Weekend Wishlist - What's Next?

I haven't posted a weekend wishlist in a while, and it's high time I explain where I've been!  If you've noticed, I also haven't been around to update my photo of the day page.  It's not that I haven't been taking photos, because trust me...I have!  Tons of them!

I'm working on taking this photography hobby of mine seriously, and am looking forward to move from hobbyist to professional!  I'm excited about the prospect of client photo shoots and finally generating some income for my family.  And the ability to do that by doing something I love just excites me!

Ready for the Next Step! by c-russell 

I compiled this version of the weekend wishlist on Polyvore as a pictorial reference of where I want to go.  I'm working on acquiring some new equipment, honing my post processing software skills, and getting outdoors and taking photos!  And looking forward to that future pay day!

I have been adding posts to my photography blog and my photography website is up and running.  I'm also posting updates on my Facebook page.  I'll continue to update this blog with the usual fun stuff like preschool activities and recipes, and I'll keep my photo shoots to the photography page!  Check them out and follow me there too so you don't miss a thing!

Two Months Down

Two months into 2013 already doesn't seem quite possible.  February being a few days short seems like it makes the month go by a million times faster!  It has been one exciting month though, but I'm so looking forward to March and the spring ahead!

I missed a couple days during my photo project for February, but since we got the new camera I think I've more than made up for those pictures now.  I've taken hundreds of photos in the last two weeks!  Here's a selection of my favorite pictures from the past month.

Photo a Day

You can see the complete this of photos for February and even skip back to January's photos by clicking the link above or the "Photo a Day" link in the navigation menu.

Now that I'm getting more familiar with the settings on the new camera, I'm ready for spring!  I need green grass, and blossoms, and sunshine!  I'm already daydreaming about trips to the zoo, more parks, and the Easter egg hunt.  I can't wait to capture those moments!

What part of spring do you look forward to the most?

Amazing Camera Giveaway!

Our old digital camera no longer holds a charge, and I recently realized the camera on my iPhone is better than that digital camera anyway.  So I'm in the market for a nice new camera at the moment, especially a nice new DSLR.  That being said, I'm so excited to share this exciting camera giveaway from BP4U.

The wonderful people at BP4U are hosting an amazing camera giveaway going on now! Up for grabs is either a Canon 5D Mark III or a Nikon D800!   I would be one happy camper with either of those cameras!

Enter Here:

http://bit.ly/11uZk9u

Source:  BP4U Facebook Page

BP4U is chalk full of photography tips, guides, and resources for the beginning photographer to the expert.  I like that you can submit questions to them if you can't find the answer elsewhere!  Their Facebook page offers great deals and other tips that you won't want to miss out on.  It's definitely worth checking out and clicking Like!

So don't miss out your chance to score one of these amazing cameras.  Follow this link:  http://bit.ly/11uZk9u, Like the page if you aren't already a fan, and get registered!  The giveaway ends Monday, February 18th.

Etsy Schmetsy!

If you've been on Etsy at all you've probably seen something called a "treasury".  Even if you haven't, you've probably seen me linking quite a few recently on Facebook and Twitter.  Treasuries are member curated lists of 16 (or fewer) items from Etsy.  Members can pick a theme, color, or anything they want to put a treasury together.  I create them for team promotions, special occasions, or just for fun!  You don't have to have an Etsy shop to create them either.  All you need is an Etsy account.  Once you start, you'll find it's very addicting!

I've been making treasuries for almost a year now since that's how long I've been using Etsy.  My very first treasury was all bunny themed items.

Bunny Love by C. Russell on Etsy

Many of the items have expired or the listings removed, and most have long since sold.  It's still neat to be able to look back at where I started making treasuries, and how they've changed in the past year!

I've also recently discovered a helpful tool for making treasuries on Etsy.  It's called Schmetsy!  It's an easy to install browser extension that eliminates the needs for copy and pasting listing urls onto the treasury page.  I so wish I'd known it about it sooner!  It also gives you the ability to save a draft of a treasury you are working on.  No need to rush and finish up a treasury just to save it.  Just save the draft, return when you are ready to finish, and pickup right where you left off!  It retains any tags, title, description, and listings you've already added to the treasury!  How awesome is that?!

The other fun part of Schmetsy is the convo sender.  Not always, but often when I make a treasury, I send an Etsy convo to all those featured to let them know about it.  Many of us have way too many people in our circles which translates to a whole bunch of activity in our activity feeds, and it's easy to miss being featured in a treasury.  Sending a convo is an easy way to ensure it doesn't go unseen!  

Before I discovered Schmetsy, the process of sending a convo included opening up each shop featured in the treasury in a separate tab.  Scrolling down to the "Contact" button on the page, typing in my message, and clicking send.  To save time, I did copy and paste the same message into each convo, but this is still a time consuming process.  With Schmetsy, all you have to do is use the "Convo Sender" tool. 

It adds a section underneath the tags on the right side of the treasury page for creating your convo.  You can change the subject title and body of the message and the tool automatically adds links to the treasury and the item featured.  My favorite part is that it remembers what you used before and you get to keep using your custom message over and over again.

The only problem I've experienced with this is that it doesn't send out all 16 convos for items featured.  I think this may be to avoid getting blocked for spamming on Etsy.  Generally for me, anywhere between 10 and 14 convos are sent.  I have never seen it send all 16.  But this still makes me happier than all that time spent copying and pasting to convo all 16 shops!

There are many amazing treasury teams on Etsy.  I am a part of a few teams that enjoy promoting each others shop through treasury making.  One of those teams, Promoting Creative Friends, does a weekly treasury shop on Wednesdays.  Shop sign up in advance, a total of 17 shops.  And each shop creates a treasury featuring one item from the other 16 shops.

Dinner Party by C. Russell on Etsy

It's always fun and a bit of a challenge, to come up with a fun and unique theme when limited to specific shops.  It's amazing how different each challenge is from the other team members as well.  Even though we are all using the same shops, we all have such different ideas and beautiful treasuries.

Here's a peek at my treasury for today's Mighty 17 treasury swap!

I am also part of a fun team called Treasury Island that features one shop daily for a spotlight treasury.  One participating shop from the day before randomly gets chosen to be the next spotlighted shop.

It also just so happens that my shop is today's spotlighted shop!  I am looking forward to seeing all the amazing treasuries created today!  Below is a look at the treasury I made for yesterday's spotlighted shops.

Etsy's My Muse by C. Russell on Etsy

So do you like making treasuries?  Have you tried Schmetsy or another tool perhaps?  Share your secrets or shortcuts for making great Etsy treasuries in the comments!

One Month Down

Where did January go?  A whole month of 2013 is already gone!  I am so excited I've kept up with the "Photo a Day" project.  It is very neat to look back over the last month of photos and see some of the big highlights and little joys we experienced in the past few weeks.  It makes me all that more excited to see what memories we have yet to make the rest of the year!

Here is a quick collage of some of the fun photos from the first month of the project:

See all of January's Photos here.

Several of the photos this month were taken from our back door.  We have a lovely view out back whether its during the sunrise, or foggy, or with snow on the ground and trees.  As spring approaches I'm anxiously awaiting the chance to get outdoors for some real fun and photo shoots!  I can't wait to see what's in store.  

Towards the end of the month, a few of the photos were of my new Blythe doll, Maddie.  She will surely make more appearances as she is my model for all the fun little doll creations I'm making for the Etsy shop.  I bet she'll even get a trip or two outside with us when it warms up!

I haven't forget about the rest of the blog though.  One of these days, I'll take a serious break from the yarn and my crochet hook and get around to busting out the posts I have piling up in my head to write.  Unfortunately it won't be tonight though.  My pillow is calling! 

Facelift!

Say goodbye to the old logo, and welcome in the new.  My new logo and banners were created by my good friend who I'm relentlessly trying to convince to open her own Etsy shop!  She's a phenomenal photographer and clearly very good at design!  I gave her an idea of what I wanted, and she literally made it happen in minutes!

 Out with the old, and in with the new!

I was a little hesitant to change the design, but since I've also changed the focus of my shop and recently branched out elsewhere on the interwebs, I felt it was an appropriate time.  Next month, Handmade by CJ will be celebrating it's one year anniversary on Etsy, and I'm excited to have everything streamlined before that happens.

As sort of a checklist to myself to make sure I've updated all the correct places, and as a guide to Handmade by CJ here are links to where you can find and follow me on the web:

• Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadebyCJ

• Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/handmadebycj

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/HandmadebyCJ

• Tumblr:  http://www.tumblr.com/blog/handmadebycj

• Pinterest:  https://pinterest.com/handmadebycj

• Instagram:  http://instagram.com/handmadebycj/

I think that about covers it!  Check all your bookmarks, follow me wherever you can.  I'm very excited about the new look.  Now just to get back to work on more posts and products!  Thanks everyone!

Wine and Canvas

Have you heard of this great thing called "Wine and Canvas"?  If not, you are completely missing out!  I was just recently enlightened and attended my first wine and canvas event, and I can say with 100% honesty it will not be my last!

My First Wine & Canvas Event Painting

It's no secret I like to paint, but I'm still very much an amateur at it!  The great thing about Wine and Canvas is that you don't have to be a pro, amateur, or frankly have even painted before in order to attend.  They make it enjoyable for everyone.  The atmosphere was all around fun!  The staff was very attentive.  The music rocked at times and was questionable at others, but it was quite an eclectic mix  of songs.  As far as the drinks go, I didn't actually have any wine, but the margarita was pretty darn good!  All-in-all the experience was well worth the $35 price tag.  I can't wait to go back again!

Wine & Canvas

http://www.wineandcanvas.com/

The artist's painting on the left, my painting on the right.  Not bad right?

Now that I've given a brief overview, here's a more detailed version of how it all works:

How To "Wine & Canvas"

1.  Check the calendar.  Decide which painting you want to do first.  Or if the painting doesn't really matter to you, pick any night your available to attend.  Either way, decide when you want to go first.  The location I went to releases the calendar for the following month on the 20th of the current month.

2.  Sign up. They recommend signing up in advance because some events will sell out.  The studio we went to seated 80 people however there were only 40 people there.  We signed up a week early just to be safe though!  This is done online, and you pay when you register.

3.  Show up early.  The location we went to recommended showing up 15-30 minutes early to get signed in.  We were eager and got there 30 minutes early, and I'm so glad we did.  We got our choice of seats and were able to sit up close near the artist.

4.  Grab a drink now or later, or both.  Drinks were reasonably priced, and there was plenty more than just wine to choose from.  There seemed to be a handful of red and white (house and premium) wines, domestic beer, margaritas, and a few other specialty drinks as well as soft drinks and a few snack options.  I think there was definitely something for everybody.

5.  Listen to the introduction.  After you've got your drink and had a few minutes to browse the studio which was lined with canvas paintings, it was time for the night to get started.  We listed to an overview of how the process was going to work from one of the artist assistants.  She talked about the canvas (ours were 16x20 gallery wrapped), the different brushes, and the evening's paint colors.  Beginners might want to pay extra attention here, but if you've done any painting before, this part is pretty self explanatory.

Photo from Wine and Canvas Indianapolis

6.  Paint away!  The artist also gave a quick overview of the order the painting would progress, and then got started.  I felt the artist went very fast here!  We had time in between watching her complete each step to do it ourselves, but it hardly ever felt like enough time.  We always wanted to keep working or touching up a section.  It's extremely hard to resist the urge to do so.

Our paintings at the break

7.  Take a Break.  About half way through there is a break time for drink refills and basically to let a section of the painting dry before you progress further.  I think it was 10-15 minutes or so, but I'm not really sure.  The time flew by!

My painting ready for the final elements

8.  Finishing touches.  The artist will walk you through whatever is left of the painting, including signing your name.  Again I wish we'd have had more time to keep working, but in the end it all turned out great and we were all happy with the result.

Photo from Wine and Canvas Indianapolis

9.  Say cheese!  The artist assistant snapped a few group photos of everyone's finished paintings.  It's amazing how similar yet different each one was.

Photo from Wine and Canvas Indianapolis

10.  Cry because it's over, and book your next event!  The event lasted just under 3 hours, but the time flew by like it was minutes.  We had so much fun, and are really looking forward to going again!

I'm eagerly awaiting next month's calendar release to see what the painting options are.  In the meantime, I think I need to pick up some extra canvases to start working on some more paintings with a few of the tricks I learned.

News for the New Year

If you've noticed, I wasn't blogging much throughout December.  Many of our craft projects last month turned into Christmas gifts, so I'll be working on those posts now that they've been gifted out!  I can't tell you how excited I am about how they all turned out.

I spent a lot of time crocheting last month (Christmas gifts!), but it has really got me eager to start a new line for my Etsy shop.  I wanted to include some crochet when I setup the shop early last year, but I didn't quite have the hang of my stitches back then.  With a lot of practice and a whole lot of YouTube how-to's, I can almost do it with my eyes closed.  Well not really, I just watch a lot of Netflix instead!

For Sale on Etsy

I will be adding pieces to the shop as they're completed, but a couple new doll hats have already been listed.  I love these adorable Blythe sized hats!  I can't wait to make more.  As I get time, I'll also be adding some child and adult size pieces.

I'm not sure yet if I will be adding more art to the shop, although I was just commissioned to recreate my Eye of Jupiter painting that sold last year.  I'm definitely willing to take requests, but I'm probably going to be focusing on the yarn for the time being!

Aside from the shop news, I've also added a new page (look at the nav bar on the left) to the blog called A Photo A Day.  My New Year's resolution is to take a photo every day of something happening in our lives.  I'll post it to the top of the page each day with a short caption.  By the end of the year, I will have an incredible scrapbook of amazing little memories.

Well my work is cut out for me.  The only challenge is finding time to do everything I want to do.  So what are your New Year's Resolutions?

Goodbye Crayon Marks

Why is it toddlers insist on coloring every surface but paper when they get a crayon?  Most of the time I can get it up fairly easily, but our preschool cabinet was being stubborn.  None of my usual tricks were working.  So I decided to try a little rubbing alcohol as a last resort.  We use rubbing alcohol to clean several things around here, especially electronics, but I've never tried it on furniture until now.  Easiest clean up ever!  It took seconds to take the crayon off.

It took a few cotton balls to get it all off, but as you can see it ALL came off!  I removed crayon marks from both sides of the doors, the shelves, and the back of the cabinet in just a couple of minutes.

I'm sure I'm not the first person to discover this trick, but I had to share.  I'm so happy our white cabinet is actually white again!

Top 10 Reasons To Love Fall!

It's officially here!  Although it's felt like fall for a few weeks now, today it's official!  If you know me personally then you know there's no secret that my favorite season is fall.  Yes the summer is wonderful, and I do love the heat, but nothing is quite like the changes that fall brings.  Years ago it meant back to school and marching band competitions.  But even though those days are long behind me, I still love this time of year.  So in honor of this amazing season, here is my first official top 10 list on this blog:  the Top 10 Reasons To Love Fall!

10 - Fresh Cool Air

Flickr photo by C4M30

Nothing lets us know that fall is here like the change in temperature.  The days of triple digit heat waves are over, and the perfectly comfortable fifties and sixties are here.

It's the time when the air conditioner gets turned off permanently until next year, windows are opened, and the cool fall breezes bring much needed fresh air into our homes.  Breathe it in deep.  Just remember to close the windows when it gets cold enough for you to see that breath!

9  - The Changing Leaves

Flickr photo by Konstantin Leonov

Typically the most obvious indicator that fall is here or fast approaching, the bright greens of summer turn into brilliant fall colors.  Nearly everything that was green around us starts turning a vast array of lovely fall colors.  Reds, oranges, yellows, browns, and purples in every shade.  

Just going for a walk around the neighborhood or making a special trip to a park (or Brown County, IN like many of us around here tend to do), to see all of these stunning colors produced by nature is amazing.  That's an even better way to enjoy that fresh fall air.  I wish the trees stayed like this longer!

8 - The JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes

It's become a fall ritual for us.  Here in Indianapolis, the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes always takes place in late September or October.  Recruiting for our friends and family team and fundraising for JDRF is another reminder that fall is here.

On walk day, the  path the walk follows is one of the most beautiful places to be in Indianapolis in the fall.  It's a way to combine the fresh cool air of fall and the beautiful colors of all the changing leaves along with friends and family to support a worthy cause.

7 - Halloween!

Who doesn't love Halloween?  Free candy and you get to dress up as anything you want!  Ok, well my days of dressing up and getting candy are long behind me, but as a parent I get to revel in this joy with my children now.  Seeing people decorate for Halloween is the next best thing to Christmas lights, and seeing the children bring their favorite characters and animals or whatever they chose to be for Halloween to life in their costumes is a treat!

A few years ago we started a tradition of trick-or-treating with friends, and I'm looking forward to that again this year.  Also, I'm going to help my Grandma with her tradition of making popcorn balls to pass out to friends and family for Halloween treats, and it's a tradition that I plan to keep going in our family.

6 - Wood Burning Fires

Flickr photo by georgygrrl

One of the best smells on the planet, and they keep you warm!  Bonfires and wood burning fires in fireplaces make their reappearances this time of year.  Back in school the marching band would get together on a rare night off for a bonfire.  Those were so much fun.  I'll never forget my first time snipe hunting at one of those bonfires!  

We have a gas fireplace we've never actually used and no firepit, so I just have to inhale as much as I can when our neighbors are outdoors using theirs!  We sat outside the other night eating root beer floats enjoying the smell of a firepit a couple doors down from us.  I love when I'm out driving and catch the smell of a bonfire in someone's yard.  It's like a stranger just gave you a gift!

5 - Sweaters and Jeans

"Fall Faves" Created on Polyvore

Take a big comfy sweater (preferably in gray, but I'm slowly branching out into other colors!) and a favorite pair of jeans, and you've got my fall uniform!  It's also time to put away the flip flops and bust out the boots.  I also like to change out the sweater for a hoodie and the boots for flats because afterall, it is all about the comfort!

Being able to snuggle up into my favorite sweaters is definitely a fall favorite, especially those sweaters I picked up on clearance months ago that have just been waiting for these cooler temps!

4 - Apple Orchards

These next two can sometimes be knocked off the Fall Bucket List at the same time, but they don't have to be.  We love making an annual trip to the apple orchard.  There we get to snack on caramel apples, apple slushies, and so many other goodies!  We also like to get some fresh apple cider to take home.  Nothing beats hot apple cider on a cool fall evening!

We haven't been apple picking yet, but we've still got time.  Regardless of if we get them straight from the tree or from the orchard store, we'll be enjoying some really good apples!

3 - Pumpkin Patches

We also know that fall is here and Halloween is right around the corner when it's time to go pick out pumpkins.  The past couple years we've only painted our pumpkins, but this year we will be carving for sure!  I've got recipes lined up for the insides of those pumpkins that I can't wait to try.

There are so many great places around here to go pick your own pumpkin straight from the field.  It's pretty cute watching the little ones make their choice and even trying to figure out how to carry one!  Luckily we'll bring the wagon along to make that part easy!

2 - Pumpkin Scented Candles

Ok, maybe this shouldn't appear as high on my list as it does, but well it does!  I seriously love pumpkin scented candles!  This particular one is called "Spiced Pumpkin Pie", but regardless of what they call it, if it smells like pumpkin I want to use it!  I'll burn them for a few hours in the evening and the whole house just smells amazing.

I normally buy one every year this time of year, and it will last for a few months, but I think I may have to pick up a couple more to just keep this going all year 'round!

1 - Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Yes, I do believe I'm addicted to these.  And that's what makes them number one on my list.  I look forward to them all year long!  Strangely though until this year I've only ever ordered them hot.  I had no idea the iced version was just as amazing!  Unfortunately, I can't go out and get one whenever I want.  Thankfully though pumpkin spice coffee creamer also starts hitting the grocery store shelves this time of year, and it's much more budget friendly!

These are a wonderful treat from you know where, but Pinterest is full of at home versions I'm dying to try this year including this crock-pot pumpkin spice latte recipe!

I hope you've enjoyed my first top ten list!  I bet many of you share some of these fall favorites.  Leave a comment and tell me what other ways you celebrate this glorious season of fall!

Helping Hands for JDRF!

In just three weeks, I will be participating in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I have been doing the walk since 2004, when the company I worked for at the time sponsored the event.  Over the past several years, we've had several family members and friends join us for the walk, and we've grown from registering as individual walkers to forming this friends and family team.

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes 2011

JDRF is near and dear to me because its striving to find a cure for a disease that has affected and continues to affect many people I know.  My grandfather, Gene Hand, was a diabetic.  He had one leg amputated and had to take insulin shots daily for years.  I chose the team name, Helping Hands, in remembrance of him.  My mother, my sister, my cousin, my uncle, second cousins, friends, and many many more, have all been affected by diabetes.

JDRF may focus their research on type 1 diabates, but I believe that JDRF is on the right track to finding a cure for diabetes in general.  I have no doubt that a cure or even progress towards a cure for either type of diabetes will greatly affect the research and finding a cure for all types.  And definitely check out JDRF's homepage for the latest and greatest on their progress and advancement in finding the cure!

If you'd like to join us for the walk this year, please check out our walk team's website below.  We'd love to have as many people as possible join us in supporting this worthy cause!  It's a couple hours of your time on a beautiful fall Saturday morning.  This is one of the most gorgeous parts of Indianapolis as well.  The walk starts in Military Park and goes by the IUPUI campus, behind the Indianapolis Zoo and through White River Gardens and over the canal.  You will not find a more beautiful path in this city, and to go on such a beautiful walk with thousands of people!  Bring your camera for sure!

Kids, dogs, strollers, wagons all welcome!  We hope to see you there!

Helping Hands Walk Team Page:  

http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/helpinghands

Walk Details

Date:

October 6, 2012

Walk Location:

Military Park
601 West New York Street
Indianapolis, IN

Registration Start Time:

9:00 AM

Walk Start Time:

10:30 AM

Length of Walk:

5K (3.1 miles)

Message from JDRF:

We are taking steps to help JDRF achieve its goal of improving the lives of all people affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D) by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. By joining our Walk Team and making a donation, you will be helping us to raise funds to directly support research with the greatest potential to conquer this disease.

We are motivated by the courage and perseverance of those facing the everyday challenges of type 1 diabetes - they are the reason we challenge ourselves to give more, to do more, to achieve more. We challenge ourselves to make a real difference in the lives of those with T1D.
Will you accept the challenge to make a difference by walking with us? All we need you to do is click on the "Join this Team" button, make a donation, and begin fundraising. It is simple, fast, and fun!
Thank you for your support, and we'll see you on Walk day!

If you can't make it to the walk, please consider supporting this cause by making a donation to our team.  We are so grateful for the support and the knowledge that one day there will be a cure for diabetes!  Thank you!

Thanks for the Feature!

I sat down at the desk this morning with my coffee and proceeded to check my email like I always do.  It's normally a bunch of junk email with just an occasional nugget of useful information.  This morning though I had a fantastic surprise!  I saw I'd been mentioned on Twitter and discovered my blog post from yesterday was featured today in a Parent/Teacher Daily newsletter from Living Montessori Now!

I seriously love Living Montessori Now, and if you've never checked it out, definitely make the time.  Fan them on Facebook too to get quick access to awesome free daily printables and lots of other wonderful posts!

What a great way to start the morning!  Thanks Deb, you made my day!!

Happy Birthday Maria Montessori!

Happy 142nd birthday Maria Montessori!  You may have seen it on Google this morning, but I bet many of you don't know who Montessori is.  If you've seen my recent post about delving into the Montessori methods, her methods are those I'm referring to.  She was a true pioneer in children's education, and developed and approach to learning that inspired children and adults around the world, and continues to do so.

Here's where the Google link will take you haven't clicked on it already:

• http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2012/0831/Maria-Montessori-a-bold-life-breaking-gender-boundaries

I've had a couple of these links on my sidebar, but here are some of my new favorite Montessori and Montessori-inspired blogs:

• Living Montessori Now at http://livingmontessorinow.com/
• Counting Coconuts at http://countingcoconuts.blogspot.com/
• Montessori on a Budget at http://www.montessori-on-a-budget.com/

These are my go to pages when I'm planning ideas for our weekly preschool themes at home.  All of these sites are jam packed with wonderful Montessori information.  From the few things we've done so far, I can say that Maria Montessori was a genius.  Her ideas were groundbreaking and have stood the test of time.  

Check out some of these amazing Etsy finds with Montessori education in mind:  http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQ1Njg4NTZ8MjcyMzI1NjUxNg/montessori-monday

Sometimes we tend to rush our kids through things, and force them to learn a certain thing or a certain way.  We over-complicate it for young minds.  At least I feel I have been guilty of that.  School and learning came very easy for me.  I don't remember the approach my early teachers used, and my degree was in computer technology, not early education.  But I feel that these methods, with the help of these amazing blogs, is making teaching my children easy and much more fun!

I can see their imaginations at work.  I can see how excited they get when they figure something out.  I can see their confidence grow as they learn and do more.  I'm eager to see what they learn next!  And with that, I'm off to finish up our last day of "Back-to-School" week.

Happy Birthday Maria! And Thank You!

What Happens When You Mix Paint and Alcohol

Mixing paint and alcohol turned out even more fun than I expected!  No, I don't mean drinking alcohol while you paint, and this alcohol was not of the drinking variety.  My sister called and got me interested in a new technique she'd seen on the Internet about combining acrylic paint and rubbing alcohol.  It sounded really fun so I told her to come on over, and we tried it out together!

I didn't take pictures as we went, and I wish now that I would have.  I had no idea how it was really going to turn out until it was done.  I can only show you the finished product, but I think they turned out great!  The process was farely simple but time consuming because of the drying time in between each layer of the painting.  We both started with solid base coats of acrylic paint.  I chose a dark gray, and she chose black.  

After that layer has completely dried, you apply a wash created from a mix of acrylic paint and water.  I'd say this might be the most critical step for several reasons.   It appears if the wash is too watery it won't work right, and if the wash is too thick it won't work right.  We both agreed it probably depends on the quality of acrylic paint you use and getting the water right.  Side note, the online tutorial recommended distilled water.  Working quickly so this new layer does not dry, you want to apply 91% rubbing alcohol to the painting.  We tried using a spray bottle but it didn't give the desired affect.  Splashing it on was also risky.  Turns out an eye dropper/syringe worked best.

You can stop there or let that layer completely dry, and repeat with multiple layers and color combinations.  I can't wait to do it again in more variations!  Here's a look at the finished product after a clear gloss top coat was added:

For a little extra effect, I titled this one up to get a drip going.  Drip paintings seem to be pretty popular these days, and I can now see why!

You can see the full paintings in my Etsy shop along with a few more pictures of each at http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadebyCJ.

A Gift of Old to Make New Again

I received such an amazing gift yesterday, you'd have thought my birthday came early this year!  My grandma is an amazing artist no matter the tools she using, brush and canvas, sewing machine and thread, yarn and hook, spinning wheel and wool.  Her talents are endless!  I'm just thankful that over the years I've been able to see her creations and pick up some of her passion.  She is also pretty excited that my sister and I are taking more of an interest in painting as of late.  I'm certain our passion for the art has come from her.  I just wish I also had her talent, but maybe with more experience I can hope to come close.

Recently my grandma passed on an array of old canvases, some used, some blank, archival paper, and picture holders.  Yesterday my sister came over to split the treasures with me, and I am so excited to get to work with my new gifts.

One of the canvases was this painting of an adorable little bunny.  Although my grandma's suggestion was to simply reuse them, there is absolutely no way I could paint over something so precious or something painted by her hands.  This one is a keeper!  There's another canvas that could use some work, so I'm going to research re-stretching and preserving canvas now as well.  

The sketchpad looks ancient and has some water damage, but it will still be excellent for the kids to practice with watercolors or something else while I am painting.  They love to join in on "craft time", whenever I get the paints out.  It is exciting to see the kids create as well even at such a young age. 

I have no idea yet what I'll do with the smaller cards and photo holders that were included with the other supplies.  Looking through them, I noticed some have dates stamped on the back.  This one from 1907 is from the year before my late great-grandfather was born!  My grandma has passed on a wonderful gift.  Now I have a thank you call to make!

Resolutions

I'm not really sure I understand the meaning behind New Year's resolutions, unless it's just simply to make us feel bad about the things we never get around to accomplishing while we are busy getting through the year.  Resolution, to me, sounds more like solution.  It's the end result.  Problem solved.  But when we make New Year's resolutions we aren't solving problems.  We are creating or defining problems with ourselves and setting goals to correct those problems over the coarse of the year.  Its a very strange ritual.  Nevertheless, I can't stop myself from doing it.

I've taken a break from working out, cooking and eating healthy food, and all that other stuff that's supposed to be good for you.  I convinced myself that it would all be my New Year's "resolution" and I would start today, or rather Monday because it's easier to set routines on weekdays around here.  I didn't meet my weight loss goal that I wanted to by Christmas.  I didn't get to wear my gray cashmere sweater on Christmas Day.  And frankly I think even if I had lost that extra 8 pounds to reach my goal, I still wouldn't have been able to wear the sweater.  That thing is way smaller than I remember.  So for now it continues to remain a decoration in my closet.

Back to the resolutions, or lets just call them what they really are...problems.  I want to lose weight, get in shape, and be more active.  All of those are essentially the same thing.  I also need to drink more water, eat fewer carbs, and a ton more vegetables.  I'm sure these things are on many people list of things to do for the New Year, however I don't want to take a year to do them.  These are lifestyle changes that need to happen immediately and last a lifetime.  Wow, now that sounds like a daunting task!  How in the world does anyone keep "resolutions" like that?!  One day at a time, one meal at a time, one snack at a time.  It's not about solutions or results.  It's about preparedness and opportunity.

This year my focus is not going to be on what I want to do, but rather how I'm going to do it.  One day at a time, one meal at a time, one snack at a time.  If I'm prepared, then I can do it!  Wish me luck everyone, and I hope all of you have a very Happy New Year!

Remembering Greatness

Eleven years ago today was one of the saddest mornings of my life.  This world lost one of the greatest people it has ever known, my great-grandfather, Paul Albert Hand.  We called him Grandpa or just Gramps.  He was born May 25, 1908 and passed on December 14, 1999.  He had wanted to live to the new millennium but didn't make that wish.  He had been married to my great-grandmother for 71 years when he died.  She only lived 3 years without him, passing around 4 a.m. on December 15, 2002.

I always looked up to my great-grandfather, and not just because he was so tall.  He was the most respected man I have ever known.  At his funeral a close friend of his said there was never an unkind word said about him his entire life.  He lived by very high morals, saved as much money as he could, and took care of his family and everyone he knew in any way possible.  He also was fantastic at brushing and braiding little girls' hair whenever we were lucky enough to spend the night.  He taught me how to play cards, play checkers, and tried to teach me how to save money.

Gramps was also quite the joker.  He had a wonderful sense of humor.  He had one of those packages of gum with just one stick left in it, and when you pull it out it snaps your finger.  We got lots of laughs out of that.  I also remember several occasions where he'd ask us if we wanted some pie.  When I'd say "what kind is it?" he'd say something like "I don't have any; I just wanted to know if you wanted some."  And then of course we'd laugh some more.

I interviewed him once for a project I had to do in elementary school.  I kept a green notebook where I wrote down all the stories he had told me.  I don't know what happened to that notebook, but I desperately wish I still had it.  Growing up I always thought I would write a book about him someday.  Even if I was the only person that ever read it, I would read it over and over again.  I can hardly even remember the details of his childhood now, but I will always have the memories and stories of him from mine.

He loved road trips.  We would get in the car and just drive places.  I don't know if he had the destination in mind all along but it just seemed so adventurous to a little girl.  We went all over the state with them, visiting Metamora, Napanee, Shipshewana, Madison, Whitestown, etc.  He always found these great places.  Visiting them in Florida was also always something to look forward too.

Eleven years later I still think of him often.  This time of year it is pretty easy to notice when family members are no longer around.  I will never forget him.  Rest in peace, Gramps.  I love you!

Just another reason why

*Disclaimer:  The following references a topic that is a highly debatable and sensitive subject for many.  What you are about to read is purely my opinion and is in no way meant to offend anyone!

**Disclaimer:  Longest blog yet..might want to grab a drink and use the bathroom first!

I saw an article last night warning parents about a Similac formula recall.  My immediate reaction was "just another reason why!" It just adds to my growing list of reasons I am so thankful that I am able to breastfeed my children.  I couldn't imagine being a parent and wondering if I had just fed my baby some bad formula.  This recall was prompted due to cans tainted with beetles, but I suppose there could also be cans out there laced with cocaine like that one episode of Law and Order: SVU.  I know that's extreme but when you see how often Law and Order does a show based on true events it really makes you wonder!

The breast vs bottle debate has probably been going on as long as formula itself has been around, but for me it was never even a debate.  There was no question.  I wanted to breastfeed.  And I think at the time I made that decision I didn't even know all the reasons why.  I just knew it's what I wanted to do.  When I was reading that article about the recall I came across a blog post about "reasons why it's so hard to formula feed".  Here's the post for reference.  The entire blog is completely sarcastic and meant to be a funny satire using all the common reasons why women choose not to breastfeed and apply them to formula.  If you read through the comments like I did, you'll find many people took offense and didn't find it funny at all.  That's why I added a disclaimer to this blog (even though the disclaimer on her blog didn't appear to work).  I don't mean to offend anyone by discussing my choices, and I don't want anyone to feel bad about their choices.  But as the author of that blog also replies in the comments, as long as it is your choice that's all that matters.  Well that, and that the choice was an informed one.

Like I said, when I made the decision to breastfeed, I didn't know all the reasons why I should be doing it or why I wanted to do it.  But once I made that decision, I started doing research.  I wanted to be informed.  I bought a book called "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" and started reading.  It is amazing what a little knowledge can do.  Suddenly breastfeeding turns into something I'm not just doing for my baby, it's something I'm doing for myself as well.  For instance, did you know that breastfeeding can reduce your risk of getting breast cancer and some other types of cancer as well?  Oh and breastfeeding women are more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy jeans sooner than formula feeding moms.  They say it's because your body uses those fat stores it creates during pregnancy to create your milk, and also that breastfeeding shortly after your baby's birth signals your uterus to contract and return to it's normal size faster (or something like that, I'm not an expert).  However I think another reason may be that breastfeeding women know that what they eat and drink affects their milk, so they are probably more likely to make wiser choices when it comes to their own meals.

After reading that woman's blog about the reasons it's too hard to formula feed I was happy to see someone put into words some of the things I had been feeling, even if she did so in an entirely sarcastic manner.  When people say that "breastfeeding is too hard", I somewhat agree with them.  Lot's of things in life are hard, but that doesn't mean we should shy away from them.  Breastfeeding is not "too hard".  Like anything new you are learning to do it takes practice.  Did you know how to ride a bike the first time you got on one?  Did you stop riding a bike altogether the first time you fell off and skinned your knee?  Once you get the hang of breastfeeding, and honestly I think it took me about 2-3 weeks with my first child, it's not hard at all.  The skinned knee reference is to compare when some people that say "but it's going to hurt" or "what about when the baby starts teething".  There is some pain while you and your baby are learning how to do it properly, but that's only temporary.  The benefits of breastfeeding last you and your baby a lifetime.  As for teething, have you ever tried to drink a milkshake while biting on the straw?  How'd that work for ya?  When your baby is nursing properly, which he or she should definitely have the hang of by the time teething starts, those little teeth won't be in the way.

"Breastfeeding is so inconvenient."  Another common complaint that I have no understanding of whatsoever.  How is making your hungry baby wait while you fix a bottle convenient?  Not to mention making sure all those bottle parts are cleaned and sterilized.  How is getting up in the middle of the night, stumbling down the stairs and into the kitchen to make a bottle at 3 am convenient?    How is making sure you have enough formula, bottles, nipples, and clean water before you leave the house to go anywhere convenient?

When my baby lets me know she's hungry, I pull down or pull up my shirt depending on what kind I'm wearing and there we go.  My milk will never be recalled for beetle infestations, it's always the perfect temperature, and as long as I've had a shower in the last day (or two) I know what she's drinking her milk from is clean.  When my baby wakes up in the middle of the night, I roll over and pick her up out of the cosleeper, lay her down beside me and she nurses snuggled up with me.  When she's done, back in the cosleeper she goes and right back to sleep I go.  All without setting foot out of the bed (unless of course a diaper change is warranted).  Oh and I can't imagine having to add anything else to my already packed diaper bag.  If I were to formula feed, I think I would have to carry an extra bag just for feeding supplies when I left the house!

Ok, just returned from a diaper explosion, cleanup and bath.  Now where were we?  Oh my next comparison.  Breastfeeding in public.  I've read that some women are nervous or even scared to breastfeed in public.  I'm not sure why.  Are these women worried about what people will think?  I cannot count the number of comments, or compliments rather, I get when people see me nursing in public.  I do so discretely using a receiving blanket to cover up anything someone might see.  I never saw the purpose in spending money on all those fancy cover ups when the receiving blankets you get for free at your baby shower do the same job.  Anyway, people always want to tell me "I think it's great what you're doing" or something along those lines.  I'm not asking for compliments when I have to nurse when I'm not at home.  Trust me, I'd much rather be curled up in the same chair I'm in now every time I had to nurse (except of course at night).  I nurse in public because it's a necessity to feed your baby when she's hungry.  The compliments are a complete bonus.  So for moms who are worried about what people might think about you nursing your baby in public, trust me....they think it's great!

Ok I didn't mean to write a book on this, but I knew as soon as I read that other blog last night this was something I had to write about too.  I'm very passionate about this topic.  It's my children's health and well-being at stake.  I am so grateful that I was able to breastfeed Gray for 14 months and I plan on doing the same for our new baby girl.

Hello Fall

Fall, oh how do I love thee.  Let me count the ways.  Fall is and probably always will be my favorite time of the year.  There is just something about these overcast skies and gentle cool breezes that just make me want to melt into my big comfy robe and curl up with a hot mug of coffee (or Teeccino since I can't do the caffeine right now).  I love that we've turned the AC off and have all the windows open from now until it gets too cold to stand it, which hopefully won't be until November!

Growing up, fall meant the beginning of a new school year, marching band, bonfires, and apple butter.  Things I looked forward to all year long.  I loved school, maybe too much.  My sisters teased me for doing homework on a Friday night, although I'm pretty sure that only happened in the beginning of the school year when I was bound and determined to be the perfect student.  That enthusiasm did wear off a few months into the school year though.  I loved competition too.  Marching band contests all day every Saturday.  Surviving on ham sandwiches and Mountain Dew.  Bonfires on Friday nights if there wasn't a home football game.  We were a big family, and for as much time as you spend away from home at practices and contests it had to be!  Luckily for me though, my actual family was a part of my marching band family as well.

What else was there?  Oh yes, my grandma's apple butter!  Wow. My cousin and his wife made some for everyone in the family last Christmas and oh what a treat it was!  I need to get the recipe and try making this for myself sometime.  Maybe it can become a Fall tradition that I pass along to my children.  I love family traditions possibly more than I love apple butter!  I can't wait to take the kids to an orchard this fall.  I think that will be added to the family tradition checklist as well!

I am ecstatic that fall is finally here.  I wore my Danskos and Smart Wool socks for the first time this season yesterday.  A huge thank you to my sister for making sure my feet stay comfortable!  I cleaned out our coat closet to make sure there would be room to hang up fall jackets, both ours and our guests.  Now I just need to work on some of these still packed boxes and find all of our fall clothes.  I'm sure one day, maybe in a couple years, we'll have everything unpacked and be ready for that housewarming party!

Now I'm off to go prepare some hamburgers for the grill.  This may be the best part of fall.  It's not too cold to grill out, and it's not so hot that you don't even want to open the door to go outside!  I hope everyone is enjoying this time of year as much as I am!

So proud!

I couldn't be more proud and apparently neither could Gray because he used that exact word.  He just "dirtied" in the potty on his own, and we both are ecstatic!

He was playing upstairs and when he realized he needed to use the bathroom he came down the stairs announcing he had to dirty!  I followed him into the bathroom where he sat down on his little potty and did his business.  We both cheered!  I said "I'm so happy!" and he replied, "I'm so proud!"  What am amazing thought from a little boy who's not even three years old yet.

He's been in training pants for a year now and we've had great success with him doing #1 in the potty, but he has been more stubborn than a mule at going #2.  We've tried every bribe in the book: rewards, charts, lots of praise, you name it.  Nothing has worked.  I've read lots of similar stories from other moms online, and most of them said he'll do it when he's ready and just give him time.  This is hard to do especially when you add in another child who makes plenty of dirty diapers of her own!

We celebrated this momentous occasion with an Oreo cookie, and Gray couldn't wait to tell Daddy as soon as he got home.  I hope this is not a one time occurance though, and I hope this can mark the end of potty training and beginning of big boy pants for Gray!  I'm sure he hasn't forgotten about the Curious George underwear that Grammy promised him when he became potty trained!