Positive Attitude

I'm back! Last I left you all I was getting ready to start school, just found out I'm preggo and went back to working 5 days a week. Let me tell you how much fun that all is. Happily!

We know we are having a boy, Yay! But, it's impossible to pick a name. It's not like we can't agree on one but that we don't like any of them enough to pick one. We want something unique, like our daughters, but nothing really stands out as 'The One!' At this point I'm ready to pick Diablo since this kid is tearing me up from the inside out. Let's just say if my first was 'this much fun' we would not be doing this again. That all said, I'm ready to meet my lil guy and start all over with a new baby. (Sadly, I know he will not be as easy as my daughter but I choose to keep the blinders on until that fateful 3 am feeding time.
We are still working on painting the babies room but fortunately, he will be staying in our room for a few months just like his sister did. If any of my wonderful readers has suggestions for boys names please go ahead and leave them in the comments and we will let you know of we pick yours.

I am still working as a Nanny 5 days with my two lovely boys and I look forward to seeing how they are with a new baby at the Nannies house. Fortunately, my employer has a new, 'better', job and I will be able to take some time off for Maternity Leave. Although, working is making it difficult to keep up with full time school schedules and my many projects, it has kept the weight down so hopefully I wont gain as much as I did with my first. Speaking of the kiddo, she is now two whole years old. She is talking and signing all the time. My hope is that soon it will no longer be necessary to have her in speech therapy any longer. (She has a slight expressive language delay.) She was happy to see her cousins and friends at her birthday party and scored big time on gifts. Even got herself a skateboard and helmet.. (Heart attack material for Daddy)

That just leaves school.... yay. It has come to my attention that in the ten years since high school I am not quite a quick at picking up new knowledge as I was, say, 10 years ago in high school. That said I was getting discouraged, my test scores in one of my classes is not where I would like them to be but I am trying and studying to get them back up there. The fact that I am concerned about my grades at all is certainly an improvement over the cocky teen I once was. So, in continuing with the advice about this, keep at it. Manage your time wisely and don't try to cram. Weather your a 19 or 29 year old, this crap is expensive, do it right the first time.

So we are through Halloween, and moving into the Thanksgiving season. (That's right, Christmas, keep your ass in December where you belong.) Hopefully, with some time off, I will be able to share with you some new recipes, craft projects and up coming.. stuff. As always, comment away, like and share. I look forward to being back and will update you as the baby gets closer. I also have a few new reviews to post so I will get on those later in the week.

How I Made Life Happen

I have lots of new updates for everyone and I am so excited. Right now I am setting my printer up in a temporary home so I can send in my transcripts for school. I have applied for enrollment at the local community college for my associates in IT. I couldn't be happier.
You see all those commercials on TV about just picking up the phone and your like, yeah right. Pick up the phone and pay you thousands of dollars for credits that might not transfer or you have to take six extra classes unrelated to the major you really want. Well, I sucked it up and it turns out I qualify for all kinds of financial aid and grants and stuff. That's always fun, free money.

That isn't the only thing going on either, as most of you know I preggo and waiting patiently to find out what we are having. (I had a very uncooperative woman at the last ultra sound who gave me excuses like, ' The baby's too small to see.' and 'You can't tell this early.') What ever. Anyway the next scheduled ultra sound is for next Wednesday and my husband has taken the day off to join me. (These doctor visits are a little more challenging when you have a toddler to chase around. This is what I signed up for.

So with all this going on I like to make things as challenging as possible, cause why not, and I also joined a newly formed garden club for my town. We are looking to build a community garden in our town and use the produce we get from it to supply the schools with healthy lunches and snacks. (The end result is not set in stone, of course, there is no telling if we will get anything out of it just yet.)

So now I have my self, with child, doing my thing as a nanny, working on this garden project and now I'm trying to start school in a month or so. Fantastic! My husband once told me I am like my aunt. She is 70+  years old and retired, takes painting class, works a support group, does charity, still camps in her RV and to this day hosts all our family gatherings in her own home. Shit, I'm not nearly that organized but I am getting better.

So kids, I have this to say today.....
I don't care if you fucked off in high school, got preggo young, did a little time or simply didn't get great grades. I don't care what all your teachers in school told you, or if you just waited a while. There is always another chance. Another place for you and another direction you can take. If you don't like where you are at then do something about it. I did and I am the last person on earth anyone would have expected to end up here.

Why You Should Take The Next Step

I have certainly been keeping myself busy this summer. Trips to the beach and hiking, playgrounds and parks. I'm not writing this post to brag about our adventures though. Although, I will, go ahead, and provide photos of some adorableness.

Instead, using my classic 'I'm gonna do it anyway' fashion I have recently decided to go back to school. I am a 28 year old high school drop out with a GED with a toddler and a baby on the way and I am going back to school. I am terrified and excited all at the same time. In school I tested well and knew the material I just never showed up to school and failed via attendance. By senior year I had to make up three english classes, two science classes and as of now I still have not finished that mile in PE. (My class graduated in '05.) All that said I had been thinking, lately, that I had no idea what I was going to do with myself when my kids started going off to school during the day and I don't know if I want to nanny my way into old age so to speak. I thought, what am I going to do about retirement? By the time I make my way back into the work force I will have a big employment gap in my resume, no real marketable skills and by the time I start working again my normal pay rate will be minimum wage.

So guess what I did.. Really... I applied for financial aid and started the application process for NHTI to an associates degree in IT. Since I mostly work from home I can study at nights and most days and in the few classes that require attendance, at least in the first semester, I can take them when my husband comes home from work.

My whole life I have been told I won't be able to do anything with my life because I didn't finish school, that without a degree I was doomed to flip burgers or fold sweaters. Well, that is not what I had in mind when I look at the future. I don't want to work a job that takes me away from my kids at all hours or do something I truly hate because the kids notice. They really do. I love computers and have no problem spending large amounts of time in front of one. (Gee, who would have thought. Someone who volunteers to stare at a computer screen all day. We have been training our kids for years.) Besides, technology will never stop advancing and when/if the apocalypse happens, well, you already know I am working on that.

I guess what I am trying to get across to my readers is that you wont truly know unless you try. Weather it is applying for that promotion, asking for a raise, or going back to school the answer will always be no if you don't ask. So I asked and if they say no I will ask again, or ask someone else. Don't let 'society' or 'tradition' determine your decisions for you. I am living proof that the standard doesn't work for everyone. So don't be everyone.

Anyway, we find out the gender of the baby in a couple of weeks and there will be a reveal party that I will post the photos of for you all. As promised here is your off topic adorableness.

Beauty 101: The Natural, No Makeup Tutorial

A Laid Back Holiday Weekend

What a beautiful weekend! While I didn't get to have any fun cocktails or blow anything up it was nice to just have my family close by for a while. Most of the time my husband is working his butt off and taking on call shifts all the time, our daughter is almost two so tantrums and whining land her little butt in time out frequently and as for me, I am just trying to keep the house clean and from burning down. Fortunately, the latter I have managed to accomplish.

Friday we headed to a family friends new farm to check it out. Gorgeous!

Photo by Judi Karsch

 This place is a beautiful and lush New England classic. She found herself a little slice of heaven complete with stable barn, 14 acres and beautiful horses on the way. Honestly, I would give up my cute little town life just for this.

Photo by Judi Karsch

I can certainly say it was a nice change of pace to sit by a fire and admire the land we actually live on instead of my neighbors siding.

Sunday. Sunday the kiddo slept until 10 AM! I assure you I am not making this up. But once we were up we took of to my in-laws house for a party and boy did we have fun. Vie got to ride the 4 wheeler again, we had bubbles and, of course, Grandma and Grandpa have a fountain on the deck that is the perfect height for a toddler. I don't care if she gets wet, really, kids are going to be kids. And Boy did she get WET!

 We didn't get to see the fireworks this year only because she is so little still and had such long days we just put her to bed. There will be other fairs and fireworks to see. I am fairly certain she is doing just fine and had plenty of fun.

So there is your update lovelies. I am going to be photographing the gardens this afternoon, I think, so that will be available soon. How did your kids do at the fireworks?

Baby Announcement Ideas

Well , as most of Facebook now knows, I havin another baby! Woohoo, also, exaggerated eye roll. I am certainly happy to be having another little one I am just not looking forward to starting all this over again. From feedings every two hours to waking up all night, to pumping with that awful machine to teething... not to mention my toddler is going to turn two a couple months before the baby is due so that ought to be a treat I'm sure. My first is pretty even tempered most of the time so I guess I won't have a lot to worry about.
Unfortunately, my delightful little princess was actually a pretty good baby. She slept through the night right away, she latched and weened on her own very well and we are already seeing the signs that she is getting more comfortable without the binkie. That said, no two children are alike... I am mentally preparing myself for what could be a potential nightmare of tears and screaming. As one has learned smoothly over the last couple years the likely-hood of number two being my second piece of cake.. well it's slim. This lil guy has proven that morning sickness is alive and well in me.

Enough ranting, truthfully, I am really excited and I am hoping for a boy this time. I am getting the new bedroom ready and we are talking buying a new car. (I'm always in for a new car!) and we get to announce the new baby to the family friends. This time I went a little more low key and made a fun meme for FB and text. (To be honest after the engagement, showers, baby and wedding we are tired of announcing things.) So this post is to give you new Mama's some ideas on how to announce your little one!

This was the one I ultimately chose for the announcement and it went over as a big hit. One thing... some people don't  get it. I recommend using this one so the comment section will reveal the meaning of this one. (It took my mom and sister two days to figure this one out.

I liked this one but it lacked something. I don't know what but it needed something.

I loved these and I like the crib eviction notice as well but we will still need the crib for her so I tried this one.

Any announcement you choose is going to be cute. You can find some cute templates for free with no more than a google and get some ideas at least. Hope this helps you guys a little!

What's Been Up?

I guess this would be more of an update than anything else. I haven't really attempted any more projects lately.... well, cause I'm friggan tired. I was working full time for the first four months of pregnancy with my daughter so maybe I just didn't notice as much. But man I am only rounding out month two and I am exhausted. Not to mention I have been sick, really bad at first but gradually getting better, also something I didn't experience with my first. I am very curious to see how the rest of it plays out and how the kids compare. One thing that didn't change is the excitement.

This is funny actually, because about a week before I got the good news my husband picked up a pee stick for me on his suggestion. I took it and it was negative and I did a little happy dance in the bathroom. This seemed to concern my husband because he commented on my excited nature a couple times. (I did indeed want more kids but I wanted to have one more summer of cook outs and jello shots before preggo mommy had to come back.) A week later to the day I'm standing by the sink, washing the dishes and out of nowhere I start feeling real sick and I bolt for the bathroom. Took another test and sure enough... here we go again.

Anyway, the kids are out of school and I have two toddlers and a 9 year old for the whole summer. Yay, (insert sarcasm here) We have hit the beach, the playground, we went walking through the city and even drove to other towns for their playgrounds and I gotta say. while some of it was fun.... I'm exhausted and my patience is getting low. I believe the two are related.

As I mentioned I am pretty tired but I do have other news about my almost 2 year old. She still isn't talking.... so frustrating but she has an evaluation with a speech therapist tomorrow so I hope that all goes well. At least I will find out how far behind she really is and what I can do to encourage her to use speech instead of gestures. So as you can see I have been quite a busy Mama.

Soon to come I have some new reviews to get done and I am very excited to share my review of the new stroller and car seat, so exciting. I am also working on a post and photos for the gardening progress, (lots to see) and I will also be sharing some new photography work of mine this week. Lots to see and lots to do this summer.

As always, any questions, comments etc hit up the comments section and let me know what you think.

Ultimate Straight by Loreal Paris Review

Review Time,

Influenster sent me another Vox box, this time for Loreal Paris's Ultimate Straight collection.

The shampoo and conditioner works as well as expected. The box also came with a pre-conditioner. I don't know about you guys but I am pretty sure I have enough bottles in my shower. Maybe one more is that one too many? It also came with a straightening gel, this stuff seemed like a neat addition for the days that I plan to go the extra mile and use the straightener. Instead, it made my hair dry and frizzy. It textured it, which for straightened hair doesn't accomplish what you want. Texturizing is more for curling hair so it will hold its shape. All in all I'm not sure I would go out of my way to buy this product. Seems like it's more fluff and fancy labels rather than actual, usable product. That said I will always be willing to try out some new products from Loreal Paris.

Live Chat Link: Attempt Number Two

Please bear with me while I figure this out. I will get there but I seem so have figured something out. Please feel free to stop by and say hi while we are taking a break. Let me know what you think, ask me questions or if you have suggestions for posts etc please let me know.!

Chat Software

DIY Wood Paneling Update

High five for productivity today. With the news of the new baby coming I sort of had to get my butt in gear and get a lot of these projects done as quickly as possible to make room for all the baby chairs and swings and all that bulky pieces of furniture you use for about 4 months and haul back down to the basement. But awwww, aren't they so cute on that lil' bouncer that takes up the space of two kitchen tables and you have kicked with your baby toe 4,627 times. Any how, I had some pretty high ambitions for our new house and the Pintrest rampage only fueled my appetite for industrial pallet furniture and dangling, energy efficient, low watt, bare bulb, pendulum lights. Then I realized... I'm not a freakin New York hipster and I don't have that kind of money. So I decided to try a few more manageable jobs.

The two bedrooms in the back of the house were paneled with this light colored fake wood paneling. This does not work for me! Well, I painted everything white, which helped with the panels, but it was so boring and plain, this also doesn't work for me. Now, I am here to tell you that you really can successfully update a trailer without breaking your wallet into tiny little pieces.

Before!

AFTER!

The final project was fairly simple. If you painted the panels correctly the first time with the white you should have no issues. I highly suggest sanding the paneling first to give the paint something the stick to. When I removed the painters tape it took the paint with it and had to be patched up and it is not all that pretty for now. However, the stripes look lovely and when the second room is finished it will look a bit more polished. 

Any questions on this or any other DIY project I have done feel free to message me or add a comment.

The Heroin Epidemic Near You

I come to you all today with sadness. The Heroin epidemic is so real and so absolutely insane it gives a feeling of hopelessness and to be truly honest.... It Blows!

So I'm starting my day, talking to to my husband and getting breakfast for the kids and he asks,
"Got any plans for today?"
"It's supposed to rain this morning so I think I will keep them inside until this afternoon and take everyone to the park."

Then he drops a bomb on me.
"Be careful they already found needles in the wood chips at the new playground and at the ball field."
My heart dropped, I mean, already? They built it like two months ago. This is how it is now I guess. This is going to be our new apocalypse, and I was always a big fan of the zombies taking us all down but that's just me.

There is a war on drugs but right now there is a war and H and it is winning. My Dad said something to me in a conversation about this and it stuck to me. He said, "Whenever someone tells me they have a loved one or close friend who is wrapped up in the heroine web all I can think to say is, I'm sorry for your loss." It's so sad and yet so true.

I am not naive to the drug world, I was a kid once, and I have seen the fads of "designer drugs". We all did really. Bath salts, ugh, that blue meth, Molly. I have never seen anything like what is going on in the world right now and with a little girl and a baby on the way I can't imagine having to explain all this to them in a way they can understand fully. They are my children and I want to protect them but how do you do that any more. I can't keep them in the safety of our home at all times. I have to let my kids be kids and learn things on their own just like I did but the dangers seem so much more dangerous now. It is literally life and death to play in the playground. (You used to worry about the shiny metal slide that's been in the sun all day or the rusted monkey bars sticking out in spots.)

If it simply gets worse every year then what is the next step? Explosion of homeless population, spike in crime, total collapse of civilized society? I know I am exaggerating a bit here but the reality is if this stuff doesn't get in check soon it will only get worse. What would the results of that be like? Spreading population of the infected, raiding of healthy communities and and infecting whole cities, destruction of properties without remorse, societal adjustment to new cultural norms based merely on survival.....

God Damn, I was right. It's the apocalypse, guys.

The moral of this rant is simple. Take a look around before you let your kids free at the playground or sandbox, when hiking or camping. Keep an eye on them and what they are playing with.
Finally, if you or someone you know is addicted to herion, or anything else for that matter, please encourage them to get help but not at the expense of yourself.

If you have a story you want to share or an experience you want to talk about feel free to comment below or message me.

Deal On Kids Clothes, Don't Miss

So I am always looking for free stuff. I mean really, why pay for stuff if you really don't have to. I also have three kids to look after and don't have four hours to hunt down the best offers on the hundreds of freebie site scattered all across the inter-webs. So when I find something super cheapo or free I want to let you guys know about it. For starters baby stuff is so east to find.... really!

Pampers, Huggies, Enfamil, Similac. All of these will send you more formula and extras then you will even know what to do with. My daughter was 6 months before we finally started to run out. All you have to do is go to one of these websites while your cruising the internet and fill out the fields. (Lots of people use a fake or old email address to avoid the onslaught of spam that sometimes follows.) These guys also send you diapers and lots of coupons and anyone that has had children knows how expensive that stuff can get.

Finally, my reason for the post today. I recently discovered a new website that sells gently used kids clothes. If you're like me you probably just got a little squeamish at the sight of "gently used". Hey, I'm with you, used clothes for me isn't bad but for the kids? Well your first purchase will be free. When you sign up you will get a $15 credit. Then if you create a new collection they will give you another $10. Use this credit to try out the clothes and see what you think. Right now (5/15) they have free shipping as well so definitely check it out! Finally, the best part! The take a percentage of your purchase and donate it to local school to supplement their budget for musical instruments, art supplies, updated texts and other supplies. Pretty good cause to be a part of!

Click Here and don't forget to create a collection too!

As always let me know what you think and if you have any sites with freebies worth getting or discount clothes please post them in the comments.

Spring Time Photo's

Recipes for New and Expecting Moms: Breakfast

Freezer Breakfasts:

There are lots of things you are already making that can be frozen and microwaved on the go. One of my favorites is the breakfast sandwich. These little guys are easy, yummy and filling but they get expensive to buy every morning and who really has that kind of time to make one every day. Not me!
So the next Sunday that you are hanging out having a chill day and you have to make breakfast anyway why not make a big batch.

Grab some english muffins, cheddar cheese, bacon and eggs (and any other toppings you may be fond of just make sure they freeze and reheat well.) First cook the bacon and toast the english muffins. I scramble my eggs with a little water and pepper, not sure how milk will do in the freezer, and cook it in a skillet just like an omelet. Once the sides are set flip it and turn off the heat. I use a cookie cutter to create the perfect size egg serving for the sandwich. Assemble your sandwiches in parchment paper then in foil.

When you are ready to eat you can remove the foil, pop the paper wrapped sandwich in the microwave and in about 2 minutes or so you are ready to walk out the door. Or plop back on the couch.

This same method can be done with breakfast bowls, these are yummy if you add some fried potatoes to it and bell peppers too. Throw the ingredients in a tupperware bowl and stack in the freezer.

Since I already have a toddler that will need to be fed as well I make french toast sticks in large batches. I suggest double battering them so they will stand up to the thawing. Again, I can toss em in the microwave for a few moments and breakfast is ready. Throw some berries on the plate and an apple sauce packet and my kiddo is good to go.

I also have some wonderful lunches that are a snap to make and you can make a weeks worth at a time. That post coming up soon!

Recipes For New and Expecting Moms: Dinner

Everyone knows bringing home baby is a crazy time. Even the few months before, carrying the extra weight around, is exhausting and most of the time I, personally, opted for junk food or agonized over having to cook over the giant belly.

Well ladies and gentlemen, I have compiled a list of recipe ideas that were a life saver when we got home.

Freezer Bags:

Freezer casseroles are always the standard but I, for one, am not a fan. I really don't feel like eating leftovers every day so I found a neat twist on it.
Directions: Cut up a red and green bell pepper. Slice up a pound of chicken and get yourself two of those big plastic freezer bags. Split up all the ingredients between two bags keeping the chicken on one side and the veggies on the other. Lay flat in the freezer stacked.

When you're just not feeling all the cooking take one of these bad boys out of the freezer and toss it in hot water. Should be sufficiently thawed in about 15 to 20 minutes. Toss that in a hot skillet in some oil for like 25 or 30 minutes. Right before it's done toss in that Fajita Seasoning and get your tortillas out. Pop one or two in the microwave for a few seconds.

If you're feeling even lazier all these recipes can be used in the crock pot. Set it to low in the morning and it is ready to eat when you get home.

Load em up on your plate and add your toppings and enjoy.

This recipe is inter-changeable with other ingredients so you can  make a few weeks worth of meals in just an hour. Here is a few variations I have had success with. chicken, terriyaki sauce and pineapple, steak, peppers, onions and mushrooms, chicken, sezchuan sauce, broccoli, red peppers.

You can do the same thing with your breakfast and save yourself some time. That post to come later.

Check Out My New Work

I have entered into some new challenges so please feel free to vote for me and my photos.
Thanks guys!

My new source for my Photography

Photography When I Started Out

I worked professionally as a photographer for two years. To some, you think, oh, you must have gone to school or have one of those big cameras. Maybe I walked the streets capturing urban drama or perhaps took a photo-journalistic turn. Well my friends I can assure you none of those things are true. Instead, I got set up as a sales girl in a photo studio that specialized in small children, babies, families and pets. Yes, I worked smack dab in the middle of a mall and worked retail. Eventually, they trained me in photography and I took classes and went to seminars and became the senior photographer, teaching new hires how to shoot and maintaining the cameras but never had any real formal training.

That all being said I learned a lot and my work was featured in two magazines and my images sold very well. So since I decided to work photography back into my hobby list. (It's a long one.) I have done a lot of portraits and I am not sure I want to continue in that direction. I have done Urban Decay, which I love, but I am thinking of doing something a little lighter. I used to do a lot of landscape so I am going to do some spring shoots to add to my collection. Light and airy with lots of flowers. That said here are some from my darker, black and white days.

A few from my sunnier days.

First Batch of Reviews

As promised I have completed some reviews for you that I hope you all find helpful. Since I am simply posting links for my reviews instead of rewriting or copying them I will add a few to each post.

If you have tried any particular product and want to add your two cents you are welcome to. I just ask that you please be kind to each other and lets keep it relatively civil.
Thanks guys and thank you for all of your support!.

Secret   The new outlast is lovely.

Jeans9  These are awesome and highly recommended.

I have many more to come and some Amazon reviews awaiting approval so hang tight and I will review some gorgeous kids and Mom's clothing. Who knows, perhaps you will figure out my secret to fashion on a budget.

Babies Breakfast

I have been wanting to get back into photography a little lately since we are out and about more so where better to showcase them than my very own blog. Enjoy and feel free to make any notes or comments as long as they are constructive.

What's Up Next

Back with a few updates.

The house is looking wonderful. We have managed to get some of the bead board and base board up so we are certainly getting more of that finished look. I still have a considerable amount of painting to do and I have got to get the bathroom sanded. note: If you are remodeling or just slapping on a fresh coat of paint and you think, "Hey, we should try the textured look on the walls." STOP IT. Just stop it. The previous owner of the house used that paint with the sand in it and my daughter is going to get friction burn on her body just trying to get out of the shower. It feels icky and sharp and it looks dumb. No, it doesn't look like your at the beach. Everyone knows they are in a bathroom so just don't. So I have the lovely task of scraping it all off with my Dremmel Tool then washing the residue crap left behind then I can finally paint it. Now that I got that off my chest I can move on.

I have discovered that I am not as handy as I thought I was and after many broken screen were violently hurled down the stairs with threats of fire and a mallet I decided that I will keep the harder stuff for my husband to do. I can paint and I can do the landscaping and gardening. That said if anyone knows a smart way to rinse and bleach old edging gravel we have not figured an easy way to do it but I refuse to spend that much money on.... rocks. I did build a decent Trellis for the garden that came out nice and I intend to build a raised bed in front of the porch with relative ease.

All in all it is starting to feel like a home that we built and that feels good. I highly recommend hitting up Pintrest and checking out some DIYs to spruce up that yard or home. Now is the time.

Good luck and happy gardening and if you ever want to know how I did something or have a question feel free to comment below and I will be happy to answer.

7 Sanity Saving Things To Do With A Toddler

My skin is warmed and muscles a little sore. With the end of April approaching I felt I couldn't wait any longer and finally got my trowel back in the ground. With out any knowledge of the previous owners landscaping I have no idea what grows where so I'm just digging it up and starting over. I dug out the edging around the house and decided to separate the rocks and wash them and return them where they belong. I have not had the chance for that today I'm excited to see the edging clean and even. The more I plan and I can envision the happier I am with our home purchase.

The lawn has been cleaned off, thatched and mowed and we are told (by a neighbor/ our landscaper) that our lawn is healthy and we will be pleased when it grows in. Not only does the personal attention improve the value of your home but I believe the hard work makes you love your home even more because you now have your little stamp on it.

That all said and done, it is spring so rain it must. Today I have the children inside all day, (at least until after nap time because I am not hosing down two cranky toddlers.) so I have to find something for these kids to do. I know this is difficult sometimes so I thought I would share some ideas I have used to entertain toddlers.

1. I encourage independence as much as possible such as helping clean up, clearing her plate when she is done and playing on her own. For the most part I am lucky and she entertains herself when alone and when I have the lil guy they are more than happy playing on their own. However, that doesn't last all day and sometimes you have to structure what these crazy, screaming, running offspring are doing. So when I want to make sure skills are being built and don't want to build again I hand them the Mega Blocks. These are a life saver and you don't have to worry so much about the dreaded lego minefield. 

2. I also recommend, if you have the space, get a tunnel. When the babies seem bored or they start getting into everything, like they do, I pop that thing open and they start clapping. They are adjustable so they can be made different shapes. They love them.

3. I also, on occasion, let them have crayons... I know. And, they aren't really unsupervised since they are in the room with me but here is the trick... I save shipping boxes and drop the kids in the boxes and let em color away. They get to play with color a little and the boxes keep them relatively contained.

4. I have one of those exercise balls that the kids are just fascinated with just make sure you don't have breakables lying around. Although, I guess if you have toddlers to entertain you likely don't have your fine china out on display.

5. After their nap I plan to take them out in the rain for a little. Honestly, what is a childhood without a little rain. Some of my favorite memories are of playing in the rain and splashing in my boots. Getting dirty and muddy. Who am I to deny these kids that joy.. (also, I kind of want to play in the rain now...)

6. Now that everyone is dry and in clean clothes it's time for a little relaxing so we do a little "baby yoga" This is really kind of move your toddler is willing to copy. We usually will start out hands up in the air high as you can. Then drop down into a forward fold and take a deep breath. Repeat those a few times then stand up. Next place your feet far apart and walk them back together. Repeat those a few times then sit on the floor and take a deep breath. Last we give hugs and maybe a tickle to add a laugh.

7. Once we are all calmed down I gotta usually have to get back to whatever chores I was in the middle of so on the floor goes the floor pillow. She loves this thing and we also used it to build neck and back muscles while doing tummy time when V was an infant. I got the plan and idea here: Giant Chevron Floor Pillows

Sorry about the picture quality but it's the best one of the pillow.

One and a half years old to two is a hard age. They are big enough to run around and understand basic instruction but they don't really talk and have very short attention spans. I spent a lot of time reading and planning and filling out a day planner trying to make sure I can pack as much learning as I can. You know, breed a genius. I am here to tell you... they are babies. They are going to learn and grow all on their own. I personally think its amazing how fast they learn things and don't get me wrong, I'm not saying don't teach your kids things, or help when they struggle. I am only saying.... they are babies, let's not forget to let them be babies.

Tips For The Anxious Gardener.

I have been on the edge of my seat waiting for all this GD snow to melt. We got 3-4 feet this year and of course my husband and I bought a house and started construction during the first of approximately 5 consecutive blizzards. Needless to say we have all been glued to the weather channel for some sign that the sun and heat would, eventually, return. Anyhow, I jumped the gun a little bit this year with my indoor green house and the seedlings so I thought I could spare others the frustration of dying seedlings.

Clearly not happy plants.

First I started my seeds about 2 weeks to early. That doesn't seem like much but in New England we only get 4 or 5 warm months a year to grow and the frost will get you every time. So I quickly realized that larger plants like squash and sunflowers grow really, really fast. I mean seriously, especially in a greenhouse. My advice is if the seed itself is on the larger side, plant those last. There are lots of websites to give you advice on when to plant in your region, I checked them out and filled a planner. Then I planted stuff early anyway, cause ya know, I'm smaht.

Even the toddler is confused about spring.

Second, I recommend being very organized with your labeling and time scales. Seriously, stuff gets jumbled very easily as seedlings sprout and need to be turned and moved toward the sun. At this point I'm going to have to plant the unrecognizables together and move them when I figure out what they are.

Third, Yes it is, in fact, warm out. However, it's still friggan cold at night. I have already killed several seedlings that were ready for planting and a grapevine that I was very excited about. (Don't worry I am totally getting another one.) So, seriously you have to be realistic about the time of year and that sometimes you are still trying to shed the freezer burn from winter and your baby plants are not equipped for that cold.

Finally, don't forget there are projects that can be done while you wait to be elbow deep in worm castings. Climbing vegetables are a great way to save garden space but you need trellises. I went the cheapo way and screwed together some 2x4's and stapled trellis netting to it. Took five minutes and it's pretty solid. However, since you have this time you could always paint it up make it look fancy or something. Get your potted plants settled in their homes in the house, watch the sun through the windows to pick the sunniest rooms. At this point you can also get those herbs growing, they do just fine indoors and are easily set into window boxes and the like. (PS. For the life of me I can not get my Rosemary to grow to I advise finding a nursery or garden center for clippings or the whole plant. Keep in mind that basil takes forever to sprout and parsley and cilantro grow tall and a little wild so you may need a cage to direct them up, eventually.)

Helping me do the yard work to prepare for garden season.

Be patient my loves it will be soon be warm enough to reap the rewards of your hard work and patience. Every year, I have found, you learn a little more and you get a little better so even if it doesn't work out as planned this time you have another whole year to try again and learn some more.

How have you guys been doing? Are you growing anything out of the ordinary? I am trying pumpkins and climbing strawberries.

Time For Plants and Gardens

I am back, my loves, after a little hiatus. Between construction on the house (almost there) and getting the greenhouse situated and anxiously awaiting the snow to finish melting I have had no ambition for any projects. That is until recently.
The greenhouse my best friend got me for Christmas is just wonderful. I have managed to grow almost everything I have attempted and all indoors. Even the potatoes are looking suspiciously happy.

 So I thought I would share with you the couple of different methods I used to get the greenery growing.

1.) For starters (and I found this on Pintrest) I took a couple pieces of paper towel and lined a 9x13 casserole pan with a lid. I used a Pyrex with a rubber lid and lined it and divided it into boxes with a pencil. Each one of these boxes will be used for each variety of seeds you are looking to grow. Plan out what you want to grow by companion planting, time of year and the region you live in. Again, Pintrest is a wonderful way to do this easily. Sort out your seeds and stick a sticky note on the top of the container. Before you put the lid on spray the seeds down so the paper towel is wet but not sitting in a puddle. I stuck my lil guys in the green house but a sunnyish window will accomplish the same thing. Check those bad boys everyday until they start to sprout. Plant them as soon as you see those little tails because they will naturally try to root in the paper towel and you will damage the sensitive roots trying to transplant them.
tip: When you see a white fuzz on any of the seeds then you probably have a little rot and you should clear those seeds out.

2.) Once your new friends are ready to strike out on their own and take root you can do one of two things. In my case I live in New England and spring doesn't always behave as we would like so sometimes we add extra steps. I took my sproutlets out and planted them in paper dixie cups. Yeah you heard me. Smaller things go in those little bathroom cups and since it is made of paper you can always rip the bottom off and plant the rest in the ground. I use this method in the little greenhouse until they are sizable seedlings. Spray them with a spray bottle to gently water them and keep up humidity.

tip: Follow the directions on your seeds for transplant times etc, if you live in the right zone you might be able to put the sprouts right in the ground assuming your have accounted for seed eating rodents and other pesky critters.

3: Now that I have cute little seedlings its time to harden them off. This is good in most regions to allows the little fellas so adjust to the changing weather, wind and natural occurrences they don't experience inside the stagnant environment of a greenhouse or a temperature controlled home. This part certainly wont send you running for the produce section just yet. I simply stuck the little cups on a cookie sheet or something and stick em outside. Yup, that's it. Granted, you will want to put them outside when it is warm enough not to freeze them and bring them in once the sun starts going down. You will want to do this for about a week or so.

4.) This is the part that requires a little more physical labor. You gotta dig out the bed you plan to plant in. (Doesn't apply to container gardening. Once your seed sprouts it can go right in the container. All done.) This year I have a raised bed attached to the new house we bought and while tilling it I discovered a decent amount of worms and the home has been untouched for three years. This leaves me with very, very fertile soil and I probably won't need much fertilizer. (Seriously, I got my hands in there and it's the most rich and wonderful soil and probably full of castings, I can't wait to plant it.) Without that discovery I would have needed a supplement like Miracle Grow makes. It's just called garden soil but you mix it in a couple of weeks before you plant and it replaces what your regular ground soil is missing. Once that has been mixed in and settled you can plant your tiny masterpieces. That part is simple... really just dig a hole and drop em in.

5.) Watch the weather, water them when they look dry but don't drown them, fence the plants that need fences and trellis the ones that need them. In a container you should try Miracle Grows moisture control potting soil, I have been using this and I am very happy with it. My routine changes all the time and this protects against under AND over watering. This is great for busy, active people. For containers you still want to get them outside as much as possible for best results but now you can grow year round.

There you are, from seed to garden, but I also tried one other thing that went well and that was using toilet paper rolls. I cut four even slits in one side and folded them to make a container and sealed with electrical tape. I also tried another method and it also worked well. I cut the top off of an egg carton and filled it with dirt and planting in each one of the egg cups. Once sprouted these also can go right in the ground since they are biodegradable.

Finally, there is seed tape. I have not tried this method myself but it sounds like it would work just fine. You roll out some toilet paper and fold a crease down the middle the long way. Space your seeds out according to directions fold the top over. Wet down with a spray bottle and stick in a container. Once they sprout you can just dig a trench and lay the 'seed tape' in. Your plants will be perfectly spaced for even beds.