I believe in miracles! Praise the Lord! You sexy thing (sexy thing yeah)! :)
Forgive my silly song, but I'm a little elated. I just recieved word that there's been a "stay of execution" enacted on the CPSIA laws. I can continue to sell my children's items! I will still have to be in compliance (which I already am) I just don't have to fork out the ridiculous amounts of money to prove it!!
Hallelujah!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Get it while you can!
Unless things miraculously change before February 10th (and yes, I do believe in miracles and am praying with all my might about this), I will no longer be able to sell my childrens items anymore. The new CPSIA law goes into effect that day. While it's a great law in theory, it is absolutely going to be the death of craft shows and homemade items for children. Even though I use materials that have lead-testing certificates from the manufacturers, I would still have to send the finished item for testing. I would have to test each component of the item, and around $100 per component. So for one of my onesies, I'd have to test the onesie itself (running total: $100, the snaps that close the onesie at the bottom (running total: $200), the fabric that I use for the applique (EACH fabric that is used has to be tested...so if a onesie has 4 different fabrics, that's another $400. Running total: $600), each color thread used (4 threads to match the 4 fabrics- running total $1000) and the iron-on I use to secure the applique while I sew it down ($1100). So a onesie that normally runs me about $8 to make would now cost me over $1000. And the kicker of it all is that the tests for lead DESTROY the items that it is testing. Since the vast majority of my items are OOAK (one of a kind) or custom order, I cannot comply.
So what does all of that mean for you? It means that you won't be able to find cute, personalized, unique clothes & toys for your babies. For me it means that I won't be able to do what I love while staying at home with my precious children. No, it's not a steady income, but it's some pocket money and I enjoy it. Every purchase that someone makes from me is a huge compliment.
So go to my Etsy shop and stock up before it's too late!
So what does all of that mean for you? It means that you won't be able to find cute, personalized, unique clothes & toys for your babies. For me it means that I won't be able to do what I love while staying at home with my precious children. No, it's not a steady income, but it's some pocket money and I enjoy it. Every purchase that someone makes from me is a huge compliment.
So go to my Etsy shop and stock up before it's too late!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
History
Whether you voted for him or not, whether you agree with his platform or not, history was made yesterday and our nation has taken a step forward. Regardless of your political stance, we all need to come together as a nation and pray for our new leader and his family. God Bless America!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Frugal How-To: Girl's Night Out
Here's my formula for how to have an inexpensive Girl's Night Out.
Dinner: Olive Garden-Endless salad & breadsticks for my meal, water to drink.Total after tip:$7
Entertainment: One ticket to see "Bride Wars" at the cheap theater: $4.75
Total damage done to the wallet: $11.75. Not too shabby for 5 hours out with the girls!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
So Exciting!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Rubber Ducky, you're the one!
It's nearly 4pm and neither the mailman nor the garbage truck have come through to fulfill their duties today (usually the trash is picked up before 9am, and the mailman comes after lunch). I checked on google to see if there was some holiday that I was unaware of, and found that today is the birthday of the rubber ducky.
If everything stops when it's Rubber Ducky's birthday, I DEMAND a bigger party for mine!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Mmmm Mmmm Monday: Texas Tater Casserole
This recipe comes from Betty Crocker. It was really yummy- even my 19-month-old, picky eater ate it all!
Texas Tater Casserole
Makes 6 servings.
1 lb lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium stalk celery, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (10.75 oz each) condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1 can (11 oz) Mexicorn or Fiestacorn (whole kernel corn, red & green peppers), drained
1/2 cup picante sauce
2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1 bag (16 oz) frozen tater tots (I used a 2 lb bag for extra tots)
1/2 cup shredded taco blend cheese (2 oz)
Heat oven to 375*. Cook beef, onion, celery and garlic in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is brown; drain.
Stir soup, corn picante sauce, chili powder and pepper into beef mixture. Spoon into ungreased 2.5 qt. casserole dish. Top with frozen tater tots.
Bate uncovered 40 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes more or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Texas Tater Casserole
Makes 6 servings.
1 lb lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium stalk celery, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (10.75 oz each) condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1 can (11 oz) Mexicorn or Fiestacorn (whole kernel corn, red & green peppers), drained
1/2 cup picante sauce
2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1 bag (16 oz) frozen tater tots (I used a 2 lb bag for extra tots)
1/2 cup shredded taco blend cheese (2 oz)
Heat oven to 375*. Cook beef, onion, celery and garlic in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is brown; drain.
Stir soup, corn picante sauce, chili powder and pepper into beef mixture. Spoon into ungreased 2.5 qt. casserole dish. Top with frozen tater tots.
Bate uncovered 40 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes more or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Fun Facts
Three Names I go by:
1. Jen
2. Mommy
3. Jennifer
Three Jobs I Have Had In My Life:
1. Florist
2. Cashier
3. Mom
Three Places I Have Lived:
1. Florida
2. England
3. South Carolina
Three TV Shows That I watch:
1. CSI
2. Mythbusters
3. Big Bang Theory
Three Places I Have Been:
1. Italy
2. Bahamas
3. Germany
Blogs I follow religiously:
1. Thinking Blonde
2. WhittakerWoman
3. CakeWrecks
Three Of My Favorite Foods:
1. Enchiladas
2. Pasta
3. Ham
Things I Am Looking Forward To:
1. Going to Disney in February!
2. Jonah's 5th birthday
3. Paying off some debt with tax return money
People who live way too far away:
1. Natali
2. Amy
3. My momma
Resolutions for the New Year:
1. Try to worry less about things that are out of my control
2. Work on my self esteem
3. Make myself a priority
Favorite books I've read:
1. Shopaholic series
2. Angels & Demons
3. Isle of Palms
Books I want to read:
1. Twilight series
2. Shem Creek
3. Bull Island
Your turn! Copy to your blog and then come back and link here so that I can learn some new things about you! Feel free to add more categories, too.
1. Jen
2. Mommy
3. Jennifer
Three Jobs I Have Had In My Life:
1. Florist
2. Cashier
3. Mom
Three Places I Have Lived:
1. Florida
2. England
3. South Carolina
Three TV Shows That I watch:
1. CSI
2. Mythbusters
3. Big Bang Theory
Three Places I Have Been:
1. Italy
2. Bahamas
3. Germany
Blogs I follow religiously:
1. Thinking Blonde
2. WhittakerWoman
3. CakeWrecks
Three Of My Favorite Foods:
1. Enchiladas
2. Pasta
3. Ham
Things I Am Looking Forward To:
1. Going to Disney in February!
2. Jonah's 5th birthday
3. Paying off some debt with tax return money
People who live way too far away:
1. Natali
2. Amy
3. My momma
Resolutions for the New Year:
1. Try to worry less about things that are out of my control
2. Work on my self esteem
3. Make myself a priority
Favorite books I've read:
1. Shopaholic series
2. Angels & Demons
3. Isle of Palms
Books I want to read:
1. Twilight series
2. Shem Creek
3. Bull Island
Your turn! Copy to your blog and then come back and link here so that I can learn some new things about you! Feel free to add more categories, too.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Easily Entertained
How do you keep a 7-year-old and almost-5-year-old quiet while you're at your doctor's appointment? You give them each a latex glove and tell them to make balloons. Works every time.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Christmas Pics (better late than never!)
Here are a few of my favorite shots from Christmas weekend. My family (mom, dad, 2 sisters, neice and grandma) made the drive up to Charleston from West Palm Beach, FL to spend the holiday with us. It was so fun!
My silly little monkey!
My sister & niece.
My baby sister and my boys.
We love mini-golf!!
Seeeesters!
My silly little monkey!My sister & niece.
My baby sister and my boys.We love mini-golf!!Seeeesters!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Stay-at-home-Mom Resume'
I was thinking the other day about all of the jobs and skills that I have. Some are obvious, others you'd never in a million years guess that I could do. Want to know what they are? Here you go!
Housekeeper~pretty self-explanitory.
Laundry service
Chef
Chauffeur~who else will bring the kids to baseball & hockey when Dad's TDY/Deployed or at a practice of his own?
Seamstress/Artisan~ I can whip up a costume for Halloween or a birthday present (for a friend who gave us an invitation last minute) in no time. Teacher gifts are no match for me!
Referee~I have three kids and babysit another. No further explanation needed.
Builder~ The boys' dresser-I put it together. Sophia's baby doll highchair, stroller, & playpen-that was my handiwork too. If it came in a box with instructions, I did it. I have my own tools, you know. They're purple.
Equipment Manager~ I can outfit my kids for any sport you can throw at me. Goalie gear for Noah? No problem!
Athlete~ I can play baseball, throw a football, or shoot a hockey puck. Only thing I'm useless at is golf.
Accountant~Someone's gotta balance the checkbook!
Secretary~Answer phones, take messages, and keep record of appointments. Y'all should see our calendar!!
Doctor~ Like I said before, I'm a bloody nose pro.
Personal Shopper~ This includes clothes/accessories AND groceries.
Mailman
Party Planner
Business woman~Making and selling all the items in my Etsy shop.
Florist~I worked at two different flower shops when I was in high school. I can put together one heck of a centerpiece, if I do say so myself. I can even do bridal bouquets!
Tutor~two kids in school, one with lots of homework everyday. Mom to the rescue!
Packer/mover~7 moves in 8 years and you'd be a pro too!
Tour Guide~when you move to a new place every few years, and family comes to visit, they always want to see the local sites.
So that's me in a nutshell. Any of those things surprise you?
Housekeeper~pretty self-explanitory.
Laundry service
Chef
Chauffeur~who else will bring the kids to baseball & hockey when Dad's TDY/Deployed or at a practice of his own?
Seamstress/Artisan~ I can whip up a costume for Halloween or a birthday present (for a friend who gave us an invitation last minute) in no time. Teacher gifts are no match for me!
Referee~I have three kids and babysit another. No further explanation needed.
Builder~ The boys' dresser-I put it together. Sophia's baby doll highchair, stroller, & playpen-that was my handiwork too. If it came in a box with instructions, I did it. I have my own tools, you know. They're purple.
Equipment Manager~ I can outfit my kids for any sport you can throw at me. Goalie gear for Noah? No problem!
Athlete~ I can play baseball, throw a football, or shoot a hockey puck. Only thing I'm useless at is golf.
Accountant~Someone's gotta balance the checkbook!
Secretary~Answer phones, take messages, and keep record of appointments. Y'all should see our calendar!!
Doctor~ Like I said before, I'm a bloody nose pro.
Personal Shopper~ This includes clothes/accessories AND groceries.
Mailman
Party Planner
Business woman~Making and selling all the items in my Etsy shop.
Florist~I worked at two different flower shops when I was in high school. I can put together one heck of a centerpiece, if I do say so myself. I can even do bridal bouquets!
Tutor~two kids in school, one with lots of homework everyday. Mom to the rescue!
Packer/mover~7 moves in 8 years and you'd be a pro too!
Tour Guide~when you move to a new place every few years, and family comes to visit, they always want to see the local sites.
So that's me in a nutshell. Any of those things surprise you?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Joys of Mommyhood
Monday, January 5, 2009
Mmmm Mmmm Monday: Easy Omelets
This recipe was emailed to me by my grandma a couple of years ago, and it's a staple around here. It's great when you have house guests because it can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. Add your favorites (mine are shredded cheese, diced bell pepper, and mushrooms) and you're all set!
Easy Omelets
gallon Ziploc bag
3 eggs per omelet
your favorite extras (i.e: shredded cheese, diced peppers, mushrooms- the options are endless!)
1. Break 3 eggs into Ziploc bag. Add your extras if desired. Remove air from bag and seal tightly. Shake bag to scramble eggs and mix up extras.
2. Fill a large pot/Dutch oven with water 3/4 of the way full. Heat on high and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Place Ziploc bag in water and continue the rolling boil for 13 minutes.
4. Remove from water and let set for a minute or two to cool. Cut bag and roll omelet onto plate with your favorite toppings (hubby likes ketchup, but I prefer salsa) and enjoy!
Easy Omelets
gallon Ziploc bag
3 eggs per omelet
your favorite extras (i.e: shredded cheese, diced peppers, mushrooms- the options are endless!)
1. Break 3 eggs into Ziploc bag. Add your extras if desired. Remove air from bag and seal tightly. Shake bag to scramble eggs and mix up extras.
2. Fill a large pot/Dutch oven with water 3/4 of the way full. Heat on high and bring to a rolling boil.3. Place Ziploc bag in water and continue the rolling boil for 13 minutes.
4. Remove from water and let set for a minute or two to cool. Cut bag and roll omelet onto plate with your favorite toppings (hubby likes ketchup, but I prefer salsa) and enjoy!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
I did. What about you?
Found this on Vanessa's blog and thought it was fun! Play along if you wish- just copy & paste to your own blog, and bold the ones you've done, and italicize the ones you want to do.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (if playing in the band in high school counts I have!!)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (Disney World)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (Birth country, not birth city).
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (sadly, I did back when I was first on my own. Not a proud moment!)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (if playing in the band in high school counts I have!!)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (Disney World)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (Birth country, not birth city).
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (sadly, I did back when I was first on my own. Not a proud moment!)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day
Jonah-isms v.5
Jonah has been in hockey rinks since before he was born. The hubby has played hockey since before we met, and in the time since I was pregnant with Jonah, he has also coached youth teams. But today while we were at our last game of the weekend in Charlotte, NC, Jonah saw our goalie's leg pads standing up agains the wall of the locker room after the game and asked the hubby "Hey daddy? Are those Andy's legs?" Apparently, in the mind of an almost-5-year-old, goalie leg pads are seperate legs that get put on people when they go into the net. So now in our house, goalie pads have earned the moniker "goalie legs".
(Here is a picture of some leg pads for those of you who don't eat, sleep, breathe, and bleed hockey like my family does)
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