tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9418760339308666892024-03-13T14:30:19.739-05:00The Duda HomesteadFollow our journey as Homeowners, DIYers, Natural-as-possible Livers, and cloth diapering new parents :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-23262678363249419902014-02-03T08:00:00.000-06:002014-02-03T08:36:17.653-06:00It's A...BOY?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As you may have read in <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/search/label/Baby%20Duda" target="_blank">previous posts</a> regarding my <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2013/09/mybirthstory1.html" target="_blank">pregnancy</a> and <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2013/09/mybirthstory.html" target="_blank">birth</a>, we were expecting a girl until the moment our amazing little boy was born. And yes, we were told girl by the ultrasound technician and, while I didn't specifically ask for a confirmation by the OB/GYN we were seeing for the first 30 weeks, she seemed to agree.<br />
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<b>Now, my one fear in writing this post </b>is that someday, maybe, our E will read it and I don't want him to think for a fraction of a fraction of a second that we wished he were someone else. Because, E...oh my word I cannot describe the joy you have brought into our lives. You have truly taught me what unconditional loves means and your father and I adore you. We love you more than can ever be described and we always will. No. Matter. What. And the second you were born, my mind was flooded with images of us doing all the fun "boy stuff" with you!. I know your dad can't wait to teach you all of the fun "manly stuff" he loves to do. You are so loved my little man.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original photo taken by: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DanaMariePhotos" target="_blank">Dana Marie Photography</a></td></tr>
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Before we decided to try to start our family, we knew that we both liked the name Lily for a girl. My husband's grandmother was Lilyan, and I just always thought it was a sweet name. So to spice it up a bit, we decided if we had a girl we would name her Lilyana (pronounced Lily-Ann-Uh). After finding out we were expecting, we started looking through names for a boy since we already had a girl name decided. We both taught middle school (well my husband still teaches) and have worked with children for quite a few years now. We all know boys are a bit more, shall we say, "rambunctious" so deciding on a boy name was tough. I'd like one, then he'd say "No can't do it" and vice versa. Shortly before our 20 week ultrasound, a co-worker of my husband's mentioned a name and we loved it. In the waiting room before the 20-week ultrasound, we decided that'd be it if we had a boy. <br />
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To back up a little, I grew up quite a tom-boy and while I enjoy a glass of wine with the girls now and then and grew up with Barbie, I'm more of a whiskey and beer and campfire kind of gal. I like physical hard work, love to build things, and have a little destructive side. So I always thought I'd have to have boys because I wouldn't know what to do with a girl. My husband on the other hand, who is as manly as they come, thought he'd have to have a girl because he always had a harder time with boys when it came to supervising and such. There are not many girls on his side of the family. Not any in fact, younger than his aunts until our niece was born a couple of years ago. So I guess you could say some were "hoping" for a girl, if for nothing else than variety and buying pink things. I just wanted our baby, but if you asked me before our ultrasound, I said we were "hoping" for a girl, but I thought boy.<br />
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<b>When we were told girl, it didn't feel real to me. </b>To the point it made me worry that I wasn't connected to my baby. I had looked up photos of ultrasounds to see what a girl would look like (I think we know what a boy looks like) in an ultrasound photo. When I saw our baby on the screen and she said girl, I doubted her. My momma-gut didn't feel right and I only saw two little lines (which we'd later find out was the outline of a boy). But we left and soon began telling family and friends that we were expecting a Lilyana.<br />
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<b>People would ask if we knew the gender and had a name picked out and when I would answer, again it didn't feel right.</b> No doubt I was excited to be having a baby, but saying girl felt weird. Saying Lily felt weird. So then I doubted our name choice a little bit thinking maybe that was it. Maybe this just wasn't a Lily (well I was right about that I guess!). Then I worried that I wasn't bonding with our unborn baby. Then I decided it was all poppycock and that I wouldn't feel that strong bond until "she" was born and I stopped beating myself up about it. Still, saying girl didn't feel right.<br />
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Then we had our pink owl-themed baby shower and got lots of adorable dresses and outfits. I loved everything and honestly still have all of it in case we have a girl the next time around. (Maybe I'll just make the photos of the shower black and white for his baby book :-P) Other than clothes, all of the "gear" we registered for was gender-neutral since we plan to have more than one child. But again, something was gnawing at me and I again chalked it up to being a first time mom and hormones.<br />
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<b>Then, at 42 weeks, labor began </b>and we prepared to meet our little one. Labor was intense and while I know I didn't think so right afterwards (I blame the Pitocin), I loved it. Because of the meconium in my water when it broke 19 hours prior to our E being born, I didn't get him on my chest right away. He was being suctioned right next to me and I was in a whirlwind spinning through what just happened. I pushed out a baby, it took a couple of hours, but I did it. Go me! Then I hear a little commotion and our wonderful doula leans over the bed and asked, "What were you expecting again?" with a bit of a giggle as I recall, and then there was an <b>"It's a boy!"</b> and an uproar of laughter from the nurses. And me saying to myself, "I KNEW IT!" And our sweet midwife saying..."Oh yeah! I just remembered thinking 'be careful when cutting the cord.'" lol...Then I pulled out a green hat I had packed (along with a gender-neutral onesie) just in case.<br />
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So we pulled out the name we'd decided on 22 weeks prior and it fits him perfectly :) I didn't know this at the time, but my husband later told me that asking if I wanted his name to be our son's middle name meant a lot to him. I thought we'd discussed it but apparently I never said it out loud. Yay for sweet moments <3<br />
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In the days following the birth, I was so happy. Tired and sore, but happy. <b>I actually loved the surprise. </b>I mean, even if you don't find out with an ultrasound, you know you'll get one or the other. When you are told one and get the other, that's even more of a surprise. I love surprises. I am not one to snoop for gifts or try to get hints. So in retrospect, I'm not sure why I really wanted to find out the gender. I remember thinking it would help me bond with the baby, and we know that didn't work. (Not that I didn't bond with him during pregnancy...feeling those kicks and squirms is priceless).<br />
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<b>Then came that moment of a slight feeling of loss.</b> A few days after the birth, our doula stopped by for her post-partum visit and asked if we felt a sense of loss and how things were going. At that point I was still in phase one mentioned above and told her things were great. But a few days, or maybe weeks, later it hit me one night. I believe it was after I put all of our girl clothes away. Doing that made me feel like I was saying good-bye even though a daughter never existed. I was holding E in bed staring at his tiny sweetness and started crying. Not bawling, but there were tears. When my husband asked what was wrong, the flood gates opened. I was more upset because I felt good ol' fashioned momma guilt. I needed my tiny moment to "grieve". A moment I didn't think I would need. And because I had that moment, I felt tremendous guilt. As I mentioned earlier, I didn't for a second want E to feel we ever thought we didn't want him. I couldn't bear the thought and I still can't.<br />
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So the tears came because I felt a moment of loss. It was brief but it hit me. Then more tears came because as I said to my husband that night, "I don't want him to ever think we didn't want him. A part of me just feels that we lost a daughter." <b>That was my moment and I'm glad I let myself have it </b>because as much as I loved and adored him before that, it opened me up even more to truly soak in that I have a son. I should say that more often. I have a son, a sweet, hilarious, smart, adorable little son. I wouldn't change a thing and my husband says more and more how excited he is to share all of his manly hobbies with him (not that he couldn't share them with a girl...but how many girls do you know that are into ham radio?).<br />
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<b>So what did this experience teach me? </b>First and foremost: <b>Trust your gut! </b>Secondly, I can't think of another true surprise we are given in life. I know people find out for different reasons and of course your choice is your choice, go you! But we will not be finding out the gender in the future. We may not even get an ultrasound in the future. I loved the surprise and don't want to spoil it. Like I said, it's really the only one we get. Even better, we have a bin of both boy and girl newborn clothes, socks, booties and hats so we are ready for #2 no matter what!<b> It also taught me that you can spend weeks preparing</b> clothes, getting everything washed and organized. This isn't a bad thing, but I found that <b>it isn't something to stress over</b>. I had to do that all over again after E was born and we were blessed with many gifts of boy's newborn and 3 month clothing and it was no big deal. If you have the time to nest like that, do it, but don't stress over it. All they <i>really</i> need is you, diapers, blankets, and maybe a hat or two. The rest is extra. Really all of it is extra, all they really need is <i>you</i> <3 <br />
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<b>Did you find out the gender of your baby, or are you planning to? Have you been surprised like we were? I'd love for you to share your story with us in the comments!</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-91280532080139825962014-01-14T00:00:00.000-06:002014-01-14T07:55:53.606-06:00Natural Birth Stories by Shannon Brown - Book Review & Giveaway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I first began reading <a href="http://www.growingslower.com/" target="_blank">Shannon Brown</a>'s book,<i> <a href="http://www.growingslower.com/p/positive-natural-birth-stories-project.html" target="_blank">Natural Birth Stories: The Real Mom's Guide to an Empowering Natural Birth</a>, </i>my first thoughts were, "Yes! Exactly!" and "I could have written this!" And I don't mean that last exclamation as in, "This is lame, I could have written this," I meant it as "This is exactly how I feel about birth!" This book shares <b>32 stories of natural birth </b>varying from hospital, to home, to water births. It is FULL of factual information surrounding today's medical interventions and their typical over-use. Most importantly, and why I highly recommend it, is that it <b>educates women</b> about their <b>options</b> when it comes to child birth and <b>empowers</b> them to<b> take control </b>of their bodies and their babies.<br />
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My journey to a natural birth started out in a very similar way to Shannon's description in her book. I just called an OB/GYN because I thought that's what you did. I thought midwives only attended home births and I wasn't ready for that (though that's what I am hoping for when we have #2!). Then my husband and I watched <i><a href="http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/" target="_blank">The Business of Being Born</a></i> and were enlightened. And as you can read <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2013/09/mybirthstory1.html" target="_blank">here</a>, we switched providers and got on the road to natural birth. I read several books, all great, about natural birth but I must say I could have saved some time and money because <b>this book sums up everything I read across several books</b> and puts it in a very easy-to-read format with so many empowering and beautiful birth stories along the way. I can't get enough of birth stories. Love them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.growingslower.com/p/positive-natural-birth-stories-project.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read more about Shannon & her book!</td></tr>
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Whether you believe in creation or evolution, <b>women's bodies are made to give birth.</b> Yes, sometimes medical interventions are necessary and can save lives. If this is/was you, do not feel you are being attacked. As you can read in <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2013/09/mybirthstory.html" target="_blank">my own birth story</a>, I ended up needing a bit of intervention myself. Perhaps you weren't happy with those interventions. Perhaps you are perfectly fine with them but want to explore other options for your next birth. Maybe you're a midwife or <a href="http://www.douladonna.com/" target="_blank">doula</a>. Or maybe you just love reading about birth. Shannon describes this book's purpose perfectly:<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">"My dream is for women to know all their options before ever giving birth, so they don't have to struggle with the emotional and physical recovery of a negative experience." - Shannon Brown</span></blockquote>
Another great aspect of this book that I would have loved to have during my pregnancy is the <b>comprehensive list of questions you may want to ask when you are interviewing care providers</b>. She also covers the most popular birth classes and stresses the importance of a trusted <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2013/09/mybirthstory1.html" target="_blank">birth team</a>.<br />
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Upon reading this book, I was a few months post-partum and really not thinking about my next birth. I know it is a couple of years away (although things can't always be planned now can they?) and I am too obsessed with our little man to think about another baby. However, I do know that I would love a home birth next time around and this book has a <i>lot</i> to do with that. While it has plenty of natural hospital birth stories, and I did enjoy the help from our nurses, the home birth stories really spoke to me. <b>Now it is your turn to get a copy and decide what speaks to you!</b><br />
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You can purchase a copy either in paperback or Kindle <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Birth-Stories-Guide-Empowering-ebook/dp/B00FNGRBH6" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> </div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">*Use discount code <b>DUDABIRTH for 20%</b> off between now and 1/28/14!*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can also try your hand at the giveaway below! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(And then go back and purchase if you aren't our lucky winner of course)</span></span></span></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0e55b24/" id="rc-0e55b24" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-70167119208144311782013-12-19T07:33:00.001-06:002013-12-19T07:33:42.420-06:00GIVEAWAY - Luci Lights - Rock On Solar Power!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This post received no compensation, all opinions are mine and mine alone.</div>
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<a href="http://itspeachykeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/lucigiveawayAD.png"><img alt="lucigiveawayAD" class="aligncenter wp-image-543" height="614" src="http://itspeachykeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/lucigiveawayAD-1024x1024.png" width="614" /></a></div>
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This giveaway is sponsored by MPowered and Hosted by <a href="http://itspeachykeen.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It's Peachy Keen</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"> I don't typically promote other giveaways, but I couldn't pass up helping to get the word out about LUCI Lights once I read about them. I love the cause they support, and I can just imagine how beautiful they would look in our new garden and patio next summer, not to mention our camping trips. I'm a little more relaxed just thinking about it. </span></div>
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<i><b>Enlightened Functionality</b></i></div>
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Unlike other solar lamps, Luci offers the benefits of a task light, flashlight and diffused lantern in one attractive design. Never reliant on the power grid, she shines brightest where light is inaccessible or not affordable. To light up life with clean energy, Luci is your girl.</div>
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<i><b>Featherweight & Dependable</b></i></div>
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Luci weighs only 4 ounces and collapses to one inch thin. Add a solar charged lithium ion battery and an 80 lumen light to the mix and you’ve got one impressive lady. Whether it’s for travel, disaster relief or anything in between, Luci always shines bright.</div>
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<a href="https://www.mpowerd.com/products" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> To buy one or check them out.</div>
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Luci Lights are amazing. You have the option to buy one for yourself or buy one to give to someone in need. Can you imagine going about your normal day after the sun goes down? You would be left in the dark literally. In other countries these little blow up lights are their light switches, their way to creating a better tomorrow for themselves. Help MPowered in lighting the way by buying one for you or to give or even both!</div>
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My children and I fell in love with Luci. I love them for the bright light it provides. I can easily turn off my house lights and have a whole entire room lite up with a Luci Light. I have one in my car as well just in case. They do have awesome settings built in on top of it just being solar powered and not needing anything but a little sun. They can be bright, brighter, and then they also blink. So this little light is perfect for disaster relief, survivor kits, camping, and more. You could even be gearing up for a zombie kit. Luci Lights are just great for everyday use or when you really need her to be there. Luci Lights are also water proof!! So cool right!</div>
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My daughters keep the lights in their tent and we have been using them to light the way on a night time walk. An awesome light in themselves just because of how simple they are and versatile they can be.</div>
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<i><b>GIVEAWAY TIME</b></i></div>
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It is open to US only. 18+ and winner will be chosen January 12 at Midnight EST. Winner will have 48 to respond when I send out the email. Winner will be chosen and posted on It's Peachy Keen. So be sure to check back.</div>
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This blog is not responsible for prize fulfilment or any shipping charges.</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/35f05342/" id="rc-35f05342" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-19499931686464925162013-12-16T09:04:00.002-06:002013-12-16T09:50:18.353-06:00Word Of The Week | Silence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There's a new site, <a href="http://honelife.com/">honelife.com</a>, that challenges users to "hone" in on a
particular word each week and express it creatively in one way or
another. I enjoy a creative challenge and am hoping to participate each
week. They just launched and this week's word is "<b>silence</b>." Now, as a new parent, and someone who runs a small at-home daycare, you're probably expecting me to talk about how <b>silence</b> is hard to come by, and oh life is so busy those moments are so rare. But I'm not. That's crap. Let me explain...<br />
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Yes, we do live in a world that is getting busier and busier everyday,
in part because of technology. But stop blaming the machine when <i>you</i> are the one who has a brain and free will and the choice to use said machines or not. Just because you <i>can </i>be connected all of the time, does not mean that you <i>should. </i>That is your choice and you need to take responsibility for it. I've had it up to -here- with the lack of accountability in our society.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Silence</b> doesn't just refer to audible noise.
You can sit in complete quiet and be in the zone on your technology of
choice with less silence than if your kids were running around screaming
while you're trying to bake Christmas cookies. Trust me, I know how
easy it is to get caught up on the internet and Lord knows I spend time
browsing <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/aprilduda" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. But I <i>choose</i> to do that, and I make a conscious effort to turn it off. I'm not saying I'm perfect, but I'm <i>aware</i> of the need to turn it off. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Now and then, I get overwhelmed if I'm trying to watch the Today show or
Ellen now and then when the 2 year old I watch is asking me to read a
story and my E is needing to nurse or play. Now, I could choose to be a
jerk and freak out, or I can choose to turn off the TV to create my own <b>silence</b> and tend to the needs of the kiddos.
Of course, I choose turning off the TV. And guess what? The kids get
quieter and we can sit and play or read a story. Sure, there are times
they play louder than others, but having the background noise of the TV
or radio multiplies that in my mind. So it is up to me, the adult, to
choose <b>silence</b> and turn those off and let the kids enjoy
themselves. They will nap, they will need their quiet play time. So I
don't fight it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">It may not always seem this way, but I have learned that <b>silence</b> is a choice more often than we may realize. How do you create your <b>silence</b>?</span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-38139669788360293102013-12-12T00:00:00.000-06:002013-12-12T00:00:09.966-06:00Thankful Thursdays 4&5 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know, I'm behind. I have a lot of great ideas and stories to tell, but need to get out from under this post-remodel mess. I am hoping to get more of my recipes, art, and DIY projects up for you. I'm also planning to do a photography series. SO what was I thankful for last week? Honestly, it is hard to remember last week. I do know we went out to eat, so let's talk about coupons.<br />
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<b>I'm thankful for all of those great coupon websites</b>. You know, like <a href="http://www.groupon.com//raf/UserReferral_rp/121015/10r1act/email/uu89420" target="_blank">Groupon</a>, <a href="http://www.livingsocial.com/" target="_blank">Living Social</a>, <a href="https://local.amazon.com/chicago" target="_blank">Amazon Local</a>, and our local <a href="http://www.planitkane.com/" target="_blank">Plan!t Kane</a> and <a href="http://www.foxvalleyildeals.com/users/affiliate/1315148" target="_blank">Fox Valley Deals</a>. We are starting to get on a strict budget, and doing really well (future post). We have student loans that we are determined to pay off as soon as possible, so we are limiting what we spend. A <a href="http://lesliefairman.com/home" target="_blank">friend</a> (<-amazing Portland photographer!) posted an article from <a href="http://www.youneedabudget.com/blog/" target="_blank">You Need A Budget</a> that said <b>"Until you’re completely debt free, everything you purchase is financed at the rate of your highest-interest debt."</b> And I don't know why nothing else really has, but holy crap did that resonate with me. So with that thought, our credit card bill has already dropped by <i>half</i>. (We charge just about everything to it to earn cash back and pay it off monthly).<br />
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One of the ways we accomplished this (other than not needing to buy so much for the house) is by limiting our eating out to once per month. We want to spend as little as possible, but also want to have fun. We've been sticking to a grocery budget fairly well, but looking at our categorized spending on food in general was an eye opener. Eating out once a week adds up fast, and we don't order the prime rib. Although we rarely ever eat out without a coupon, it has turned into a game for me to <b>only go out if we can get half off, or at least one entrée free. </b>We tried an awesome new place in town, <a href="http://www.osolemiogelato.com/" target="_blank">O'Sole Mio</a> with a $30 voucher that we purchased from <a href="https://local.amazon.com/chicago" target="_blank">Amazon Local</a> for $15. If you're a local, we highly recommend it!<br />
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Now for this week...it's been a little hard with the hubby working late (coaching) a lot of evenings. We miss him and it just isn't the same when he isn't here. I have a love/hate relationship with <b>technology</b>, but this week I am very thankful for it because it allows me to keep in touch with him throughout the day. While of course he is busy teaching and coaching, he has a moment now and then to say hello and chat during his lunch and it makes getting through the long days much more tolerable. Not to mention it allows me to keep in touch with friends and family while I'm cooped up with the little ones all day :) The trick is <i>balance.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><i>Disclosure: I was not compensated by O'Sole Mio or any of the above companies mentioned and/or linked to. I will, however, receive a bonus if you click through and sign up/purchase with <a href="http://www.groupon.com//raf/UserReferral_rp/121015/10r1act/email/uu89420" target="_blank">Groupon</a> & <a href="http://www.foxvalleyildeals.com/users/affiliate/1315148" target="_blank">Fox Valley Deals</a>. These are all companies I use personally and wouldn't recommend them to you if I didn't have a positive experience with them :)</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-44650889616074364512013-11-28T10:33:00.000-06:002013-12-02T10:34:10.678-06:00Thankful Thursdays #3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know I'm a little late, but I wasn't going to get on the computer on Thanksgiving. I was busy in the kitchen making my contribution to the feast, homemade <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sweet-Dinner-Rolls/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=sweet%20dinner%20rolls&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page">rolls</a> and <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cranberry-Sauce-Extraordinaire/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=cranberry%20sauce&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page">cranberry sauce</a>! This week will be a bit easier because my hubby was home with us most of the week :)<br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Snow.</b> I love it. I think it is beautiful, and I love our yard covered in a fresh coating of snow. I know it can really screw up your commute, which leads me to...</li>
<li><b>Not having a commute.</b> I have been working since I was 14 years old, with anywhere from a 5 minutes to hour long commute. I do love winter, but starting off the day in a freezing cold car can make you forget that. Staying home in our cozy house with our beautiful view has me very thankful that I get to enjoy winter so much this year.</li>
<li><b>Baby Carriers.</b> I don't think I've said this one yet, which is hard to believe. Especially since it has gotten cold, wearing little man close to me in a carrier makes it so easy to get out of the house and keep both of us warm. I get to walk around with my own little heater attached to me. I really like the Mei Tai carriers now that he's bigger.</li>
<li><b>My Kitchen Aid mixer.</b> I'm not sure why, but ever since I was probably 12 years old, I'd wanted a red Kitchen Aid mixer. We received one as a wedding gift from my generous father-in-law & his awesome girlfriend. I used it to make a tripple batch of cupcakes for our wedding and now am using it to make my own bread. While I love to get my hands dirty kneading dough, Little Man doesn't usually want to wait 20 minutes for me, so 2 minutes in the mixer rocks.</li>
<li><b>Vacuums. </b>Can you imagine cleaning without a vacuum? Especially if you have pets that shed...oh man. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.fatquarterchallenge.com/"><b>Fat Quarter Challenge</b></a>. I have really enjoyed taking part in the contest the past two months (and still can't believe that I won both months!). It has been fun to force myself to create. I need deadlines or I have a hard time getting motivated, and the FQC gives me that. I am passing the baton for Dec, but plan to get back into it in 2014!<b></b></li>
<li><b>Thanksgiving. </b>Day 7 was Thanksgiving, and we are happy to report that we had a very pleasant one. You know everyone getting together can sometimes make for some not-so-pleasant conversation at times, but everyone brought their A game and it was fantastic. I always enjoy attending anything that our FIL's GF (we need a better name for you!) hosts. Great food, drinks, snacks, & company!</li>
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I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and spending time with friends & family. I feel very strongly against shopping on Thanksgiving and did not participate in keeping these employees away from their families. I have been there and it wasn't fun.<br />
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Enjoy these short 3 weeks until Christmas!! As always, please feel free to tell me what you are thankful for in the comments! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-75841407055526102172013-11-21T13:09:00.001-06:002013-11-21T13:09:31.858-06:00Thankful Thursdays #2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Holy cow does a week fly by quickly! I haven't been getting much sleep with our poor E getting more teeth, but somehow I manage to maintain my energy throughout the day. I have 7 days to list thankful tid bits for, so topping my list:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Whatever <b>hormone or super mommy power</b> it is that gives me energy when I really have no reason to have any. I really don't think my half cup of coffee in the morning is what does it. </li>
<li><b>Having an old school mom to teach me how to knit.</b> Some mindless, yet productive, activity is just what I've been needing to wind down at night.</li>
<li><b>Our income.</b> Like I have mentioned, it isn't much, but I know it's more than others may have and it allows us to have this wonderful home and pay off our god-forsaken student loans (overpriced college debt is <i>not</i> on my thankful list...)</li>
<li>I know I already said our son on my first list, but this is a specific trait of his: <b>He loves my face. </b>He needs my face to fall asleep, and if he stirs and wakes up, holding momma's face puts him right back to sleep. It makes my heart melt every single time. Even when I forget to trim his nails and it hurts like a *&$%#.</li>
<li>Our <b>Jumperoo.</b> I never thought I would put him in there because I love holding him and wearing him and letting him roll around and explore on the floor when I'm not, but my back failed me this week and this thing has been a lifesaver for our creeping-up-on-20lbs-and-always-wants-to-be-held-standing-up almost 6 month old. (I'm also very thankful for my husband's generous co-worker's daughter who gave it to us!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.freecycle.org/"><b>Freecycle.</b></a> If you have never heard of Freecycle, you should get on that. It is a network which allows you to post things you'd like to give away, as well as find things others are giving away. It's a great way to get rid of things and know they are going to someone who needs them, as well as score some great things you may need for free. We've gotten extra bricks for the yard, plant hangers, misc decorations for the house, baby stuff, etc. If, however, you get on there to get things for free to sell or take advantage of generous people, may karma get you. Don't ruin it for the rest of us.</li>
<li><b>Patience.</b> I never had much in my younger years, but I have managed to develop lot of it. When I was in Hobby Lobby yesterday, a small line formed and they paged someone up to open their register. When she didn't come <i>right away</i>, a woman behind me was being incredibly rude saying her name over and over...it was rediculous and I am very thankful I don't stress like that woman. Not to mention I couldn't do my job without a good amount of it.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are you thankful for this week? </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-82214991626406212732013-11-18T15:42:00.001-06:002013-11-18T15:42:24.296-06:00Fun & Organizing with Liquid Chalkers! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been working on getting our house organized since the hubz finished remodelling our second floor. No more dressers and desks in our living room and we finally have a place for everything...<b>now we just have to get everything in its place. </b>It's a slow process but it is happening! We have an itty bitty kitchen, which I love, but it means I have to get creative with organizing. One small step I took this month was to create our "hub" in the kitchen. It includes our meal calendar, a to-do list, and a couple of spaces for some fun. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Chalk-Markers-Pack-Collection/dp/B00C2M5Q9O" target="_blank">Liquid Chalkers</a> helped me out with this. Read on and check out my photos to see how<b> </b>they can help you get organized, and have some creative fun as well. <b>You'll also find a discount code at the bottom of this post :)</b><br />
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<b>So first,</b> we stopped by Goodwill, as we often do, and I picked up some picture frames for $1-2. I realize I could have gone to the dollar store...but those frames are garbage. These are nice, wooden frames of much better quality. So here they are before:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNszcyxUTb_HLEIrhnEN5Cz5cQZLK_KlEA0Qz5jjBzAb6KohcR-QIH3eKU7reA1MEQH8AbpyXDSKGN2Di7sqDUuyz8_4JT6EgHUfDsVzmqBpksrf9-rQ_xUgbiTo-qjc_R7gVmZY9GHUU/s1600/LCbefore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNszcyxUTb_HLEIrhnEN5Cz5cQZLK_KlEA0Qz5jjBzAb6KohcR-QIH3eKU7reA1MEQH8AbpyXDSKGN2Di7sqDUuyz8_4JT6EgHUfDsVzmqBpksrf9-rQ_xUgbiTo-qjc_R7gVmZY9GHUU/s1600/LCbefore.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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And <b>after</b>! <i>(These will be going in my 50's inspired kitchen once we get around to remodelling it. For now, they will be hanging on some pretty sweet wallpaper...)</i></div>
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The top left is my meal calendar which you can find <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdCvhUeoZ-CC2yqTeBNCoW4D8qzLs0-VVUlLiTeFHWI/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. I realize not all Meatless Mondays are meatless, but some Taco Tuesdays are...I was in a hurry when I filled it out this month. I keep it the same for a few months in a row, but updated it with some more hearty meals now that it's getting cold. Links to the recipes, if I use them, are included. Having a print version helps me to see what I need to thaw or soak for upcoming meals! <b>And I can use the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Chalk-Markers-Pack-Collection/dp/B00C2M5Q9O" target="_blank">Liquid Chalkers</a> to keep track of which day I'm on (you know that gets difficult sometimes) and to make notes or swaps as need be. Not to mention to fill in the calendar as the months change. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT-mr5aEnjc0k3OQe49JKONR4LxmcaNdjlC1y1BPxHGvsVWp8VjqslC3FZxRhL4KpoOnGXRn4-97AOGhD6k-2psdtxszl2qX3R99aC86yIwMc7GUcydc6P2SEbzo8LAFASCcXdQUsaR0/s1600/LCAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT-mr5aEnjc0k3OQe49JKONR4LxmcaNdjlC1y1BPxHGvsVWp8VjqslC3FZxRhL4KpoOnGXRn4-97AOGhD6k-2psdtxszl2qX3R99aC86yIwMc7GUcydc6P2SEbzo8LAFASCcXdQUsaR0/s1600/LCAfter.jpg" width="372" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNszcyxUTb_HLEIrhnEN5Cz5cQZLK_KlEA0Qz5jjBzAb6KohcR-QIH3eKU7reA1MEQH8AbpyXDSKGN2Di7sqDUuyz8_4JT6EgHUfDsVzmqBpksrf9-rQ_xUgbiTo-qjc_R7gVmZY9GHUU/s1600/LCbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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As you can see below, these wipe off very easily on glass. For the "note paper" frame, I drew the lines on the back so they stay put. Now we can write sweet, funny, or important notes to each other and ourselves. Yay! The frame of us was just to add some family & fun to the wall. As you can see, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Chalk-Markers-Pack-Collection/dp/B00C2M5Q9O" target="_blank">Liquid Chalkers</a> worked very well and are nice and vibrant!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6Ahd5fMyQxBQJNItFEW38xumC0S4rXmoGu9pK_iNYLv653WbFFKYbRPzQKJqFPAbhMq62p0ZL4uUBs6ooJVC4Ej1bmYFSapQaA_zY2NUzDm2JgqA3Di_zofdOXDQyMkbQx8gQHh7rto/s1600/LCErase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6Ahd5fMyQxBQJNItFEW38xumC0S4rXmoGu9pK_iNYLv653WbFFKYbRPzQKJqFPAbhMq62p0ZL4uUBs6ooJVC4Ej1bmYFSapQaA_zY2NUzDm2JgqA3Di_zofdOXDQyMkbQx8gQHh7rto/s1600/LCErase.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRp7bM4BR80tqRQowx1n-MH8SOZ5YV1z5z8U_g0tA4yS9ZKf7tilOzvqd_1RUXckIsBDG2jFSUs2micRrMzBNhQ04PAO_KGxvBkr9VAUaFgPZcX-LjDH8rjKqFb0rEMjOACth8W2bcVDM/s1600/LCnotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRp7bM4BR80tqRQowx1n-MH8SOZ5YV1z5z8U_g0tA4yS9ZKf7tilOzvqd_1RUXckIsBDG2jFSUs2micRrMzBNhQ04PAO_KGxvBkr9VAUaFgPZcX-LjDH8rjKqFb0rEMjOACth8W2bcVDM/s1600/LCnotes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Now onto some fun with the markers! One of the toddlers I watch has a birthday coming up this week, so I thought I'd try my hand at a birthday sign for him on his big day. I didn't plan on Cookie Monster, but after some sketching and playing around with the markers on our easel, the texture of them had me thinking fur, and a Cookie Monster book happened to be nearby. So this is what I ended up with:<br />
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You can easily erase where you need to to add detials or fix some mistakes (as you can see I need to clean up a bit more by his eye). After I let it sit and dry for a bit, some colors did need some water to help cleaning up, but every surface will be different so make sure you test a spot first! I'd be weary of items painted with chalkboard paint (especially the DIY kind), but you can buy chalkboard contact paper or write on any non-porous surface with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Chalk-Markers-Pack-Collection/dp/B00C2M5Q9O" target="_blank">Liquid Chalkers</a>! <br />
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The two photos below show each color on the chalkboard and then on the whiteboard. They erase much easier than typical dry erase markers and didn't leave a stain on my whiteboard. Bonus! The <b>chisel tips</b> and <b>rich colors</b> can provide a lot of great detail if need be. <br />
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A few more ideas: <br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Decorate for the holidays!</li>
<li>Leave yourself notes and reminders on your mirror</li>
<li>Have a glass coffee table? Go nuts! Draw boxes underneath and get your toddler sorting!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Chalk-Markers-Pack-Collection/dp/B00C2M5Q9O" target="_blank">Liquid Chalkers</a> would be much better for decorating a car...while they would come off easier...they would come off easier! The typical paint markers for cars took some good scraping after our wedding (a <i>year</i> later)!</li>
<li>Decorate windows or mirrors for your family members birthdays while they sleep. What a fun surprise in the morning!</li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>TIP: </b>When decorating glass, if you need some help with drawing, print a photo to trace on the other side (this is especially helpful for text...writing backwards isn't easy!)</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Go to <a href="http://www.liquidchalkers.com/">www.LiquidChalkers.com</a> and use discount code: </b>EXCLUSIVE15 <b>for 15% off your order!</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-30957565477533068982013-11-14T13:17:00.001-06:002013-11-14T13:17:19.831-06:00Thankful Thursdays - #1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been seeing some posts on Facebook from folks giving what they are thankful for each day. I think it is a fantastic practice and something that we should do throughout the year. Especially during those weeks you may have where you feel down in the dumps. Remembering what you have to be thankful for can lift your spirits. So today, I begin Thankful Thursdays. Every Thursday I will write a warm & fuzzy post outlining things I am thankful for that week. I feel I am very blessed and want to put that into writing. If nothing else, it will be great to look back on over the years. But I do hope these posts help to inspire you as well. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving and the daily posts, I will give one for each day, 1-14. I'll start with the biggies and work my way on to the little things :)<br />
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I am thankful for:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>My husband.</b> Let me count the ways:</li>
<ol>
<li>He loves me. Like a lot. </li>
<li>He works hard for this family, both in his career and on The Homestead.</li>
<li>He gets sh*t done. Over the past year, he really has made this house a home with those strong, hard-workin' hands of his, and he is still working on it.</li>
<li>He doesn't have a "man complex." He couldn't care less about sports or doing "manly" things for the sake of being manly. He had no issues going out to buy me pads after our son was born (for some reason I bought one pack...what was I thinking?). But no one who knows him will argue his manliness. </li>
<li>He can fix anything he has the tools for. </li>
<li>He shares my belief in gentle parenting.</li>
<li>He has his priorities straight, and our son & I are at the very top of his list. He doesn't have to say it, he shows it. </li>
<li>He shares my beliefs in eating real, healthy food. </li>
<li>He lets me take the first sip of his beer (since I don't drink much more than that because I'm breastfeeding). </li>
<li>And just to have an even 10 reasons, he's quite handsome ;)</li>
</ol>
<li><b>Our son.</b> Any parent knows that this one is hard to put into words. Being the one thing someone needs and wants in the world is a huge & awesome responsibility that I wouldn't trade for anything. </li>
<li><b>My mom, aka Ma.</b> I didn't always have a super warm and fuzzy childhood,
but she was the rock for me to lean on and the glue that kept me
together, and the one who made sure that I do have a lot of great
memories. The best parts of me are there because of her. </li>
<li><b>Staying home.</b> My husband is a third-year teacher, so he doesn't
make loads but he makes just enough to allow me to stay home and watch a
couple of youngsters. We are both grateful that I can stay with our
baby man, especially since he is super attached to his momma. Like, I
can't leave the house without a crying fit attached (which I am totally
fine with btw, he will only be little once, and for a short time!). </li>
<li><b>Alaska.</b> I plan to write a post on this sharing my photos and experiences, but way back in 2006 I spent a summer working in Skagway, Alaska. I was on the Denver Glacier living with 25 other folks in a camp without running water or electricity (other than the generator to keep up communications and give us a treat of a movie now and then). Other than being surrounded by beauty and sled dogs everyday, I did a lot of growing up there. Amazing what disconnecting from modern technologies can do for a person. It left such an impression on me that I decided to tattoo the stars of their flag on my back two years later, which coincidently symbolize strength and looking to the future, and that's exactly what I needed at that point in my life. </li>
<li><b>Coffee. </b>I don't drink much, but I love my morning cup! Especially when I get to share it with my hubby on the weekends :)</li>
<li><b>My camera.</b> It has brought me a lot of joy, as well as some income, and I use it almost daily to capture the cuteness of E as he grows. Could you imagine life before photos? It's pretty awesome that we get to preserve our memories.</li>
<li><b>Wisconsin.</b> My mom's side of the family lives there and we try to visit twice a year. I have always loved the relaxed feeling there and I think growing up visiting my family in the middle of nowhere has a lot to do with my priorities and the relaxed life we live now. They work hard, eat, play games, and laugh with a cup of "slush" in their hand. My husband loves it too and fits right in (which was kind of a requirement). Not to mention I'm a big Packers fan. I don't do trash talk btw :)</li>
<li><b>Generosity.</b> We have many generous people in our lives and I have to give a lot of credit to them for our ability to be where we are in life. After E was born, we received so many clothes, meals, and gifts it was humbling. We had tons of girl clothes at the ready (that's for another post) and since our friends and family knew this, everyone brought at least one outfit with them when they visited. Not to mention the meals brought to us by a moms' group I joined. Those were fantastic and unexpected. </li>
<li><b>Ellen. </b>Yes, of the Ellen Show. I don't watch it every day, but she is the type of person we need to see more of on TV. I love her message and how much joy she brings to people. She reminds us of the good in the world.</li>
<li><b>Chai Tea. </b>Those flavors instantly relax me and brighten any chilly, gloomy day.</li>
<li><b>Our Veterans. </b>Both of my grandfathers were in the military, and currently my uncle Brandon is in the Army. Other than serving our country, he has been there for me in the past when I needed him, and took me out for my 21st birthday (who better to keep you safe on a night out?). But seriously folks, remember those who fight for our freedoms, and <i>remember</i> what those rights are that they are fighting for. Some are quick to give them up for a false sense of security. Grrr don't do it!</li>
<li><b>Animals.</b> Specifically our own little Ruger (dog) & Tippy (cat). I have loved animals my entire life and have volunteered and worked with many in the past. They have brought me much joy and peace over the years. We rescued both of our animals, and while Ruger has his quirks, he was our first baby and is wonderful with our son. Tippy has kept the mice at bay and is a very cool, tough cat. He and Ruger wrestle and play on a daily basis. One of those things that warms your heart.</li>
<li><b>Cloth diapers. </b>This one popped into my head since I just changed one...I'm thankful that I found that they exist at one of my newborn photoshoots years ago. They have saved us so much money, and kept our little man away from the chemicals that are filling most of today's disposables. Not to mention their eco-friendliness. </li>
</ol>
Whew! There, I'm all caught up for the month. I'll see you again next Thursday! Until then, <b>what are you most thankful for? </b>I would love to hear it! Sometimes folks bring up some of the little things that I may forget about and it's a great reminder for us all! <br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
</ol>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-68027880068538010882013-11-07T00:00:00.000-06:002013-11-07T14:00:24.550-06:00Feed Your Crafty & Competative Side With Fat Quarter Challenge-GIVEAWAY!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I think we all have at least a tiny <b>creative</b> bone in our bodies. Personally, I can't go more than a day without doing <i>something</i> creative. And I don't just mean slapping some cool filters on an Instagram photo. I try to sketch, photograph (with my "real" camera), or if I can, paint, sew, bake, or build something each day.<b> It's good for the soul </b>and I highly recommend it. Since having our little guy and watching other little ones at our house during the day, I find myself putting creativity further and further down on my priority list. Have I mentioned I was an Art major in college?<b> I <i>need</i> this stuff! </b>What about you?<br />
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I know I'm not the only one who needs their "me" time, momma or not. And these days we all seem to be busier than we used to be. A friend of mine, Jesse, over at <a href="http://woodenitbeniceblog.com/" target="_blank">Wooden It Be Nice</a> has an adorable little family and was feeling the need for some time to herself to get crafty. So she started what I think is a super fun endeavour, the <a href="http://www.fatquarterchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Fat Quarter Challenge</a>! <b>It is an inexpensive way to force yourself to get creative each month.</b> For $12, you get a "fat quarter" of fabric and three notions (ribbon, buttons, etc). This also includes shipping costs. Everyone participating that month receives the same materials and you can do anything your little heart desires, as long as you use all of the materials in one way or another. So not only does this get you crafting, it gets you in on some friendly competition as well!<b> I'll get into more detail after a word from our sponsors of the Great Gifts Giveaway Hop!:</b><br />
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What is a Giveaway Hop? It's a chance for you to check out a bunch of fun giveaways going on all at once! Be sure to check out our sponsors, <a href="http://www.weidknecht.com/" target="_blank">Planet Weidknecht</a> &<a href="http://leahsaysviews.com/" target="_blank"> LeahSay's Views</a>, as well as the linky at the bottom of this post to find them all! <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Bloggers and Hosts are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfil prizes.</span></i><br />
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Alright, so back to the <a href="http://www.fatquarterchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Fat Quarter Challenge</a>! Jesse sent me October's challenge materials. I scoured my brain for ideas for the challenge. My first thought was to make something for my baby man of course. But then I received the fabric and it was pink! Now Momma gets to make something for herself!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://woodenitbeniceblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/dsc_0663.jpg?w=560&h=372" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-995" height="265" src="http://woodenitbeniceblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/dsc_0663.jpg?w=560&h=372" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://fatquarterchallenge.com/">FatQuarterChallenge.com</a></td></tr>
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I have been <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/aprilduda/textiles/" target="_blank">saving up sewing ideas</a> since my hubby got me a sewing machine last Christmas (see Jesse's board <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jessekpins/fat-quarter-challenge-project-ideas/" target="_blank">here</a>). I kept coming back to the quilted wine tote that I found at <a href="http://www.needleandspatula.com/2011/01/quilted-wine-tote-sewing-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Needle & Spatula</a>. I hadn't quilted before, or sewn much more than your basic curtains or pillow, <b>but I took it on anyway and added my own twist</b>. I took some coordinating fabric that I'd picked up and fused two layers together (fusing made it thicker and less see-through, and also prevents fraying). I then traced a wine glass silhouette that I drew & cut out and used the sequins from the Challenge as my "wine." I then painted a "D" for Duda for a fun monogram.<br />
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Then, I cut out my fabric according to her directions, and quilted and sewed and put it all together! I have to say that I impressed myself and can't wait to show it off to my mom, who is quite the seamstress. <br />
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Here it is all put together!</div>
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I used the pink ribbon in the <a href="http://www.fatquarterchallenge.com/" target="_blank">FQC</a> package as my bias tape to finish of the top, the sequins as "wine," and the blue ribbon as a cute little finishing touch under the glass. <b>And guess what? I WON!</b> Folks voted on all of the submissions (see <a href="http://www.fatquarterchallenge.com/#!october-challenge-2013/c1nuv" target="_blank">here</a>) and I won. I was so humbled and excited. Last month's prize was a Diamond Candle and I got to choose the scent, Pumpkin Chai. Yummmy! And it comes with a ring inside that you get after it burns for a few hours (ok several...unless you're like me and dig it out with a spoon after a few...). Love it! And it is soy, which burns much cleaner than your traditional paraffin wax candle. <br />
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So do I recommend you participate in the challenge? <b>Yes</b>! I am participating again for November and can't wait to receive my materials and get crafting again (I did receive October's for free in exchange for this review, but I paid for November)! <b>Here are some common excuses that you may be giving right now:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>I just don't have time for that.</i></li>
<ul>
<li>Well it's due on the 22nd, so you have 2+ weeks from when you receive your materials. And how good will you feel after you actually DO it?! <b>You need to get crafty, you know you do.</b></li>
</ul>
<li><i>It costs money and I'm on a budget.</i></li>
<ul>
<li>Be honest with yourself, when was the last time you left the craft store without spending at least $20? <b>$12 is more than fair for fabric and notions, not to mention the fun competition and chance for a prize worth twice that amount!</b></li>
</ul>
<li><i>I'm just not very creative.</i></li>
<ul>
<li>Psh...get on Pinterest, find an idea you love and do it, girl! <b>I believe in you</b>, and it'll be a lot of fun!</li>
</ul>
<li><i>I can't sew.</i></li>
<ul>
<li><b>No sewing required!</b> I chose to do a sewing project because that's how I wanted to challenge <i>myself</i>. You can easily create a winner with some glue or one of the many no-sew projects I see floating around on The Line<i> (sorry, we just watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2234155/" target="_blank">The Internship</a>). </i></li>
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</ul>
I'm so glad that I'm doing this for myself, and I think you will be, too. You can go to <a href="http://www.fatquarterchallenge.com/">www.FatQuarterChallenge.com</a> and sign up for just $12. If you have a local group, make it a party and hold your own local contest along with the online challenge! An excuse to craft <i>and</i> get together with the girls! <b>Let me know if you do! I'd love to connect with you! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFrWoaiQQ8MZe1rHijY_vurcfISYmDVtQVkRbwYEmbMdSV5uzyqP2VLwvwqNsQdKncYhMO6cdmr9iViAtPuvVQWy1pChKxHLq-Atef7oYrbxZ9XZ0c6jZUeaV76T1dnqg9SvclFkUPuQ/s1600/FQC+Pinterest+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFrWoaiQQ8MZe1rHijY_vurcfISYmDVtQVkRbwYEmbMdSV5uzyqP2VLwvwqNsQdKncYhMO6cdmr9iViAtPuvVQWy1pChKxHLq-Atef7oYrbxZ9XZ0c6jZUeaV76T1dnqg9SvclFkUPuQ/s1600/FQC+Pinterest+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So what is this giveaway I metioned? <b>The winner will receive a TWO month subscription to the Fat Quarter Challenge, and I'm throwing in a little <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G6KFJY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3C5KTLONJ9F2X&coliid=I2BMEPSZBREZSR" target="_blank">sewing kit </a>to help you out ($31 total value)!</b> Good luck! And, don't forget about all of the other great giveaways going on in the hop!</div>
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<b>**Note: Please only enter if you can/will participate in the challenge with the materials sent to you. You get to keep your creation, you just submit a photo!**</b><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0e55b23/" id="rc-0e55b23" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-18298827102404006442013-10-31T18:12:00.000-05:002013-11-02T14:49:26.621-05:00DIY Babywearing Halloween Costume<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We had a costume party to go to this past weekend so I threw together a costume for our little guy with some materials I had on hand. Granted, this could have been better, but it worked and I didn't have to buy anything. If I did it again, I would have done two layers of the "egg" and stuffed it. And I also would have had a more contrasting outfit for him, but again, last minute and this was still adorable. <b>It was super easy </b>and I've <b>included the pattern</b> for the tail and hat attachment. This could also be used for a baby dinosaur (my original idea but it was more involved and I ran out of time). <br>
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For the egg, <b>I used felt because it is more stiff, but I think fleece would work well</b>, especially if you plan on doubling it up and stuffing it (the stretch would make that even easier on you.<br>
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I traced the Baby Bjorn onto paper first for some reason. You could definitely just trace it (or whatever carrier you are using) right onto the fabric. <i>(I realize these <a href="http://www.mtwholehealth.com/2012/12/baby-wearing-safely" target="_blank">aren't the best carriers</a> because of hip issues, but he'd push his way right out of the Moby now and I couldn't find our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Sash-Carrier-Black-Gray/dp/B005C9ODQ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383250648&sr=8-1&keywords=mei+tai" target="_blank">Mei Ta</a>i carrier. One day won't hurt and I hold his legs up most of the time anyways). </i><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-6WN2kgBwcf6VRabcQ3B57pc74byHb7vyUNrw0zeqzDndlg125B7DKhUgH4WbdKss38y9guRxAZih1UYeAUNguqf4CWdVXVow5DAoTIfUkbEYaxe_TGgpoAIGpyHWBvKuIQcS-9BwmY/s1600/egg+pattern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-6WN2kgBwcf6VRabcQ3B57pc74byHb7vyUNrw0zeqzDndlg125B7DKhUgH4WbdKss38y9guRxAZih1UYeAUNguqf4CWdVXVow5DAoTIfUkbEYaxe_TGgpoAIGpyHWBvKuIQcS-9BwmY/s1600/egg+pattern.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<b>So first, trace your carrier </b>(twice if you want to stitch them together and stuff it). <b>Make sure to leave some extra fabric for tabs to help attach it.</b> For example, I left extra at the bottom and cut a slit to put the bottom of the carrier through. I also left two tabs to cut holes in to slip the top straps through. This will depend on your carrier. Obviously, make sure you don't fold or attach fabric anywhere that would compromise the strength/safety of your carrier! <b>Also cut some zig zags </b>at the top and arm/legs to get that newly hatched look.<i> </i><br>
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Next, for the <b>tail</b>, I had yellow felt that I turned into a tail. Use the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8o2fFVoV-fyYmUtVWpzVFBWOUU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>Tail Pattern</b></a> to quickly <b>cut out, trace on your fabric, and cut again</b>. Once you have this cut out, <b>fold and stitch where it overlaps.</b> Then, <b>cut at the slits</b> shown. Cut out a <b>4" circle </b>of the same fabric (or the egg color would work as well). <b>Stitch the cone to the flat circle</b>. Before you get to the very end, <b>stuff it well</b> with batting or cotton balls, or extra fabric, really whatever you have on hand that is fluffy. <b>Then, finish up the stitching.</b><br>
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Once you have your cone, to get the cute little duck tail look, <b>stitch
up, over about an inch, and back down. Then tie a knot and pull until
it is perked up to your liking, then double the knot</b> (I used coordinating embroidery floss but thread should work just fine). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Dr2hgfmcI0ChOruWNhkWOa73NwhaL02F9cKZQ95USzoQEWjY8f5WJQTkU4k1vIiwNJ4JktA0R5F6PoWR480WauhOThK9y_ovOjOc9knknWFOEwZrkeuc8-y_jviOI9EsKZMzSFaHEvk/s1600/tail+steps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Dr2hgfmcI0ChOruWNhkWOa73NwhaL02F9cKZQ95USzoQEWjY8f5WJQTkU4k1vIiwNJ4JktA0R5F6PoWR480WauhOThK9y_ovOjOc9knknWFOEwZrkeuc8-y_jviOI9EsKZMzSFaHEvk/s1600/tail+steps.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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Now to poke it out of your egg! Find the center of your egg, about where you think a tail would be. Cut a 3" X. Then, cut some zig zags for that broken eggshell look. Poke your tail through the back and stitch it on.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU4fQhQbqvkQJLj95kS4JCFiOl_dhHCk1AgjMvP8kOmfDlIgfW8Jqo21cGyRW0ULs7pmE2vvqjbAh9jkRW1D0O3yCHQ-hSGjn4o9xGURa5EKx2_eczDZc3-HalzJRHRUr8wYvKwpTsPc/s1600/tail+done.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU4fQhQbqvkQJLj95kS4JCFiOl_dhHCk1AgjMvP8kOmfDlIgfW8Jqo21cGyRW0ULs7pmE2vvqjbAh9jkRW1D0O3yCHQ-hSGjn4o9xGURa5EKx2_eczDZc3-HalzJRHRUr8wYvKwpTsPc/s1600/tail+done.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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Now for the hat. We had a little duck hat on hand to attach a little "broken eggshell" to. You can use <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8o2fFVoV-fybXpWODZxUlJUUlk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">this pattern</a></b> for any baby hat, though you may want to shrink it a bit for a newborn, I think the oversized shell would be cute. Cut out the pattern, trace, and cut out your fabric. Stitch it at the overlap and cut your zig zag again. I only did about 4 big stitches to stitch it to the hat because I wanted to be able to easily take it off later.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0DD4kwjDYX93laA971DQy79d9MjUd2oJpiVMV3pSGCLTIwpJzPNUeTC_NAohyisebav4JUR2zOcUzxs65aA8gt5bO4o1Daju-fQVp56V8s8SrpINhjfiyi7gZXmpXEeRjwjN-8fyLIQ/s1600/hat+done.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0DD4kwjDYX93laA971DQy79d9MjUd2oJpiVMV3pSGCLTIwpJzPNUeTC_NAohyisebav4JUR2zOcUzxs65aA8gt5bO4o1Daju-fQVp56V8s8SrpINhjfiyi7gZXmpXEeRjwjN-8fyLIQ/s1600/hat+done.jpg" width="400"> </a></div>
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Then it's time to put it all together! Again, it would be better if we had some orange pants and a more yellow shirt, but it worked regardless :)<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmDKQwC7VSAjWbKvUOqtq9WyjrJ_P1bERFqrnOCn7wz-poSl9OGqtPrvYqBQruNH47FSp74pr7418yKrA6p4kq-bI1cJfzPsM79oelviKLrfX3EEn3R9eEPsEjtQk_C913Mg1Gc6gW38/s1600/done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmDKQwC7VSAjWbKvUOqtq9WyjrJ_P1bERFqrnOCn7wz-poSl9OGqtPrvYqBQruNH47FSp74pr7418yKrA6p4kq-bI1cJfzPsM79oelviKLrfX3EEn3R9eEPsEjtQk_C913Mg1Gc6gW38/s1600/done.jpg" width="290"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With some stuffing and a better outfit underneath, it'd be super cute! But this was a good, no-cost & quick alternative :)</td></tr>
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Happy Halloween!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-24384684587132003332013-10-23T14:47:00.000-05:002013-10-23T14:47:02.488-05:00Quinoa & Veggie Stuffed Peppers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been trying to cook at least 2 meatless dinners each week. It's
easier on the budget and our health. Quinoa is packed with <b>protein</b> and
iron (ahem...pregnant ladies!) and is super versatile, not to mention
much cheaper than any meat worth buying. In one serving, you get 6g of protein, 20% of your DV of Iron, 3g of fiber, and only 2.5g of fat. </div>
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I've become a big fan of stuffed peppers, but was not a fan of how long they can take to cook and haven't had much success with crock pot stuffed peppers because I like mine to still have some crunch. I had fresh zucchini from my mom's garden to use up and some organic peppers in the fridge so I threw this together and the hubby and I loved it. Feel free to replace some of the cheese with goat cheese (I would have if I had it!). It is a filling dinner that doesn't leave you bogged down when you're finished.</div>
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Begin by cooking your Quinoa. I like to use half vegetable broth and half water for some added flavor. (Chicken broth works well too if you aren't worried about keeping this totally meatless). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmqmsKUSL8WWRv4ZQ5_K4BKCQKzyfrtr36JS6R1E06MWr3csXUU9xwdhYz7s-gRd1mSeuiBOtX4hVpL_SeMGkHyLQvBvO97VJiDInrvQT4EUu3V3_o1oR4J-QOWKpox0qSD5gYO7Z2FE/s1600/pep+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmqmsKUSL8WWRv4ZQ5_K4BKCQKzyfrtr36JS6R1E06MWr3csXUU9xwdhYz7s-gRd1mSeuiBOtX4hVpL_SeMGkHyLQvBvO97VJiDInrvQT4EUu3V3_o1oR4J-QOWKpox0qSD5gYO7Z2FE/s1600/pep+2.jpg" width="231" /> </a></div>
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While the Quinoa cooks (about 10 minutes), cut your peppers in half, top to bottom to make little pepper boats. These are easier to eat, in my opinion, than the traditional stuffed peppers. Put them face down on a pan (I know...shame on me for using tin foil...but I need a new pan for the toaster oven). Roast them to your liking. I did about 15 minutes in the toaster oven at 400 to keep them a bit crunchy (keep in mind they will cook a bit longer later on). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoMMqGaq-Zpf8_4dstwA8jsaRWwCI9GU89wSpUK5QGkcLbIKUui5xkFqWVbvXHSb89yhKLpAINbR2aSPnRpYyZbx0tjf9Nn-_ZKQUOwn1XzHNBkq2jMNCGgOZTgTArBAoj_hT3aQB6Mg/s1600/pep+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoMMqGaq-Zpf8_4dstwA8jsaRWwCI9GU89wSpUK5QGkcLbIKUui5xkFqWVbvXHSb89yhKLpAINbR2aSPnRpYyZbx0tjf9Nn-_ZKQUOwn1XzHNBkq2jMNCGgOZTgTArBAoj_hT3aQB6Mg/s1600/pep+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While those cook, chop up your zucchini and mix with a can of diced tomato (of course you can do fresh if you have it!), Italian seasoning, celery salt (or garlic), and ground flax. <b>*Note: If you prefer your zucchini fully cooked, I recommend sautéing it here.</b> Feel free to mix in the tomatoes and spices after they cook a bit and let simmer for about 10 minutes. I like crunch so I did not cook them first). <br />
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Next, mix in your cheese and cooked quinoa:<br />
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Then, turn your peppers over and stuff 'em! Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and some parsley. <b>Cook for 15-20 minutes at 375</b><i> (this is in a toaster oven. Cook for <b>20-30 minutes</b> in a regular oven). </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYx6EQ4Q9-TSyPJ-G3wLF4zc-ousMCa4SaCYGQn_K76jnlvD8JL682ELZ11FLSfabAO7eQ4vYeMJnY4p4-MJBNYNbrUN45j0RVwTNlwl7ydcl8_F5-SM9CytsD_bA_z35VPvKqbgID-Y/s1600/pep+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYx6EQ4Q9-TSyPJ-G3wLF4zc-ousMCa4SaCYGQn_K76jnlvD8JL682ELZ11FLSfabAO7eQ4vYeMJnY4p4-MJBNYNbrUN45j0RVwTNlwl7ydcl8_F5-SM9CytsD_bA_z35VPvKqbgID-Y/s1600/pep+6.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoMMqGaq-Zpf8_4dstwA8jsaRWwCI9GU89wSpUK5QGkcLbIKUui5xkFqWVbvXHSb89yhKLpAINbR2aSPnRpYyZbx0tjf9Nn-_ZKQUOwn1XzHNBkq2jMNCGgOZTgTArBAoj_hT3aQB6Mg/s1600/pep+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<b>Enjoy!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJtLJ52Wuaz1J0GFNJcVvSTaZoF9htJ1n0fDTFi5bmQ5kUQVi4ZajaDHWcjhvdaAYkEvVPEKYCNt-eYbbQr8hWg9hvAP6Ydh15j6YmAN-5h1fBB1ZHzxsPU_CnqJUMpx57R_9mF4waME/s1600/Pep+Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJtLJ52Wuaz1J0GFNJcVvSTaZoF9htJ1n0fDTFi5bmQ5kUQVi4ZajaDHWcjhvdaAYkEvVPEKYCNt-eYbbQr8hWg9hvAP6Ydh15j6YmAN-5h1fBB1ZHzxsPU_CnqJUMpx57R_9mF4waME/s1600/Pep+Cover.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b><i> (Serves 4)</i><b><br /></b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>4 Organic Green Peppers</li>
<li>1/2C Quinoa</li>
<li>1/2C Vegetable Broth</li>
<li>1 large or 2 medium Zucchini </li>
<li>1 Can Organic Tomatoes</li>
<li>1T Italian Seasoning Blend</li>
<li>1/2C Shredded Cheese (I used Monterey Jack) </li>
<li>1t Celery Salt (or garlic)</li>
<li>1T Ground Flax (optional)</li>
<li>1/4-1/2C Shredded Cheese (for topping)</li>
<li>Approx 1T Parsley Flakes to make it pretty</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Cook Quinoa in broth and water</li>
<li>Cut peppers in half, top to bottom, and remove pith and seeds</li>
<li>Roast face down for approximately 15 minutes<b> </b> </li>
<li>Chop zucchini into thin quarter-round slices</li>
<li>Mix with tomato, Italian Seasoning, Celery Salt, Flax, and Shredded Cheese</li>
<li>Stir in Quinoa</li>
<li>Remove peppers and turn over</li>
<li>Stuff the peppers, top with cheese and parsley</li>
<li>Cook for 15-20 minutes at 375 (toaster oven) or 20-30 minutes in a regular oven. </li>
</ol>
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<b>Notes:</b><br />
<b>Why celery salt?</b> As I will post soon, my husband and I are both <b>allergic to Allium</b>, which is the entire onion and garlic family. We won't stop breathing, but it gives us a headache (just to be by it), itchy lips and throat, and upset stomach. Celery has made a great replacement!<br />
<br />
<b>Why the toaster oven? </b>I wrote this recipe when it was still <i>hot</i> out and we don't have A/C so I use the oven as little as possible in the summer. The toaster oven does a lot more than toast bread and cook pizza! I plan to post an entire series by/during next summer so you can save on your gas and electric bill in the summer. <b> </b> <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-36939882025987999722013-10-21T10:49:00.000-05:002013-10-23T14:15:42.304-05:00Where We Call Home - Chicago & Batavia w/Kendra Thornton<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">I was contacted by Kendra Thornton, of <a href="http://www.thorntonpr.com/travelExpert.html">Thornton Public Relations</a>
to collaborate on a Q&A post about why we love our home cities. My
husband and I love our home and are so excited to raise our son here.<i>
(Ah, "our son," still can't get over saying that!). </i>Kendra was able to
travel a great deal during her position as Orbitz Director of
Communications, and happily calls Chicago home for herself, husband, and
their three children. My husband and I live in Batavia with our little man, about an hour
west of Chicago, and love the calm lifestyle we live here on The
Homestead. Read our conversation below to find out what Kendra & I love most about our home towns! <i>(Note:<span style="color: #0c343d;"> A=April</span>, that's me! <span style="color: #4c1130;">K=Kendra</span>)</i></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hN9rog96iyxHI6QpKM3aKWE2hmjZJvGyLINGptr6-OA3rnzfrCQtqswb2bvBEoI9H8Yf_ICdZnZf0JhkzNOR1kVowMN0gzVxhTQ4BpTnR5w3ERgMqb5SqRfdYIiePivlfMt1xVZ6uZg/s1600/batavia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hN9rog96iyxHI6QpKM3aKWE2hmjZJvGyLINGptr6-OA3rnzfrCQtqswb2bvBEoI9H8Yf_ICdZnZf0JhkzNOR1kVowMN0gzVxhTQ4BpTnR5w3ERgMqb5SqRfdYIiePivlfMt1xVZ6uZg/s1600/batavia.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by April Duda - 2011 in Batavia, IL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black;"><i> </i></span><b>Q: How long have you lived in your current city?</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
K: I have lived in my current city, Chicago, and its greater suburban regions for my entire life. I grew up here, attended college at <a href="http://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank">Northwestern</a>, and never left after college! If the term “lifer” has ever applied, it is with me and my beloved Midwestern city—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have been to numerous countries throughout the world thanks to my previous job, and while I certainly enjoy it, I always love coming home to Chicago.<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A: <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
feel the same way! We enjoy trips now and then, but are always happy to
come home. My husband and I have lived in Batavia for 4 years now. In
2009, we were searching for our own apartment that was cheap, but in a
nice area. Luckily, we stumbled across an ad on Craigslist for a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">small</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
studio apartment in the second floor of a house that had been broken up
into 4 units. This house was here in Batavia, right by the river and
bike path. Perfect! We lived in that tiny apartment for 2 years and in
that time got hitched, obtained our teaching certificates and landed our
first teaching jobs. During our job searches, we decided that Batavia
was where we wanted to stay and call home, so we narrowed our search. We
luckily found positions close to home (I in Batavia, and my husband
nearby in West Chicago). With our new income and saved dough from
enduring 220 sq ft for 2 years, we began searching for a home. We looked
at one house that went on the market the day we met with our realtor
and mortgage broker for pre-approval. We got it, looked at the house that
we now lovingly call “The Homestead” and put in an offer that night and
haven’t looked back!<i> (Check out photos from our first winter <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2011/12/our-1st-winter.html" target="_blank">here</a>!)</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><b>Q: What are your favorite attractions in your home city?</b></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">K: Living in a big city, there is never a dull moment. There really is excitement around every corner, but I will list off a few of my favorite family attractions because I think there is a common misconception that cities are not kid friendly. The <a href="http://www.lpzoo.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Park Zoo</a> is an old Chicago treasure that has been around for years. My kids love it here, and it is very well kept making it a delight to attend. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A: <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">That's
great! We enjoy occasional trips into the zoo and agree that Lincoln
Park Zoo is a great one! In Batavia, we regularly walk or bike the path
along the river in the summers and since having our son, enjoy parking
downtown and walking the Riverwalk or attending one of the many
festivals hosted there, such as </span><a href="http://artinyoureye.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Art in your Eye</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><a href="http://www.downtownbatavia.com/batfest" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">BatFest</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BataviaGreenWalk" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Green Walk</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, and our own little “Taste of Batavia” known as our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bataviablockparty" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Block Party</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.<i>
(Check out Batavia's beautiful dedication to 9/11 <a href="http://april-marie-photography.blogspot.com/2011/09/batavia-remembers-911-beautiful-surreal.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</i>We also love our library and all of the kids’ programs they offer.
We’re also looking forward to spending time swimming with our little man
at the </span><a href="http://www.bataviaparks.org/harold-hall-quarry-beach" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Quarry</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
in summer to come. And last, but not least, as an artist myself I LOVE
that we live in such an artful community. The entire tri-city area has
embraced the arts and it can be found everywhere! Batavia’s </span><a href="http://waterstreetstudios.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Water Street Studios</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> has offered so much to our community since they set up shop.</span></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xX5J3HFBi_mAAyAxQNK-HWI383PlJgoxfN1PBnLg9OQ164EYwr9TJncLLIYI1u0GWiiyzDFd8WqOUu-wN6dHvBz3GJQ2_1zZr9BTv-7lw8bjk3284NEjcpRoy_zB_zkdHE3l13XNLDQ/s1600/riverwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xX5J3HFBi_mAAyAxQNK-HWI383PlJgoxfN1PBnLg9OQ164EYwr9TJncLLIYI1u0GWiiyzDFd8WqOUu-wN6dHvBz3GJQ2_1zZr9BTv-7lw8bjk3284NEjcpRoy_zB_zkdHE3l13XNLDQ/s1600/riverwalk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's us on the Batavia Riverwalk in 2009 after our Engagement!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Q: What is your favorite thing about your home city?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">K: My favorite thing about Chicago is the homely feel this city has. It may seem hard to imagine that a city of millions could feel like this, but our common love of Chicago makes it this way.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-248e39d0-db88-fefb-256a-f824676cb4fc" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A:
Sound like we have that in common! We love the ambiance of the town. It
has a population nearing 30k but still has that small town feel. I am
from a small town (around 3k when I was growing up) and my husband went
to college in Idaho and, while he is from the suburbs, knew he wanted to
be away from the congestion and traffic. One thing I did not love about
my small town is that there wasn’t usually much to do, and shopping
wasn’t very convenient. Batavia balances everything we’d hoped we’d
find. Randall Rd. offers just about every store you’d ever want to visit
and we enjoy our almost weekly trips to our local Goodwill (whether to
purge or buy!).</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Q: Where is your favorite place to eat?</b><br /><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">K: I have tons of different dining options that I love, but one of my recent favorites to bring my kids to is Abigail’s American Bistro. It is affordable, and the menu is absolutely delicious. With something for everyone from kids to adults, this fine dining experience (4.5 star rating) really has it all. I was able to find this restaurant by looking on the site <a href="http://www.gogobot.com/chicago--hotels" target="_blank">Gogobot</a>, a social site with guides for areas all over Chicago (and every other city in the world) as well as hotels, their primary feature. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">A: <span id="docs-internal-guid-248e39d0-db8e-0fe0-4cd0-ece7a2f99556" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I'll
have to check out that site! We have tried many places in town, and
while we are excited to try some of our most recent additions, we
absolutely love </span><a href="http://www.paljoeys.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Pal Joey’s</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.
It is near our lil’ old apartment and we used to go there when it was a
different name/owners. We enjoyed it just for the location and their
outdoor patio on the river. We go there more often now that Pal Joey’s
has moved in. I have yet to taste a better pizza and there is not much
more relaxing than sitting on that back patio on a nice day with a slice
of pizza and glass of Blue Moon. I also love </span><a href="http://www.limestonecoffeetea.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Limestone Coffee & Tea </span></a></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">and was very excited when they reopened</span>!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><br />Q: Would you rather live somewhere else? If yes, why? If no, why not?</b><br /><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">K: There is nowhere I would rather be than in Chicago, Illinois. I have called it my home for my entire life, and being anywhere else just wouldn’t feel right at this point! How about you?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A: <span id="docs-internal-guid-248e39d0-db8f-c65d-0bdc-c86d0febdad4" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Before
we bought our home, I may have said yes (if I didn’t want to stay close
to family). I looove mountains and the northwoods of Wisconsin. I always
feel at home there, which makes sense because half of my family lives
there. But I never want to leave our home and we are happy that it is
here in Batavia where we still get a good dose of nature :)</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="gmail_default" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-248e39d0-db8f-c65d-0bdc-c86d0febdad4" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="color: black;"><b>What do you love about your home town? I'd love to hear it!</b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-248e39d0-db8f-c65d-0bdc-c86d0febdad4" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;">PS - You can follow Kendra on Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/KendraThornton" target="_blank">here!</a><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-40932239625171774912013-10-16T15:27:00.000-05:002013-10-20T07:55:24.258-05:004th Trimester Reflections<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our little man is 10 days away from turning 5 months old. 5 months...that's almost 6...which is half of a <i>year. </i>Holy cow. Time really does fly, and I cherish my memories of his newborn days. I won't say I miss them, because I choose to live in the present. I like it here. I look at photos and videos and get teary and say "awwww" a lot, but I am so proud of the little man he is already becoming. I am extremely grateful that I am able to stay home with my little man and not miss a thing. I have always been the super sappy sentimental type and don't think I would handle being away from him very well (I am <i>not</i> saying anything negative here about moms who go back to work...hell, I wouldn't have a job without you. You are tough and doing what you need to do for your family, go you!). But enough about being sappy, let's move on to some reminiscing...<br />
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I'd read a bit about the "4th trimester" and thought it was interesting that it was called that. I had read it was because they do so much growing & developing in those first 3 months after birth. I'd also read the theory that since we evolved and began walking upright, it decreased pelvic/birth canal size so babies had to be born "before they were ready." Now, they are saying <a href="http://www.livescience.com/22715-pregnancy-length-baby-size.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Livesciencecom+%28LiveScience.com+Science+Headline+Feed%29" target="_blank">metabolism</a> may have something to do with it. But anywho...needless to say babies are helpless little things when they are born. Adorable, sweet, dependent, tiny (usually) little things who peck around like little birds looking for momma's milk. <i>Sigh</i> that was my favorite. I didn't have much experience with newborns before having our little one. In fact, in the hospital when I was working on establishing nursing, I made a nurse help me rotate him to the other side because I thought I was going to break him (and to my credit had zero core strength and was at an awkward angle). My husband was a champ those first couple of days. I'm sure he was nervous but he hid it well, changing his first diaper and getting him in his first onesie. I was impressed because I was feeling about as physically helpless as our newborn (damn Pitocin...<a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2013/09/mybirthstory.html" target="_blank">I blame you</a>). E looked ridiculously tiny in his car seat and I just couldn't wait to get him safely into our home.<br />
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The next day after bringing him home, we had to take him to see his pediatrician (I delivered an hour away so we had the hospital pediatrician check him out, but then needed to see ours). So back into the carseat he went and on to that germ infested doctor's office <i>(eep!)</i>. It was in those fluorescent lights in the office that we realized he was quite yellow. Then we discussed his potty patterns and while he did poop (in utero, and shortly after birth), he hadn't pooped in a couple of days nor had he peed much, if at all. So within about a 10 minute window, we were told that he was starving (I'm exaggerating of course) and jaundice and not knowing much about it at the time, I broke down in tears and just wanted our baby to be ok. Our sweet nurse practitioner reassured me that he'd be fine, they just want to see him pooping because that helps get the excess bilirubin out of his system. So then came the formula to supplement until my milk came in. I hate this part. Nothing against moms who choose or have to use formula...it just isn't what I wanted for my baby. I will say, after seeing his sense of satisfaction after that first bottle (which he took like a pro) I felt fine about it. It wasn't until later on that I wish one of us would have slowed down to think rationally and at least choose an organic formula. But what's done is done and he's healthy and nurses very well and hasn't had formula since. So like I said earlier, no living in the past. <br />
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After being in our local hospital under the lights for less than 24 hours, frequently nursing, then taking a bottle after, he was given the ok to go home since his levels were back to normal. Finally we could go home and <i>stay</i> home with our little man. My husband teaches and took two weeks off (it's only his second year so he didn't want to take too much time, but we timed it right because he only had to go back for a week after his leave was up and then it was summer!). I <i>loved</i> having him home with us.<br />
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So as I mentioned earlier, newborns are helpless little things, and that's no big news. They're kind of known for it. So now it was time to settle into our new lives as parents and work on getting into some kind of routine. He slept a lot, usually on me or his daddy, nursed well, and smiled in his sleep often. So stinkin' cute. He is still an extremely happy and smiley baby. He also went through a lot of diapers...We had some <a href="http://www.naty.com/" target="_blank">Naty</a> disposable diapers that we were using up and a few days in, when I was more comfortable getting up and walking around, I decided to start using our cloth newborn stash. We had bought a stash of <a href="http://www.kissaluvs.com/fitted-diapers.php" target="_blank">Kissaluvs</a> fitteds and various covers from a friend. And wouldn't you know it, in his first cloth diaper he finally took his first poo since the hospital. Yay! <br />
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I swear it was the day he turned 3 months old that I had a rough day accepting that he was no longer a newborn. Suddenly he wanted to stand or sit up all the time and be a big boy. He wasn't content laying down in momma's lap anymore. But then he would get hungry and sleepy and need me to soothe him. Then I remembered, "Oh yeah, he still needs me. And he will for quite awhile." Not that I didn't have a ton of fun with him in those first few months, but the bigger he got, the more smiley, responsive and fun he became. I know my husband had a hard time, as many do. He didn't feel that he could do much to help him, which maybe directly he can't because all baby really wants is mom & milk. But he made sure I had food and water, which I needed more of than I ever thought I would. He was awesome and for any dads feeling the same way, he is having a blast with him these days :)<br />
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In those first few months, they can't reach out (at least not in a controlled way) to grab their toys or you (omg...when they reach out and touch your face the first time...oh man. Heart melting). They just kind of hang out. Then all of a sudden I find myself thinking of what I can do to entertain him. He holds himself up playing with his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/B-68603-Zany-Zoo/dp/B002YIX0XA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381954180&sr=8-1&keywords=zany+zoo" target="_blank">Zany Zoo</a> (with our help of course) and <i>loves</i> books (he started staring at them at just a few days old...especially <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Look-Peter-Linenthal/dp/0525420282/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1381954271&sr=1-1&keywords=look" target="_blank">Look, Look!</a>). And man is he ticklish! He also travels very well and is a breeze to take anywhere, especially if I wear him in my Moby wrap. He just hangs out, looks around, and naps when he gets sleepy.<br />
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So if you have a newborn yourself, maybe you are struggling feeling like it will never end. It will, hang in there! And for those of you who enjoyed it as much as I did and are missing it, I hear ya, but aren't they so much fun now? I've said it before, live in the present, take lots of pictures, and cherish these moments and look back with a smile :) <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-25814035946330050572013-10-04T10:06:00.000-05:002013-10-09T10:20:59.891-05:00Apple & Pumpkin Spice Chip Cookes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last fall, I started experimenting with my favorite <a href="http://www.oceanspray.com/Recipes/Corporate/Desserts---Snacks/Oatmeal-Cranberry-White-Chocolate-Chunk-Cookies.aspx" target="_blank">holiday cookie recipe</a>. By adding extra cinnamon and replacing the cranberries in the original recipe with chopped apple, I gave them more of a fall taste (see them <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2012/11/apple-cinnamon-white-chocolate-cookies.html" target="_blank">here</a>). This year, I got a little more courageous and switched up the recipe even more to make these delicious cookies that have been described as <b>Autumn exploding in your mouth.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xEMVEloFMPP_bJNtVIb8DFe7xKSoe8b1lzeJRvH0_4GFJLRvFr8dbyQl-L2aM3Np6mSYneiz35w61r4eeOUJKR-v08X7JcMhTCOcvgg65fou0doYRDwMqfriJ0DfWtQzHx3Bk1rz7Kk/s1600/puncook+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xEMVEloFMPP_bJNtVIb8DFe7xKSoe8b1lzeJRvH0_4GFJLRvFr8dbyQl-L2aM3Np6mSYneiz35w61r4eeOUJKR-v08X7JcMhTCOcvgg65fou0doYRDwMqfriJ0DfWtQzHx3Bk1rz7Kk/s1600/puncook+Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What really makes these cookies are the <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>pumpkin pie spice chips</b></span> that I discovered over at <a href="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2012/09/pumpkin-pie-spice-chips-perfect-for.html" target="_blank">The Cupcake Project</a>! I did not shape mine into cute chips like she did, but just rolled them flat onto parchment paper and cut them into little squares after they cooled. I also used <b>maple syrup</b> in place of the corn syrup and it worked out great! I made these the night before (you can make them days before, they will keep for quite awhile) <b>For the chips you will need:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>2/3 Cup Sugar</li>
<li>3T Pumpkin Pie Spice</li>
<li>2T Butter (at room temp)</li>
<li>2T Light Corn Syrup (I used Maple Syrup)</li>
<li>1/4t Vanilla Extract</li>
</ul>
Mix all ingredients and press out flat on parchment paper and bake your blob at <b>350 degrees for 30-35 minutes</b>. Let cool completely and then use a butcher knife or pizza cutter to cut out your squares. Save the little crumbs...they are awesome in coffee or to top these cookies or muffins!<br />
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<b>Now for the cookies! </b><i>(Ingredients/Instructions at the bottom of this post)</i><b></b><br />
Start by mixing your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon) in a large mixing bowl (I like to throw them all in the sifter (except oats) and then whisk in the oats. In a separate bowl (on your mixer if you have one) beat the butter & sugars until well blended. Then, beat in eggs one at a time and add the syrup and vanilla. Then slowly mix in the dry ingredients as shown below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0Mw_e27wvQITrX92eRhz0r828-FL4dRSO-N_QKNrLBupRtVsSEaqVS9HqcmNQrdSSDDqc5ILqXw4hhLnVWXtYA3kD0PYpzhar-yAwfQQhNmENnx31MnK3SRFPhI_adwFFZRdx6vZfX8/s1600/puncook1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0Mw_e27wvQITrX92eRhz0r828-FL4dRSO-N_QKNrLBupRtVsSEaqVS9HqcmNQrdSSDDqc5ILqXw4hhLnVWXtYA3kD0PYpzhar-yAwfQQhNmENnx31MnK3SRFPhI_adwFFZRdx6vZfX8/s1600/puncook1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I mixed in a 15oz can of pumpkin (although fresh is best!) at this point instead of with the wet ingredients because...well because I forgot I was adding pumpkin until this point. Once the pumpkin is blended well, add a bit more flour a little at a time (up to a 1/2 cup) to thicken the batter. Stir in the white chocolate chips and diced apple (with the mixer is fine). Then <i>carefully</i> stir in the pumpkin pie spice chips by hand. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SaFnYhBCbSYkXu5W6y88ATh5Qj5Xr9mx5XFJlpV6yrooJiSW9EFTnotkG-wY62H-gUIAAZiB7IF6_UKKdZFqqTw0q3Cb86sH_sa3QaqGVBe2VaFFwn8zlyFt6tvnpA8lAT8m_qy7rLg/s1600/puncook2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SaFnYhBCbSYkXu5W6y88ATh5Qj5Xr9mx5XFJlpV6yrooJiSW9EFTnotkG-wY62H-gUIAAZiB7IF6_UKKdZFqqTw0q3Cb86sH_sa3QaqGVBe2VaFFwn8zlyFt6tvnpA8lAT8m_qy7rLg/s1600/puncook2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now you are ready to drop your batter onto a cookie sheet! You can roll these into balls to get a "neater" looking cookie, but with a baby I found keeping my hands free was much better so I used two spoons to drop them onto the cookie sheet and it worked very well. Keep them spaced about 2" apart to allow for spreading. Top with cinnamon or more pumpkin pie spice!<br />
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Bake for 10-13 minutes at 350 degrees (until the edges start looking golden brown. Don't let them get too dark, the batter is already a golden brown because of the pumpkin). <i>Note that the chips will melt onto the pan if they are touching it. They didn't burn and came off easily, but you may want to bake them on parchment paper if you tend to have sticking issues with your cookie sheets. </i><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Apple</span> <span style="color: #660000;">&</span> Pumpkin Spice Chip <span style="color: #660000;">Fall Cookies</span></b></span></span><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2-2.5C. Flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1tsp Baking Soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1/2tsp Salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1C. Brown Sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2 Eggs</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2tsp Vanilla</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1C. White Chocolate Chips</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1-2 Cups Pumpkin Pie Spice Chips (your preference) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1C. Butter (Softened)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">15oz Can of Pumpkin </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">3C. Oats (I've always used quick oats)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1/2tsp. Cinnamon </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1/2C. Granulated Sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1T Pure Maple Syrup (or honey)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1 medium-large apple, peeled and diced. I used a large Honeycrisp, and had extra.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice (for topping)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Instructions:</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 350</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Sift 2 Cups of flour, baking soda, salt, & cinnamon into a medium bowl</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Stir in oats and set aside</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Beat in eggs one at a time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Add maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Add flour mixture until well combined </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Blend in pumpkin </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Mix in up to a half cup of flour a little at a time as needed until batter is thickened</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Stir in apple and white chocolate</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Carefully stir in pumpkin pie spice chips by hand </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Drop onto a cookie sheet about 2" apart</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Sprinkle tops with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Bake 10-13 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b> </b> </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-42508259442147451182013-09-30T14:11:00.000-05:002013-09-30T14:11:57.625-05:00Saving, Earning, Re-using, & Giving With Campusbookrentals.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When my husband and I were in graduate school getting our teaching certificates, we were on a budget and searched for the most cost effective way to get the textbooks that were required for our classes. We researched and compared every book we needed across a handful of websites. Then, we came across <a href="http://campusbookrentals.com/">CampusBookRentals.com</a> and compared their rental prices with other popular textbook retailers & renters. The vast majority of the time, it was much cheaper to rent through <a href="http://campusbookrentals.com/">CampusBookRentals.com</a> than it was to purchase the book compared to what it may be sold for later (those darn revisions...grr).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYxG4ONALVD-1LwT6IuAIa3PLvR6vij14izYiVuFKWWqvVX0LMjwE3gTp7Z8dm_3gRFeJjTPSqXndqFTHWgIqF3giCCBaC07AD6_aF6yNEhXOFxxuvWoAyBFhvBd0MPNC-KGd81eiMG0/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYxG4ONALVD-1LwT6IuAIa3PLvR6vij14izYiVuFKWWqvVX0LMjwE3gTp7Z8dm_3gRFeJjTPSqXndqFTHWgIqF3giCCBaC07AD6_aF6yNEhXOFxxuvWoAyBFhvBd0MPNC-KGd81eiMG0/s1600/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image created by April Duda w/permission</td></tr>
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I was in a cohort taking 8-16 week classes and was able to adjust how long I needed the book, which made it even cheaper since I didn't need it an entire semester. While they offer paid shipping options, say if you need your book <i>tomorrow</i>, they offer <b>FREE standard shipping</b>, both ways. They send you a postage-paid and addressed envelope so you can conveniently return your book at no extra cost to you. Since we have used them, they have made some fantastic developments!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="uw xO" height="212" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7sMe3kXvsT0/UkCzG6_IluI/AAAAAAAAZOk/PPZ-GcqVHv4/w597-h397-no/rwanda1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/104885867595395566490/albums/5926934040497551297/5926934041114220258?banner=pwa&authkey=CMD-nqLblLncjwE&pid=5926934041114220258&oid=104885867595395566490" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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For one, they make a <b>donation</b> to <span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/about_us/who-we-are/" target="_blank">Operation Smile</a></span> for every book rented. So not <i>only</i> are you saving money and helping out the planet by reusing books, you are <b>helping out children in need of life-saving surgery. </b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/" target="_blank">Operation Smile</a></span> is "<span>a mobilized force of medical professionals and caring hearts
who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery and related medical
care for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and
cleft palate." To find out more about this amazing organization, please click the links above, or go to <a href="http://www.operationsmile.org/">www.operationsmile.org</a>.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>Another development CampusBookRentals.com has made is a program called <b>RentBack</b>. Rather than selling your books back at the end of your class, and getting depressed when you take that big hit, you can use <a href="http://rentback.com/">RentBack.com</a> to <b>rent your books out to other students</b>. You stand a chance to make <b>2-4 times more dough </b>than you would by selling it! You can check out their site and see if your book is a hot renter or not to help you decide if you'd be better off renting or selling...or propping up that crooked table. Unfortunately, my Art History books from 2006 are not considered hot renters. <i>Shucks</i>. To find out what <a href="http://rentback.com/">Rentback.com</a> is all about, <b>check out their video <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5MAjkqwos" target="_blank">here</a></i></b>, or take a gander at the <b>infographic</b> below <i>(Click to enlarge)</i>:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5vF6y1ISLz8ptUy7xUi0ZymBW5zEhiTUt5EbUoa8EFoejupHRaEcS_43yTHjUg9iOAl7gnV6o9vAVldmdGKWcyAO08sgWqa61qTxES3pnbM7h6L4jHmBDlNCo8Nh5xHTJ9jZfvNtlHk/s1600/rb-infographic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5vF6y1ISLz8ptUy7xUi0ZymBW5zEhiTUt5EbUoa8EFoejupHRaEcS_43yTHjUg9iOAl7gnV6o9vAVldmdGKWcyAO08sgWqa61qTxES3pnbM7h6L4jHmBDlNCo8Nh5xHTJ9jZfvNtlHk/s1600/rb-infographic.png" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rentback.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span></span>You may be asking why I'd choose to blog about a textbook rental service.</i> There are a few reasons actually. One, <b>I've used their service and had a great experience with it</b>. When I began this blog, my goal was to help make my readers' lives more <b>simple</b> by sharing what has helped me, and CampusBookRentals.com helped my family <b>save money</b> when we were living in a 220sq ft apartment and racking up student loan debt. Another goal of mine, is to share tips for <b>green living </b>and its importance with my readers, and I feel that this service promotes that lifestyle by <b>reusing textbooks</b>. I also believe in being <b>kind</b> to one another and supporting organizations and initiatives that make a <b>positive impact </b>on the world, like <span style="color: #b45f06;">Operation Smile</span>. I would have rented my books from them anyway based on cost alone, but to know that they turn around and make a <b>donation</b> for every rental is the icing on the cake. <br />
<br />
To sum up all of the awesome things CampusBookRentals.com has to offer:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Save 40-90% off of bookstore prices</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
Free shipping both ways</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
Can highlight in the textbooks</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
Flexible renting periods</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
Donation to Operation Smile with each textbook rented </li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>If you change your mind and/or drop your class, you have 21 days to return your rental for a full refund </li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>If you decide to keep your book, you just pay them the difference and it's yours</li>
<li>Fantastic customer service (in my experience!)</li>
<li>15 Day grace period for returns</li>
<li>Their envelops are bright colored, so they're not as easy to lose!</li>
<li><i>Sale!</i> Use code <span style="color: #4c1130;">FallSale70</span> for $8 off any order over $70 <i>(limited time)</i></li>
<li>Went and bought that expensive Art History text? Check out <a href="http://rentback.com/">RentBack.com</a></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I was compensated by Campusbookrentals.com for this post. Please view my <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">disclaimer</a> for more information on how this does not effect my personal opinion. </i></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-29859007344732447052013-09-25T12:16:00.000-05:002013-09-25T12:16:12.164-05:00Heather's Story - Mesothelioma Awareness Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Today, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1276846155" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">September 26th</span></span>,
is Mesothelioma Awareness Day.</b> We all see the commercials from law
firms telling us, "If you developed Mesothelioma after exposure to
asbestos, you may be entitled to a settlement." But do we really think
about it beyond that? Does a commercial like that ever make you stop and
think about those victims? Does it make you think about your own home
and work environment? I kind of doubt it...we see commercials like that
for just about everything these days. But when I was contacted by <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.UkL4Ang9vRE" target="_blank">Heather Von St. James</a>
asking me to help her promote her story for Mesothelioma Awareness Day,
it was something I couldn't get out of my mind.<br />
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiSYuC28rbMo2USixGC7EmT64oxuY-soTxlX2xGGGwRwGRHlHlWHEfJeGRtHGALYtSRBjqjl-MBYJN53Xcl3_ca2tNBfAfOaPosUsMIdH4zplpnMDpEuzSkBmatYrPUyPtQ4fPpUBpIw/s1600/heather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiSYuC28rbMo2USixGC7EmT64oxuY-soTxlX2xGGGwRwGRHlHlWHEfJeGRtHGALYtSRBjqjl-MBYJN53Xcl3_ca2tNBfAfOaPosUsMIdH4zplpnMDpEuzSkBmatYrPUyPtQ4fPpUBpIw/s1600/heather.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.UkMRzng9vRF" target="_blank">Source</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We have an older home,
and we know the walls don't contain asbestos, nor does the insulation.
The floors that had asbestos tile have since been covered, either by
ceramic tile or a barrier and hardwood floors. (See?<b> This stuff is
everywhere!</b>) But, there is one small attic space we don't access that is
questionable. And especially with our new little E in the house,
Heather and her story reminded me to have that checked out, and
hopefully this will remind you, too! Unforunately, it isn't only found
in old homes...<b>Asbestos is still not banned in the US.</b><i> Roughly 30 million pounds are still used each year! Uhg.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs7a1fHNt_tFSDKSC5o-seQfhALt53-PJk8Z1qJxEqrO5uwhPf2KAfruPvjaaymFwRZbuISgrSIuG1b8EKLZEe5QqQnrTmUnLLx9a0hRVTCLuUSiVxRHfGovUSyctLH06xT4V6MWzm8E/s1600/facts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs7a1fHNt_tFSDKSC5o-seQfhALt53-PJk8Z1qJxEqrO5uwhPf2KAfruPvjaaymFwRZbuISgrSIuG1b8EKLZEe5QqQnrTmUnLLx9a0hRVTCLuUSiVxRHfGovUSyctLH06xT4V6MWzm8E/s1600/facts.jpg" width="362" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.UkMRzng9vRF" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="gmail_default" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: georgia,serif;">
<b>Heather is a Mesothelioma SURVIVOR</b> who is working to spread awareness,
as well as <b>share her hope and optimism</b> to inspire those who have been
diagnosed. She is a mother who fought hard to make sure her daughter,
Lily, didn't have to grow up without her. She was diagnosed just 3
months after her little girl was born and <b>given 15 months to live</b>.
That's <b>7,200 hours</b>. Now, Heather has set a goal for her story to get
<b>7,200 social shares</b>. Please take a moment to <i><b><u>donate your status</u> </b></i>for
Heather and Mesothelioma Awareness Day!</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For more information and to read Heather's story, please visit <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.UkMSKng9vRE">Mesothelioma.com/Heather</a></i> <i>and don't forget to</i> <u><i><b>share!</b></i></u></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: georgia,serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You can view and share her video:</span></div>
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/f_1-3e7ZdAs?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></center>
<div class="gmail_default" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: georgia,serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: georgia,serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Send a Tweet by clicking <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?status=In+honor+of+%23MesoAwarenessDay%2C+I+am+giving+my+voice+to+the+victims.+can.cr%2Fawareness&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcan.cr%2Fawareness%23.UkMDdR2kkeU.twitter" target="_blank">HERE</a> -and/or- Share in your Facebook status <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=can.cr%2Fawareness%23.UkLyrxGkiJI.facebook&p[title]=Dying+to+be+Heard+|+Be+a+Voice+for+the+Victims&display=popup" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can also follow Heather on:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeatherVonStJames" target="_blank">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatherVSJ" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - <a href="https://plus.google.com/101211470879899969185/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank you, Heather, for sharing your inspiring story with all of us <3 </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you blogging about Mesothelioma Awareness Day? Please add your link below so we can all share & spread awareness!</span></span></b></i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-76070742389194390292013-09-18T17:14:00.000-05:002013-09-18T17:14:03.133-05:00Sweet & Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Jalepenos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My husband teaches at a school that actually has quite a few male teachers. Every now and then, they have a "guy fire" in our back yard to relax at the end of the week, and I take it as a time to use them as my taste testers. Typically, the munchies I make include jalapeños because the hubz loves anything spicy (and rarely does he actually think things are hot...he's a little crazy in the taste buds). I'd seen pictures of bacon wrapped jalapeños floating around Pinterest and decided to throw my own version together. I'm a fan of contrast. In art, fashion, and food. I like hot food with a cold sauce, sweet with savoury, and while I'm a wuss with heat, LOVE sweet & spicy. It's a party in your mouth. And what meat-eater doesn't love bacon?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVMUy7k3u8kxihdBJXc2-eNzTj_y8-_0j73HiJmbBjqZCbAEiaFKYLj2AvRqcttar7HguGXhyphenhyphenGR20UjV_3N61ugntXuzLOo8BCeum1kGrX2C3oFSDCTJi-nVjG0qi4M3GyxyCDbMUaqA/s1600/jalepeno+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVMUy7k3u8kxihdBJXc2-eNzTj_y8-_0j73HiJmbBjqZCbAEiaFKYLj2AvRqcttar7HguGXhyphenhyphenGR20UjV_3N61ugntXuzLOo8BCeum1kGrX2C3oFSDCTJi-nVjG0qi4M3GyxyCDbMUaqA/s1600/jalepeno+cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I always suggest using homegrown or as natural/organic as possible ingredients. So if you can, start with organic jalapeños. Cut in half lengthwise and gut the suckers. I <i>highly</i> recommend wearing gloves, especially if you have a baby that may need you at any given moment. Or if you have a hang nail. Ouch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uUU6-gjtNAf2LwzfTYIW4YqoXnZcTvRLzIKx6nBG1w6UeBIyHhWCjM6VsfgqwYD4YZCJWJaVImvxEXJ6Ha7uPEP_ax1GQ8Esq2aUG4sA-mZKCnAG2sHbV-Tm9-3C72dmFhj0Ef-ANLk/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uUU6-gjtNAf2LwzfTYIW4YqoXnZcTvRLzIKx6nBG1w6UeBIyHhWCjM6VsfgqwYD4YZCJWJaVImvxEXJ6Ha7uPEP_ax1GQ8Esq2aUG4sA-mZKCnAG2sHbV-Tm9-3C72dmFhj0Ef-ANLk/s1600/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mix 1/4C of cheddar cheese with 8oz of cream cheese (softened). I threw in some celery seed here, but if you don't have onion/garlic issues like we do, feel free to add some garlic powder here. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazMdBBCxQMHG61v6N-PaS6STHFt0s00UeGaPX_ZKny_FE-eeRmZYwms6GWae7ink6uPtXsRkdbjeblLM7g7NPZNDJdIdK5SEcihDimJQeVQnD1FtKFYsyfgKg7o9amwcAolP-yg1T9S8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazMdBBCxQMHG61v6N-PaS6STHFt0s00UeGaPX_ZKny_FE-eeRmZYwms6GWae7ink6uPtXsRkdbjeblLM7g7NPZNDJdIdK5SEcihDimJQeVQnD1FtKFYsyfgKg7o9amwcAolP-yg1T9S8/s1600/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, using a spoon, stuff the jalapeño slices. You don't want it spilling over, but feel free to stuff them to the top!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_FSf7XE5u5VG3B0NJ2CTai6H79ywRwMWfuv3UkbJpO3zoc-c-Me30ZZAa6P6Hz0QnGK-Ej6AANzvS_m1-i_rMbcPOvRPAoeWxZ2hsKwdXYh4JVd8d-8XXrSfeP9GLzSZCnyO9vbxAM0/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_FSf7XE5u5VG3B0NJ2CTai6H79ywRwMWfuv3UkbJpO3zoc-c-Me30ZZAa6P6Hz0QnGK-Ej6AANzvS_m1-i_rMbcPOvRPAoeWxZ2hsKwdXYh4JVd8d-8XXrSfeP9GLzSZCnyO9vbxAM0/s1600/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, wrap with nitrate/nitrite free bacon. You may cut the bacon in half, or use whole pieces. Half a slice of bacon fits nicely around one average sized jalapeño, but more bacon never hurt. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj0VJ2IUegk6MJdMghm7ccwxLZW896tpKqfWtF8sRDHBAodhYQNZNTWT3z0PHmRBSYNcOxZgspIZa-BTXZLvugMtXMxk9_HLfd5wqNIeSzEc9zJnb_a0UsxNubXUZTknRX8juoU0KT7g/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj0VJ2IUegk6MJdMghm7ccwxLZW896tpKqfWtF8sRDHBAodhYQNZNTWT3z0PHmRBSYNcOxZgspIZa-BTXZLvugMtXMxk9_HLfd5wqNIeSzEc9zJnb_a0UsxNubXUZTknRX8juoU0KT7g/s1600/4.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Here comes the sweet! Top with your BBQ sauce of choice (I prefer honey) and sprinkle with brown sugar. <br />
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I cooked them in our toaster oven (we don't have A/C and I like to avoid unnecessarily heating up the kitchen). Next time, I will use a broiler pan so the bacon grease drains and the bacon gets all around crispy! In the toaster oven, at 350, these took about 20 minutes to cook. In a regular oven I'm sure it will take more like 30 minutes. Just keep an eye on it and cook until the bacon is to your liking. <br />
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One fire attendee said, "Duda if you weren't already married, I'd say these are marriage material." I'll take it!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>10 Organic jalapeños (makes 20) </li>
<li>1 package Nitrite/Nitrate free bacon <i>(10-20 in a package, make sure to get enough or you can cut some in half)</i></li>
<li>8oz Cream cheese</li>
<li>1/4C Cheddar cheese (shredded)</li>
<li>1T Celery seed OR garlic powder</li>
<li>Honey BBQ Sauce</li>
<li>Brown Sugar</li>
</ul>
<b>Instructions:</b><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Cut jalapeños in half, lengthwise and remove pith and seeds (or keep some seeds if you like it <i>hot)</i></li>
<li>Mix softened cream cheese with cheddar and celery seed/garlic powder</li>
<li>Stuff peppers</li>
<li>Wrap with bacon (cut in half or full length, up to you!)</li>
<li>Top with BBQ sauce & baste</li>
<li>Sprinkle with brown sugar (don't be shy!)</li>
<li>Bake for 15-25 minutes, depending your oven and bacon crispiness preference. <i> </i><b> </b> </li>
</ol>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-80925491316694200562013-09-16T13:46:00.000-05:002013-10-16T15:28:35.934-05:00My Birth Story: Part 2 - The Birth!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>In case you missed it, check back to <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2013/09/mybirthstory1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> to read about how we assembled our birth team. I can't stress how important it is to be surrounded by people you trust when natural birth is your goal. Our doula wrote us a wonderful birth story detailing times and events, but that is going to stay in our private album. This is my story as I recall it:</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXXTP2gQQfcuRzN_qhFYGLkwemn-LER5P4wPCZqhgPQgdQncUdyCUejzXBxua2_O1N1N_1XhcH4eg1Tudsin-0widA5uQPi6ibyXdvAUdmqRBpDqbH4KtNzeoCkcmRDtqF1scr-Lvv80/s1600/title+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXXTP2gQQfcuRzN_qhFYGLkwemn-LER5P4wPCZqhgPQgdQncUdyCUejzXBxua2_O1N1N_1XhcH4eg1Tudsin-0widA5uQPi6ibyXdvAUdmqRBpDqbH4KtNzeoCkcmRDtqF1scr-Lvv80/s1600/title+image.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Doula brought me a rose at the beginning of labor, which was in full bloom by the birth!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I was past 41 weeks, I looked back at the calendar and my trusty <a href="http://www.winkpass.com/iperiod.html" target="_blank">iPeriod app</a> and thought that maybe my due date was actually a week off. I planned to bring this up with my midwives at the next appointment when I knew they may begin talking induction. They "let" you go to 42 weeks as long as everything looks good and baby is healthy, but I was getting close to that cut off date. <b>And as long as baby was doing well, I wanted to let things begin on their own if I could help it.</b> At our next appointment, the midwife I was seeing that day actually brought up the possibility of my due date being off before I mentioned anything. This was a big relief! Because I have a 35 day cycle instead of the usual 28, she said it could throw off the due date by standard calculations. My babies will probably just need to hang out a little longer :)<br />
<br />
So we had to drive out to the midwife office (about an hour away) for <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_nonstress-test_1272943.bc" target="_blank">NST</a>'s a few times. At 41 weeks and 5 days, I had a scheduled appointment for an NST that evening. That morning, I was chatting with our <a href="http://www.douladonna.com/" target="_blank">doula, Donna,</a> and letting her know I felt something now and then, but nothing strong or regular. I told her I was going to go to some grocery shopping to stock up before baby arrived. When I was getting back in my car after shopping, I thought I felt something and then a little "trickle"<i>...omg! Did my water just break?!</i> So I called Donna back and told her. She said I should call the midwives and let them know and that they could check to see if it was amniotic fluid when I went in for my appointment.<br />
<br />
Now, water breaking may be an exciting sign, but I was also a bit nervous. Unlike Hollywood would like us to believe, your water isn't meant to break until the baby is on its way out or even after. Water breaking before real contractions begin is called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premature_rupture_of_membranes" target="_blank">PROM</a>, or premature rupture of the membranes. Most OB/GYN's will want you to come in right away for monitoring and probably induce you because baby has to be delivered now! Unless you have signs of infection...not true. My midwife told me she would check when I came in later that day, no rush. Just in case, we took our bags with us. When I went in, she checked my fluid and while there was something "leaking,"<b> it wasn't amniotic fluid. </b>So onto the NST I went. It picked up some regular contractions (about 5min apart) but they were fairly weak. I would describe them as a light menstrual cramp, sometimes I hardly felt anything at all.<br />
<br />
This is where things blend together...these may have been separate NST's but to shorten a long story a bit, this is how I'll tell it. The midwife wasn't loving the lack of variations in the last NST I took, so she wanted me to stay on it a bit longer and we had to go to the hospital because the midwife office was closing. So over to the hospital we went and I was hooked up to the monitor there (when the baby moves and it doesn't pick up the heart beat anymore is SCARY when they don't tell you that could happen, btw!). Our midwife came in later because I was having more regular and somewhat more painful contractions, so this seemed like the real deal. She checked me and I was only about 50% effaced but at 4cm and she said she would consider me to be <b>in early labor</b>! She wanted us to stay in the area for the night, so we went to Nick's cousin's house nearby and stayed in their guest room<i> (while I was sleeping on a waterproof sheet from the hospital so I didn't ruin their mattress if my water really broke - You're welcome :-P). </i><br />
<br />
I felt contractions through the night, but again nothing strong and I was able to get lots of sleep. The next day, we took a LONG walk around their town to see if it would keep things going since the contractions seemed to have stopped. I went in for another NST that afternoon and everything looked fine, but no news as far as contractions went. <b>So we went home later that day </b>(41 weeks, 6 days). I felt contractions again that evening, but far apart and not very strong. So we watched a movie and then went to bed. I woke up a few times throughout the night from contractions but got a good amount of rest.<br />
<br />
<b>At 5am, I decided I was awake and needed to get up.</b> I got myself some breakfast, I believe yogurt and cereal, and sat on my exercise ball watching TV. Contractions were much stronger but still no big deal pain-wise. There would be a <b>giant full moon</b> that night, and I'd joked for weeks that that's what my body was waiting for. Then, the next contraction started and I felt a <b><i>pop</i></b> and the beginning of a <b>gush</b>. I waddled quickly to the bathroom (walking by the bedroom door and telling Nick my water broke). Luckily I was wearing a pad and made it to the bathroom...no clean up all over the house! I did notice though, that the fluid was quite brown and knew that meant <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meconium_aspiration_syndrome" target="_blank">meconium</a> was in it. For some reason this was one thing I had not read up on so I was worried. I called our doula and told her and she did her best to reassure me that it may not be meconium (I even texted her a picture...hopefully she deleted that by now). She didn't want me to panic so she sweetly stayed optimistic and said it didn't look dark enough, but to call the midwife and let them know. <br />
<br />
Nick called the midwife office for me and because they knew I was already at 4cm (you have to be 4cm to be admitted), it was my choice if I wanted to labor more at home or come in right away. Because of the chance of meconium and being an hour away, <b>I decided I wanted to get in now. </b>Nick was getting our bags in the car (again) and I had the first doozy since my water broke. The amniotic sac cushions the baby's head a bit as it is pushing on your cervix, causing dilation. Without that cushion, it can get more painful (and also cause uneven effacement...yay! Although I also hear your water breaking later in labor is a huge relief of pressure). And the water kept on coming. It felt like I was constantly peeing my pants. Not fun. During that first contraction, I was kneeling on the bench at our dining room table and Nick came back in and I scared the $%#@ out of him, saying, "I don't know if I can do this." He squeezed my hips to help with the pain (<b><a href="http://www.birthingnaturally.net/cn/technique/hipsqueeze.html" target="_blank">hip squeezes</a></b> are the BEST!) and reassured me that I could do this.<br />
<br />
I'm SO glad we decided to get to the hospital earlier because the contractions in the car weren't bad at all...this was the one thing I was worried about being so far away. <i>(Normally, if you want a natural birth at a hospital, it is suggested that you labor as long as possible at home. This helps prevent doctors from getting impatient. "Oh it's too late to give me an epidural? oopsy!")</i>. When we got to the hospital, we went and checked in and got put into a triage room. Since I wasn't in "active labor" yet and contractions weren't horribly painful, the triage room was fine with me. If I had been further along, it would have sucked because they are <i>tiny</i> and there isn't much room for movement. <b>Contractions were getting more painful, and our doula walked in the room</b>, bringing with her a huge wave of relief. My husband is awesome, but we both loved having someone so experienced with a familiar face there.<br />
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I can't recall exactly what happened between the triage and labor & delivery rooms. It was in my "plan" to go to the ABC (Alternative Birthing Center) but I believe because I wasn't in active labor yet, <b>we went to a regular L&D room</b>. Shorty after, my mom arrived and it was a comfort just to have her in the room. I didn't feel a lot of pressure from our midwife, but did know that she wanted me to deliver within the 18 hour window before we risked the baby aspirating meconium. <b>Our midwife exhausted natural options to move labor along.</b> She had me on a breast pump. After that didn't seem to be working, she had my doula run to Whole Foods to pick up black & blue cohosh (and lunch for my hubby). While she was gone, I got in the shower and the heat was <i>wonderful</i> relief. I was doing squats in the shower to try to help move baby down. When our doula got back, I took cohosh every 15 minutes or so, and I do think contractions started picking up but they still weren't very close together. <b>So here is where my totally "unmedicated" birth ended.</b> I was put on an IV with a drip of <a href="http://www.drugs.com/pro/pitocin.html" target="_blank">Pitocin</a>. It was something I agreed to with some resistance because I was worried about the baby (for good reason).<br />
<br />
<i>It can't be proven, because every birth experience is so different, but supposedly Pitocin makes contractions much more painful, and many times lead to an epidural and further intervention. I'm very happy and proud to say this was not the case with me. I can't cite it, but I have read that only 2% of women who are put on Pitocin end up delivering without an epidural. It makes me feel like a rock star, so let's go with it. </i><br />
<br />
<b>My husband and doula were wonderful in helping me work through the contractions which were growing stronger and closer together</b>. Hip squeezes were my favorite and I stayed wrapped in a blanket because I was so cold, and I think it helped make me feel safe. It was my cocoon. <b>Time blended together and I ignored the clock most of the time </b>(which is a very good idea ladies!). I spent a lot of time on an egg shaped birth ball. At one point, which I remember clearly, I was on a birthing stool (like a toilet seat) rocking through each contraction, putting pressure on my tail bone. <i>(That pressure was awesome during contractions but my tail bone was SORE for a few days after the birth). </i>I was falling asleep in between the peaks of what was apparently <b>30 minutes</b> of back-to-back contractions while my Pitocin was adjusted. I can't really tell you what I thought about or did, but I just rocked and that rhythm and pressure helped me relax.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">At some point while I was on the birth ball, eyes closed working through contractions, my husband quietly told me that our midwife was knitting behind me. This scene still brings a tear to my eye. Lights dim, faux candle flickering. I open my eyes and see my husband in front of me and our doula next to me. I turn my head to look at our midwife and see her knitting while my mom is behind her crocheting an afghan for my closest cousin's wedding gift. This is one of my clearest memories and an image I will never forget. I remember thinking, <b>"This is how it should be."</b></span><br />
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I believe it was after this that we found the <b>coping mechanism</b> I'd use the rest of the labor. Low "ooo"s through contractions. Not yelling or screaming, but low controlled moans. I am a rather reserved person and this was the last thing I thought I'd do. My husband and doula both helped me find the right "voice" some time after I got out of that 30 minute trance. My midwife suggested changing positions so I got up and moved around. At some point I ended up on the bed. She checked my progress and said I was <b>10cm</b>, but that there was a cervical lip, and she wanted to see if she could get baby's head past the lip. So she asked me to push while she did this. <b>WORST. PAIN. EVER.</b> It was definitely the most uncomfortable part of the entire thing. But like everything else, this too shall pass, and I literally pushed through it.<br />
<br />
I was asked to begin pushing before I really had the urge, but again we were starting to get on a bit of a time constraint (that darn meconium!). <b>So I pushed. </b>I couldn't tell if I was accomplishing anything, but my midwife at least made me think that I was. Time went by and baby moved down. My midwife tactfully threatened needing to call the OB for a vacuum extraction just as I was losing steam. I got a second wind and pushed, which by now I definitely had the natural urge to do and it was <b>SUCH a relief</b> to be able to be doing <i>something</i> through each contraction. I got in 3 good pushes through most of them.<br />
<br />
Now baby was close, but I needed to get his head past my pelvic bone. I keep pushing and again there was a point where things were a bit stuck and my midwife said if the baby weren't born soon, that she may just have to cut an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episiotomy" target="_blank">episiotomy</a> and "get this baby out." The midwife practice only had a 2% episiotomy rate and other than a C-section, this was something I was pretty afraid of. It was the one thing about birth that would get me light headed during my pregnancy. So I <i>pushed</i> and<b> our wonderful doula basically taught me how to push baby out</b>. Our midwife was great about applying oil and pressure to help me not tear (as much). She, my husband, doula, and nurse were all great cheerleaders as baby crowned.<br />
<br />
At some point near delivery, baby's heart rate dipped and I was put on Oxygen. I was kind of in my own little world then and I knew I was on it but no one let me know why. Which was a good thing, and baby's heart rate went right back up, but my poor hubby was terrified all on his own in that moment. Then, with my husband holding one leg, and our doula holding the other (both taking turns with the nurse I believe) and after about 2.5 hours of pushing, <b>I pushed and out came baby's head! One more push and out came baby's body!</b> I didn't feel the anticipated "ring of fire." I felt some pain but it wasn't bad at all compared to the contractions I'd been enduring. In fact, the first thing I said after the birth was, "That wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be." <br />
<br />
<b>Now this is something that still bothers me, but it is in the past and we have a beautiful healthy baby:</b> Because of the meconium, 18 hours is said to be the amount of time that baby should be delivered in. From what I'm told, I was in the hospital for about 17 hours until delivery and my water had broken almost 2 hours before that. So we cut it close. Instead of letting the cord stop pulsing, it had to be cut right away and baby was taken to the warmer (next to me) to be suctioned. That hospital apparently didn't have the portable warmers that could have allowed the cord to stay in tact. <b>I am happy with the birth and truly believe that I would have ended up fighting a C-section anywhere else</b>, but I feel a bit robbed that I didn't get that moment of baby on my chest right after birth. I am extremely grateful, however, that I did get that moment shortly afterwards, and baby never needed to go to the NICU (which is common with babies born with meconium in the water).<br />
<br />
While baby was being suctioned and checked (we declined the eye drops but did get the vitamin K shot because I pushed for so long), our doula leaned over and asked us, "What were you expecting again?" And I said,"A girl..." and the room filled with laughs as we were told <span style="color: #073763;">"<b>It's a boy!</b>"</span> Yup, <b>the ultrasound tech was wrong!</b> But I honestly was not that surprised. I had a feeling. With all of the girly newborn hats we had, something made me bring a plain green one, too. And up until that ultrasound, I could have sworn we were having a boy. Luckily, we had decided on a boy's name. I just felt it. But that's for another post...<br />
<br />
My mom came by the bed and everyone praised how amazing I was. <i>(Soak it in ladies, you are amazing!)</i> Our little man scored an <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-apgar-score_3074.bc" target="_blank">APGAR</a> of 6 and then 9 while I delivered the placenta, and <b>I was finally able to hold my little 7lb 6oz <i>son</i></b>. I say finally, but it was probably 5 minutes. It felt like forever! He seemed so small and so fragile. The L&D room was quite large, but in that moment my entire world was in that bed, alternating stares at my baby and husband. I just stared at my baby while I ignored being stitched up (2nd degree tearing) and my husband and I welcomed our little E into the world. <b>So much love in that room. </b><br />
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*Photos by <a href="http://www.douladonna.com/" target="_blank">Donna Rigert</a>*</div>
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<i>Posts to come in <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/search/label/Baby%20Duda" target="_blank">Pregnancy & Birth</a>: The Best & Worst of Labor & Delivery, Post-partum & recovery tips, <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2013/10/4th-trimester-reflections.html" target="_blank">Fourth Trimester Reflection</a></i>,<i> It's A...BOY!?</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-34464071407101839772013-09-09T00:00:00.000-05:002013-09-11T13:20:18.025-05:00My Birth Story: Part 1 - Assembling the Team<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our little man is just over 3 months old now and I finally feel
ready to sit down and write our birth story. My birth plan kind of
went out the window and I needed time to reflect and take it all in.
There were a couple of things I needed to accept in the midst of all
of the joy, pride, and love. Part 1 of my story goes over how we came
to assemble our "team," which is very important if you want
a natural birth. <b>If you or someone you know is getting ready to
give birth, particularly if they are on a journey towards a natural,
unmedicated birth, I hope you will read and share my story. As much
as I read and researched, I think reading others' stories helped and
empowered me the most. </b><br />
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<br />
Long before I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to give birth without
an epidural or any other "drugs". The reasons for this
evolved throughout my pregnancy. Originally, it was because the idea of a
giant needle in my spine frightened me more than the idea of pain
during labor. I think that was because, deep down, I was never afraid
of giving birth. After the initial "holy crap, we're pregnant?!"
shock, I looked forward to giving birth. One night, we were browsing Netflix and came across <a href="http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/"><i>The
Business of Being Born</i></a>. My husband and I both soaked it all
in. <b>I couldn't believe what the medical world had done to this
natural and amazing act that women have been performing since the
beginning of time. </b>But I have to say, I was almost guilty of
falling into the medical trap that is today's idea of birth in the
US.
<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks after the positive pregnancy test, I called up my OB/GYN
thinking that's what you were supposed to do. The receptionist
informed me that I would have to see all 6 doctors in the practice
and any one of them could deliver my baby. This made me very
uncomfortable so I called another practice. This practice was
smaller, with only 2 doctors, both whom were women <i>(I was not ok
with the idea of a man delivering our baby. I felt I should be
surrounded by women, and my husband, during labor and birth. It's
what felt natural to me)</i>. I was very comfortable with the one
doctor, but not the other. So I decided to just bank on the large
chance that my OB would be the one at the birth. Then, we set out to
tour the hospital. Once the tour was over and we walked through those
exit doors, the tears started falling. <b>I did not feel comfortable
there, for a reason I couldn't pin down, but it was a gut feeling.</b>
Then, after finding out that hospital has an almost <i>40% C-section
rate,</i> we knew we had to figure something out.<br />
<br />
Shortly before that tour, I met with a <a href="http://www.douladonna.com/">doula</a>
(whom we ended up hiring and LOVE). I told her where we were
delivering and she didn't say much about the hospital, but said I was
a great candidate for a natural birth and that we'd work out a plan.
A couple of months go by, and my OB is out on maternity leave. I met
with the nurse practitioner a couple of times, still feeling uneasy.
That horrible feeling that you get when you are surrounded by people
who think they know better than you do. Of course I didn't go to med
school, but when it comes to normal, low-risk pregnancy, I'm telling
you I think med school hurts some people more than it helps. <i>Ugh</i>.
The day comes where the NP brings up her little check list of things
to ask me at the appointment that week. She skims over "birthing
classes" saying that with an epidural no one really needs those
anymore. I stopped her there and said, "Actually we are planning
a natural birth." Her response? And the <span style="color: #660000;"><b>red
flag</b></span> that caused us to switch practices? <b>"Well,
you can always change your mind."</b> And I should add that this
woman told me that she didn't have an epidural with her births...so
tell me lady, why the &%#$ can you do it, but I can't? Hm? I
called my doula, who reminded me it wasn't too late to switch
(nearing 31 weeks) so I set out to do my research.<br />
<br />
<b>It was then that I discovered the wonderful world of midwifery</b>.
Why in the world I hadn't read about midwives attending hospital
births is beyond me. I thought they were only for home births, and
while it crossed our minds, I just didn't feel that it was for us
(and our home was half-way through <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/search/label/Before%20and%20After">construction</a>).
So now I'm excited and I get a recommendation for a couple of
different midwives at nearby hospitals. (BTW, the hospital I would
have originally delivered at does not have any attending midwives).
Apparently folks were randy in August, because neither hospital could
take any new patients due in May. So a little bit of panic sets in as
I am getting closer to that 40 week mark. Everyone online, including
our doula, recommended a midwife group that's about an hour away (up
to 2 in our lovely Chicago traffic). My husband fully supported us
checking them out because he is awesome and wanted what would be best
for me and our baby. So I emailed the group, and the response from
the head midwife was the first sign that I thought I'd like it there.
<b>She responded like a human being, not a sheep just worried about
covering her own wooly arse</b>. <i>Yay!</i><br />
<br />
So, we go to a consult with her and we both left feeling a huge
sense of relief and set up our first appointment with <a href="http://www.westsubmidwives.com/">West
Suburban Midwives</a> in Oak Park. This is also a "rotating
practice" with 4 midwives, but knowing they all <b>shared in our
beliefs</b> and only have a <b>10% c-section rate</b>, made me
totally comfortable. We'd be driving a few hours to get there and
back every week up until the birth, but it felt worth it and we
didn't hesitate to switch at 31 weeks. <i>(I will still say that it
was definitely worth it). </i>That night, or maybe the next day, I
emailed our <a href="http://www.douladonna.com/">doula</a> to let her
know we made the switch and she emailed me back telling me she was
doing a happy dance and was so excited and relieved that they were
able to take me. It was a wonderful feeling to have so much support
and like I finally had a "birthing team" like I'd read
about. Before switching, I felt like it was <span style="color: #134f5c;">Team
Duda</span> vs <span style="color: #b45f06;">Team Intervention</span>.<br />
<br />
We had to drive to an appointment with a CNM (certified nurse
midwife) each week because I switched so late and they wanted to get
to know me before the birth (and I them). Every appointment felt like
chatting with a supportive friend and I never once felt that they
were in a rush to move on to the next patient. Sometimes, the wait
time could be long (and I only bring this up because I have read it
about them in a few reviews), but I am assuming it is because of the
wonderful conversation they have with their patients that I would
happily trade for that extra wait time now and then.
<br />
<br />
The midwives deliver at a hospital with regular labor/delivery
rooms as well as what they call the ABC, or Alternative Birthing
Center. This tour made us feel even better <i>(and while I do not
want to pass </i><i>judgment</i><i>, we found it interesting that
everyone on this tour was a very healthy weight and highly energetic,
while at our original hospital tour, everyone except me and one other
woman was dangerously overweight and a few needed wheelchairs at 20
weeks). </i>The ABC rooms are for women who do not want an epidural
and are set up more like a hotel room with a large tub for laboring
and birthing. (I LOVED the idea of laboring in the water but wasn't
set on a water birth, though I wanted to keep my options open and
just let things unfold...which unlike some hospitals, was allowed!).<br />
<br />
In order to use these rooms, they require that first time moms
take a birthing class, like <a href="http://informedbeginnings.com/">Informed
Beginnings</a> or the <a href="http://bradleybirth.com/">Bradley
Method</a>. We chose an Informed Beginnings class nearby with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NaturalBirthGeneva">Natural
Birth Geneva</a>. Because we were pretty far along and had done TONS
of research up to this point, there were many things that were
review, which never hurts. But, it was great to be surrounded by
people who shared your beliefs and to have someone to talk with face
to face and later classes taught us a LOT, so I do definitely
recommend it. This was one of the ways my reasons for wanting natural
birth evolved. Learning more and more about what exactly they want to
give you and why got our natural birth hopes set in stone. <b>The
"<a href="http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10182" target="_blank">cascade of interventions</a>," was scary and I refused to fall
into it. And although I did end up needing a little bit of intervention, I stayed strong and with the help of my birth team, did not need or accept more. The more information and affirmation, the better!</b><br />
<br />
I began my maternity leave (and stopped teaching since my leave
took me into the summer and I'm now a work-at-home mom) at 37 weeks
and our class ended only a few days before my EDD (estimated due
date) because our instructor was awesome enough to combine a couple
of classes to fit us in. So we had our midwives, doula, hospital, and
education. <b>We finally just had </b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Team
Let's Do This</b></span><b>! </b>At 40 weeks and a few days, we
waited patiently while folks around us got antsy. At 41 weeks we had
an ultrasound to check my fluid levels and everything looked great.
At 41 weeks and 5 days, contractions began...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><b>***Check back or, better yet, subscribe to read Part 2: The
Birth! including photos and to find out why it didn't exactly go
according to plan.***</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><i><br />This is a subject I am very passionate about and always
open to discussing! If you have comments or questions, please feel
free to leave them below. Or if you feel more comfortable, you can
message me through <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thedudahomestead">my
facebook page</a>. </i></span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-84918764481515343862013-09-01T10:27:00.000-05:002013-09-01T10:27:32.024-05:00$75 Gift Certificate Giveaway - Baby's Own Room<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.everythingmommyhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/babyroomevent.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="babyroomevent" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5175" height="293" src="http://www.everythingmommyhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/babyroomevent.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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<b>Welcome to the $75 Gift Card Giveaway from Baby's Own Room!!!</b>
Hosted by: <a href="http://www.everythingmommyhood.com/">Everything Mommyhood</a>
Sponsored by: <a href="http://www.babysownroom.com/" rel="nofollow">Baby's Own Room</a></div>
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"Thanks to my wonderful co-hosts <a href="http://www.myfourlittles.com/">My Four Littles</a> and <a href="http://www.funwithfour.com/">Fun With Four</a> as well as the wonderful group of bloggers that are sharing this giveaway with their readers as well!" - <a href="http://www.everythingmommyhood.com/">Everything Mommyhood</a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">I'm super excited to be sharing this giveaway will all of my readers! I'm very grateful for the following I have gained over the past month and hope I can bring you more posts and giveaways that will be helpful to you & your family :)</span></div>
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Baby's Own Room is an online retailer that sells super cute, stylish, modern, and classic <a href="http://www.babysownroom.com/" rel="nofollow">bedding and room decor</a>. They sell many different brand bedding sets such as Sweet Jojo Designs, Cotton Tale Designs, and Whistle and Wink. Their customer service is exceptional with no hassle returns.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out Everything Mommyhood's <a href="http://www.everythingmommyhood.com/2013/05/babys-own-room-bedding-and-room-decor.html">Sweet Jojo Designs Happy Pink Owl Bedding Set Review</a> for a toddler bed as well as a twin bed!</div>
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<a href="http://www.everythingmommyhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cribbeddingcollage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cribbeddingcollage" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5177" height="235" src="http://www.everythingmommyhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cribbeddingcollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Baby's Own Room has a variety of Kids and Teen Bedding for boys and girls.</div>
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<a href="http://www.everythingmommyhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/babysownroomcollage1.jpg"><img alt="babysownroomcollage1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5176" height="400" src="http://www.everythingmommyhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/babysownroomcollage1.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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They also have Baby Bedding for boys, girls, and gender neutral sets, as well as Toddler Bedding.
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They even sell Room Accessories, Crib Conversion Kits, and Cribs! Baby's Own Room is your one stop shop for everything kids. The best part is, all of their prices are affordable and they offer FREE SHIPPING on ALL orders, NO MINIMUMS!!!</div>
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Now for the giveaway!!!
One lucky reader will win a $75 Gift Card to Baby's Own Room!
US Residents, 18 and up only!
All winning entries will be verified.
Winner will be picked randomly via the Giveaway Tools entry form, and will be emailed. They will have 48 hours to claim their prize before a new winner is chosen.
Giveaway begins 9/1/2013 at 12am EST and ends 9/21/2013 at 11:59pm EST.
GOOD LUCK!!!</div>
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<div class="pgtContainpgt" id="pgt108760740pgt" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://giveawaytools.com/giveaway.php?sk=108760740" rel="nofollow" target="_BLANK2">Entry</a><script src="//giveawaytools.com/wid/embed.php?sk=108760740" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://giveawaytools.com/giveaway.php?sk=108760740" rel="nofollow" target="_BLANK2">-Form</a></div>
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Disclosure: This blog and Everything Mommyhood are not responsible for prize shipment, as this is a sponsored prize. We were not compensated in any way for promotion of this giveaway. Everything Mommyhood received the above mentioned review item, in exchange for an honest review. Our opinions are not influenced in any way. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. If you have any questions please contact the host of this giveaway, Everything Mommyhood.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-84862284135936251072013-08-17T00:00:00.000-05:002013-08-28T13:33:20.877-05:00Woolzies Dryer Balls - Review & Giveaway - Sweet Summer Giveaway Hop!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Summer Giveaway Hop</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">hosted by</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.weidknecht.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Planet Weidknecht</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://passporttofrugal.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Passport to Frugal</span></a></span></span></div>
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From August 17-31, you can visit all the participating blogs listed below and enter to win their wonderful prizes to top off your summer in a sweet way. Each blog is offering a giveaway prize of at least $25.00 and you might be lucky enough to win them all!</div>
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__________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8612943/?claim=v8cq2rgcqmp">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.woolzies.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnqRgcpdluOn06rkVKyQMzKuUsKDS_ViBh22YaC8iEOci9VLOq1VjHnLTR7kpKbMVSZ-7H0LGE8tYZL5gOE1ZjT4PzkhOxjGZOvpzHibuPyOiDEr9t2Zjs1grs2g871_Q-tUKQz54Nrs/s1600/logo.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">"This set of six handmade pure wool dryer balls are special in several
ways. They deliver the same benefits for laundry as conventional fabric
softeners <i>WITHOUT all the nasty chemicals</i>. They save everyone a lot of
money by eliminating the need to continuously spend on fabric softener
liquid and sheets. They <i>cut down on the time</i> it takes to dry a typical
load by at least 25% thereby saving everyone even more money and c<i>utting
down on fossil fuel usage.</i> Finally, being as that they are handmade in
the democratic republic of Nepal,<i> they provide a steady source of
income to the desperately needy women of that developing nation</i>." </span></td></tr>
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After learning what dryer sheets <a href="http://www.ewg.org/guides/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=dryer+sheets&x=0&y=0&page=1&per_page=15" target="_blank">actually contain</a> (All D's & F's according to the EWG) and what they do to your clothing (animal fat anyone?), I stopped using them and looked to alternatives. I also stopped using fabric softener and replaced it with <i>distilled white vinegar</i>. Our clothes and towels were still soft and felt even cleaner! Perhaps it was in my head, but I loved knowing they weren't coated with toxins and gunk. I was noticing some static cling issues and would occasionally throw in a dryer sheet with the towels...while making an "eww" face. </div>
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First, I read that you can roll up a ball of tin foil and throw it in the dryer as a replacement for dryer sheets. And although the Woolzies product insert actually recommends doing that along with their dryer balls, I feel I need to do a bit more research first to see if anything comes off on the clothes at high heat. I'm sure it doesn't, but since the ball does wear down over time, I'm just not sold on it. In my mind Aluminum=bad (I'm a new mom researching vaccines...and deoderant). Then I started seeing ads for wool dryer balls. </div>
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My first thought? "Psh...I could make those and save a ton of money! I'm a super-wife!" But then I saw that a skein of pure wool yarn costs about $8, and you'd probably use almost a full skein per ball. Even if you only needed 4 skeins, that's still $32ish. Then you have to roll them and felt them which required a few runs in the washer and dryer. Woolzies will only cost you $35 and they're already made for you. Yay! So this is a case where I'd prefer to purchase over DIY (which is rare for me!). Since I'm newly a work-at-home momma, I'm also always looking for ways to save while reducing toxins and waste. These were a fantastic solution for us!</div>
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<a href="http://www.woolzies.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZaZbLYM51ZQikSEHA2lHlIV3lI_XziL0fTIBYUUluCqpuACV5YauWHRk5fNCJ2rUONJv_CiGXnIv7FtwP-0mbs7Qvh7k7732gFMNxJXSzg-EqQu0vRCWBR2Q1XVugrZGK-t6GOZLv9Q/s1600/qr.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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Woolzies sent me a box of their dryer balls (6) to try out and review <i>(they were also awesome enough to sponsor this giveaway!)</i>. I started using them right away and took some notes on drying time since they claim to reduce it by at least 25%. I didn't do the math, <b>but it did significantly reduce the drying time, even for towels.</b> I was able to use the <i>"less dry"</i> setting on every load of laundry from clothing to towels to our comforter, and they came out dry, soft, and fluffy. I use low heat on clothing (which is better for them, too!) and they still come out dry on the "less dry" time setting. I'd occasionally find a thick collar or wasteband still damp, but would rather let those air dry than wear out the rest of our clothes. <b> </b></div>
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<b>Now let's think about this</b>...if you have 6 balls rolling around in your dryer, they are going to break up the load. This allows more air to flow between your laundry. Hence the recommendation to throw in a few tennis balls with a large comforter. Guess what? Tennis balls stink. Bad. <i>(Are they loud? Our laundry room is in the basement and our living room is right above it. We can watch TV without hearing them. When the house is quiet, yet we do hear them. But unless you sleep next to your laundry room, I wouldn't worry about the noise. It also depends on how large of a load is in the dryer).</i> <a href="http://woolzies.com/retail-purchase.htm" target="_blank">Woolzies dryer balls</a> work very well for large bath towels, are awesome at breaking up large loads of little baby clothes, and are a HUGE help when I can't hang dry my cloth diapers and need dry inserts and flats STAT. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4KkPZQuu8Kl4dZBLLMchxTMaufMdK05-uSWvriUw6Pg7NO7vVmskGMvgfDudYeLFvjTb4BhIwqcmDTdUCAWx52_g6i0tnVpGO_kGk6nYz-jN8K_pMWbGd1UoOjzTXhzz3WbCDmF5G3Q/s1600/dryerballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4KkPZQuu8Kl4dZBLLMchxTMaufMdK05-uSWvriUw6Pg7NO7vVmskGMvgfDudYeLFvjTb4BhIwqcmDTdUCAWx52_g6i0tnVpGO_kGk6nYz-jN8K_pMWbGd1UoOjzTXhzz3WbCDmF5G3Q/s1600/dryerballs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A couple of examples to give you an idea of the size. The hubby pointed out that not everyone would know what an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dbaby-products&field-keywords=oball&rh=n%3A165796011%2Ck%3Aoball" target="_blank">Oball</a> is. Though if you have a baby, you should. We love this thing.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>So do I recommend Woolzies dryer balls?</i> </span>Hellz yeah I do. </div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Reduced drying time?</b> Yes</li>
<li><b>Left clothes/towels all snuggly soft?</b> Yes</li>
<li><b>Reduced static?</b> Yes</li>
<li><b>Save $$$? </b>Yes (A box of 160 sheets will cost you around $11 for 240. Dryer balls last at least 1000 loads. So dryer sheets = $.05/load. Dryer balls = $.03/load. Woolzies Dryer Balls will save you $15 over those 1k loads. That adds up!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Left animal fat and, let's just say crap, all over my laundry? </b>No, no they did not. (If you do want a scent to your laundry, you can use some pure essential oil to put a drop on a ball or two). </li>
</ul>
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a set of 6 dryer balls from Woolzies! Giveaway runs through the 31st!<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Woolzies sent me this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion and review. A positive review was not required.) </span></i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0e55b21/" id="rc-0e55b21" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-29229408474604390622013-08-09T18:30:00.002-05:002013-08-10T10:24:16.988-05:00Summer Baby Loving Blog Hop Giveaway! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> Welcome to my first giveaway post! I'm pretty excited...and even more excited that I have the opportunity to participate in this Blog Hop to celebrate summer! This giveaway is for a <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>set of four stainless steel drinking straws</b><span style="color: black;"> to help you reduce plastic waste and enjoy those refreshing cold summer drinks even more :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: black;">After reading and entering my giveaway, make sure you check out our hosts: </span></span><a href="http://clothdiaperingagain.com/" target="_blank" title="Cloth Diapering Again">Cloth Diapering Again</a>, <a href="http://www.theinquisitivemom.com/" target="_blank" title="The Inquisitive Mom">The Inquisitive Mom</a>, and <a href="http://www.ourpieceofearth.com/" target="_blank" title="Our Piece of Earth">Our Piece of Earth</a> and the grand prize giveaway! Not to mention all of the other bloggers who are participating (linky at the bottom of this post). Good luck! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Stainless Steel Drinking Straws</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Image from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Endurance-Stainless-Steel-Drink-Straws/dp/B000AUIN18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376089273&sr=8-1&keywords=stainless+steel+drinking+straws" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a> - This photog's camera is getting some TLC) </td></tr>
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When I found out I was pregnant, I kicked my coffee habit (only a mug or two a day) right away. Even though I read that 200mg of caffeine a day was perfectly safe, I also read a comment that said "better a headache than heartache" and it <i>really</i> stuck with me. I would have a sip now and then, or a <i>tiny </i>bit in my almond or soy milk just to get that coffee taste when I was missing it. </div>
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Then, after our little E arrived and I recovered from the birth (about 2 or 3 weeks), I really started wanting my coffee back but wasn't sure about drinking it while breastfeeding. I was still being very cautious, but the hot weather was making me miss my iced coffee. So I started making coffee cubes (I used silicone trays I found at Target so I could pour the coffee in hot). The cubes are each around an ounce. I didn't feel too worried about slowly drinking 2oz of coffee as it melted in almond milk (with a little bit of organic sugar). <b>What I did start to feel guilty about was using a plastic, disposable straw everyday. So then I began looking into alternatives. </b></div>
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The options I found were hard plastic, glass, paper, and stainless steel. The paper straws are adorable and would be super fun for a party but do get soggy if they sit in the drink for a little while. Ew. I'm just not a big fan of plastic and try to avoid it. Now, I love glass, but they were a bit more expensive and even though some say they are unbreakable, I just wasn't sure. What I do like about these is that they are clear so you can truly see if they are clean, but that isn't something I have worried about with the stainless steel straws. <b>In the end, I decided to go with stainless steel based on their price, shape, and material.</b></div>
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<b>What I love about these straws:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Eco-Friendly!</li>
<li>No BPA (which is in your basic plastic straw from what I understand)</li>
<li>They're fun & make me feel nostalgic </li>
<li>They get cold with your drink which is awesome on those really hot days</li>
<li>You can use them to sip hot drinks, which you should not do with plastic (I have used the SS ones once for hot tea and the straw got warm but not burning hot - <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Although I can not be held responsible if you burn yourself, your drink my be hotter than mine and I wouldn't recommend giving it to a child until you know the drink is cool enough</i></span>).</li>
<li>I find them very easy to clean with the included pipe cleaner</li>
</ul>
<b>Cons </b>(Honestly, I couldn't find any. These are what I have read in other reviews)<b>:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b> </b>You have to clean them (well, duh. But it is easy with a pipe or brush cleaner and hot soapy water. Try to rinse after use or soak in hot soapy water)</li>
<li>You can't bite them...duh again. I was a straw biter, too. But that really is a bad habit and these can help you kick it!</li>
<li>They don't bend. No, they don't bend more than they already are. I've never found this to be a problem and think they are <b>bent at just the right angle.</b> </li>
<li>They're expensive! Sure, they are more than a pack of plastic straws. But they will pay for themselves, prevent you from sipping BPA, and help the environment. They are less than glass straws and I think very reasonable. </li>
</ul>
<b>Where can I get a set?</b> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This is a self sponsored post so I may recommend a few different vendors)</span></i><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Stainless-Steel-Drinking-Straws/dp/B00CYPO6C2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1376074377&sr=8-3&keywords=stainless+steel+straws" target="_blank">Here</a> is a set of 10 for $18 on Amazon with free shipping if you have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime%3Fref_=cm_sw_r_fa_ampr_lp" target="_blank">Prime</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Stainless-Steel-Drinking-Straws/dp/B00CNGEXPC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1376074377&sr=8-5&keywords=stainless+steel+straws" target="_blank">Here</a> is a set of 4 for $9, also free shipping with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime%3Fref_=cm_sw_r_fa_ampr_lp" target="_blank">Prime</a></li>
<li>If you don't want a bend and prefer a straight straw (good for those reusable to-go cups!) you can find those <a href="http://www.amazon.com/RSVP-Endurance-Stainless-Frozen-Straws/dp/B004S7B4F6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376074338&sr=8-2&keywords=stainless+steel+straws" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>Enter the giveaway below to win a set of four! (Open us US only)</li>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0e55b20/" id="rc-0e55b20" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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<a href="http://clothdiaperingagain.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/450723338_e0fbf75234_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summer Baby Loving Blog Hop Giveaway" class="size-full wp-image-433 aligncenter" height="640" src="http://clothdiaperingagain.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/450723338_e0fbf75234_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Welcome to the Summer Baby Loving Blog Hop Giveaway, hosted by <a href="http://clothdiaperingagain.com/" target="_blank" title="Cloth Diapering Again">Cloth Diapering Again</a>, <a href="http://www.theinquisitivemom.com/" target="_blank" title="The Inquisitive Mom">The Inquisitive Mom</a>, and <a href="http://www.ourpieceofearth.com/" target="_blank" title="Our Piece of Earth">Our Piece of Earth</a>, in celebration of babies and mamas! There are two grand prizes up for grabs, one open to US and Canada, and one open just to the US.</div>
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Don't forget to enter the grand prizes!</div>
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<a href="http://clothdiaperingagain.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Summer-Baby-Loving-Grand-Prize-1.png"><img alt="Summer Baby Loving Grand Prize 1" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-624" height="257" src="http://clothdiaperingagain.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Summer-Baby-Loving-Grand-Prize-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://clothdiaperingagain.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Summer-Baby-Loving-Grand-Prize-2.jpg"><img alt="Summer Baby Loving Grand Prize 2" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-625" height="259" src="http://clothdiaperingagain.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Summer-Baby-Loving-Grand-Prize-2.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Go <a href="http://clothdiaperingagain.com/welcome-to-summerbabyloving/" target="_blank" title="Summer Baby Loving Grand Prizes">here</a> to enter to win a grand prize!</div>
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Each blogger has a prize worth at least $25 on their blog, so hop around on the linky and enter to win some summer baby loving.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cloth Diapering Again, The Inquisitive Mom, Our Piece of Earth, and Summer Baby Loving Blog Hop Giveaway participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfilment.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> ________________________________________________________________________________________ </i></span></div>
<script src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=65D8924D-2189-4599-96B1-543FCFF49988" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-52710215284916685212013-07-01T14:45:00.002-05:002013-07-19T12:56:39.825-05:00Third Trimester Reflections & AdviceWe are now well into our "fourth trimester" and things are starting to settle down and we're getting into our parenting groove. So now I have some time to begin blogging again and want to pick up where I left off. I will be doing a review/giveaway for <a href="http://www.woolzies.com/" target="_blank">Woolzies</a> dryer balls soon so stay tuned!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IMnlRA7vUl5ocky3wkK2pOBg1XnqeBCYNxrJEAHQgw4lgB0TGzYsxlsxzgT9oPheEHGe5i5d21eOJ1pU84BmUU38S4VFPXpJgWRmWCy4C53JdfnXveG1OzWn01Y2yeQpxnAw7lpgU4E/s1600/collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IMnlRA7vUl5ocky3wkK2pOBg1XnqeBCYNxrJEAHQgw4lgB0TGzYsxlsxzgT9oPheEHGe5i5d21eOJ1pU84BmUU38S4VFPXpJgWRmWCy4C53JdfnXveG1OzWn01Y2yeQpxnAw7lpgU4E/s400/collage3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I sit here writing this, it's hard to even remember my third trimester, so thankfully I took notes! Our little man (yes a boy, not a girl...but that's for another post) arrived 15 days post date so I got to enjoy some extra time being pregnant. I truly mean that...while I was excited for our little one to arrive, I loved being pregnant (as I mention in my <a href="http://www.nickandaprilduda.com/2013/02/second-trimester-reflections.html" target="_blank">last post</a>) and while it did get more uncomfortable towards the end, I was pretty lucky in that area. So here are the points I made note of in the last days of my pregnancy:<br />
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<li>I did start to get uncomfortable, but my advice is to <b>keep moving</b>!</li>
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<li>Sitting started to get uncomfortable and caused my back and pelvis to hurt and sitting made it worse. Sitting in a hard chair seemed to hurt my circulation and caused swelling in my ankles (mostly my right). </li>
<li><b>Rest</b> when you need to, but light walking and staying active (<i>if you're "allowed" to</i>) helped me.</li>
<li>Drink lots of water and put your feet up if you notice swelling (remember to contact your Dr. or CNM if it is sudden or severe!)</li>
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<li><b>Clothes will become harder to find in the final weeks</b>. I am pretty small, so I made due with a lot of non-maternity tops (I just got larges or wore empire waste style tops). I did need maternity pants, but also wore some regular by using the good ol' hair tie technique. But in my last couple weeks of work (weeks 37-39) I had a really hard time finding clothes that would fit over my belly, and I wasn't going to spend money on clothes I only needed for a few weeks. I made due with rotating the same few maternity tank tops I'd gotten from Gap on clearance and different cardigans. I also stopped worrying about dressing up as much as I normally would...I figured people would understand.</li>
<li>In that last week approaching my due date, I wasn't working so I had some time to reflect while I was working on getting things ready for baby. I remember having a moment that I'm sure included tears where it hit me <b>how fast the past 40 weeks had flown by</b>. I had moments where I got upset thinking "If 9 months of pregnancy went by this quickly, we'll blink and our baby won't be a baby anymore!" Hormones didn't help that one. </li>
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<li>I have taught myself since to <b>take time out and soak in the moments and then move on being happy and content </b>that I was present in those moments. There's no point living in the past and thinking that "time flying by" is sad. We'd all be depressed if we felt that way. Get off your phone or your iPad and enjoy your time. Truly soak it in and take advantage of it and you'll have no regrets about time.</li>
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<li><b>Remember that this is your baby and you have no obligation to cater to others' needs right now</b> (perhaps unless you already have children). </li>
<ul>
<li>This may sound harsh, but if you are honest with yourself in these moments you will be happier in the long run. Set boundaries early on about when you want to start having visitors after the baby arrives. For me, establishing this early on relieved a lot of stress. You're allowed to be selfish right now. It was very important for me that my mom be at the birth, and that no one else other than my doula and husband (and midwife and nurses). You don't want to have any reservations in labor or pushing. It was also important to us that we had time together as a new family to relax and bond so we waited until we were home to have additional visitors, and really it was much better because we were all more comfortable at home as opposed to our little recovery room. <b>Figure these things out in advance so you don't have to stress about it while you are recovering from birth.</b> If someone isn't understanding of what you want or need, it is not your problem.</li>
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<li>This one depends on your school of thought. <b>I believe a woman's body knows what to do when it comes to birth and that we shouldn't mess with nature</b>. I delivered at 42 weeks (or 41 because my midwives and I both thought my due date was off). </li>
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<li>Since we live in a world of rushing things along and highly medicalized births, I had people asking me about induction and "where's that baby?" shortly after I hit 40 weeks. I would simply respond with, "It will happen when it was meant to, I'm not being induced" and they'd get the hint. Anyone who knew me at all knew that anyways. </li>
<li>Then there are the people who are just so excited for your baby that they may not realized how you feel. If you have gone past your due date, then you get it. My doula will tell you that I was incredibly patient. I was relaxed and knew stress would not help me or my baby. So I waited. While I was patient and enjoying my last days of pregnancy, <b>I had moments where I got upset and had a bit of doubt that maybe my body wouldn't do what it's supposed to</b>. Maybe I'm not woman enough. Those feelings suck, and anyone who is insensitive to them can kiss my big pregnant @$$. Call me over emotional (<i>or...ahem, pregnant</i>) but if you call me or my baby late you are implying that we don't know what we're doing. Sweetly asking how I'm feeling is another thing (I don't want anyone who did so to feel bad after reading this!). </li>
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<li>If you go post date (which most women do), <b>remember that due dates are an estimate</b> and remind people of that. It's a bell curve from 38-42 weeks. You aren't actually "late" until you go past 42 and unless there is a real reason you need to deliver earlier, don't let your doc push it. There has been recent research showing that inducing or sectioning women early has adverse effects. Again...I don't like messing with nature. This is just my opinion :)</li>
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<li><b>If/when people ask if you're just ready to get the baby out or the like, be honest with yourself. </b>First of all...many women don't get to carry to term. That last trimester and those last weeks are important, so be grateful if you begin having those thoughts. I wasn't feeling like I was ready to be done being pregnant until the very end. And it was NOT because I was sick of it or just wanted the baby out of me (I'm sorry but I have issues with those statements). It was genuinely because I wanted to meet and hold my baby and approaching 42 weeks I knew issues could begin to arise. I knew I'd miss pregnancy and wanted to cherish those last moments.</li>
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<li><b>I actually began to look forward to the pain of contractions</b> in the last days leading up to my due date so that I'd know they were real. And I was honestly looking forward to labor and birth the entire pregnancy. Even after laboring on pitocin without pain meds (later post) and pushing for close to 3 hours, I look forward to doing it again. </li>
<li>As far as <b>nesting</b> goes, I felt it leading up to my due date, but not quite as much after so that "sign of labor" did not apply to me. I was very productive tying up loose ends and cleaning/organizing (as much as I could under construction) in the week before my EDD. I didn't pack my hospital bag until 2 days before. I realized this was probably for the same reason I didn't write my wedding vows until 2am the morning of the wedding. I have to clear my head of details before I can focus on something meaningful. (I even used to have to clean my room before I could sit down and write a big paper). To me, packing our bags was very final compared to washing baby clothes and buying diapers.</li>
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So pregnant ladies, soak it in and enjoy it. When you are uncomfortable (which you will be), remember that many women struggle to conceive or can't carry a baby, or they don't carry to term. Remember that this is a blessing and the greatest thing you will ever do. It won't make the discomfort go away, but it will remind you of your priorities and help with your mental state. At least it did for me. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941876033930866689.post-83004188882758345842013-02-20T10:48:00.001-06:002013-02-20T11:08:25.318-06:00Second Trimester Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now that our second trimester has come to a close, I'm going to attempt to slow down time for a moment and reflect...I can't believe we get to meet our little angel in 11 1/2 weeks! I can't explain the excitement.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our 23 week photo went missing :(</i></td></tr>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What I have learned in the past 12 weeks:</span></i></b><br />
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<li><b>A woman's body is truly an amazing machine.</b></li>
<li><b>Feeling your baby kick</b> and squirm around is THE sweetest thing in the world (at least until she is here!).</li>
<li>I could seriously be entertained for hours just laying there and <b>watching my belly move</b> while dreaming about our lives ahead (and hearing the <i>Jaws</i> theme in my head from time to time). </li>
<li><b>I'm one of the lucky ones</b>. Other than some fairly intense stretching pains on occasion, I have basically breezed through this pregnancy thus far. Despite having lower back pain in the past, I haven't during pregnancy. I don't get heartburn (which is awesome because I crave buffalo chicken at times...but that's nothing new). I haven't "gotten sick" once, although there were a couple of close calls. I do get in bad moods, but am able to recognize them and give Nick a warning (love you!), and those have subsided now...I think. </li>
<li><b>I love my husband.</b> Of course I already knew this, but when he holds my belly and talks to the baby and I get to think about him being a dad wrapped around the finger of his little girl, it makes my heart melt.</li>
<li><b>Having a cold during pregnancy can really stink</b>. There is a list of meds you can take during pregnancy, but I refused. We like to live as purely as possible. A couple of days home on the couch with hot water + organic lemon juice + local honey nursed me back to health. </li>
<li><b>Building a registry can be as stressful as it is exciting</b>. There is just so much "stuff" and it's hard to narrow down to the necessities and keep the somewhat minimalist lifestyle we live. Thanks to some awesome facebook friends' suggestions, I'm pretty confident in our registry. Gotta love <a href="http://www.target.com/" target="_blank">Target</a>! </li>
<li><b>I never thought I'd be so excited about diapers</b>. But, we've been building up a cloth stash and I'm super excited for some reason. Maybe it's the thought of saving $1500 on diapers. (For those of you who are still picturing the old school cloth diapers...click the image below to have your world changed. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Get it? I made a funny.</span>)</li>
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<a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?products_id=1828" target="_blank"><img alt="bumGenius Elemental" height="204" src="http://www.cottonbabies.com/images/bumgenius/organic/snap/bumGenius-Organic-OneSize-Snaps-AIO-Open-Labels-480.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<li><b>I'm pretty darn strong, but not as "independent woman" as I thought</b>. A big thanks to the ladies I have reached out to for advice. The thought of hiring a <a href="http://www.douladonna.com/" target="_blank">doula</a> to assist our birth has eased a lot of anxiety that built up after the hospital tour. I'm stuck in the middle of having a hospital birth and loving the idea of birthing at home, but we are doing a natural hospital birth because despite any anxiety a hospital may cause, I think it gives me more comfort than staying home. I'll do the majority of the labor at home, and we'll head to the hospital later on.</li>
<li>That being said, <b>I'm not afraid of the birth</b>. We are shooting for all-natural and intervention free, but I am not afraid of the pain. That's not because I'm naive to what it may feel like, of course I don't know, but I am extremely motivated. "I am woman, hear me roar." So while I may feel a bit more dependent...I feel that much more brave and awesome for growing this little miracle. </li>
<li>Either I don't get out much or look mean, because I have not been attacked by women with their <b>belly radar</b> on in public. Yay!</li>
<li>I used to think we'd be set with just one child, but being 2/3 through the pregnancy is telling me I'm going to miss it and <b>want to have one more</b>. I may whine about occasional discomforts, but I am one of those who LOVE being pregnant. </li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04850116469547110092noreply@blogger.com2