Buffalo Green Code Meetings this week!

Now is the time to get involved! We have been talking for months about the City of Buffalo's overhaul of the current zoning code. The public participation meetings are happening this week!

You can attend any of the three meetings - doesn't matter where you live - just go to the one that fits best with your schedule.

HKHC has prepared a flyer that helps to explain a bit about the Green Code process. Click here and you can download the flyer!

EtsyKids Team Christmas In July Sale



Harvest Moon by Hand is a member of the EtsyKids team, and
is participating in its annual 
EtsyKids Team Christmas In July Sale!

 There are two ways to visit the team shops: 

1. Use the links below to visit each shop.
(A link to Harvest Moon by Hand's shop and the discount code is below.)

2. Go to http://www.etsy.com and in the search box use EK christmasinjuly or EK CIJ
to view some of the many items available for sale.

Please enjoy and take advantage of these great sale, deals, and steals!

Hurry the team sale is from July 14th - 31st!

Here is a list of participating shops that are having a sale:

2 Sprouts Stitchery

Stitched Stuff for Families to use and love everyday!
Sewing for babies, kids, and moms. 10% off entire store with coupon code: christmasinjuly

AliBeanBaby
Infant through size 8 little girl's clothing and nursing covers
10% off  all items except already discounted items in my sample/discounted section   coupon code is CIJ10

Alittlerosiebowtique
Hairbows, headbands, hair clips,pony tail holders, etc.
Offering 25% off entire purchase. using coupon code CIJ25

Auntie Robin 
Clothing for little girls and quilts for babies and toddlers.
All in-stock items will be included in sale at 15% off with coupon code JULY15.


Aunty Ann Designs  
Wild, Fun and Unique Sock Monkeys.
Bonus will be "free" name embroidery with sock monkey or blankey purchase.  Be sure to put EKBONUS in comments at checkout with the name. Plus a special 10% discount when using the code EKSAVE10 at checkout on all purchases.
 
Ava Bowtique  
I sell all kinds of hair accessories.
All items will be 10% off.
 
babe-a-gogo    
Christmas themed lounge pants on sale.
The lounge pants will have free shipping.
 
BabyChicCreations 
Custom-made clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers.
Offering free shipping on select items and 15% all car cozies and crayon rolls
 
Baresockcrafts  
I sell baby and kids toys and christmas ornaments.
I will offer 15% entire store coupon code Christmas10.

Bebbyjumpers 
I sell quality handknits for babies and children.
10% discount off the purchase price coupon code is ~ xmasjuly2011
 
berchtasbelly1  
30% off sale on anything red in my shop.
 
Bethanys5  
Photo prop crochet hats. 
All holiday items 20% off.
 
Bibs Blankets and More  
Bibs, receiving blankets, baby gift baskets, nursing pillow covers. 
Promo: Free Shipping
 
BillieTK  
I sell fine art and art prints for children's rooms and the young at heart.
Use code FREESHIP for free shipping (domestically) on anything in the shop.
 
BirdsongBows  
Accessories and patterns. 
15% off storewide.
 
Bison Girl  
Bison Booties (soft-sole infant/baby/toddler booties made with designer cotton fabrics). 
15% off all Bison Booties with code "SUMMER15.
 
Blush and Bashful Studio  
Crochet designs for all ages.
Free Shipping Promo.
 
blushprintables  
I design photo cards and invitations for birthdays, parties, and events.
15% off all photo cards.
 
Brandisbowboutique  
Bows, clips, hats, botties and other crocheted items. 
25% off your entire order.
 
BronStar Originals  
Growth Charts, Art Prints, Bow Holders. 
Free Shipping(Excluding Stretched Canvas).
 
BurpieBundles 
BOGO Half Off Wristlet Key Fobs.
Coupon Code is BOGOFOB... Users are also required to ""Like"" my Facebook Page.

Chew Chew's Closet
Children's clothing and accessories.
15% off your total order excluding shipping Coupon code: ChristmasinJuly.

Childishthoughts 
Childrens toys, example: crayon rolls, tool belts, car rolls, crayon aprons and some fun dressin up dresses. My sale will be 20% entire purchase.

ChipperCuteGirl
Elementary school memory books for mothers and daughters.
20% off storewide using code "EtsyKids20".

christinamcdaniel
I am going to have lots of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas shirts listed and all will be buy one get one half off!

CollieOllieDesigns 
I sell children's clothing -- skirts, dresses, onesies, t-shirts, and more
offering 25% off your entire order.

crocheting4baby {aka Tutus & Tea Parties} 
Crochet beanies and blankets, handpainted baby bodysuits, and tutus.
All will be included in the sale Free Shipping.

Cuckooboo 
Hair accessories for kids, pacifier clips for babies, badge clips and stethoscope tags for adults.
15% off everything.

CupcakeDream 
Photo Birthday Invitations and Party Supplies.
15% off all birthday invitations with code: JULYSAVE.

cutieflair 
Cute items you'll find in my shop: cloth dolls, cloth baby dolls, headbands, aprons, print artwork,original nursery paintings.
50% in most of my handmade items with tag: EK Christmasinjuly Free shipping in most of my items with tag: EK Christmasinjuly.

CutiesTieDyeBoutique 
Custom Party Invitations and Decorations, Personalized TShirts.
15% off of Entire Purchase - Use Coupon Code ETSYKIDSROCK.

DaniJoDesigns 
I make felt sets, felt boards to go, felt animal masks and felt books.
15% off entire purchase excluding felt books. coupon codechristmasinjuly15.

Dapple Gray Designs 
Clothes that are cute & comfortable for little boys and sweet & sassy for little girls! - dresses, shirts, skirts. 40% off entire purchase (excluding shipping) - Code CIJ40.

Darcey Lane Designs 
Sassy Ruffle Fancy Pants (Bloomers), pillowcase dress. Christmas outfits, birthday outfits.
15% off.

Denise Jacobson- Momma Fix 
Little girl dresses sizes 6 months-9 years.
My sale will be 40% off entire stock of dresses.

Dinos In Space 
One of a kind felt applique wall pieces for kids of all ages.
I am going to be having a 20% off sale of everything in the shop, plus I slashed the shipping charges!

Dragonfly Bowtique 
Hair Accessories.
30% off using code christmasinjuly Spend and receive a free item (buyer does not choose this item).

Fairy Godmother for Hire 
Selling children's dress up costumes.
Free shipping to the US coupon code SandyClaws.

felted kitten 
Felt crowns
All items in my shop will be 10% - 50% off.

goldenneedlecreation 
I sell natural, Waldorf inspired toys, dolls and pretty treasures for children of all ages!
I will offer free shipping coupon code XMASINJULY1.
All items in my shop will be included in the Christmas in July special.

GrannyZann 
Children's Clothing, Accessories, Granny's Little Blessing Dolls.
Entire shop will be on sale Free Shipping US. Discounted shipping Everywhere Else. use code FREESHIP.

Harvest Moon by Hand 
Origami window stars/suncatchers, hand-embroidered/all-natural toys for children; needlefelted toys made from all-natural sheep wool; PDF patterns, children's accessories, and crafting supplies.

Everything is for sale in the shop! Use code EKCIJ10 to get 10% off everything in the shop (products only; not on shipping).

himama 
Changing pad covers, fun pillow cases, and coffee clutches.
Free shipping as my promo with the purchase code of 711ChristmasinJuly.

jencdesigns 
I sell custom, handmade art, clothing for children, and drawings.
20% off anything plus a free surprise gift with each purchase.

jjkgirlythings 
Baby, girls some teen and adult hair accessories.
Offering 30% off discount on entire order.

Kidz Wiz Padz 
Waterproof Carseat Padz-Great for potty training on-the-go!
Buy one, Get one 1/2 off coupon code KWPCIJ.

Kind Living Designs 
Personalized gift items.
will be on sale a % off.

Knitstyle 
Stylish Cloth Play Blocks and hand knit items.
BUY 1 MEDIUM sized cloth play block, get 1 FREE.

Kooky Critters 
Tooth fairy pillows, baby blankets, t-shirts, bed pillows and plush critters.
Use coupon code LSLSL10DIS for 10% off anything in my shop!

laniec1- Niah Bella 
Custom kids clothing and a few other tidbits.
Get free shipping all month and on all items by using coupon code FreeShip.

Lil.B.Designs 
Creative on-the-go-fun for young Picassos: art folios, crayon rolls, and Dine.n.Doodle mats.
Free Shipping (worldwide) on children's products.

lillollipop 
I sell lil ones clothes and things for baby or lil ones rooms.
FREE shipping to USA all through July and a free custom painting for your lil one.

Linda's Krafty Kreations 
I sell felt quiet books and toys and stuffed animals .
offering 15% off of any purchase before shipping.

Little Miss Iz 
Little girls Skirts and leggings - size 12 months to 6T.
15% off entire purchase, shipping not included. Code CIJ15.

Little Purple Dragonfly 
Boutique Hair Accessories and so much more!
15% off using Code: CIJSave15.

Little Sweetie Boutique 
Little girls pillowcase dresses & skirts.
10% off all items.

looploft 
Fiber arts made with repurposed + natural materials... softies, tooth fairy pillows, wall art, fiber jewelry, party decor and lots more!
10% off entire shop and free shipping on christmas stockings.

Lovely's Baby Boutique
Diaper Cakes/Cupcakes, Hair Clips, Boutique Diaper Wipe Cases.
15% off entire purchase.

Lucy Mae Designs
Boys Tie Shirts and Hair Accessories.
FREE SHIPPING on all hair accessories .

MaggieHeirlooms 
Heirloom Children's Clothing .
10% off (coupon code CHRISTMAS) on all new custom orders that are paid in full.
25% off (coupon code RTS25) on all "Ready To Ship" items.

mandag433 
Specialize in newborn - children photography props including hats and booties. I have a great red and green stocking hat, with jingle bells that is a big seller for christmas pictures!
Offering 20% off items in my shop.

Markoos Modern Design
Modern Kid's clothing and accessories.
Offering a 15% discount on all purchases with code - 711XMAS.

maxandmagnolia 
Specialize in hand dyed & stenciled baby onesies, but sell paci clips, look books, & I SPY bean bags.
FREE SHIPPING.

Michelle's Zoo 
Stuffed Animals.
20% entire purchase coupon code is CIJ20.

Monkeys 'N Munchkins 
Children's jewelry (baptism, flower girl, big sister/big brother, everyday, special occasions).
15% off entire purchase with code "july15".

My Little Angel Co. 
Diaper cakes, baby shower items, hair clips, beanie caps, and headbands.
40% off hair clips and headbands, coupon code is SANTASWEATIN.

My Little Pixies 
Creative Hair Accessories All Christmas and Holiday items will be marked.
15% off. These items will be featured in the "Christmas Preview 2011" category in my shop.

My Lovebug Baby 
Useful items for mom and baby.
Free Shipping to US & Canada with code: FREESHIP.

My True Nature 
Natural & organic kids bath products.
30% off using code "christmasinjuly".

MyArtsyBaby 
Everything! Custom children's wall art, canvas & wood growth charts, wood surfboards, wood dolls.
Use coupon code OPENJULY for 20% off everything!

Nana Brown's 
Insulated Lunch Bags, Reusable Sandwich Bags, Sun Hats, Travel Crayon Caddies, Baby Bibs, Cosmetic Bags, and more.
15% off purchase, excluding postage. Coupon code FIFTEEN.

Nikki, In Stitches 
Handmade hair accessories.
15% off storewide...coupon code JULY15.

Northwoods Toys 
Felt play food and plushies.
Free Shipping promo.

NotyBaby
Handmade children's accessories: blankets, car seat canopies, bibs, burpies, paci-bibs, changing mats, pillow shams, nursing covers & adult throws.
15% off all items during CIJ promo event  Use coupon code: JULYXMAS.

OriginaliTeeToo 
Embroidered hair bows, bottle cap hairbows, embroidered clothing and accessories.
Offering FREE SHIPPING on any order over .

PetalPetal 
Children's couture including modern, customizable birthday and flower girl outfits.
Enter SUMMERISFORLOVE for 20% off your entire order!

Pickled Beads Jewelry 
All children's jewelry.
Free Shipping (Domestic (US) Orders Only).

Pink Stripe 
We make Fun and Funky Goodies for Children and their Families. Sale items include tie shirts, birthday shirts, tulle cupcake aprons and lots of other fun goodies!!
HUGE sample sale on ready to ship items-- plus low flat rate shipping for unlimited sale items.

pippiclippis 
Felt play food, unique plushies and rattles among other kids goodies.
Free US shipping for july- JULYSHIP coupon code.

QuiltedHugsBibs
Infants/toddler quilted waterproof bibs/sets & coordinating paci clips - all bibs are individually quilted .
Use FREESHIP at checkout.

Red Baby by Redrane 
Baby and Toddler Items - Swaddling blankets, burpies, car seat blankets, some OOAK clothing.
10-35% off selected items.

Reet Momma 
Make personalized xmas stockings and each one is uniquely designed for the person.

Snuggly Monkey 
Ouchie Pouches, Toys and Accessories.
Certain items are 20-25% off - look for the "CIJ SALE" in the title (including my Snuggly Baby Dolls!); And 10% off all non-CIJ SALE items with CIJSALE coupon code.

sugarbumps creations 
Unique children's appliques, accessories, and clothing.
20% off any purchase coupon code  JULYSALE.

Sunny Brook Farm Design 
Specific items marked down with "Sale" in the title.

SweeterThanSweets 
All holiday items - hooded towels, hair clips, etc. - will be on sale.
20% off all holiday items.

Swirly Sensations
Tie dyed items (tshirts, dresses, bags..etc).
FREE SHIPPING on all READY TO SHIP items.

The Bitsy Beau
Childrens hair accessories and hand knit hats.
Entire store is 15% off with coupon code CIJ15 and a free gift with or more purchased.

The Little LOVE Bug 
Felt Play Food.
Use coupon code LOVE15BUG for 15% off your order.

The Lollipop Boutique 
Hair accessories (bows, clips, headbands etc), Baby wipe cases.

the trendy tot 
Red Snow Flake Jumper and other items are also available in the sale section.

The Trendy Tot Shop 
Tutus, tutu outfits, and flower headbands. Everything will be on sale.
10% off everything just enter coupon code christmasinjuly.

The Voodoo Kitten- Cranky Cat Studio 
Baby and toddler items including blankets, bibs, burps, clothing, hair accessories, diaper bags, and more. 20% off everything.

Trendy Tykes- TTykes 
Embroidered items for Infants, Toddlers & Moms.
I will have my Cookies & Milk Place Mat & my Princess Playwear Jacket on sale @ 20% off plus free shipping on both items.

TwoLovebugs 
Baby blankets, burp cloths etc.
Everything will be 20% off with coupon code JulyXmas.

TZ Burps 
Plush owls and birds and other gifts for children.
20% off purchase with coupon code Julyxmas.

Villa Pernilla 
A free snackbag with every order in my shop.

WalterSilva aka: Silva Ware 
Kid's Decor, Original ART, Wall Plaques, Wall Sculptures .
Everything in the Shop 15% off.

Zoe Girl Designs
Children's Clothing Boutique.
Buy 2 items and receive the 3rd item 50% off (3rd item must be of equal or less value).

Almond Meal Cookies

It is Sweet Punch time of the month again! We are celebrating our one year anniversary and we were allowed to bake any item of our choice! We have been baking pizzas, wholewheat almond cookies,  fruit crumbles, molten lava cakes and many more interesting bakes! I chose to adapt Martha Stewart recipe this month and bake this delicious almond meal cookies. They were perfect for tea time and they tasted very much like the chinese almond cookies served at restaurants after meals.

 They are so easy to put together and can also be made with fresh almonds instead of almond meal. I just had a pack of almond meal from TJ's waiting to be finished up and hence used it in this recipe.

Ingredients
Almond meal - 1 cup
Unsalted butter (at room temperature) - 1 cup
Sugar - 3/4 cup
Egg - 1
Finely grated orange zest - 1 teaspoon
All purpose flour/maida - 1 cup
Baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon
Salt - 1/4 teaspoon

Note: If using whole almonds instead of the almond meal, toast 1 cup of almonds in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 5 to 6 minutes. Allow it to cool and pulse in a food processor until finely powdered. Do not over process as it might turn into almond butter.

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer or with a whisk until it turns fluffy. Add the whole egg and the orange zest and continue beating until it turns into a smooth mixture.
• In another bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients together - the flour, almond meal, salt and baking soda.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
• Grease or line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using 1 level tablespoon per cookie, roll dough into balls. Place on prepared sheets, at least 1 inch apart. Using the floured end of a thick wooden spoon handle (or your thumb), press lightly in the center of each cookie. Place a whole almond or sliced almonds in each indentation.
• Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly; transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. 

Enjoy with tea or as a dessert!

Raising Butterflies

Sophia, Olivia, and I found four caterpillars on my parents' carrots in their vegetable garden on July 2nd. The girls were excited to see different caterpillars than the monarchs that they've raised during past summers. These caterpillars are much bigger than monarch caterpillars.

Black swallowtail caterpillar.

Notice the thin silk thread that it made.

It attaches to its body and the stick.

When we came home, I looked up on the internet the type of caterpillar and what the butterfly will look like. Found out they are the black swallowtail butterfly that like to eat plants in the carrot family.

The first butterfly had already transformed itself in two days.

Notice how it it blends in with the background.

The thin silk thread it makes prior to turning itself into a chrysallis

is on the right hand side.

Found out that the black swallowtail caterpillar will make its cocoon similar in color to its surroundings. Three of the cocoons are green and one is brown (the caterpillar chose to make a cocoon on a stick).

All of the cocoons are held in place by a very thin silk line.

Once the butterflies emerge, the pictures will be added to this post so the life cycle is shown in one place.

Around the World: The Southwest

This lunch showcases some of the traditional foods of the southwestern region of the United States, which includes Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado: Corncob Cornbread, Anasazi Beans with roasted chiles, Prickly Pear Pudding, Fried Nopales, and a Baby Squash Medley topped with sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

Just for fun I used scissors to cut corn tortillas into "cornhusk" shapes and wrapped them around the cornbread to resemble fresh ears of corn. The tortilla strips are used for scooping up bites of beans and nopales at lunch time.

One cactus is in this lunch, served two ways: First, nopales are the flat, green pads of the prickly pear cactus. When cooked they taste something like lemony green beans, with a slippery quality like okra. They're very popular at the Hispanic grocery store in my town, where I usually have to stand in line to get to them, in bags already deprickled and diced. (I cut a whole pad into a little garnish, too.) Next, the red fruit of the prickly pear cactus is made into a sweet syrup that flavors the nondairy pudding for dessert.

Link: Vegan Lunch Box Around the World.