I love seeing all the hand designed apparel in Alaska. One designer that I think was so creative is Marne Lastufka. She is the owner of alaska love and I love how she placed hearts in places of the stars of the big dipper, which is on our state flag. Simple yet powerful.
Marne donated a kids long sleeve shirt size 8. (She said they run a little small) It is charcoal gray with baby blue lettering on it.
Please tell us a little about you and your business:
I am a life-long Alaskan and started my business in 2009. I started small, but it quickly grew into a larger entity of its own.
Where can I get these products?You can get Alaska Love items at Dos Manos, located at 1317 W Northern Lights, and at the Fiddlehead Gallery on 4th Ave. I also do craft shows, I have several coming up, "A
Woman's Affair", April 1-3 in Fairbanks, "Spring Fling", at the Egan Center on April 16, 17, and the "Today's Woman Show", in Wasilla, April 29-May 1. I will also be at the Downtown Saturday Market this summer June- August.
Visit her website, alaska love and "like" her facebook page!
What do you love about Alaska?I love the people that live in Alaska, and I love the fact that the days are so different, always are changing.
Want to win the tshirt? Please follow the rules and good luck!
1. You must live in Alaska
2. Leave a comment and make sure your profile links back to your email address or post it here. (Anonymous will not be counted! If your phone doesn't let you do it, please sign in from your computer)
3. You have to be a follower of the blog
One random winner will be chosen Sunday night. Remember the shirt is a long sleeve KIDS size 8 shirt.
Good luck!
Special Thanks!!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
SnuggleBoo Giveaway!! (closed)
Whenever I carry my baby in her car seat, I usually get comments on her cover. I LOVE my SnuggleBoo cover. I used to have another fleece cover, but I didn't like how it laid on my sons face. The SnuggleBoo acts as a tent and I can peek in without waking her. I am still able to carry the car seat on my arm as well. It keeps her so warm and keeps the wind off when I am taking her to and from the car. I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone with a baby. Its so much easier then throwing a blanket over the car seat as well. This is a great gift for the new momma as well!
Naomi donated a neutral cover for our giveaway!! Let's hear about Naomi first and we can move onto our giveaway.
Please tell us a little about you and why you created the SnuggleBoo:
I’m blessed to be a stay-at-home-mother of 4 wonderfully crazy kiddos. Not the easiest job, and yes it IS a full time job in itself, but I’m thankful to have the option. My husband got me a sewing machine the Christmas that we found out that I was pregnant with our second child. She was born the following September, just in time for the cold weather! I was and still am, not comfortable with the car seat covers that lay directly over the baby’s face so I bought one of those JJ Cole BunndleMe things to keep her warm. But her face was still exposed to the sometimes sub-zero temps. She also kicked her feet so much that she would actually work the zippers down and eventually be completely uncovered!
So then I decided to make something myself since I couldn’t find ANYTHING that stayed away from her face while still protection her from the cold. And so the idea of the SnuggleBoo was born.
It was never my intention to turn this into a business, but I was constantly being asked where I got my car seat cover. One thing lead to another and here we are!
Where can I purchase the SnuggleBoo?
And soon in the Nursing Boutique inside of Prov.
We also have a facebook page!
What do you love about Alaska?What I love most about Alaska would be the summers!
I love the light and the warm and all the beauty that comes with it. There is so much to do outside…
Alaska In the summer is just AMAZING! The winters I actually enjoy too….till about mid-January…then I’m ready for summer again!
Thanks Naomi!! SO here are the rules to enter for your chance to win a SunggleBoo.
1. Must live in Alaska.
2. Be a follower of the blog (Anonymous WILL NOT be counted!)
3. Leave a comment on who would get to enjoy the cover. Please make sure you leave an email address to contact you or have your profile link to your email address.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Green Kid Crafts Giveaway! (closed)

Have you heard of the new "kid" in town? Green Kid Crafts just started sending out their monthly craft kits! Imagine having a craft kit come to your mailbox just for your little one three times a month. You don't have to come up with the idea or go to the store, all that work is done for you! You get to sit down and enjoy doing the craft with your kid! I know my son LOVES getting stuff in the mail. Then on top of that something cool to do? Let's not forget it helps you out by entertaining your kids for awhile, bonus! Visit their site to learn more about the prices and what they offer. http://www.greenkidcrafts.com/
Penny, co-founder of GKC, dropped some kits off at my house to give away and one for us to try! To the left is a picture of my son getting ready to open it, he is already excited!
It came with lots of fun stuff to add to the scrapbook, the only thing I needed to bust out was glue, scissors and pictures! Kaden wanted to do his visit to the zoo, cause he is ALL about animals, especially big cats.
It was funny cause I had to step back and allow Kaden to create. I wanted to jump in and tell him where to place things. " I can do it!" Yes, yes you can Kaden. I was excited too! In fact it made me want to break out my scrapbook! He wasn't really interested in all the fun stuff to add, he just wanted the paper and pics. The add ons were so simple but eye catching. Kaden wasn't bombarded by scrapbook add ons like at the store. Simple, sometimes I need that in my life.
It was a great time for him to work on his motor skills without even knowing it. Gluing and cutting, and he wasn't even in preschool!! See parents, sooo easy! And YOU don't even have to be crafty! Your kids do most of the work! Now if only he could pick up after himself without being told five times.
He was so proud of his scrapbook. He asked me to write a title on it and then he showed it to grandma and daddy. We had to keep it up because little sister wanted it. He would close it up then look at it. He kept on doing this, it was so fun to watch.
Be sure to "like" Green Kid Crafts on Facebook to get ideas of crafts to do at home with supplies you probably already have! This would be a great birthday gift idea for a little one! Green Kid Crafts sends to the lower 48 as well!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
What's cookin momma?
Some nights I can't even THINK of what to make for dinner. More then not its Brinner (breakfast and dinner). But I have found a new fav to whip and the kids really enjoy it so I thought I would share, Halibut Olympia and Parmesan Asparagus. I can not take the credit for coming up with these yummy recipes. Halibut Olympia is from Best of the Best from Alaska from Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley. Parmesan Asparagus is from Barefoot Contessa Family Style by Ina Garten. The Alaska book is GREAT for all that moose, halibut, and salmon in your freezer!
Halibut Olympia
2 lbs Halibut fillets 1 c mayo
1 c sour cream 3/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
(just to let you know I don't even measure this! I just throw it in. the recipe also calls for green onions, but I don't care for them)
Pat haibut fillets dry and place in baking dish. Mix all ingredients and spread on top of halibut. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-20 mins or until easily flakes. SOOOO yummy!
Parmesan Asparagus
2 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus 1/4 black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
(this is another recipe that I no longer measure, just throw it all together)
Lay asparagus in a single layer on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cheese. Roast for 15-20 mins at 400 degrees. My kids LOVE these. I didn't like asparagus before these and we eat them once a week!!!
Best thing is they can both cook together and dinner is ready fast! Fast and healthy is great, especially for kids who are hungry and driving you crazy! =)
Happy eating!!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Denali Parent Coaching
What a great time to talk about Denali Parent Coaching! Alice, from DPC, is offering a 6 week workshop called "Parenting With Purpose; Calm, Consistent, Connected-the ScreamFree Way." It will be held on Wednesday evening beginning in March at O'Malley Elementary. You can contact her at 907-868-6933 or denaliparentcoaching.@gmail.com
What is "parent coaching" you ask? Well I interviewed Alice to tell us what it involves, read on!
Please tell us a little about yourself and your qualifications.
I've lived in AK for 27 years, am married and have daughters aged 17 and 20. I grew up in Seattle, went east to Tufts University for a bachelors degree in Child Study, and have worked with and for families ever since. I have always had a passion for caring for young children-as a teen I split my weekend nights between social and babysitting--and often chose babysitting over social! For 30 years I've worked to support families as a caregiver, a parent educator, a preschool teacher; I co-ran an infant/toddler center and eventually had my own babies and became a home mom--my initial dream in life:-) As my daughters grew, I began volunteering in Providence's Center for Child Development as a mentor for other caregivers, and 4 years ago discovered the Parent Coaching Institutes graduate level year long certification program (partnered with Seattle Pacific University). Everything about it spoke to my heart and soul, and I jumped on board. What a transformational year for me--feeling so right and energized about what I was learning and doing; being connected with many other like-minded professionals; growing from within. My business, Denali Parent Coaching, has been up and running since June of 2008. Getting the resource of Parent Coaching out to the world has been a mission for all of us PCI Certified Parent Coaches. And it seems to be working! For the past three years I've grown as a marketer, presenter, workshop facilitator, and parent coach. I am grateful for the opportunity to work along side parents as they "reach new heights in their parenting."
What is parent coaching? Parent Coaching is a collaborative relationship that supports parents through the challenges of parenting. I speak only for PCI Certified Parent Coaches--and by hiring one a parent knows they are getting a highly trained professional. Through teamwork parent and coach discover the strengths in a family, what is working, and develop and implement strategies that address their specific needs. The result of the coaching relationship is positive, lasting change, greater satisfaction as a parent, and healthy, more positive relationships within the family. Ultimately a parent will feel calmer, more connected and consistent with their children
How do I know that I need parent coaching? A parent can benefit from coaching when they are actively seeking help; when they feel overwhelmed, frustrated, confused; are wanting change and are having difficulty creating it. Often this is a parent who has gotten advice from multiple sources, yet nothing seems to work for long.
Usually a parent needs only to call and talk with me to discover if coaching is the right fit for them. I do offer a 30 minute complimentary call above and beyond an initial conversation
What does your service include and what are the prices?
My services include:
-individual/couples coaching via phone (though with some exception can be done in person)
-group coaching with small groups of parents with similar issues
-6 session workshop based on ScreamFree Parenting by Hal Runkel
-presentations
For individual/couples coaching I charge $80 per hour long session, which includes an extensive email follow-up and unlimited email contact between sessions. Most coaching relationships last 6-12 sessions (weekly initially, every 2-3 weeks near end).
For my 6 session workshop I charge $150.00/person, and that includes the book and workbook.
Presentations typically run $100-$150/hour depending on needs, situation, etc. This is an area that is still unfamiliar to me, so I'm basing the fees off of colleagues of mine.
Group coaching can be done in a number of ways--currently a preschool is paying me $200 for 4 hour long "Parent Shares" which really are group coaching without the email follow-up. For a small group of parents with similar issues wanting multiple sessions, I would charge less per person then with the individual/couples coaching. The amount would be based on the number of participants--a group of 4 could expect to perhaps pay $20/person per session, for instance.
Another benefit to hiring a PCI Certified Parent Coach® is because coaching is typically done over the telephone, a parent can hire one from anywhere in the states. Many of us have niches, such as, but not limited to:
-infant/toddler ages; school aged; teens; young adult
-special needs
-ADHD and other learning challenges
-step families, single parents
I am considered a 'generalist' for I enjoy working with parents of any age child and a myriad of challenges. If I am the wrong fit for a client, I can easily connect them to other colleagues.
Thank you Alice for your time! Be sure to "like" her on Facebook for tips and articles. Be sure to check out her website for more information and to contact- Denali Parent Coaching.
What is "parent coaching" you ask? Well I interviewed Alice to tell us what it involves, read on!
Please tell us a little about yourself and your qualifications.
I've lived in AK for 27 years, am married and have daughters aged 17 and 20. I grew up in Seattle, went east to Tufts University for a bachelors degree in Child Study, and have worked with and for families ever since. I have always had a passion for caring for young children-as a teen I split my weekend nights between social and babysitting--and often chose babysitting over social! For 30 years I've worked to support families as a caregiver, a parent educator, a preschool teacher; I co-ran an infant/toddler center and eventually had my own babies and became a home mom--my initial dream in life:-) As my daughters grew, I began volunteering in Providence's Center for Child Development as a mentor for other caregivers, and 4 years ago discovered the Parent Coaching Institutes graduate level year long certification program (partnered with Seattle Pacific University). Everything about it spoke to my heart and soul, and I jumped on board. What a transformational year for me--feeling so right and energized about what I was learning and doing; being connected with many other like-minded professionals; growing from within. My business, Denali Parent Coaching, has been up and running since June of 2008. Getting the resource of Parent Coaching out to the world has been a mission for all of us PCI Certified Parent Coaches. And it seems to be working! For the past three years I've grown as a marketer, presenter, workshop facilitator, and parent coach. I am grateful for the opportunity to work along side parents as they "reach new heights in their parenting."
What is parent coaching? Parent Coaching is a collaborative relationship that supports parents through the challenges of parenting. I speak only for PCI Certified Parent Coaches--and by hiring one a parent knows they are getting a highly trained professional. Through teamwork parent and coach discover the strengths in a family, what is working, and develop and implement strategies that address their specific needs. The result of the coaching relationship is positive, lasting change, greater satisfaction as a parent, and healthy, more positive relationships within the family. Ultimately a parent will feel calmer, more connected and consistent with their children
How do I know that I need parent coaching? A parent can benefit from coaching when they are actively seeking help; when they feel overwhelmed, frustrated, confused; are wanting change and are having difficulty creating it. Often this is a parent who has gotten advice from multiple sources, yet nothing seems to work for long.
Usually a parent needs only to call and talk with me to discover if coaching is the right fit for them. I do offer a 30 minute complimentary call above and beyond an initial conversation
What does your service include and what are the prices?
My services include:
-individual/couples coaching via phone (though with some exception can be done in person)
-group coaching with small groups of parents with similar issues
-6 session workshop based on ScreamFree Parenting by Hal Runkel
-presentations
For individual/couples coaching I charge $80 per hour long session, which includes an extensive email follow-up and unlimited email contact between sessions. Most coaching relationships last 6-12 sessions (weekly initially, every 2-3 weeks near end).
For my 6 session workshop I charge $150.00/person, and that includes the book and workbook.
Presentations typically run $100-$150/hour depending on needs, situation, etc. This is an area that is still unfamiliar to me, so I'm basing the fees off of colleagues of mine.
Group coaching can be done in a number of ways--currently a preschool is paying me $200 for 4 hour long "Parent Shares" which really are group coaching without the email follow-up. For a small group of parents with similar issues wanting multiple sessions, I would charge less per person then with the individual/couples coaching. The amount would be based on the number of participants--a group of 4 could expect to perhaps pay $20/person per session, for instance.
Another benefit to hiring a PCI Certified Parent Coach® is because coaching is typically done over the telephone, a parent can hire one from anywhere in the states. Many of us have niches, such as, but not limited to:
-infant/toddler ages; school aged; teens; young adult
-special needs
-ADHD and other learning challenges
-step families, single parents
I am considered a 'generalist' for I enjoy working with parents of any age child and a myriad of challenges. If I am the wrong fit for a client, I can easily connect them to other colleagues.
Thank you Alice for your time! Be sure to "like" her on Facebook for tips and articles. Be sure to check out her website for more information and to contact- Denali Parent Coaching.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Pine Cone Gnome Giveaway!! (closed)
These dolls are sooo adorable, aren't they!? Shannon over at The Pine Cone Gnome hand makes them! I came across them one day and grabbed one for my daughter for Christmas! She loves gnawing on it. Shannon is giving away one of these cute teether's to a lucky reader! First let's learn about Shannon!
Please tell us a little bit about you and why you started your business.
One day, when I was about seven years old, a family from the Netherlands came to visit us. I remember the little boy and girl hugging onto two beautiful cloth dolls that were dressed in perfectly knitted outfits done made from a Nordic pattern. I can still see those two dolls in my mind to this day! It took twenty-two years before I learned those dolls were called "Waldorf" or "Steiner" dolls, and better yet, I could learn how to make them!
I grew up sharing my childhood years between the great bush of Alaska and the beaches of Hawaii. My parent’s homesteaded land on a small private island located within the Lake Clark National Park in Alaska.
After a lot of hard work, they started a summer fishing lodge that brought wonderful guests from all over the world into our home. I was constantly surrounded by wilderness and amazing plants animals and couldn't have imagined a better way to live.
Spending most of my summer days barefoot, running on the slate rocks that covered the beaches and swimming in the glacier fed lake. I was quickly given the nick name "leather-foot" because of how tough my feet became.
I had a few friends that would visit me, but only when they flew out in float planes. They would often stay with us for a week or two at a time.
My mother home schooled my brother and me until I was in the fourth grade. She had promised my brother that he could go to a traditional school starting in the Ninth grade at which point we moved to Hawaii. I started attending a wonderful Montessori School there and that was just what I needed for a very gentle transition from my home school life.
I grew up sharing my childhood years between the great bush of Alaska and the beaches of Hawaii. My parent’s homesteaded land on a small private island located within the Lake Clark National Park in Alaska.
After a lot of hard work, they started a summer fishing lodge that brought wonderful guests from all over the world into our home. I was constantly surrounded by wilderness and amazing plants animals and couldn't have imagined a better way to live.
Spending most of my summer days barefoot, running on the slate rocks that covered the beaches and swimming in the glacier fed lake. I was quickly given the nick name "leather-foot" because of how tough my feet became.
I had a few friends that would visit me, but only when they flew out in float planes. They would often stay with us for a week or two at a time.
My mother home schooled my brother and me until I was in the fourth grade. She had promised my brother that he could go to a traditional school starting in the Ninth grade at which point we moved to Hawaii. I started attending a wonderful Montessori School there and that was just what I needed for a very gentle transition from my home school life.
Hawaii fed me a whole new type of nature. Although at first glance it seemed completely different to me. I still had amazing plants and animals that surrounded me and I still choose to leave my shoes at home, but the water was a whole lot warmer!
I moved back to Alaska in 1996 where I currently live with my husband and two wonderful boys. All of them have been very supportive of my creative outlets and give me continued inspiration for my work.
I hope to be able to continue making dolls and toys for a long, long time and hope to never stop learning new techniques so that I can keep growing with this loving craft.
I moved back to Alaska in 1996 where I currently live with my husband and two wonderful boys. All of them have been very supportive of my creative outlets and give me continued inspiration for my work.
I hope to be able to continue making dolls and toys for a long, long time and hope to never stop learning new techniques so that I can keep growing with this loving craft.
Where can I purchase these dolls?
You can find my shop through http://www.pineconegnome.com/ or directly at http://www.etsy.com/shop/thepineconegnome.
What do you love about Alaska?
Alaska is more than just a place to live for me, it truly is a part of who I am and no matter how long I live here I will never take for granted how blessed my family and I are to be able to wake up each morning in such a beautiful state. I love the diverse terrain Alaska offers us; from the beaches to the mountains and from tundra to the rain forests of S.E., each holding within natural miracles both large and small. It was a wonderful place to be brought up as a child and now I am enjoying being able to see Alaska through my own children’s eyes!
Thanks Shannon!!!
Now onto the giveaway, wahoo!!! I will pick a winner randomly on SUNDAY night. Here are the rules, please follow them!
1. You must live in Alaska.
2. You must be a follower of the blog. Your profile should link up to a page to contact you or leave your email address.
3. Please one entry per follower, if you have to make another one, delete the previous comment.
4. Anonymous comments will NOT be counted!
Good luck!!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
krazykidlets Hat Giveaway (closed)
Winter is a great season for cute hats! I'm excited to introduce our next giveaway, a krazykidlets handmade hat! Have you seen her work?! SO CUTE!!!! You want one? I know you do! Let's get to know her first!
Micehele, please tell us a little about yourself and why you started this business.
I am a SAHM to four amazing kidlets and I am lucky enough to be married to my high school sweetheart. I was raised in Eagle River but settled here in Palmer a few years ago. I started my business shortly after the birth of my last baby. I am a babywearing mama but could not find the perfect pocket sling to fit my over sized babies.... so I took all my needs and voila... came up with the sling that was perfect for us. A friend opened Sugar and Spice Ecotique in Anchorage and asked to carry my slings. That worked well... so I dropped off a few hats to test the market... and they flew off the shelves. After about 1.5 years, the store closed its doors so she could be a SAHM to her babies. I then moved my items to another store and added some clothing. That was working so well that I decided to open a facebook page so that I could interact with my customers. I got a lot of response and a lot of encouragement to go further.... so, last summer, once a month, I had a booth at the Palmer Friday Fling. I also did a few craft shows in Anchorage and the Valley over the Holidays. I love doing the craft fairs... I love seeing sweet little heads with a krazykidlets hat on it in random places... I love seeing pictures of kids in the clothing that I have made. Business has been so busy, that I have been able to stop selling via boutique and focus solely on my artfire studio, facebook and the craft fairs that I love.
Where can I get these hats?
My hats and clothing can always be found in my artfire studio or my facebook page. I list which craft fairs I will be at with times and places on my facebook page.What do you love about Alaska?
I love the summers. Where else can I drag my sewing machine outside and spend 14 hours sewing and listening to my kidlets squeal in delight while they just be kids. Now that my babies are getting older, we are rediscovering camping, kayaking and fishing... I am very much looking forward to this summer and all the fun we will have in it.
Thanks Michele! Be sure to visit her facebook page and look at all those cute hats! Michele was so kind enough to give a hat of choice from her inventory to one lucky reader!
Here are the rules:
1. You have to be a follower of the blog and live in Alaska. Please be sure I have a way to contact you!
2. Visit krazykidlets page and tell me your fav hat and who it would go to!
3. You can only enter once.
I will pick a lucky winner Sunday night! Good luck!!
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