Not Your Run of the Mill Diapper Bag

Headed out to yoga the other day with my ole yoga bag in tote. Parking in San Francisco is usually a tough one unless you were driving a MINI. Walked a few blocks to get to my 8 pm class. Okay, so I was running. Lets just say I was shy of 8. One could say I was building up my cardio before class. Hey, that's a good story to stick to. Really, it had nothing to do with my internal debate on whether I should go to yoga class or stay home and watch the pairs figure skating Winter Olympic event. Got to class, quickly took off my layers, and into my yoga wear. Quick check in the full length mirror before going in. Ugh... whats that on my shoulder? Looks like someone was using my shoulder as terrain for Thomas the Train. Realized it was my ole yoga bag that weighed about 7 pounds. Ya, ya, ya...seven pounds may be minimal to some. Tugging, shifting and repositioning as one walks up the hills of San Francisco, the bag now weighs twice as much!

During the 6 minute meditation in a full lotus pose, toward the end of class, it dawned on me that I should switch my yoga bag to a Go Gaga Bag. The oh so friendly to my shoulder, Urban Shoulder Strap, design spreads the weight over your shoulder and back.

The next day I transferred my yoga wear, yoga block, wallet, cell phone, keys, i-pod into the internal pockets and slipped my glass water bottle into the insulated bottle pocket on the outside of the bag. Attached my mat. I was set to tackle them Hills.

I can not tell you enough how happy my shoulders felt. OMG, if you haven't seen or tried the bag, I suggest you do. You will be a convert and a lover of the Urban Shoulder Strap. Best thing is that for each strap you purchase, 5% of sales will be donated to the Mountain Fund. The fund goes to the porters of the Himalayan community to help provide medical clinics and schools.

The bag was designed initially for the "on the go mom." I don't have a young child, but I do have a young rescued dog. Hiking in Mt. Tam with my pup, I filled my Go GaGa bag with a collapsible dog bowl, bags of treats for me and Sophie, two bottles of water, picnic blanket, flash light, bug spray, emergency kit and a light sweater. I probably put more than that. It will be noted on a future blog of "how to pack for a hike with your pup." Despite my calves feeling sore, my neck and shoulders felt great after the hike.

I haven't tried my lap top in it yet, nor have I used it for a weekend trip or packed it with Starfield Bay products and materials. I'm sure the Urban Shoulder Strap will come through for me again.

Thanks Jill Cartwright, CEO/Founder for Go Gaga Bags, for coming up with a great and useful idea.

Inspirations are Where You Least Expect It

Children Drawings have found its way on white walls and refrigerator doors in many many homes around the world. They mark a sense of adoration or achievement for the little one's creativity.

In our savvy world, drawings have been displayed in virtual children museums such as Children's Museum of The Arts, Artsonia and the Stone Soup Museum of Children's Art. What a neat way to boost creativity and confidence.

This week I had the joy of duplicating one such piece into a wearable art charm. It seemed like a simple sketch at first, but I under estimated this masterpiece. The drawing had intention. With each line, there was meaning, depth and a unique perception. The drawing expressed love, affection and a special bond only known by its creator. As I carved into the clay, I thought how great this drawing would be printed on canvas, seen as a postcard, note card or even a Valentine's Day card! The project took a lot longer than I anticipated. I'm glad I took the time to create this piece. By the time the piece came out of the kiln I was so excited to see what the finished product looked like. Even in its unpolished form it captured every happy thought I had while I was making it. Oh, this was so much fun and what an inspiration.

These masterpieces hold a sentiment only known by the receiver. You know what I mean, "the warm fuzzies."

starfield bay art charms

More to Be Said About Valentine's Day

There's something more to be said about that one day designated to share one's affection for another. For most, the sweet term of endearment is said without reservation and given unconditionally. Along side this comes cards, chocolates, teddy bears, roses and jewelry. These acts of courtship have been ritualized as far back as the early 1880's. Modern day Valentine's have expanded to e-mail cards, love coupons, mixed CD of love songs, chocolate massages, lingerie and personalized jewelry.

Not only has this ritual of celebrating lovers favored the United States, it has made its mark in Europe, Asia, Mexico, Central and South America. In France it is known as "Saint Valentin;" in Portugal, "Dias dos Namoradods"(Boy/Girlfriend Day); in Finland, "All Friends Day;" in Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, "Dia del Amor y la Amistad"(Day of Love and Friendship); and in the Philippines, "Araw ng mga Puso"(all hearts day).

For fun Valentine's Day is also known as "Single Awareness Day." Why not celebrate the awesome you!

Valentine's day yields much more than courtship. It is an expression of appreciation and celebration of those that inspire us. So why not make everyday Valentine's Day? I say yes to to inspiration!

Do You Hear the Wolves Howling?

The January 29, 2010 moon is known as the "Wolf Moon." Being said to be the biggest and brightest for the year. There's no wonder everyone is howling about Starfield Bay. Since we delighted and inspired celebrities at the Pre-Golden Globe Baby Gifting Suite two weeks ago, we've gotten a basketful of raving fans. Thank you The Go to Mom, and Splash Magazine for giving us great reviews.

Its always comforting to hear and see the reactions from attendees: Mayim says "oh how adorable," Chandie says "I want this, Joey-Joey are you looking" and Nancy exclaims "can we take the print now?"



The best reaction we got was this look. We wish we had a video camera, because it was so endearing. Well it's a little hard to describe but I'll try. It's like that look when you see something you can relate to, it kinda gives you that warm fuzzy feeling all over...as you stare at it, the people around you disappear, the noise level comes to a hum and you are immediately flooded with precious memories. You then come back from the depth of your thoughts, and you realize It's just you and the Starfield Bay fingerprint charm.

So here starts the beginning of our blog. You'll find grammatical mistakes, funny stories shared, charms in the making, D.I.Y. projects, and topics that continue to inspire our creativity.

The wolves are howling...join in with the buzz. Stay tuned for our next adventure.