the fridge and pantry and just cook all day long. What was on the list? Well yes soup for starters, a Lentil creation and some butternut too. Banana chocolate chip cookies, bread and a giant pork loin. So where do I start, soup! Here is my lentil creation I made today and I'm on bowl 2 already.

Ingredients:

1 cup lentils (picked through for stones)

3 Carrots peeled and chopped

2 stalks of celery chopped

Celery Greens chopped fine (so much flavor)

1 Jar or canned roma tomatoes (mine were from my summer canning days)

clove of garlic minced

some olive oil

1/2 onion chopped

1 bay leaf

and about a teaspoon or just a couple of good shakes of dried parsley, oregano, salt and pepper

in a dutch oven or soup pot sauté the veggies (not the garlic yet) for about 5 min. Now add the garlic and wait a min or so. When you smell the garlic cooking add in the tomatoes and juice and about a cup or so of water. Stir adding the rest of the ingredients, simmer on low for about an hour and then enjoy! Perfect with warm crusty bread.... Now this is vegan but you could add meatballs if you wished. I could vision mini meatballs with lots of parm cheese in them.

The Banana chocolate chunk cookies are smelling divine! Heres the recipe for those.

I did not add the walnuts (none in the pantry) and cut the chocolate chip amount in half.

Enjoy and happy cooking!

New items added

2009-11-04T11:55:00.001-08:00

Some new items added this week:

Functional but super cute grab and go DPN cases. Perfect for a few needles for a project or if your a new knitter and are just starting a collection. Also perfect for crochet hooks too!

Etsy Front Page 11/2/09 Admin

2009-11-04T11:49:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 11/2/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Thanks etsy!

Etsy Front Page 11/1/09 Admin

2009-11-03T12:05:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 11/1/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

thanks so much

Etsy Front Page 10/16/09 Admin

2009-10-17T18:20:00.001-07:00

Etsy Front Page 10/16/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

thanks etsy!

Etsy Front Page 7/27/09 Admin

2009-07-28T17:57:00.001-07:00

Etsy Front Page 7/27/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Two days in a row!!! Wow

Etsy Front Page 7/26/09 Admin

2009-07-28T17:22:00.001-07:00

Etsy Front Page 7/26/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Thanks!

YUM!

2009-07-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

I finally made it to Figgy's new restaurant named "Another for in the road" in Milan Ny. It was a peaceful quiet morning and I gathered up my boys and ventured up to the quaint little nook. Its quite adorable and set in my colors o creamy yellow and black. Very parisian, oiu.

The coffee was scrumptiously divine, mm so so good. I ordered biscuits with gravy and 2 eggs. What I devoured was a fresh giant biscuit that was made to order, slathered in gravy with chorizo sausage. Then topped with two perfect sunny side up eggs. Heaven!

My boys had homemade buttermilk pancakes with local maple syrup, and slab bacon. I love the fact that most items are purchased local and that everything is made from scratch. I also adore the kids nook which is stocked with books toys and lots of love.

I just say that if your passing by, please stop in for a real treat. Your tummy will thank you.

New Website!

2009-07-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well I finally have the website I have been looking (dreaming) of. I have been trying, in a very bad way, of a DIY site and have faced reality that it just is not working. So I finally bit the bullet and hired and amazingly wonderful lady.

Sandra Busta has really created something that is very me, thank you!!!

You can see and purchase her services her at her lovley Etsy shop www.sandrabusta.etsy.com.

I just have to say WELCOME to go-Monkey Design!

www.gomonkeydesign.com

Kisses

a few things

2009-06-10T19:10:00.001-07:00

a few things, originally uploaded by gugy.

love my customers!

Etsy Front Page 5/25/09 Admin

2009-05-25T16:10:00.001-07:00

Etsy Front Page 5/25/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Yippee!

04-21-09_7-20amEST

2009-04-23T17:33:00.001-07:00

04-21-09_7-20amEST, originally uploaded by getglassy.

Two Days in a row!

Etsy Front Page 4/22/09 3FUN

2009-04-23T17:27:00.001-07:00

Etsy Front Page 4/22/09 3FUN, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Thanks!

Etsy Front Page 4/3/09 StoneMe

2009-04-06T18:46:00.001-07:00

Etsy Front Page 4/3/09 StoneMe, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Yeah!

Etsy Front Page 3/4/09 Admin

2009-03-05T05:40:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 3/4/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Thanks Etsy!

Chic Wrap Skirt

2009-03-02T11:45:00.001-08:00

Chic Wrap Skirt, originally uploaded by go-Monkey Design, inc..

a new addition to the go-Monkey Family!

stop by and check it out peace and love

Etsy Front Page 2/13/09 Admin

2009-02-18T17:27:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 2/13/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Thanks!

Etsy Front Page 1/30/09 Xenotees

2009-01-31T11:49:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 1/30/09 Xenotees, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Wow Thanks so much!

Etsy Front Page 1/6/09 Admin

2009-01-07T08:22:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 1/6/09 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

Front Page Today!

Etsy Front Page Today!

2008-12-30T19:59:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 12/30/08 Admin, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

YIPPEE!!

Front Page!

2008-12-30T19:50:00.001-08:00

FP Curated by letitiah 12 24 08 5:35 am PST, originally uploaded by nansglam.

Well Here I am on the front page Christmas EVE! Thanks so much Letitiah!

NYS Sheep and Wool Festival!

2008-11-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

I had the great honor of participating this year at the NYS sheep and wool festival.

My two great and amazing buds Jade and Maureen helped me out during the super busy and so much fun weekend. We even finally got some of the artichokes we always want but never get.

The weekend was complete!

I never did buy any yarn but that's okay, I have a stash from the past years. Thanks so much to all the new friends and customers I made, It was so wonderful to meet you all.

Here are some pictures and I hope you all enjoy, and see you next year I hope!!!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

My kiddies had such a great time!

I finally got a chance to make their costumes and they really enjoyed them. Gage Was a king and Max was a Knight!

Gage and Max are walking in the Rhinebeck Halloween Parade.

Spooky Spooky Spooky!

Quirky Handmade Holiday Bazaar!

2008-09-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Okay its back!

Here's the link with all the info so you can check it out and follow the progress with me! Oh MY!!!!

http://thequirkyhandmadeholidaybazaar.blogspot.com/

also I will be at a fun small home town show this weekend in Red Hook, NY called Hard scrabble day.
I will be near the stage so come find me and say hello!

Hope to see you there
♥♥
me

Our Dear Friend and Brother Tim...

2008-09-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

This past few 10 or so days have been some of the roughest I have ever witnessed, felt, plowed through and just been in.

My husband and I's dear Friend Tim, so close he was and will always be family, To my children

"Uncle Tim" .

Well Tim which I will never be ever be able to put my head around left us Friday evening of his own will. It was a shock and completely devastating.

Sat morn Matthew (my husband) was contacted from friend stating Tim never showed up for a weekend of work and that was enough for Matt to get the chills and know that something was not right, he went to the home and after a few hours of pounding and getting some others their they broke into the home to discover Tim had left us.

I know that I will be forever scared from this and I did not witness the actual act like Matt did. I can not even begin to imagine what is still in his head and how scared he will forever be.

See Tim worked for us in our store and my husband spent 30/40 hours a week with him and only him, he was the last person to see him and say goodbye and he was one of the first to see him in his end. Why Tim did you have to do this?? Why???

We all loved you so incredibly much.... I just hope that you have found peace at last and know that you will forever be in our hearts!

I wish I had just one more moment to see your smile, have you call me Lele. Its just not fair that you took yourself away from us. At the wake 538 people sign the guest book.... that many people you touched! I swore I would not cry today!!!

WE all love you Tim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New items & Vaca

2008-08-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hello
I have some new items and lots of new bags up on my site!!! Whoppee!!

I also will be going on vaca with my family, I cant wait for sun and sand. My eldest Gage is so happy that Mommy wont have to work the whole week! Kids do say the funniest things. Here are a few pics of new items and please go shopping!!!

My Latest Adventure. . . . .

2008-08-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

Well I had a show this past weekend in Bridgehampton NY, needless to say I was thrilled at the prospect of doing a show in a beautiful place! The location was at the historical society in the heart of the village, the Corwith House. I was able to see a few other amazing etsy sellers Chestnut Farmer, a second shop of Charlie and Sarah of Charlie and Sarah. And Morgan Street which sells fine soaps and body product, I meet this amazing person when she was a vendor at The Quirky Crafters Holiday Bazaar, which was the first show I have Hosted. I also had the pleasure to meet a new face, Hampton Jewels.

Unfortunately there was no business to say and in the afternoon a horrible thunder and lightning storm blew up and my best friend Jade and I ran about trying to get things put away before the disaster struck!

Amidst the running around my tent blew up at me in the process of closing it up and it struck the bridge of my nose and causes a bit of a cut and lots of swelling a few nasty words emerging from my mouth at the time! It really hurts!!

Show one Me none!

But at least I was able to take some new photos of my work, I hope you enjoy. I also got to spend some great quality time with my friend which is the best reward no matter what! Thanks bud!!

Gage Update 2

2008-07-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

Okay one day I will write something that will be about go-Monkey!

Gage had his picc line removed last week and that was an amazing day!

We are still not out of it all,

it feels like we just keep going on and on.... After further blood tests they found a extremely high level of strep in his system that can or does damage to the heart, so tomorrow we are off to see a pediatric cardio specialist. He also had a very very high level of blood platelets as well. So needless to say we just still have more test and hopefully we will be able to soon find out exactly what Gage has.

Gage Update

2008-06-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Well

Gage has 5 more days of the antibiotics left, Yes that's right 5 days!!! On Thursday the 3rd of July at or around 4 pm est Gage will have his last dose of medication and then have his picc line removed. We are defiantly popping open a bottle of champagne!!

Even though this is a great and amazing moment the struggle is not over yet. We still have the Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis left that we will need to overcome next. It looks like we will have knee taps, cortisone shots in the knees as well as more medication.

The pains have spread to his neck now, the fevers are still presentand the weightloss has continued. As I have always been, I am so amazed by his fortitude and resilience.

He is terrified of having his picc line removed, even though it will be painless. He is also extremely worried about the next step as am I.

I watch him during the day and when something triggers the pain or when something stupid hits him and the tears hit its heart breaking. I just want my baby to be well. And I know in the scheme of things that this is small potatoes but to me and him its huge.

I also just want to say thank you to all who have supported us through this mess and to all of your patience as I am trying to juggle work and being a mom.

Thank You!!!!!!!

Max is Moving UP!

2008-06-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

My little guy max (3) just finished his first year of pre-school and had a moving up ceremony last Thursday!

It was adorable all of these 2 and 3 year olds singing together and having their crowns turned from " little kids to big kids"

I hope you enjoy!

I also have included a few family shots from a family wedding a few weekends ago! Its not often we all get dolled up!!

Update

2008-06-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well its been a very long week. Gage was admitted to westchester children's hospital due to severe Lyme disease. He was not responding to oral antibiotics so we ended up there for testing and such. Gage is now on a I.V. antibiotics that is administered through a picc line, which can be done at home instead of the hospital. We have to limit and mobility so that it does not break or clot and I give him his meds daily. We are now down to 24 more days!!!

Gage has been incredible, he has his ups and downs and we still have not seen a great improvement. His knees are still extremely swollen and they removed a large amount of spinal fluid when we were admitted which has returned.

I am still waiting for a whole day of no extreme symptoms.

Thanks for listening!

My Little Gage!

2008-05-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

Well its been along week, my eldest son Gage all of 6 years has been very sick the past few weeks. At first we thought it was a bug and then perhaps a spring flu a version was floating about the school). We went to a cousins wedding in Philly over memorial day weekend and Gage was just not himself sleeping a lot and the fever was still there and now his knees were swollen.

So Tuesday we spent the day at the hospital and after blood work, x-rays and a visit with the bone and joint specialist we think we have a case of Lyme Disease. So after a few days the blood work came back with a extremely high level of Lyme infection. It had spread to his joints and nervous system. The doctors believe he has had it for quite some time, the kicker is last year we thought he may have had Lyme because he was crying and complaining of leg pains. He was tested twice and both negatives, we were told that it was just growing pains, so for the past few months when Gage has been telling us his leg hurts that day we have just put it towards the growing pains. He has grown inches lately! So my little buddy is on tons of antibiotics (luckily hes only had it twice in his life so it will help rather quickly) and lots of rest. Thanks everyone for listing, we have no idea how or when he got it, it just happened.

On the front Page!

2008-05-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

My little french loungers were on the front page today!

New New New

2008-04-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well I have been working on so new ideas for my boutique and here are some items Ive been sewing up!

New little belts for tykes, easy on and off and sooooo cute! Dino and pirate with more coming in the next few days, so keep looking.

I have also been making some fun patchwork belts with my signature ticking for women:

So Sorry

2008-03-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

well I have been a bit neglectful on my writing, its been a bit crazy lately. I have been working on some great new designs for my shop. Some cuteness for tykes and some great loungers for women. Some of my items have been featured in some amazing blogs this past few weeks

thought so I thought I would share them with you. 1st is a really hip cool site Heart Handmade, they featured by french market tote in the segment named What's Cookin'?, Thanks so much!!

2nd is a fantastic site BabyGadget, Justine featured some of my french inspired pants for boys! Justine, You Rock!

I will be back tomorrow with some of my newly listed designs!

Live . Love . Spring !

2008-02-28T06:05:00.000-08:00

Live. Love. Spring! is my first treasury I've ever created! I think it came out great, what do you think??

There are so many thing on here I really want to buy..... Oh I need some control!

I did get a great supustarr tee last week, And its awesome, so so soft!! I cant wait to get another one.

So Happy Shopping!

Sewing Machine Fund - anyone want to help?

2008-02-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

Okay I have decided I need to get a industrial sewing machine to handle some of the items I am making. I have a 2 great Vikings but I need to upgrade to something with a walking foot, and I have also decided to earn my machine by working really hard and to have a huge sale! Good for you right!!

You can check out my shop and here's a link for my Sewing Machine Fund Sale.
Once I raise the dough I need the sale will go bye bye so don't wait!

Thanks for all your help!!

sock re-cap

2008-02-17T15:17:00.000-08:00

well guess what! I abandoned the green sock and decided to make red in favor of valentines day for my first born. I over came my shudders and used a basic acrylic red yarn (no worries with the wash and wear). After knitting these adorable sock I can see why I refuse to knit with acrylic yarn, its sucks!!!!!! I hated every moment and at times I almost threw the "sock in" to make a new pair with a better yarn.
But alas I digress, I could not finish the darling socks in time for the big v-day, mother nature decided I had avoided the flu long enough and it was my turn to suffer. So after three very very long days in bed I emerged on friday the day after the big kissy day. My son the sweat heart he is never even new what they were or who they were for, he enjoyed his books and bit of candy.
Well this morning I finished the toes and he is now proudly wearing them tonight at his first sleep over at grammas house.
He has mommies sock to keep him warm and snug!
When he returns from his adventures I will have some photos to go along with my tale.

Socks two at a time?

2008-02-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

So I found this book last week and thought " great, this book was made just for me! " You see I suffer from the dreaded second sock syndrome. I have many mix match sock days when around the house.

Any who, back to the book.

This book boasts lots of great patterns and all done on one circular needle and done at the same time. Now, I have mastered knitting in the magic loop method, and this technique is quite similar.

For my 1st attempt I have decide to make my eldest son a pair if bright chartreuse socks. The yarn is salvaged from a long lost sweater. And after a few years I am glad it was never finished and I never ventured forth wearing that! What was I thinking??? I would have been fashion road kill for sure.

I will keep you updated on the progress, Lost is on tonight so we will see how much I get done tonight!

Custom Order for Sharon

2008-02-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Sharon asked me to create one of my new bags the Emma for her with some fabrics she had in her own collection. At first I was of course, sure, no problem! When I received the box full of beautiful fabrics I was a quite a bit Flattered. That She thought high enough of me and my work to trust all these beautiful textiles to my hands. So Any ways after a few emails I got creative and just played with what I had and after 2 days here is what I have created!

Drum roll please......

My 1 year sweater..

2007-12-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

I was working quite intensely on this sweater last winter, and then life happened and I got a bit burnt out on it. (plus I ran out of the coveted yarn!)

Well, browsing through my knitting stash during the holiday week I came upon my sweater. A bit dusty and feeling completely unloved needed to be loved again. It only needs the collar, a button and of course to be sewn. So I have decided to resurrect it an give it a new life, on my shoulders!

Created with a Debbie Bliss cashmere yarn (I own a fiber arts store as well) and using a beautiful patter from last years Vogue Knitting magazine.

Christmas Morning at go-Monkey!

2007-12-28T06:12:00.001-08:00

Well, the holidays have come and gone.. Time for me to take a deep breathe and focus on the new year and all it has to offer. My to boys Gage (6) and Max (2 1/2) had a blast! I have added a few pics of the craziness, Santa was good but did not go crazy this year.

For Max I think the biggest hit was all the Dinosaurs and the train table. As for Gage, would defiantly have to be the Nintendo Wii. He had no idea what it was and was kinda disappointed, but once set up hes addicted. He love the golf game and bowling. As for myself I received the best gift a busy mom could ask for, A new dish washer! Photo TBA. It cleans and sanitizes and its quiet!!! Thanks Santa!

My First all Etsy Craft Fair!

2007-12-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

The Quirky Crafters Holiday Bazaar 07′!
I hosted my first craft show this past Saturday, it was a hit! I think the best part for me was having a whole room full of Etsy crafters. I was so proud of my group like a mother hen of her darling chicks. We had a total of 18 vendors and we had swag bags to had out, thanks to etsy for their contribution!

I finally took some photos at the end of the day, I was joined by my 2 boys for the event (which was an event all its own) .
I am already receiving requests for an 08′ show and maybe even a spring gig…
who knows, I just would like to get through the holidays!