Magnetic Spiders

I will admit that I am addicted to Pinterest, and I am constantly on there looking for new crafts and such. Since Autumn is my favorite time of the year, and Halloween is my favorite holiday, I have been browsing fall crafts. I came upon a craft for magnetic spiders. You can find that here. I know Halloween isn't until next month, but I couldn't wait to make these spiders! We recently had our back door replaced with a fire safe aluminum door. It's hard to hang my wreaths on, but it is magnetic!
So, off I set to find my plastic spider rings. It was difficult at first, since there were no Halloween decorations out yet, but this past week, the local stores have been setting up their Halloween Decor! As I was in Target yesterday morning, I thought I'd give the Halloween section a little look. I found some plastic spiders that were not rings (which made it easier for me for not having to cut the ring part off)! They were $3 for a 72 or 74 count. Then, I headed to Joann Fabrics to purchase some magnets. I found a roll of magnetic tape for $5. It was well more than I needed, but I can use it for other crafts! Here is what I did:

Supplies needed:

Plastic spiders (rings work, but you have to cut off the ring part)
Magnetic strips
Scissors
Glue gun and glue sticks

Steps I took:

First I gathered all my supplies

 Then, I started to cut strips off the magnetic tape to fit the back of the spiders. I was able to cut each square in half into strips that fit perfectly!

I got my hot glue gun ready and started to glue the strips to the back of the spiders. 

 

(I apologize for the blurry photo...my photographer had a shaky hand)

I let the glue harden. 

Then, I had some fun on the refrigerator at work! I left the spiders up for my residents to see when they went into the fridge! They got a kick out of it!

Once I got home, I stuck them to my door.  Every day or every few days, I am going to reposition them.

 I can't wait to purchase more spiders to make more so I can stick them to my neighbor's door upstairs!!!! Hahahah!

Arts & Craft Project

Today, Abbey and I decided to do a fun arts & crafts project. She has a pad of floor paper, so I taped 4 sheets together and taped them to the floor. I didn't have painter's tape, so I just used regular tape. Then, I tried to get Abbey to lie down so I could trace her. She wasn't having it. 

 So, I stripped her down to her shirt and diaper and then squirted the paper with all the colors of paint we have. I am using washable paint, so I wasn't very worried about the floor becoming dirty or her shirt for that matter. 

 And then, I just let her do what she pleased. She was a bit apprehensive at first...

 But then she realized what was going on and started to really make a "mess"!

 She seemed to like scooting her little butt on the paint and paper. 

 She had fun walking, but it was so slippery that I needed to hold her steady so she didn't wipe out!

 And this is our finished project! I am not sure exactly what I am going to do with it. I am going to un-tape each page. I might hang one up in her room and add the rest to my collection of painting that I want to use as wrapping paper. 

This can be fun for babies and young children! I recommend nontoxic washable paint for those little ones (mine still likes to lick the paint and she is almost 2yrs old!)

Clean up was simple:

I brought Abbey straight to the bath tub and gave her a bath. Then, I put her in her crib so I could clean up the "mess". I un-taped the painting and brought it to my bedroom floor to have a flat place to dry. Plus, my bedroom is blocked off from the dog and Abbey during the day. Then, I just mopped up the area with my Swiffer Wet Jet and all was clean again!

Baby Blanket

I have just recently re-taught myself to crochet.  One of my friends from college is having a baby in October this year and has elected to not find out the sex of the baby.  So, I thought found a easy crochet pattern for a yellow baby blanket. You can find the pattern here at Red Heart Yarn. I couldn't find the "cornmeal" color yarn in the local stores, so I purchased 5 "Pale Yellow".

At first look, I was a little apprehensive, but reassured myself that it was labeled "Easy" and that I can do it. The "written" instructions were in fact easy to follow, but then I saw the "pattern" instructions:

Now, there were no written instructions for the pattern....or so I thought. It took me 45 min and many internet searches (which taught me nothing) to figure out ow to follow that pattern.  I finally realized that in the written instructions, it tells you how to do a "block" and a "space", and the "X" is for a "block" and the "space" is for a "space". Easy Peasy. 

Then, I needed a system to remember how to know which direction to follow the pattern, so I just counted my stitches and put an "arrow" for the direction the row was to be stitched. 

 I was so happy when I finally was able to see my first bunny!!! 

Now, I decided that repeating the design twice was too big for my liking, so I only have 3 rows of bunnies instead of 4 for my blanket. 

Once, I finished, I started the edging, which was easy to do. Just a simple shelling. 

And here is my finished blanket for my friend's baby! And I just found out that one of the colors of the nursery is yellow! How cool?! I am pretty proud of my first finished "big" project of crochet. Now I need to finish my daughter's blanket......which I will blog about! Please stay tuned!

I only used 3.5 of the 5 yarns I purchased. I plan on using the leftover yarn to make Rapunzel braids for my daughter's 2nd birthday party (Tangled Theme).

Returning to Work

I have been home with my 19m old since February. It has been tough because I love to be able to be with her all day, but money became very tight, especially when I lost my unemployment claim case all because my former employer just doesn't want to pay Unemployment. (But that is for another day, another time, and another blog.)


After months of job seeking and having no luck, I became very depressed and insecure about my credentials. I have over 9 years of experience in the field of Human Services. I have an immaculate record at my old company, too. I applied to so many jobs in this field and received two call backs. One had hours I was not able to work (3rd shift), and the other seemed fishy. They said to come to orientation and then I would get interviewed. I think in this field, you need to conduct interviews first. I mean, you are hiring people to be care givers.


Last month, I swallowed my pride and contacted my old manager after I hear there was a part time position available at the group home I used to work at. Unfortunately, the hours didn't work. It is hard to work second shift with a baby. No daycare is open late enough, and all my family works. 


Last week, my old manager contacted me with a full time position he had available. I was desperate to have a job, so I told him I would try to make something work out for childcare for my daughter. Fortunately for me, someone I knew from the daycare was available to care for Abbey in my house on the three days I needed help. She had just quit the daycare and needed work. She accepted my pay incentive and has agreed to watch my baby girl. This was great! Not only could I return to work, but I also had someone to come to my home to watch Abbey. That was what we wanted, after our unpleasant experience at the daycare. 


It is hard to find someone to trust to come into your home and take care of your child these days. I know this young woman personally. I have worked along side of her at the daycare, and she loves my daughter. Tomorrow is her first day of watching my baby girl, and I am nervous. I am nervous not because I don't trust her, but because I hate being away from my baby girl and missing the things she does. 


Today was my first day of training.....yes I have to retake all the initial training even though I have only been gone from the company since October of 2011. Good thing though I don't need to take the certification classes because those are all still current (CPR, First Aid, Med Admin & PMT). Sitting in this training is so boring though. After being there for 9 years, I have great knowledge on the company, procedures, policies, and whatever else they tell us these first few weeks. I could probably teach these trainings! It is so hard to sit there and keep my mouth shut and just listen and learn...again.... BUT I am doing it. At least I get paid to be there. 


And at least I am able to be back there. I learned recently that they have stopped rehiring employees. I was such a good egg that the Executive Director made an exception. I am a core person at the home I used to work at. You can refer to me as the "house mom". HAHA! No seriously. I am so grateful to be able to go back to my home away from home and my family. Thank you so much for giving me that chance. 

Working Families and Childcare

I need to find something to help supplement our income. I was offered a full time position back at the group home, which I would like to accept, however, daycares close an hour before I would be out on two of the days. Trying to find childcare is tough when you don't work the traditional 9-5 day. (I don't think 9-5 is all traditional anymore anyways) My Hubby works until 8p, which causes more dilemmas! 


Plus, most times, daycare costs are half or more of your weekly pay. 


I was checking out a site called Care.com, which lists child care facilities, providers, nannies and babysitters. They include a background check, too. But you have to pay before you can contact anyone or get more information on them. A lot of the people on here charge a lot, too. I don't see the point of working if most of your earnings go to childcare. It doesn't work out financially. 


There needs to be more options available for working families with non-traditional working hours who also do not have family/friends who are home to watch their child(ren). 

A Rant....

When I worked at the daycare, during my first weeks, I changed a diaper that contained bright green poop. This caused concern for me, so I brought it up with the director. She brushed it off as the kid was just eating junky food and blamed the parents. (This lady is so ignorant on most subjects, but acts like she knows everything. I have a strong dislike for her due to a situation that has happened, but that is another story all together.) I was still concerned and wrote a note home to the parents about it. 


In my experience (working in a group home for 9+ yrs), poop color can mean many things, especially sickness. I have never come across bright green poop until the daycare though. 


Since last night, my 1 1/2 yr old has been under the weather. She's been feverish and zero to low appetite. I just changed her diaper and came across this same bright green poop. Now, I know I don't feed her junk. So, I did a search and found out that Bright Green Poop has to do with not eating enough and the green color is the bile. Has absolutely nothing to do with eating junk. Just another thing to make my blood boil about this lady. How can someone so ignorant on things like this own and run a daycare facility?! 




On a good note, green poop is not a cause for concern, and I should keep trying to get my baby girl to eat. 

Life Changes Can Be a Good Thing

Just 5 years ago, who would have thought that I would be willing to pass on a night out with the girls to stay home babysitting my friends' daughter with my own daughter? Definitely not me. 


I was that person. The person who needed to be out partying every weekend with my closest friends. Drinks in hand, we would close the bar. We would have dance parties on the walk home from the bar and dance some more once we got home. I was the person that got everyone to go out. Those were the days. Not a care in the world except fun times. 


Not so much anymore.


Now my weekends consist of crocheting and grocery shopping. Ha! Who would've thought. My dance parties involve me playing Just Dance on the Wii with my 18m old watching me. My drink in hand is water now. 


I have to say that I am not upset with my new lifestyle. I actually love it. I wouldn't change it in the world. Occasionally, I do have a night out with the girls, but I am just as happy staying home with my girl. My wild and crazy days are not over, there is just a new wild and crazy. 


Last night was my friend's bachelorette party. Due to financial woes, I had to pass on going. It was at the casino and that meant a lot of money. I had to reluctantly pass. My friend was actually ok with that....gave her a babysitter. My first time having a sleepover with a 3 yr old and my 18m old. I thought it was going to be tough. I was all by myself because last night was the stag for the groom and my husband was there doing best man duties. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and I actually think that if we decide to have another child after Abbey is 3yrs old, I think I would be able to handle it. 

Dog Food Quality

Recently, my cousin brought to my attention that the brand of dog food that I was feeding Nurbie was full of fillers. Here, I thought I was feeding him a quality food. She told me that there is a website that rates the different dog foods. I did a search and found the site Dog Food Advisor and to my surprise the brand I was feeding Nurbie was only rated 1 star. It included 13 controversial ingredients (the first five listed were included in that list). They give a detailed analysis on what the different ingredients are and why they are good or bad for your dog. 
So I got to thinking. Over a month ago I had bought Nurbie a new "flavor" of this brand, and at first he seemed to like it. As the month has gone on, he was eating less and less of his food. This concerned me. It makes sense that having "bad" ingredients in his food would make his not like it. Nurbie usually eats up his food during the day, but he was eating only a little and leaving a mostly full dish. 
On the way to the store, I researched the different brands that were available at the store we were going to. Unfortunately, money is tight right now. We used to feed Nurbie the dry raw diet, but the food became too expensive for us to purchase. After searching, I found Iams Simple and Natural (dry) food was rated 4 stars. Iams other dry foods were rated 3 stars. It is a little more expensive than the 3 star foods, but Nurbie is like a kid to me and I want him to eat healthy. I wish I could afford 5 stars, but that will come later on.
We purchased the bag of Iams. When we returned home, I dumped out his old food and replaced it with his new food. Nurbie gobbled it up within minutes. He must've liked it. I knew, too, because when the baby was eating, Nurbie was eating his own food and not waiting for dropped food on the floor. HAHA!
Iams Simple and Natural only contains 3 controversial ingredients (dried beet pulp, dried egg product and dried apple pomace). The end of the review states, and I quote:

Iams Simple and Natural Dog Food is a grain-based kibble using a moderate amount of chicken and chicken meal as its main sources of animal protein… thus earning the brand 4 stars.Highly recommended.

I highly suggest using Dog Food Advisor to determine whether the food you are feeding your dog is nutritional enough.  

A Visit to the Dog Park

Today, I took Nurbie to the dog park in Southbury, CT, which we visit often when the weather is permitting. It was crowded there. We haven't been there on a weekend in almost a year. We usually go during the week. Today there were two other miniature Schnauzers there and one schnauzer mix. There was also a black and white husky there that looked just like my friend's husky, Brady, who is Nurbie's girlfriend. So, Nurbie was happy to play with this husky. It was funny because he just followed her around like the little puppy dog he is. It reminded me of how he was when he was a puppy and would follow Brady everywhere. 


Nurbie also played in the river, which he will do on occasion if tricked into it. He ran in the water and splashed about. It was great seeing him have fun. He hasn't acted this way at the park in a long time. I am thinking his Lyme's disease really hampered his good time while at the dog park in the past. 

Finding Work....

I have to admit that I love being able to stay at home with my daughter. I love the fact that I get to watch her learn and grow every day and that I am not missing out on anything. Unfortunately, money is too tight and I need to return to the work force. I've been having problems finding the right job. I have a lot of experience in the Human Services field (9 years), but I am limited to what schedule I can work due to my husband's schedule and daycare. Most jobs in the Human Services field are 2nd shift, and my husband gets out after daycares close. I also have a gap in my work experience, which I think is inhibiting my appeal to potential employers. 

Last night, one of the administrators from my last job suggested that I add "Stay at Home Mother" to my work experience on my resume. Why didn't I think of that??!?! It closes that gap and it shows that I wasn't just sitting on my butt the past few months. Raising a Toddler is hard work. And when you add in all the other household duties I do, that's a full time job! 

Thankfully, the position I always wished my old company had is probably in the works of being made. And I am a strong candidate for it. I mean, one of the people I would be working under refers to me as his "protege". 

I am going to keep a positive outlook on this potential opportunity, and I am going to feel so much better now when I apply to jobs and I include my "Stay at Home Mom" experience! 

My Mom's Mango Salsa

Today I had the pleasure of recreating my mom's recipe for mango salsa. I loved it when she made it when Abbey and I were visiting her in FL in March this year. I'm having friends over tonight, so I thought this would be a light and refreshing tasty treat. 
Ingredients:
mangos, cilantro, red onion, jalapeno, and salt.

First I chopped up the mango. I used 2 mangos. I put it in a bowl.

Then, I chopped up the red onion and added it to the bowl.

Then, I chopped up the small jalapeno and added it to the bowl.

Finally, I chopped up the cilantro and added that to the bowl. I used a lot because I love cilantro.

Then, I added salt to taste and mixed it all together in the bowl. This is my finished product:

I can't wait to dig into it tonight!! I might have to remake this for our Cinco de Mayo party next weekend!

Fun Craft for the Whole Family

I had recently seen on Pinterest.com a fun painting/art piece. It was a handprint of each of the user's children in a frame on the wall with their names. Having only one child, I thought how can we do this project in a fun way that whole the family can enjoy. Why not put all of our prints on one paper and hang it on the wall. Abbey had received a pad of drawing paper from Easter and it was big enough for all our prints. (By all I mean me, my husband, Abbey and our dog Nurbie.) I even had an old frame that was big enough to hold the paper. 
I then gathered some materials. I used paper plates and spread a thin-ish layer of washable paint onto it; one for me, my husband and Nurbie to dip our hands in. We each chose a color to use. Then, I used a paint brush to brush paint onto Abbey's hands. My husband helped Abbey with her handprints, since she is still too young to understand what to do. Then, I helped Nurbie with his paw prints. Then, the husband and I did our prints.

Once it was dried, I trimmed the paper to fit the frame and then we hung it in our living room. It is a fun piece of art that we made all on our own. 

This is a great way to have a family fun day/night craft with your little ones. 

Gnomeo & Juliet

A few months ago, I decided to watch the movie "Gnomeo & Juliet" with my daughter, who at the time was just over a year old. I had heard about the movie through my little brother and mother the previous year, and it was finally on Netflix. (we gave up cable when my LO was born to save money)

So, I turned it on for me and my LO to watch, and now we watch it every day at least once a day. It has become her favorite movie. I have to admit that the movie is very cute, and I would recommend it to everyone to watch.

My LO has become obsessed with the Elton John song "Crocodile Rock" because of this movie. When she first wakes up in the morning, she starts singing the chorus (in her own way of course!). She has to have it playing on the Iphone constantly by her side. Good thing for me, she likes the whole soundtrack, and I can get variety with the songs, but they are all Elton John. It's a good thing I like his music, or I think I would go crazy! 

(I tried to upload a video of her dancing to the song, but for some reason my videos have gotten ruined while downloading into my computer!)