Monster Playground Pants are in!

Hi,  Friends!  I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to our new supplier of super comfy and cute pants for babies and toddlers............Monster Playground.

The pants are perfect for so many reasons.  They have elastic waistbands to keep babies comfy.

They also come in an array of fabric colors and weights for different seasons.

(.....Or,  like this summer in Berkshire County with it's drastic change in temperature from one day to the next!) 

They run from a size 6 months to a 2T.  Prices range from $8-$10, so they are very affordable. 

I am thrilled that to have Angela Burro join forces with Jam 'N Jellybeans and offer her creations to you all.

Angela is a talented artist who also has her own Etsy shop, called Monster Playground.

Take a look at some of her art!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Jam on!

Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet,
Mama Nic

Let's get this Mother Truckin'

Do you like what Jam 'N Jellybeans is all about and would like help fund the next creative project? 

Mama Nic has a business plan set to go, along with the drive, determination, education, and experience but needs your help with the start-ups costs.  Investing in a project like this will do more that help out one Mama and her family get a sustainable, vital business off the ground, but will help her to support her family and give back to the community and world around her.  Donating to get her started will in turn help the community, spread awareness about green and eco-friendly practices, support handmade vendors, and make her dream of taking Jam 'N Jellybeans to the streets!  How you ask?  Read on.....

I am sure you have heard of the success stories happening right now across the nation, or seen for yourself the food truck business that has really caught on as a practical and fun way to do business?  Well, Mama Nic has decided that this idea is very applicable to a retail shop or service business and it is her goal to turn an old Box Van (or vehicle of the like) into her own traveling retail boutique! 

 Jam 'N Jellybeans on wheels will be able to go directly to her customers instead of waiting for them to find her.  She will get to attend concerts, festivals, events, fairs, and markets anywhere she sees fit.  She will also be able to offer her truck to be booked for private parties taking the home party to a whole new level!  Not to mention how fun it would be for you and your friends to have a truck full of groovy things come right to your house.  

Being a mother of three,  she needs the flexibility that a business model like this has to offer.   It is also her dream to live by the coast and it just seems organic to start a business she can pour her heart and soul into and then be able to have it move with her when her family is ready.  

She also plans to do events to help her local community and charities with some unique fundraising events that would only be possible in having a traveling boutique. 

If you have any questions for Mama Nic or have an idea or suggestion, please email her at mysweetmarmalade@yahoo.com.

What will be sold on this truckin' retail unit, you ask?

• handmade items
• fair trade/sustainable wares
• vintage finds
• gently used, hand-selected clothes and accessories
• funky accessories
• Phish inspired goods
• Grateful Dead gear
• essential items for your beach life
• wanderlust treasures

If you would like to donate to help get this Mother truckin', please click HERE and follow the link to the "Donate Button" through Paypal.  


I can't thank you all enough to following me, for your support, your orders, emails, and loads of love.  Because of you, I believe in this dream!

Jam on!


Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet,
Mama Nic

Simply Be

Do you ever feel like you are drowning in stuff ?

I feel like way too much of my everyday is spent cleaning up stuff.  Washing stuff.  Tripping over stuff.  Sweeping up stuff, washing stuff again.  The cycle repeats everyday and although I do find comfort in some routine, I can also see clearly now what is not necessary to make a happy life.  I feel like all this stuff is controlling my life, sucking up my time, and stealing away precious moments of the day.

I want to spend my moments with people and in the great outdoors.  I no longer wish to be a slave to my stuff and the notion that bigger is better.  

I have been thinking a lot about simplifying in the last couple of years.  How I live, what we eat, what I need to buy versus what I can make.  With three children and all the stuff that comes with that, our house got pretty cluttered, pretty fast.  It's time to stop just thinking and start the doing. 

I have taken a mental and physical inventory and really fell at this point in my life I know what I want and what I don't.  Taking an inventory like this I warn you all, takes bravery.  Courage to really listen to your own heart and hear what answers are.  Courage to be alright that what you think and feel even if it doesn't prove to be popular or conventional.  I was never one for convention anyways, but that is besides the point.

I think our culture has brought up this generation to feel like the more stuff they have, the more successful they are.  The bigger the house the happier you will be.  I too have fallen victim to that thinking and it was leading me somewhere that happiness would never be found.

I decided to figure out what makes me happy and what kind of impact on the world I am going to have in my lifetime.  What examples am I setting for the three little souls I am raising?

It took a few years.....yes, years people of thought and research to figure out exactly where I think I would be happy to live.  This choice is so different for everyone and I can't warn you enough that you should keep an open mind.  Don't limit yourself at all.  Think, ponder, research, travel, travel some more and when you find that place.....that place that you want to call home, don't be afraid to make it happen. 

I found my happy place and am in the works to make it all happen.  It takes time, planning, and careful consideration.

Dear Future Home,

I know this list is very  long and specific, but keep in mind that I am worth it.  The earth is worth it.  My kids are worth it.  Our health is worth it.  Happiness is worth it.

You will need to be a manageable space for my husband and I, energy-efficient, strong, uncluttered, full of sunlight, eco-friendly, affordable, sustainable, hurricane-proof, and by the coast.  

I want to spend more time outside so you must have a pool or water very close by.  I would like a yard big enough for the kids to run around and to grow a little garden.  I don't need to own acres and acres.  I just need you to be adequate for my needs.  

I want to work on relationships and have more quality time with family and less time taking care of you.  

Warmest wishes,
Mama Nic

I invite you all to follow me on this journey towards a simpler, intention, purposeful life.  I am falling love with the idea of less.  Less stuff and less stress and less money worries.  I am breaking free of your dream and am working towards mine!

 If you are interested in this topic and wish to follow me on Pinterest you can do so here.

All those people living in tiny houses are really on to something!  Let's just see where this takes me and I will share with you my process. 

Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet,
Mama Nic

For Rex

Death has a funny way of reminding you to live.

Hard swallow. Quivering breathe.  Tears slowly stream down flush pink cheeks.  Another big exhale.

I am sure everyone reading this can relate to this feeling at one point or another.

The feeling of loss.....greif...... regret......guilt......sadness.  That hole in your heart you get when you find out that someone you know has passed on.

I lost a friend tonight.

Technically, you could say that I  lost him awhile ago I guess, but I just found out tonight that he is really gone.  He has passed away.  He died suddenly eight years ago and I didn't know until tonight.   How did I not know?  So many questions are running through my mind.  Eight years is a long time.  How did I not know?  Would it have felt any different knowing right when it happened.......I don't think so.  I think the ache in your heart is the same and time has no boundaries in matters like this.  The fact that it has been so long and I have not known, I think makes it feel worse.

This friend of mine was a great guy.  He was a great cook.  He was the most polite man I have every met.  He had Southern charm, for sure!  He was sweet.  He was moody.  Funny!!!  He was so much more than I can give him justice for in a few short words.  He loved to be by the ocean and as it turns out.....at the ocean's side is where he took his last breath.

An angel came to me in a dream I had this week.  The angel was you,  Rex.  You gave me clue after clue and when I was finally brave enough to tune in and hear you, I  did a little a little digging and found out why you where reaching out to me.   I discovered your passing.  As awful as I feel right now, thanks for finally leading me back to you.  I am sorry we can't meet again in this world but remember....we always will have San Fransisco and if I am lucky enough, we will meet again.

In your honor I will remember to go for the gusto in life, dream big, and be grateful for every moment.

All my love
Mama Nic aka Greedy ;)

Welcome, Everyone!

Hey friends!  How are you all?  It's been a while since I have stepped into blogland, but it's nice to say that I am back! 

Welcome to my new blog for Jam 'N Jellybeans!  I hope you will be an active participate in this little blog and it brings ideas, inspiration,  or just a groovy dose of happiness to all who read it.

Smile......you know you want to! 

Please comment, write me, and visit often.  It's nice to see you face around here!

Jam on!
Mama Nic