tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64658744844578655052024-02-20T12:40:31.470-05:00Too Honest MomsToo Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-45009249407862699432016-04-24T19:34:00.001-04:002016-04-24T19:34:40.764-04:00Dandelion Jelly<p> Who even knew this was a thing? I found a list of floral jellies that looked lovely and adaptable for CSID and dandelion jelly was on the list. It tastes like honey and lemon and sunshine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuuYNC1tK-Q/Vx1YDcHZ8EI/AAAAAAAAEZU/bpqhQIvWtfc/s2048/Photo%25252020160424193430812.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuuYNC1tK-Q/Vx1YDcHZ8EI/AAAAAAAAEZU/bpqhQIvWtfc/s500/Photo%25252020160424193430812.jpg" id="blogsy-1461540879134.5916" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><a name='more'></a><p>The original inspiration came from <a href="http://www.masalaherb.com/2012/05/dandelion-flower-jelly.html" target="_blank" title="">Masala Herb's</a> blog. And you should check it out because she has lots of nice pictures of the process.</p><p>The most important thing to know about cooking with dandelions and other wild plants, is that you do not want to use plants from areas that are sprayed with weed killers. Since my (weedy) yard is 100% organic, I adapted the recipe for both CSID and the quantity of flowers I could pick from my yard.</p><p>1 1/2 cups dandelions</p><p>3 cups water</p><p>2 cups dextrose</p><p>1 lemon</p><p>2 T pectin</p><p> </p><p>Prepare the flowers removing the stems and green parts. Boil flowers in water for 10 minutes. Strain through coffee filter. Add dextrose, zest and juice of one lemon, and pectin and return to a boil, boiling hard for at least one minute. Pour into prepared jars, top with lids, and boil in a water bath/water canner for 10 minutes. </p><p>That's it. Super simple and so yummy!</p><p>Happy Spring!</p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-73584297656471175722016-04-07T15:53:00.001-04:002016-04-07T16:10:26.457-04:00Lunches of fun...on the go! Part 2: Teens, Tweens and Adults<p> I'm back with more lunchtime inspiration for my CSID friends, but lots of these ideas would also work for any low carb, gluten free, keto or paleo diets. Once again, most of these meals work during the induction diet, and if you need more info about that, see <a href="http://toohonestmoms.blogspot.com/2016/04/lunches-of-funon-go-part-1-toddlers-and.html" target="_blank" title="">Lunches of fun...on the go part 1.</a> Remember to check all ingredients against your safe food list, sub any sugar for dextrose or fuctose, and have some FUN with your food!</p><p>Now for the round up.</p><p> <a name='more'></a></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Start with something savory, like these <a href="http://www.ruled.me/jalapeno-popper-fat-bombs/" target="_blank" title="">Jalapeño popper fat bombs from ruled.me</a>. Did you know Fat Bombs came in spicy? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1do4RlO9ImgfFHjasyzFl3bz246ztOfFxh295qeIPUQOt2elC8I9cTHlpNSZ0vvQRgOckndyhH801FNf_e8OS8P_Uuv-iHowc0P0CSWL4z7tlVvpzEMSEhp8RGKOWbVTlC-K6mX_kuE/s1643/Photo%25252020160407155304548.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="http://www.ruled.me/jalapeno-popper-fat-bombs/" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1do4RlO9ImgfFHjasyzFl3bz246ztOfFxh295qeIPUQOt2elC8I9cTHlpNSZ0vvQRgOckndyhH801FNf_e8OS8P_Uuv-iHowc0P0CSWL4z7tlVvpzEMSEhp8RGKOWbVTlC-K6mX_kuE/s500/Photo%25252020160407155304548.jpg" id="blogsy-1460059813899.5815" class="alignnone" width="500" height="730" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Put you favorite salad or sandwich fillings in a low-starch, high fiber wrap like this <a href="http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/chicken-caesar-wraps.html" target="_blank" title="">Chicken Caesar Wrap from Favirote Family Recipes. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1EmqM9qhyu4/Vwa6qz1L9II/AAAAAAAAEYM/xs7Geh0lB0c/s1701/Photo%25252020160407155304770.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/chicken-caesar-wraps.html" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1EmqM9qhyu4/Vwa6qz1L9II/AAAAAAAAEYM/xs7Geh0lB0c/s500/Photo%25252020160407155304770.jpg" id="blogsy-1460059813879.0364" class="alignnone" width="500" height="762" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">For even less starch, wrap some cold cuts in a zucchini or cucumber slices like these roll ups from <a href="https://aliwentpaleo.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/turkey-cucumber-roll-ups/" target="_blank" title="">My Paleo Journey</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j3xuFaSHUH4/Vwa6rypa1BI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/xN80uiFRw1M/s1060/Photo%25252020160407155304896.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="https://aliwentpaleo.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/turkey-cucumber-roll-ups/" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j3xuFaSHUH4/Vwa6rypa1BI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/xN80uiFRw1M/s500/Photo%25252020160407155304896.jpg" id="blogsy-1460059813931.3018" class="alignnone" width="500" height="503" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Or spice up some veggies with this <a href="http://wearychef.com/spicy-spinach-quesadillas/" target="_blank" title="">Spicy Spinach Quesadilla from The Weary Chef.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7BMwiRr6w9kffis0Uh7_IYoT0tevum4LxhoIceWqVZKUcFWzwVoa9UyaFYXnr7ssQgaRROcKVLbIbhn9wsVHp3N7l5L-1dVebWJ5_zdZxdiF2yPmr6EjrI8fm-fDmWFXAYTBuwysUyo/s1850/Photo%25252020160407155305087.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7BMwiRr6w9kffis0Uh7_IYoT0tevum4LxhoIceWqVZKUcFWzwVoa9UyaFYXnr7ssQgaRROcKVLbIbhn9wsVHp3N7l5L-1dVebWJ5_zdZxdiF2yPmr6EjrI8fm-fDmWFXAYTBuwysUyo/s500/Photo%25252020160407155305087.jpg" id="blogsy-1460059813876.999" class="alignnone" width="500" height="834" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Did yu know you can batch prep salads in mason jars and have them last all week? Now you do. Check out this protien packed option from <a href="http://www.organizeyourselfskinny.com/2014/03/26/mason-jar-salad-recipe-smoked-turkey-with-raspberry-vinaigrette-crumbled-blue-and-walnuts/" target="_blank" title="">Organize yourself skinny</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9A2TVqIKCrc/Vwa6ueZPnyI/AAAAAAAAEYY/KbnZHeQQ2Zw/s1903/Photo%25252020160407155305283.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="http://www.organizeyourselfskinny.com/2014/03/26/mason-jar-salad-recipe-smoked-turkey-with-raspberry-vinaigrette-crumbled-blue-and-walnuts/" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9A2TVqIKCrc/Vwa6ueZPnyI/AAAAAAAAEYY/KbnZHeQQ2Zw/s500/Photo%25252020160407155305283.jpg" id="blogsy-1460059813930.595" class="alignnone" width="500" height="849" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Does your athlete need something more filling? Try this caprese salad from <a href="http://www.lowcarbmaven.com/caprese-salad-olives-marinated-artichoke-hearts/" target="_blank" title="">Low Carb Maven</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WEgj1q4Vx1A/Vwa6vYx-kcI/AAAAAAAAEYc/2n2YQkU0UKM/s1469/Photo%25252020160407155305453.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="http://www.lowcarbmaven.com/caprese-salad-olives-marinated-artichoke-hearts/" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WEgj1q4Vx1A/Vwa6vYx-kcI/AAAAAAAAEYc/2n2YQkU0UKM/s500/Photo%25252020160407155305453.jpg" id="blogsy-1460059813977.8203" class="alignnone" width="500" height="651" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">And if you are craving something sweet, finish off with a sweet fat bomb like this fudgy chocolate creation from <a href="http://carbswitch.com/2015/03/28/fat-bombs-with-cream-cheese/" target="_blank" title="">Carb Switch. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5kFgM5ckqX0/Vwa6wZP3fVI/AAAAAAAAEYg/CfUidJ2nRc8/s1104/Photo%25252020160407155305557.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="http://carbswitch.com/2015/03/28/fat-bombs-with-cream-cheese/" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5kFgM5ckqX0/Vwa6wZP3fVI/AAAAAAAAEYg/CfUidJ2nRc8/s500/Photo%25252020160407155305557.jpg" id="blogsy-1460059813968.7986" class="alignnone" width="500" height="387" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p>Don't forget to check out the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ocozynight/csid-school-lunch/" target="_blank" title="">CSID School Lunch</a> board for more fun, portable ideas. </p><p>Happy Eating!</p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-57399599143328485982016-04-03T12:45:00.001-04:002016-04-07T16:25:43.705-04:00Lunches of fun...on the go! Part 1: Toddlers and Kiddos<p>Pack lunches are always a challenge. Take away sandwiches and it can seem overwhelming. This post is lengthy, but it's goal ito demystify the process of making pack lunches safe, healthy and fun for CSID kids from toddlerhood through elementary school.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S_rg74S-fbc/VwbCJTvX4pI/AAAAAAAAEY4/NK_g3APF2xE/s1536/Photo%25252020160407162504731.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S_rg74S-fbc/VwbCJTvX4pI/AAAAAAAAEY4/NK_g3APF2xE/s500/Photo%25252020160407162504731.jpg" id="blogsy-1460060738946.5383" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><a name='more'></a><p> My guys love bento boxes. You can buy fancy boxes, or use new, clean organizing boxes like for fishing tackle, or find a rectangular box and used smaller boxes or silicone cupcake molds to seperate the snacks. The goal is to have a variety-maybe 4-5 snack sized portions of a sampling of foods. The Bento is great for CSID because:</p><ol> <li>Portions of individual foods are kept small</li> <li>No sandwiches necessary</li> <li>They are FUN!</li></ol><p>To fill the box, use anything your child tolerates. Shoot for one ot two protiens/fats, a veggie and a fruit for carbs. One of our go-to combinations was kale chips, fresh strawberries, cheese slices and a few pepperoni slices. Easy, balanced, done.</p><p>I like to start with whole foods, because it makes it easier to eliminate weird ingredients that could be a problem. If you aren't sure where to start, pick from the 'tolerated by most' list found <a href="http://csidcares.org/treatment/diet/" target="_blank" title="Csid Cares">here</a>, then pretend you are on an unending episode of Chopped. When you are ready to venture out into prepared snacks, look for organic brands with fewer ingredients. We love the Simply Organic line at Aldis because of the simplicity of the ingredients lists.</p><h4>Note on the CSID induction diet and food journaling</h4><p>There are various induction diets for CSID available online. Some plans are more aggressive, or may contain foods your child can't tolerate, or may be missing important sources of protien and calories your child relies on. One of the more debatable inclusions/exclusions is dairy. If your child tolerates dairy, it can be included as a great source of calories and makes the induction diet a bit easier and more varied. If your child does not tolerate dairy-skip it. Also, any other foods that are not tolerated should be avoided.</p><p>I recomend reviewing a few plans, then developing a diet plan with your doctor and dietician. Because dietary information on CSID is not generally known in the medical community, this may mean that YOU the parent devlops the plan, then presents it to professionals for review. Keep in mind the following as you plan:</p><ol> <li>This is triage. The first step is to make the patient stable. If that means limiting the diet to a few safe foods until symptoms subside, that is OK. </li> <li>Once symptoms are under control, then you can start introducing new foods one at a time as described below. This can take up to 6 months or more, and that is OK.</li> <li>After the initial sucrose induction, (both with and without sucraid) repeat the process for starches and set a goal for a more balanced diet. Give yourself time, even a year or two is OK.</li></ol><p>Are you sensing a theme? Breathe in, breathe out, allow yourself and your family TIME to adjust, and trust that it will be OK. Initally I was worried that a limited diet would further exacerbate the weight loss issues my son was facing, however, as his gut healed and he was able to properly absorb nutrients from his food, his weight increased even on a limited diet. If you have weigh loss concerns, lean toward calorie dense choices like bacon, cheese, whole milk, eggs etc. and consider adding fats like coconut oil to smoothies. Work with your doctor to monitor weight and consider adding CSID safe formula if needed.</p><p>We have found that for ease, it is preferable to adjust the whole family's diet to it's most limited member(s). That way there are less accidents and food sneaking. Remember that it is the person responsible for the grocery shopping who dictates what foods are available in the house. Older kids can always be given money for school lunches and treats away from home, and adults can choose to eat out for lunch. By making home a safe haven for your CSIDer you are helping them adjust to the diet both physically and developmentally while showing them that you support them unconditionally. This is a common approach in the food allergy community as well.</p><p>During the induction phase, foods should be introduced one at a time, in small and increasing amounts. Ie: 30g of blueberries on Monday, skip Tuesday, 60g of blueberries on Wednesday or Thursday ect. This allows enough time inbetween trials to detect delayed reactions and allows easy dectection of the offending food. Generally, you should introduce only sucrose foods first, then work on adding starch foods. My only exception was the inclusion of low starch protiens like nut butters and beans because they can be a good source of nutrition and variety during the induction diet, so it may be worth considering introducing these foods after symptoms are stable.</p><p>Food journaling during this process is critical so you can track reactions and pinpoint offending foods. I provide two samples:</p><ol> <li><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2AFufbQuXmpY3ptdzVETlFpRW8" target="_blank" title="">Numbers version</a> for use on Apple devices with the numbers app installed. Calculates sucrose load for individual food, meal and daily total.</li> <li><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2AFufbQuXmpMFBoTnNxVFA0WjA" target="_blank" title="">Pdf versio</a>n </li></ol><p>I believe that this process should be handled both from a dietary and developmental standpoint. Some advocate pushing tolerances until symptoms reappear so that you know the max load. I do not. I advocate pushing tolerances until you and your child are happy with the diet. In my opinion, it is important that your child trust you and the food they eat. Max load tolerances can be tested when they are developmentally ready to make that decision themselves and are willing-like maybe teens or twenties. More about my personal philosophy can be found in the first <a href="http://toohonestmoms.blogspot.com/2014/03/lunches-of-fun.html" target="_blank" title="">Lunches of Fun post</a>.</p><p>For ease, the food suggestions in this post are limited to the sucrose induction phase of the CSID diet, using foods that most can tolerate without Sucraid.</p><h4>Note on yogurt and probiotics</h4><p>Some induction diet plans recomend a balance of 1/4 yogurt, 1/4 animal protiens, and 1/2 fruits and veggies. This is a great goal, but might not be feasible immediately. However, if yogurt is tolerated, the natural probiotics can help regulate the gi tract. Look for plain yogurt, preferably whole milk or greek varieties, or <a href="http://toohonestmoms.blogspot.com/2013/03/yes-i-make-my-own-yogurt-and-you-can-too.html" target="_blank" title="">make your own.</a> You want to find something where the ingredients are milk and active cultures. Be wary of discount store brands as they often use corn starch as a thickener. If you are looking for fun ways to incorporate yogurt in the diet, check pinterest and <a href="http://toohonestmoms.blogspot.com/2013/06/yogurt-take-2.html" target="_blank" title="">this post</a> for ideas.</p><p>After illness or reactions, yogurt can be an easy to digest first food. To enhance yogurt's natural probiotic and binding properties, with the approval of our doctor, we add 1pk <a href="http://www.florastor.com/?gclid=CjwKEAjw_oK4BRDym-SDq-aczicSJAC7UVRtSwCgESBfVt7Ott_P8dxPE7QYJ2ztndu6c_8RvDcoTxoCgTjw_wcB" target="_blank" title="">florastor</a> and 1-2t <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ball-RealFruitTM-Low-No-Sugar-Needed-Pectin/dp/B004U8R0QA" target="_blank" title="">sugar free pectin</a> to a half cup yogurt 3-4 times a day until diarrhea ceases. Powdered pectin does not contain any sugar or starch (but check the label) and is <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/241432-alternative-foods-on-the-brat-diet/" target="_blank" title="">one of the substance responsible for the binding properties of the BRAT diet</a>. It has been used medically to <a href="http://www.drugs.com/npp/pectin.html" target="_blank" title="">treat diarrhea</a> and various gi conditions.</p><p>Now, about that lunch box that refuses to pack itself...</p><h4></h4><h4>Easy, mostly whole food ideas to include in a CSID bento:</h4><ul> <li>Kale, spinach, pepperoni, salami or cheese "chips", pork rinds</li> <li>Fresh berry fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, rasberries, blackberries, grapes or rasins, pomegranate, unsulfured figs, and other tolerated fruit</li> <li>Plain yogurt mixed with stevia sweetener like truvia, a 1/4t vanilla and mashed berries or pixi stix, fun dip, or koolaid powder</li> <li>Dill pickles and olives</li> <li>Various cheeses</li> <li>Plain cooked meats cubed into bite sized pieces</li> <li>Dextrose cured cold cuts or deli meats </li> <li>Meat jerky, slim jims, bacon</li> <li>Low starch/sucrose veggies for munching like celery, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomato, brocolli, cauliflower, mushrooms</li> <li>Sugar free peanut butter, ranch dressing/dip, or hummus for dipping</li> <li>Dehydrated berries (no sugar added)</li> <li>Hard boiled eggs</li> <li>Deli salads like ham, egg or chicken salad in a bowl served with a fork or dippers, or in a lettuce wrap (if you have an egg allergy, sub mashed avocado or sour cream for the mayo)</li> <li>No sugar added applesauce (or pearsauce), sometimes we can find fun flavors like pomegranate, cranberry, blueberry or strawberry. <a href="http://toohonestmoms.blogspot.com/2015/02/quick-fix-baby-food.html" target="_blank" title="">Or make your own.</a></li> <li>For drinks I like to stick with water or whole milk as much as possible, but Honest Kids grape and lemonaid flavors are also well tolerated without sucraid and come in juice boxes. Other juices would be pomegranate, grape, lemon, lime. Make sure to check the labeling for added sucrose. You can do fun infused in their water bottles (think cucumber strawberry, pomegranate blueberry, or lemon raspberry) just add a few fresh fruits in with the ice and shake. </li></ul><h4>Prep ahead bento ideas:</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Meat and cheese roll ups are a childhood favorite. This fun version combines veggies, hummus with the meat and cheese to put a twist on the classic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-puK2trDHNjc/VwFIiVO0PGI/AAAAAAAAEXU/idET6QKn5wg/s1812/Photo%25252020160403124452224.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="http://www.organizeyourselfskinny.com/2015/10/13/healthy-low-carb-antipasto-roll-ups/" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-puK2trDHNjc/VwFIiVO0PGI/AAAAAAAAEXU/idET6QKn5wg/s500/Photo%25252020160403124452224.jpg" id="blogsy-1460060739020.1924" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="645"></a></div><p><a href="http://www.organizeyourselfskinny.com/2015/10/13/healthy-low-carb-antipasto-roll-ups/" target="_blank" title=""> Antipasto roll ups from Organize yourself skinny</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">No bread? No problem with this grilled cheese!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_SWmbvFcApM/VwFIjlYHzjI/AAAAAAAAEXY/FfDGQ0wdWrA/s1432/Photo%25252020160403124452400.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="http://kirbiecravings.com/2015/08/cauliflower-crusted-grilled-cheese-sandwiches.html" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_SWmbvFcApM/VwFIjlYHzjI/AAAAAAAAEXY/FfDGQ0wdWrA/s500/Photo%25252020160403124452400.jpg" id="blogsy-1460060738974.0002" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="624"></a></div><p> <a href="http://kirbiecravings.com/2015/08/cauliflower-crusted-grilled-cheese-sandwiches.html" target="_blank" title="">Cauliflower crusted grilled cheese from Kirbie's Cravings</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">What kid doesn't love pizza. This crustless variety is similar to what I make for my kids. Mix it up by changing the meat and hiding diced safe veggies under the cheese.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UYIDawxUfK8/VwFIklYDNLI/AAAAAAAAEXc/KusKIhQ4RtU/s1828/Photo%25252020160403124452599.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="http://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/no-crust-pizza-bites/" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UYIDawxUfK8/VwFIklYDNLI/AAAAAAAAEXc/KusKIhQ4RtU/s500/Photo%25252020160403124452599.jpg" id="blogsy-1460060738991.2834" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="815"></a></div><p> <a href="http://(null)" target="_self" title="">No crust pizza bites from Ella Clair</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Stuffed celery is always a favorite with kids. We all know about ants on a log (rasins and pb) but what about fish in a stream (cream cheese and almonds) or filing them with a favorite dip or deli salad like these buffalo chicken dip filled celery sticks?</div><p><a href="http://www.mantitlement.com/recipes/buffalo-chicken-celery-sticks/" target="_blank" title=""></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://www.mantitlement.com/recipes/buffalo-chicken-celery-sticks/" target="_blank" title=""></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FkUI69qdOZA/VwFIlyX17wI/AAAAAAAAEXg/fhbcNolHCrA/s1591/Photo%25252020160403124452753.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FkUI69qdOZA/VwFIlyX17wI/AAAAAAAAEXg/fhbcNolHCrA/s500/Photo%25252020160403124452753.jpg" id="blogsy-1460060738983.2864" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="739"></a></div><p> <a href="http://www.mantitlement.com/recipes/buffalo-chicken-celery-sticks/" target="_blank" title="">Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks from Mantitlement</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">For the kid who loves dill pickles, this looks like some silly lunch time fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XJntG-fwl_M/VwFImgHmwRI/AAAAAAAAEXk/rsN3Ii5GJ6U/s1062/Photo%25252020160403124452871.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="http://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/2010/11/26/pickle-roll-ups.html" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XJntG-fwl_M/VwFImgHmwRI/AAAAAAAAEXk/rsN3Ii5GJ6U/s500/Photo%25252020160403124452871.jpg" id="blogsy-1460060738964.4888" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="434"></a></div><p> <a href="http://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/2010/11/26/pickle-roll-ups.html" target="_blank" title="">Pickle rollups from Pip and Ebby</a></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Kids like to feel normal and who doesn't love a treat? These chocolate a vanilla parfaits layered in small canning jars are perfect for lunches on the go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pExGxwhGPzY/VwFIoeIUeVI/AAAAAAAAEXo/eMFA97tKwJ4/s1936/Photo%25252020160403124453245.jpg" target="_blank" style=""></a><a href="http://toohonestmoms.blogspot.com/2016/02/pretty-princess-parfaits.html" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pExGxwhGPzY/VwFIoeIUeVI/AAAAAAAAEXo/eMFA97tKwJ4/s500/Photo%25252020160403124453245.jpg" id="blogsy-1460060739036.5278" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> <a href="http://toohonestmoms.blogspot.com/2016/02/pretty-princess-parfaits.html" target="_blank" title="">Avocado pudding parfaits to go</a></p><p> </p><p>Lettuce can replace bread and stuffed with so many fun things! This was one of our first CSID safe lunches. This might not work for toddlers, but is a great option for older kids.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CEccct8wfpE/VwFIpGTi5vI/AAAAAAAAEXs/fV4MxXGhlYw/s500/Photo%25252020160403124453307.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CEccct8wfpE/VwFIpGTi5vI/AAAAAAAAEXs/fV4MxXGhlYw/s500/Photo%25252020160403124453307.jpg" id="blogsy-1460060739013.359" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p><a href="http://toohonestmoms.blogspot.com/2014/02/avocado-ranch-chicken-salad-wrap-csid.html" target="_blank" title="">Lettuce wraps</a></p><p> I found more great ideas and inspirations on Pinterest. Check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ocozynight/csid-school-lunch/" target="_self" title="">CSID Lunches</a> board and follow along for more ideas!</p><p>Please feel free to ask questions below! </p><p>Happy packing!</p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-89172017436250427052016-02-14T10:09:00.001-05:002016-02-14T10:09:56.325-05:00Pretty Princess Parfaits<p> We had a knights and princesses party here for the Personal Assistant and Mr. Baby's birthday. It was super fun. The menu was pretty easy, but I did make a few special treats. Like these yummy parfaits. Mmmmm.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FREj0AZARxI/VsCYsVzvboI/AAAAAAAAEWU/i3qkxllRuJM/s2048/Photo%25252020160214100925699.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FREj0AZARxI/VsCYsVzvboI/AAAAAAAAEWU/i3qkxllRuJM/s500/Photo%25252020160214100925699.jpg" id="blogsy-1455462594841.0176" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> </p><a name='more'></a><p>These were pretty easy, and of course safe for my CSID guys. </p><h3>Pretty Princess Parfaits</h3><p>Makes 12 small kid sized servings</p><p> </p><p>12 clear party tumblers</p><p>Sugar free chocolate syrup (I used Hersey's)</p><p>Cool whip</p><p>Pitted Cherries (fresh would be best, but I used some that were canned in water with no sugar added.)</p><p> </p><h5>Avocado pudding layer</h5><p>4 ripe avocados</p><p>1/8 c milk or cream</p><p>1/4 cup cocoa</p><p>1/3 c dextrose</p><p>1/3 c fructose</p><p>2 T vanilla</p><p>1 T coffee</p><p> </p><h5>Cherry yogurt layer</h5><p>1 large container whole milk or greek yogurt (plain, no added sugar)</p><p>1 pack cherry kool-aid </p><p>4 packets stevia</p><p> </p><ol> <li>Swirl the chocolate syrup inside the 12 tumblers.</li> <li>Place the skinned and pitted avocados in the food processor with milk and process until smooth. Add cocoa, sugars, vanilla and coffee. Process until smooth. Taste. Add more sugar if necessary. Place 2 heaping tablespoons in each cup.</li> <li>Mix kool-aid packet and stevia into yogurt untill well blended. Place 2 tablespoons in each cup. </li> <li>Top with fresh or chopped canned cherries and whip cream. Chill until ready to serve. </li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fNhwUVzxRUo/VsCYuJ4DQmI/AAAAAAAAEWY/cWbmC9XNbzw/s1936/Photo%25252020160214100926021.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fNhwUVzxRUo/VsCYuJ4DQmI/AAAAAAAAEWY/cWbmC9XNbzw/s500/Photo%25252020160214100926021.jpg" id="blogsy-1455462594842.8489" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><p>We also ate...</p><p>Dragon scales (Doritos)</p><p>Dragon claws (Bugles)</p><p>Quick sand (Hummus)</p><p>Dragon eggs (grapes)</p><p>Lady Mary's Cannon Balls <a href="http://toohonestmoms.blogspot.com/2016/02/healthy-sugar-cookie-dough.html" target="_blank" title="Beans, beans, beans">(sugar cookie dough)</a></p><p>Bubbling dragon juice (red kool aid mixed with dextrose and sprite zero)</p><p> Plus, a killer Triple Chocolate Cheesecake (recipe coming soon.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-olpDR-O5GME/VsCYwAVSevI/AAAAAAAAEWc/FX70uLAmEUU/s2048/Photo%25252020160214100926273.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-olpDR-O5GME/VsCYwAVSevI/AAAAAAAAEWc/FX70uLAmEUU/s500/Photo%25252020160214100926273.jpg" id="blogsy-1455462594871.8062" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p>I was completely amused to see all the little kids eating their "feast" not knowing that it was mostly healthy-ish. It was wonderful to give my guys the same food as the other kids and never have to get out the sucraid. One of the dads who knows me well told me "I am enjoying this cheesecake-please don't tell me what is in it." It was a lovely compliment. </p><p>Hope you have a SWEET Valentine's Day.</p><p>xoxo</p><p>Jen</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-14599471941530155342016-02-10T17:11:00.001-05:002016-02-10T17:24:45.213-05:00(Healthy) Sugar cookie dough<p> I love cookie dough. It probably should have killed me years ago in college when the cookies never quite got baked. But here I am, still loving cookie dough from afar. Until now.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YuuZgUBUgKs/Vru1mIGjKZI/AAAAAAAAEVw/FbHAnvlOtQM/s1936/Photo%25252020160210171129762.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YuuZgUBUgKs/Vru1mIGjKZI/AAAAAAAAEVw/FbHAnvlOtQM/s500/Photo%25252020160210171129762.jpg" id="blogsy-1455143005231.8582" class="alignnone" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><a name='more'></a><p> I came across a recipe for raw sugar cookie dough and on the heels of my discovery and sucessful execution of black bean brownies. I thought "I can make that with beans!" Because that is a normal reaction.</p><p>But I did it. And it is yum. And egg free, sucrose free, low starch, protien packed, high fiber, and could easily be gluten free, dairy free too and vegan too. (The only reason the batch was not gf was because I ran out of coconut flour.) I know what you are thinking...but I swear-IT IS YUM.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bPiufXlq7hd5LwX_sZv6CkxCrHp4UtC2w8hdjXwLCAeDJvIO31E58flDjKIjPhf45pJrguvRb6ALbY6imX08PGAiu6bM8FHLKdEEPgf_cPq5pl00nmdAV5KBlFA_w_RTAryWaTvZLmE/s2048/Photo%25252020160210171130092.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bPiufXlq7hd5LwX_sZv6CkxCrHp4UtC2w8hdjXwLCAeDJvIO31E58flDjKIjPhf45pJrguvRb6ALbY6imX08PGAiu6bM8FHLKdEEPgf_cPq5pl00nmdAV5KBlFA_w_RTAryWaTvZLmE/s500/Photo%25252020160210171130092.jpg" id="blogsy-1455143005273.154" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><h3>(Healthy) Sugar Cookie Dough</h3><p>1 can white beans with brine</p><p>1/4 c softened butter (or coconut oil)</p><p>1/3 c dextrose </p><p>1/3 c fructose (sub 2/3 c white sugar if sucrose is ok at your house)</p><p>1/2 c coconut flour</p><p>1/3 c flour (or 1/2c coconut flour)</p><p>1 t vanilla extract</p><p>1/8t almond extract</p><p> </p><p>Put the beans and butter in the food processor and process until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients until dough forms. Put dough in the fridge to chill. Form balls and roll in dextrose or fructose (food coloring optional). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ChhsSkoGtDI/Vru1qayKduI/AAAAAAAAEV4/IDwCnpFyPJw/s1173/Photo%25252020160210171130217.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ChhsSkoGtDI/Vru1qayKduI/AAAAAAAAEV4/IDwCnpFyPJw/s500/Photo%25252020160210171130217.jpg" id="blogsy-1455143005302.1487" class="alignnone" width="500" height="409" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> Try to share it with the kids.</p><p>Happy Valentines Day!</p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-8527994102502546692016-01-11T14:16:00.002-05:002016-01-11T14:16:58.195-05:00Menu PlanningMy New Year's resolution was to streamline some of my Mommy tasks. I'm starting with Menu Planning. Because if you want to save money on your groceries, I've decided this is where it is at. Not couponing, not Club memberships, just good old time consuming meal planning. But you know I have a hack for that...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MxQuZMnNNfXZOt5p6fgpE1F7LHPQPqi8CxaHFSd-wSr7FXGjEOQ4zDUeqIpXCNvwtQH7uwnEyUT_6qebvZyfkejZZfahjzmFPZLhj0NR1eyqQWX39ZaeDszvwqMcSkWp7Tip9f-mGgY/s1600/Doc4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MxQuZMnNNfXZOt5p6fgpE1F7LHPQPqi8CxaHFSd-wSr7FXGjEOQ4zDUeqIpXCNvwtQH7uwnEyUT_6qebvZyfkejZZfahjzmFPZLhj0NR1eyqQWX39ZaeDszvwqMcSkWp7Tip9f-mGgY/s320/Doc4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Before we start in on the menu planning, I have to apologize. I've been really crappy about posting over the last twelve months. Sorry about that. There have been quite a few things going on, but in an effort not to bore anyone, here are my excuses in bullet form: <br />
<ul>
<li>Blogging isn't as much fun solo. Daisy had a new (beautiful!) baby boy and increased (dream job!) responsibilities at work and decided this just isn't for her anymore. She still has the password and can post whenever she pleases, but it's not likely to happen much.</li>
<li>I was overwhelmed/depressed/angry. We bought a fixer house that I don't much like. That's a whole story, but it's been a rough 16 months, and I didn't want to be as relentlessly negative in writing as I have been in my head.</li>
<li>We were hacked/mirrored. All of a sudden one day, our entire blog was copied to a South East Asian version of Pinterest without our permission or consent. All the baby pictures. All of them. It felt like the final blow. </li>
</ul>
So I stepped away. And it was probably the right thing to do. I would love to continue writing about the crazy things my kids say and do, but the are becoming recognizable humans whose classmates may one day google and mock. We had always discussed that the blog would change at that point, it's just hard to believe that we were here. Then suddenly the boy's pictures were in Asia with no recourse, and the day had come. <br />
<br />
I've given it a lot of thought, and going forward I'm going to concentrate on survival. Which means I'll be sharing more about what makes my life as Mommy easier, and less about the specific challenges the boys come up with to stump me. You'll still hear about them, but they will be more or less in the back seat, so we can crank up the best of the 90's and talk about other stuff.<br />
<br />
So...Menu Planning. Ugh. This is one activity I cannot avoid, yet find rather annoying. Really the Hubster is never more annoying to me than when he wants to talk menu over a breakfast I haven't eaten yet. (I can't talk now, I'm shoveling food in my mouth at an alarming rate so that I can finish a meal before the next demand/crisis/interruption.) I use to keep the menu on a little pocket calendar with the pipe dream that once I filled it, I could re-use it...given I could still find the recipes. I lost the calendar in the move. I should not be able to loose my blog so easily.<br />
<br />
Lets start with a menu planning template shall we? There are a million and one of these out there, but nothing that did what I wanted-make it so I don't have to think. So I made my own. There are many menu planning services out there, but we have so many dietary needs that I'm not sure they make sense for us. Also, we like to eat the same sorts of things over and over, because-toddlers. I also wanted something that I could type once reuse over and over.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2AFufbQuXmpSkFZcWpFVHlGRm8/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to download the PDF</a><br />
(For now this is a pdf only. Google Docs keeps messing with the formatting when I upload the live file.) <br />
<br />
My template combines a routine menu rotation that varies by season (Winter is: Sat-Roast, Sun-Soup, Mon-Leftovers, Tues-Crockpot, Wed-Skillet, Thurs-Crockpot, Fri-Pizza), a grocery list, and directions for prep and day of cooking. The idea is that if I make 3-6 weekly plans for each season, I can just keep reusing the weekly plan instead of being beholden to dates on a calendar. I can also make prep days easier buy prepping say, double of weeks 1 and 2 on one day, then double of weeks 3 and 4 a few weeks later. So in two prep days, I can make 2 months worth of food, without doing 30 different things on each day.<br />
<br />
Next time I will come back to you with the plan for Winter Week 1.<br />
<br />
-JenToo Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-66904761161052904622015-12-16T18:21:00.001-05:002015-12-16T18:21:07.042-05:00Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios<p> I promise this is easy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s9Axgemr6sbbDN-bpR8mwn74w5v7FhWrJaucrSQ7YUqFCtmGCaMkt68BTySg7Wcdu-VCUWizPYRxlRdiiqQdo89jS1fLW7hQMbJhJYdYIhzK3GX_Ijrm1TaJJWA9XWqNxe9vLVeAzHs/s2048/Photo%25252020151216182056459.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s9Axgemr6sbbDN-bpR8mwn74w5v7FhWrJaucrSQ7YUqFCtmGCaMkt68BTySg7Wcdu-VCUWizPYRxlRdiiqQdo89jS1fLW7hQMbJhJYdYIhzK3GX_Ijrm1TaJJWA9XWqNxe9vLVeAzHs/s500/Photo%25252020151216182056459.jpg" id="blogsy-1450308066854.9128" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><a name='more'></a><p>This works for my CSID guys because they can tolerate some starch when served with fat/protein. It's egg free, and if you use Cheerios brand cereal, it is gluten free too! The chocolate recipe is adapted from <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/01/15/three-ingredient-chocolate-bars-1/" target="_blank" title="Yum yum yum">Chocolate Covered Katie. </a>(I love her.)</p><h2>Ingredients</h2><ul> <li>One box of cheerios, divided</li></ul><h5>Peanut Butter:</h5><ul> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 1/2 cup natural peanut butter</span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1/2 cup honey or corn syrup</span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1/2 stick of butter</span></li></ul><h5>Chocolate:</h5><ul> <li>1/2c + 1T cocoa powder</li> <li>4 T coconut oil</li> <li>3 packets of stevia</li> <li>1/2 c dextrose</li></ul><p>In a microwave bowl, place PB, honey and butter. Microwave for one minute, then stir until butter is completely melted. Pour over 1/2 box of cheerios and mix until well coated. Spread on lined cookie sheet to cool.</p><p> </p><p>In a double broiler (or in a mixing bowl over a pot of simmering water), mix cocoa, oil, and stevia. Pour 1/2 of chocolate mix over the cereal, toss. Dust with half of the dextrose, toss. Pour remaining chocolate over the cereal, toss until well coated. Dust with remaining dextrose, toss. (This will help the chocolate not melt all over little toddler hands on contact and make it sweeter.) Spread on lined cookie sheet to cool.</p><p>Once cooled, mix the cereal together and enjoy. </p><p>Yummy CSID friendly add ins include raisins, nuts, pomegranates, <a href="http://toohonestmoms.blogspot.com/2015/02/sweets-for-my-sweeties-csid-valentines.html" target="_blank" title="Our go-to treat">homemade marshmallows</a> (chopped small), but I am keeping it simple (and toddler friendly) this year.</p><p>Here's to a simple sweet something.</p><p>(Boom.)</p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-28915133912865553142015-11-01T10:02:00.001-05:002015-11-01T10:28:24.107-05:00Halloween in the Sleepiest of Suburbs<p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Oh Halloween. </span></p><p> <span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">This is the trial of our "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3124292/" target="_blank" title="I can't make this stuff up.">No Noggin</a>" costume. This is the only thing the Personal Assistant has talked about all month-being No Noggin for Halloween. Our neighbor made him promise not to fall again asleep this year so he could see the spooky No Noggin costume.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dHLPn-jsYEY/VjYpRITmiMI/AAAAAAAAETY/k3dQDPC4yio/s2048/Photo%25252020151101100113925.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dHLPn-jsYEY/VjYpRITmiMI/AAAAAAAAETY/k3dQDPC4yio/s500/Photo%25252020151101100113925.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391478027.8816" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><a name='more'></a><p>It was a beautiful day, so we cleaned the car and decorated the porch in the afternoon. At one point, I ran in the house with Mr. Baby to change his diaper and came out to find The Personal Assistant rubbing baby powder into the freshly vacuumed upholstery "Look Mom! I made the car smell good!"</p><p>While I was cleaning that mess, the PA clipped a nearly full paint can to the dogs leash, (aka "The experiment rope") and then dangled it over the porch railing to lower it down to me in the garage in case I needed to paint. So helpful.</p><p>Then we took spooky pictures with our pumpkins.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FfFz2Z_ud0c/VjYpTqLnY4I/AAAAAAAAETg/-A1UiVs0iJ4/s2048/Photo%25252020151101100114242.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FfFz2Z_ud0c/VjYpTqLnY4I/AAAAAAAAETg/-A1UiVs0iJ4/s500/Photo%25252020151101100114242.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391477996.459" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">It was super exciting.</span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Then Hubster left to pick up a pizza and this happened. (These photos were less than 10 minutes apart.)</span></p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></span><p><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ggguqBsXr-A/VjYpVIrwphI/AAAAAAAAETo/_IWSV94ZvTk/s1536/Photo%25252020151101100114428.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ggguqBsXr-A/VjYpVIrwphI/AAAAAAAAETo/_IWSV94ZvTk/s500/Photo%25252020151101100114428.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391477966.2393" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><p>We could not wake up the PA for nearly an hour. Mr. Baby ate pizza and watched as we shouted, danced around, tossed pillows and laundry at the PA. Nothing. We were panicked that it was going to be a repeat of last year when he literally got so excited for trick or treat he fell asleep mid-tantrum waiting at the door to go out.</p><p><br>Finally we stood him up to put him in the stroller. We got his undershirt on, he declared himself an octopus, said "octopus' wear snow boots!" And dashed out the door. He did the whole cul-de-sac by himself before Mr. Baby was dressed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ExBtOTjE48/VjYpXDC7rXI/AAAAAAAAETw/ZDBZN4b7TYQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151101100114754.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ExBtOTjE48/VjYpXDC7rXI/AAAAAAAAETw/ZDBZN4b7TYQ/s500/Photo%25252020151101100114754.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391478045.5713" class="alignnone" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><p>It wasn't pretty but we made it.</p><p>Afterward, they watched the "Great pumpkin" and ate a bunch of snack sized funyuns, pretzels, combos, and popcorn that Mr. Baby opened and discarded. Mr. Baby then began throwing popcorn at the PA's head and shouting "throw, throw" between time outs. He may or may not have learned that earlier in the evening.</p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">While The Hubster put the boys to bed I busied myself with burning my fingers making dextrose popcorn balls. (I slept with an ice pack.)</span></p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39GR4sKd7ldbPEmQmrECUs3MmI1w5WNtUFetZQxhki9L67IImUYBXxqf-6AVH1SVWCQerrS8H8Ikw86PJC-0k6BppbaoaxqA-JSRTsy7lqvIpv8MU7BqDbptbos3koYSD7qg3uxZlnJE/s2048/Photo%25252020151101100115069.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39GR4sKd7ldbPEmQmrECUs3MmI1w5WNtUFetZQxhki9L67IImUYBXxqf-6AVH1SVWCQerrS8H8Ikw86PJC-0k6BppbaoaxqA-JSRTsy7lqvIpv8MU7BqDbptbos3koYSD7qg3uxZlnJE/s500/Photo%25252020151101100115069.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391477972.5312" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After putting out the switch witch crap, I mean prizes, and calming a panicked boy who could not sleep due to 6 pm naps, ("yes, the switch witch will come, no you can't go down stairs, yes you do have to sleep,") I ran downstairs to hide the evidence that the switch witch shops at target and place her on the pile of crap, I mean loot, to find this:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tMhfuqSvO1M/VjYpbVwugjI/AAAAAAAAEUA/LWSZ2Ho0nKQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151101100115369.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tMhfuqSvO1M/VjYpbVwugjI/AAAAAAAAEUA/LWSZ2Ho0nKQ/s500/Photo%25252020151101100115369.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391477965.3882" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">She was fine a few hours earlier. Life is indeed short.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After many wake ups for fevers, hubby heart burn, and is-it-time-yets, we went to check out the switch witchery in the early, dark hours of morning. Day light savings time the night of Halloween is a <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131211321" target="_blank" title="Come on Obama! Repeal!">male dominated Republican conspiracy</a>. Apparently only "sick" Dads are allowed an extra hour.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MLiSe2JKQJA/VjYpdfmAQdI/AAAAAAAAEUI/yJEShnYULa8/s2048/Photo%25252020151101100115658.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MLiSe2JKQJA/VjYpdfmAQdI/AAAAAAAAEUI/yJEShnYULa8/s500/Photo%25252020151101100115658.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391477969.058" class="alignnone" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For a little while it was peaceful while they dug through the crap, I mean treasures, and The PA made many sticker pictures and foam crafts. Mr. Baby meanwhile, opened every treat and had one bite of each, before 'hiding' the rest in the couch cushions for later. Then he started shouting "Be-Bo" and throwing foam shapes at his brother's head.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z5w9EwKzzCg/VjYpfdMvoUI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/51L1wZpD8o4/s2048/Photo%25252020151101100116052.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z5w9EwKzzCg/VjYpfdMvoUI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/51L1wZpD8o4/s500/Photo%25252020151101100116052.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391478032.5771" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But only between time outs of course.</span></p><p x-apple-mail="wrapper"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-45_7lZjkvSs/VjYphRcBYUI/AAAAAAAAEUY/sijLpy5y5ps/s2048/Photo%25252020151101100116399.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-45_7lZjkvSs/VjYphRcBYUI/AAAAAAAAEUY/sijLpy5y5ps/s500/Photo%25252020151101100116399.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391478018.8909" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Stuff was stuck to walls.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFt4qs_y3Sk7HK_ziPYJ0Sg-eeNliuieNBRg1wnrNjmKluFR8289_3bSCrE4bph13lCxkH40WfsKDY0RZMQkbi87CDmZUZLudq-DRJrUCUwnjKdqPTySYgfu9yuF0G9156QrU_AjrvZY/s2048/Photo%25252020151101100116696.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFt4qs_y3Sk7HK_ziPYJ0Sg-eeNliuieNBRg1wnrNjmKluFR8289_3bSCrE4bph13lCxkH40WfsKDY0RZMQkbi87CDmZUZLudq-DRJrUCUwnjKdqPTySYgfu9yuF0G9156QrU_AjrvZY/s500/Photo%25252020151101100116696.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391478061.1008" class="alignnone" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was fed four nerds before I realized they contained eggs (really?) and ran for the benydryl-because apparently it is not a party until I poison myself. And this happened:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gp1QnYZyJEE/VjYplPtcVWI/AAAAAAAAEUo/4hLnNi85nAg/s2048/Photo%25252020151101100117043.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gp1QnYZyJEE/VjYplPtcVWI/AAAAAAAAEUo/4hLnNi85nAg/s500/Photo%25252020151101100117043.jpg" id="blogsy-1446391478049.6355" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Happy freakin' Halloween.<br>-Jen</span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-72047363510444946492015-09-30T20:46:00.001-04:002015-09-30T20:49:28.748-04:00Conversations with My Personal Assistant<h2>The Personal Assistant on why Gigi is here...with boobs:</h2><p> </p><p> P: Hi Gigi!</p><p>Gigi: Hi buddy!</p><p>P: Um...you have personals. Are you going to nurse our baby?</p><p>Gigi, wide eyed: Ah...no...</p><p>P: Then why have you got them? What are you going to do with them? What do you use them for?</p><p>Me: Gigi nursed me with them when I was a baby. Mommies just nurse their own babies.</p><p>P: Oh!</p><p> </p><h2>The Personal Assistant on bead work:</h2><p>"We are making JEWELRY here people! We're not here just playing with beads. This is SERIOUS."</p><p> </p><h2><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Personal Assistant popcicles for breakfast:</span></h2><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">P: Daddy gave me this popcicle for breakfast!</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Me: Oh really?</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">P: No</span></p><p> </p><h2>The Personal Assistant on Caffeine:</h2><p>P: Why do you drink caffeine Mommy?</p><p>Me: Because you and your brother have way more energy than I do and it helps me keep up. And I don't get enough sleep...really I should get more sleep.</p><p>P: Oh. And you can't sleep because of the caffeine.</p><p> </p><h2>The Personal Assistant on Gigi's milk supply:</h2><p>P: Are you going to nurse our baby?</p><p>Gigi: No.</p><p>P: But you have personals...oh no...Gigi, did your milk dry up?</p><p> </p><h2>The Personal Assistant on his reflection in the fitting room mirror:</h2><p>"Oh! I have never looked more handsome!"</p><p> </p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-57356123240680484182015-07-17T10:56:00.001-04:002015-07-17T10:56:49.984-04:00Quick Fix: Children's Gallery Wall<p>My Personal Assistant has finally reached that "color and draw and paint for hours" phase and it is pretty glorious. BUT...</p><p>1. Every shred of paper he touches is now precious and must be displayed and/or protected from Mr. Baby.</p><p>2. They are constantly ripping things off the fridge/splashing water from the fridge fountain thing.</p><p>So, with some junk from the basement I made a gallery wall for the playroom. I'm a bad blogger and I don't have a before. So here's the after:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LpigQxrd1OU/VakXowt8BEI/AAAAAAAAERw/_RF9QheXfN4/s2048/Photo%25252020150717105631178.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LpigQxrd1OU/VakXowt8BEI/AAAAAAAAERw/_RF9QheXfN4/s500/Photo%25252020150717105631178.jpg" id="blogsy-1437145008676.4739" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> </p><a name='more'></a><p> I found an old box of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80212201/" target="_blank" title="">Ikea Riktig</a> hooks (formerly dinignet) from a failed curtain hanging project from our old apartment. I also had some twine and a handful of screws. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWSwM1kwkU91pkA-kr2ggUb8MjMdV3g-3ILOxnkNGy2E6HYDjqLpwfu7p-JlE4Qe6zhnLJUfj0fBqmc7F1HLYFdjIhJeMden_Q5mQLqC3X9pXkQ6WN23j0OntYGq1CGTRz3wsXx23_eQ/s2048/Photo%25252020150717105631514.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWSwM1kwkU91pkA-kr2ggUb8MjMdV3g-3ILOxnkNGy2E6HYDjqLpwfu7p-JlE4Qe6zhnLJUfj0fBqmc7F1HLYFdjIhJeMden_Q5mQLqC3X9pXkQ6WN23j0OntYGq1CGTRz3wsXx23_eQ/s500/Photo%25252020150717105631514.jpg" id="blogsy-1437145008674.8345" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div><p> So I put up six screws (beginning, middle, and end) tied the twine taut, and tossed the clips on. </p><p>The hooks that came with the set were taped to the back of our alphabet monsters.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-atht6fN2Hck/VakXrz8EjeI/AAAAAAAAESA/1atQ8CPBgTY/s2048/Photo%25252020150717105631769.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-atht6fN2Hck/VakXrz8EjeI/AAAAAAAAESA/1atQ8CPBgTY/s500/Photo%25252020150717105631769.jpg" id="blogsy-1437145008612.2363" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div><p> It was free (reused crap I had), fast (10 minutes tops), and easy (if you can use a screwdriver you are golden). So pretty much the perfect quick fix. </p><p>There is now plenty of space for the kids projects, and I don't need to worry about tape on my walls. Also, there was a lot less damage to the walls when compared to using the riktig system, which requires 3 screws per bracket and (we found) was impossible to get the wire to hang taunt. </p><p>My Assistant spent the afternoon painting and drawing to fill up his new gallery. It was lovely.</p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-56169673331982586482015-07-08T15:13:00.001-04:002015-07-08T15:44:11.931-04:00First kid, second kid<p style="text-align: left;">"Parenthood is magical."</p><p style="text-align: left;">"A new baby changes your life in such unexpected ways."</p><p style="text-align: left;">"Everything is different after you have a baby."</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you are having your first, precious, lovely, perfect child these words will likely be repeated to you over and over by well meaning adults.</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you are having your second child, the conversations get much more fun. So to all my Mommy friends about to have second babies, this one is for you.</p><p>Adventure awaits.</p><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://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UjPR2_tX42I/VZ19Xa-78gI/AAAAAAAAERM/ovzwp1d20dQ/s220/Photo%25252020150708154323049.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UjPR2_tX42I/VZ19Xa-78gI/AAAAAAAAERM/ovzwp1d20dQ/s220/Photo%25252020150708154323049.jpg" id="blogsy-1436384607604.6753" class="aligncenter" width="220" height="220" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protein.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p> </p><a name='more'></a><br><h2><span style="font-size: 25px; line-height: 35px;">Problem: wakefulness at night due to wet diaper/clothes/bedding</span></h2><p>First kid: Changes diapers every time he wakes up, research best cloth overnight diapers, spends half a paycheck on cloth diaper stash, spends the next two years getting ammonia build up out of supposed "best diapers ever", design and make wool/cashmere pjs to promote wicking and keep sheets dry, washes lots of wet sheets</p><p>Second kid: Buys overnight disposable diapers, puts baby to sleep on a washable pee pad, goes back to sleep.</p><p> </p><h2>Problem: Bath time</h2><p>First kid: Buys multiple baths, bathes only in the tub killing back and knees, bathes baby multiple times per day, sews apron out of an old towel to keep clothes dry, buys special soaps, combs, towels, washcloth puppets and toys, everyone hates bath time.</p><p>Second kid: Gets a bath when stinky, in the sink, with generic nighttime baby wash and a duck.</p><p> </p><h2>Problem: Teething</h2><p>First kid: buys multiple teething necklaces, buys Sophie the giraffe (who must be sanatized constantly), makes a leash for Sophie so she won't get lost, spends days wearing baby when he won't nap, rocks baby all night, sings, cries, prays, develops baby biscotti recipe using whole grains, organic fruits and veggies, buys assortment of teething toys, washes, sanatized and refidgerates toys three times a day, makes homemade organic freeze pops to be consumed using specialized mesh bag feeder which is impossible to clean.</p><p>Second kid: hands baby three teething tabs, a wooden spoon, and the duck that lives by the kitchen sink. For sleeplessness, puts baby in baby swing in a quiet room.</p><p> </p><h2>Problem: introducing solid foods</h2><p>First kid: Conducts extensive research about feeding theorys, formulates a plan that incorporates the best of each, buys organic farm share, makes homemade baby food with farm share veggies, feeds homemade purées for the next six months, makes homemade yogurt, buys multiple styles of bowls, plates, spoons. Sanatizes everything.</p><p>Second kid: Must survive on Cheerios, bagged shredded cheese, peeled grapes, and bits of food from nearest adult's plate. Served on high chair tray, which is cleaned at the begining of each meal with a baby wipe.</p><p> </p><h2>Problem: Sleep & feeding schedules</h2><p>First kid: Research, research, research. Read multiple books, websites, theories. Talk to other parents, lactation consultants, pediatrician's. Develop a schedule. Worry when it fails. Stick to schedule NO MATTER WHAT. Lets schedule dictate everything. </p><p>Second kid: HAHAHAHAHA!</p><p> </p><h2>Problem: Diaper changing drama</h2><p>First kid: Buys changing table, sings songs, hangs mobile above table, sews thick strap vest thing to secure baby, has different cloth diapers for different needs/times of day. Spends a small fortune and most of remaining free time washing diapers in a variety of expensive soaps and detergents.</p><p>Second kid: After initial newborn phase (during which diapers were washed with Tide free and clear) buys generic target disposables, changes baby quickly, either mid-air or on the floor.</p><p> </p><h2>Problem: Outside time</h2><p>First kid: Must be dressed carefully in spf shirt, hat, pants and shoes. Sunscreen is applied a full 20 minutes before leaving the house. Outdoor time is carefully monitored and nothing enters baby's mouth. On the rare occasion that somethig enters baby's mouth, poison control is contacted immediately. Outdoor time rarely requires a clothing change, but cute indoor clothes will likely be applied to child after going back inside.</p><p>Second kid: Dressed in a t-shirt, pants and shoes optional. Sunscreen happens once remembered. Five to six rocks are removed from child's mouth per outing. Live beetles, pill bugs, and worms consumed are counted as protein. Children are stripped naked in the garage and mud is removed via hose.</p><p> </p><p>To all the beautiful second children out there, congratulations on your survival. Mommy loves you dearly. You will have better stories than your older, more uptight sibling. You are welcome.</p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-61957634019208289332015-05-07T21:54:00.001-04:002015-05-18T22:15:53.147-04:00Quick Fix: Chandelier MakeoverWe've had a winter full of surprises. Many of them were not good. Like the furnace breaking twice in the coldest February on record, leaving us with no heat for a month. Or the the day the second floor toilet flushing into the stud space one morning, and a short in a wire causing half the house to lose power in the afternoon. Or the day shortly after that when we woke up smelling gas in the kitchen (easy fix) and ended up with our water heater tagged because it needed a new chimney.<br />
I have spent most of the winter hating my new house, and spending the reno budget on emergency repairs. <br />
But I am trying to like it. I really am. So I am tackling the dining room on a shoe string budget-starting with that fabulous 1980's chandelier.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Behold the glory of brown glass. And the polished brass. The room was painted beige, and the brown glass on the chandelier served to make a brown room browner, and smaller. The whole effect left me feeling like the room was dingy all the time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZX26mpTQ2CdIrsACP5MNfaUZWg_mezPec5pv_Iu0_i4e1Xe1Gf4ILpldIz2SR3jMIGF9On_7sg3FaFkEU_nBjB5vCQMqzuQjVewmrbJ5TcB5MAGHrtWd7jYi_NweG_YPFgO3Tt3JeiQ/s1600/Photo+20150507221402188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZX26mpTQ2CdIrsACP5MNfaUZWg_mezPec5pv_Iu0_i4e1Xe1Gf4ILpldIz2SR3jMIGF9On_7sg3FaFkEU_nBjB5vCQMqzuQjVewmrbJ5TcB5MAGHrtWd7jYi_NweG_YPFgO3Tt3JeiQ/s640/Photo+20150507221402188.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, it still works.<br />
So it's makeover time. I love the look of this style, and figured I could pull it off, but could not find a source for the shells.<br />
<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/round-capiz-chandelier-gold-w1142/" target="_self" title="Not a shoe string price."></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/round-capiz-chandelier-gold-w1142/" target="_self" title="Not a shoe string price."></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mm5wmyG8PP0/VUwXV5UlS9I/AAAAAAAAChs/XbEgh530MsQ/s523/Photo%25252020150507215415952.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="500" id="blogsy-1431051250516.1853" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mm5wmyG8PP0/VUwXV5UlS9I/AAAAAAAAChs/XbEgh530MsQ/s500/Photo%2020150507215415952.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Then I found lots and lots of wire chandeliers and figured I was on to something.<br />
<img alt="Chicken Wire with Burlap Drum Pendant pendant-lighting" class="viewImage hide-context" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/f361453a0144ea11_4-0869/pendant-lighting.jpg" height="644" id="blogsy-1431051250535.6934" width="503" /><br />
The Hubster has been tearing down the over grown garden in the back yard. It was full of crumbling walls, aged and rotting wood, rebar sticking up at odd angles, and lots and lots of rusted wire fencing.<br />
I took down the light, gave it a quick coat of silver spray paint that I had in the basement, and cut new shades out of the rusty wire. Cutting the wire to size was the hardest part of the project. It wasn't difficult, just tedious, and my hand kept cramping up. I worked on it over the course of two days.<br />
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I hooked the new shades onto the old hooks and over lapped the wire by three squares, twisting the ends to the grid where they over lapped.<br />
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Since there were two layers of glass, I made two shades. I love the new look-it is big enough to have a presence in the room, but light and airy enough to not make the room feel small. <br />
I'd like to look for Edison bulbs to replace the candle stick bulbs, but I have not found the right ones just yet.<br />
All together, I spent $0 on the project. Go me.<br />
-Jen<br />
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Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-85544924923380615862015-04-08T15:21:00.000-04:002015-04-08T15:28:59.990-04:00Quick Fix: Large Designer Toy Bin
<p> I have been looking for a large, crushable, (you know, to reduce the toddler minor head injury screams) moderately good looking toy bin for ages. Then I saw it on <a href="http://www.thebooandtheboy.com/2015/03/the-boys-new-room.html" target="_blank" title="Adorable room right?" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Boo and the Boy</a>...</p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebooandtheboy.com/2015/03/the-boys-new-room.html" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KSoIMVPxZQ0/VRlHnxTxWwI/AAAAAAAACeE/--UBo51_29Y/s500/Photo%25252020150330085452392.jpg" id="blogsy-1428521291506.9692" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="344"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable boy's room. Adorable Blog. You should totally check it out...but later.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> It was perfect for Camp Bed Room! Or the playroom, or maybe even the livingroom! Clear floors here I come!</p>
<p>It was $27. For a brown paper bag. <a href="http://www.billieandaxel.com/products/tellkiddo-paper-bag-toys" target="_blank" title="Really. No joke.">I kid you not</a>.</p>
<p>You know I can do better right?</p>
<a name='more'></a><p> Oh yeah. Try $.38</p>
<p>No really. You can have a whole fleet of giant crushable, crash-in-to-able toy bins that match your decor for $.38 each.</p>
<p>You need <a href="http://t.homedepot.com/p/The-Home-Depot-30-gal-Paper-Lawn-and-Refuse-Bags-5-Count-49022/100080704" target="_blank" title="So cheap. So crushable.">lawn bags</a>, and left over paint. And something to paint with. (I used a roller.) Left over paint is great because it coordinates with something else you like.</p>
<h3>Step 1:</h3>
<p>Paint the lawn bags. </p>
<p>If you want to get fancy, you can toss them over a leaf bag holder/funnel to make painting easier and faster. I used to have a cardboard one that I bought for $1 (I think).</p>
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<p> </p>
<h3>Step 2:</h3>
<p>Carefully roll/fold down the top of the bag until it is the height you want. </p>
<h3>The end.</h3>
<p>You could totally do a few of these at different heights.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>There. Now if that baby falls into the toy bin nothing, truly nothing will happen.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>And voila! Tha playroom is instantly clean and designer-y.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Not really. But the big trucks have a home. We've been using it for two weeks at this point. It looks better the more they beat on it. And if it gets ruined...I DO NOT CARE! I love it.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Most importantly, the pretty chest that we were using as a toy chest has found it's way back into the living room where it is doing a great job coralling all the loose shoes that pile up by the door.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ArlFv409zMU/VSV_uJGA5zI/AAAAAAAAChE/Qt_8QCrTiZg/s1936/Photo%25252020150408152109695.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ArlFv409zMU/VSV_uJGA5zI/AAAAAAAAChE/Qt_8QCrTiZg/s500/Photo%25252020150408152109695.jpg" id="blogsy-1428521291474.995" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div>
<p> Two messes down. 56,287 to go.</p>
<p>-Jen</p>
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<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-65219704417976883892015-04-03T16:31:00.001-04:002015-04-03T16:31:34.502-04:00Kid Crafts: Easter Window Clings<p> It's hard to find activities that challenge my 4 year old and engage, but are not hazardous the Mr. Baby (he will eat ANYTHING). This easy peasy no mess craft was great for both of them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVW1MpXF1qH8ei_RW46OGI1lmDuGKF12gCCHfz7SMyWrafYxmNRToxNZYwTsjRaOW1OunMlgEXAdXpEYXliMuZebzXZn8CjsnSD8erboUkx6SV9x1gY5wdN2mjX1X4Gom3-NsvfaMFJe8/s2048/Photo%25252020150403163053179.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVW1MpXF1qH8ei_RW46OGI1lmDuGKF12gCCHfz7SMyWrafYxmNRToxNZYwTsjRaOW1OunMlgEXAdXpEYXliMuZebzXZn8CjsnSD8erboUkx6SV9x1gY5wdN2mjX1X4Gom3-NsvfaMFJe8/s500/Photo%25252020150403163053179.jpg" id="blogsy-1428093092768.4272" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> </p><a name='more'></a><p> I keep a bin of ripped up colored paper in our art supply closet. It is great to pull out for various ripping, gluing, cutting, collage making crafts. For this craft we cut out egg shapes from contact paper, and decorated them with the paper bits. Easy peasy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pPuSsr3YLLg/VR74iZgCmgI/AAAAAAAACf8/am553MtyjOE/s2048/Photo%25252020150403163053435.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pPuSsr3YLLg/VR74iZgCmgI/AAAAAAAACf8/am553MtyjOE/s500/Photo%25252020150403163053435.jpg" id="blogsy-1428093092768.2417" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> Mr. Baby having sensory time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-quIwQXJF_dY/VR74j3AkW1I/AAAAAAAACgE/kWOqE7NIV5Y/s2048/Photo%25252020150403163053681.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-quIwQXJF_dY/VR74j3AkW1I/AAAAAAAACgE/kWOqE7NIV5Y/s500/Photo%25252020150403163053681.jpg" id="blogsy-1428093092781.744" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> The Personal Assistant decorating his craft.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JsMH8h7mET0/VR74llVlXfI/AAAAAAAACgM/IhOaZzvZY1k/s2048/Photo%25252020150403163053940.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JsMH8h7mET0/VR74llVlXfI/AAAAAAAACgM/IhOaZzvZY1k/s500/Photo%25252020150403163053940.jpg" id="blogsy-1428093092746.8025" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p> Well, that situation evolved quickly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GZl2-E8ou-A/VR74nP7rbRI/AAAAAAAACgU/YcZ5-4UlOls/s2048/Photo%25252020150403163054193.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GZl2-E8ou-A/VR74nP7rbRI/AAAAAAAACgU/YcZ5-4UlOls/s500/Photo%25252020150403163054193.jpg" id="blogsy-1428093092790.9211" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p> Yeah.</p><p>We had a race to see who could put the last paper bit in the bin. My Personal Assistant won, and everything was quickly picked up. Really.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rJBUKlm5HeOFAJ4QGO6qqr97pHj7tIW14kwQcOnhAWRGOaFJQ5b6djFv5s_kN90k7D4UJAaZOcOiCgwguSwegbwR90l8jD8WGGzjZV1VO0RJQfLnSR7V3FDytH_5HAy89v3etab72lk/s2048/Photo%25252020150403163054407.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rJBUKlm5HeOFAJ4QGO6qqr97pHj7tIW14kwQcOnhAWRGOaFJQ5b6djFv5s_kN90k7D4UJAaZOcOiCgwguSwegbwR90l8jD8WGGzjZV1VO0RJQfLnSR7V3FDytH_5HAy89v3etab72lk/s500/Photo%25252020150403163054407.jpg" id="blogsy-1428093092747.0327" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p>Our window looks great too.</p><p>Happy Easter!</p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-37770191836843147592015-03-30T16:03:00.000-04:002015-03-30T16:03:26.569-04:00Gates Galore
<p> I do not love baby gates. I mean, I love that they allow me to take a shower with the kids safely contained in their play room and keep the baby from falling down the stairs, but they are not pretty. And they rarely fit at the bottom of the stairs. And the good ones are $60 each and they still break quickly. Only two of my gates survived the move-plastic parts broke and I had to salvage parts from two gates to rebuild the gate at the top of the stairs. Boo. I decided to build something a bit more fun (and stylish and cheap) for the first floor gates. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MklsZSwQJcM/VONEC6jKgII/AAAAAAAACWA/3RUU5xC4RGA/s2048/Photo%25252020150217083623166.jpg" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MklsZSwQJcM/VONEC6jKgII/AAAAAAAACWA/3RUU5xC4RGA/s500/Photo%25252020150217083623166.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324621.6887" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a><a name='more'></a>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>(The top of the stairs gate should still be a metal swing close gate, or other gate approved for the top of the stairs.)</p>
<p>The first gate was for the bottom of the stairs. I made it fold away when we aren't using it, and hook into the wrought iron railing to lock. The second and third were for the kitchen. They were all made with leftover cheap plywood from other projects, and dimensional lumber (1x2' and 1x4's). Since they are going to see heavy use and abuse from the munchkin destruction crew, I decided to go for a worn look. Cull wood (as long as it is relitively straight), is perfectly fine for this project. </p>
<h3>You will need:</h3>
<ul> <li>A saw (I used my circular saw)</li> <li>Plywood</li> <li>Various 1x2's and 1x4's</li> <li>Liquid nails</li> <li>Nail gun and nails</li> <li>T-strap hinges</li> <li>Strap hinges (for bi-fold style)</li> <li>Sliding bolt (optional for bi-fold style)</li> <li>Paint and stain for distressing</li> <li>Sander and sand paper, 80 grit is fine.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">I started by cutting the plywood to size. I am not giving any cut list here, as each gate was custom. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR5ZHFqn1TG_r6BQ4snFmDpNhLUHs0H3sPWpME1v9vVsPFV99ZTI9MenAfanAhU_ZYpGkUmBjKNQpaDvdRoSLtnjLQhuGUNYwuRqKh6fBVMltNSUJA1ROWLpF2KcmLZClTbEPuvB1hbk/s1936/Photo%25252020150217083619300.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR5ZHFqn1TG_r6BQ4snFmDpNhLUHs0H3sPWpME1v9vVsPFV99ZTI9MenAfanAhU_ZYpGkUmBjKNQpaDvdRoSLtnjLQhuGUNYwuRqKh6fBVMltNSUJA1ROWLpF2KcmLZClTbEPuvB1hbk/s500/Photo%25252020150217083619300.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324603.2637" class="alignnone" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For safety's sake, when cutting any material with your circular saw, set the depth so the saw blade just clears the material.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> Cut the uprights (1x4s) to match the height of the plywood. Glue with liquid nails, and nail in place with finish nails.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cp6sh-J8YHE/VOND5ZBUF8I/AAAAAAAACVI/DUu_f-eXX2g/s2048/Photo%25252020150217083621198.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cp6sh-J8YHE/VOND5ZBUF8I/AAAAAAAACVI/DUu_f-eXX2g/s500/Photo%25252020150217083621198.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324561.8584" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xu50MKYmeqs/VOND6kn1_NI/AAAAAAAACVQ/rdBzkNS3Wfc/s2048/Photo%25252020150217083621488.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xu50MKYmeqs/VOND6kn1_NI/AAAAAAAACVQ/rdBzkNS3Wfc/s500/Photo%25252020150217083621488.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324561.3381" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>Repeat for cross pieces, then center upright. (I used 1x2s.) I didn't worry too much about making perfect cuts, the 1x material is really there just to dress up the plywood. It is not structural. (If you want a more polished look, you will want to use better quality lumber and plywood, and make nice cuts, use lots of wood putty and spend a fair amount of time sanding. That sounds exhausting. You are clearly crazy. Or pregnant with number one and hell bent on over achieving. No one has time for all of that.)</p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9rpzskqYUw8/VOND8JfSDeI/AAAAAAAACVY/OY0DuBvJSgo/s2048/Photo%25252020150217083621737.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9rpzskqYUw8/VOND8JfSDeI/AAAAAAAACVY/OY0DuBvJSgo/s500/Photo%25252020150217083621737.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324633.94" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a single panel gate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u2iTPceum6Y/VOND9SlGYFI/AAAAAAAACVg/sAgrSM6QpC4/s2048/Photo%25252020150217083621966.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u2iTPceum6Y/VOND9SlGYFI/AAAAAAAACVg/sAgrSM6QpC4/s500/Photo%25252020150217083621966.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324583.2927" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a bi-fold gate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>Once the gate pieces were assembled, I stained them with my favorite oxidizing vinegar stain.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZdMkljMk6ho/VOND-7Zbp8I/AAAAAAAACVo/53bnw-rV5WE/s2048/Photo%25252020150217083622242.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZdMkljMk6ho/VOND-7Zbp8I/AAAAAAAACVo/53bnw-rV5WE/s500/Photo%25252020150217083622242.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324622.532" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>Then brushed on a really crappy coat of paint (the crappier the better). Sanded all the joints and edges, and rounded off the corners using 80 grit sand paper, then stained again.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u1n3CkcXQYk/VONEABtDg1I/AAAAAAAACVw/EvO5KzcCouo/s2048/Photo%25252020150217083622494.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u1n3CkcXQYk/VONEABtDg1I/AAAAAAAACVw/EvO5KzcCouo/s500/Photo%25252020150217083622494.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324588.7087" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>For the single panel gate, I just mounted it to the door jam using two t-strap hinges, and a hook and eye for a closure.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDunjmuW53wyKcr4rKjaNvRamqqKpl8JQlX0LJSXi1Mkj9kX8GkG4lsTHYbkbu7Avlgpqsbg7l_ddK4V8sBie2pamYgPUVF3WTKERDg93k7mEgGUCOOqcKwA4X4jfMiS_7FHhOny52pc/s1936/Photo%25252020150217083622860.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDunjmuW53wyKcr4rKjaNvRamqqKpl8JQlX0LJSXi1Mkj9kX8GkG4lsTHYbkbu7Avlgpqsbg7l_ddK4V8sBie2pamYgPUVF3WTKERDg93k7mEgGUCOOqcKwA4X4jfMiS_7FHhOny52pc/s500/Photo%25252020150217083622860.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324611.5923" class="alignnone" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>The bi-fold gate requires strap hinges to join the panels, plus the t-strap hinges to mount it to the wall. Make sure you hit a stud if you are mounting to a wall.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5Xzxc4ibr0k/VRlQO2yfkYI/AAAAAAAACes/P9vxWHeCRFg/s2048/Photo%25252020150330093132545.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5Xzxc4ibr0k/VRlQO2yfkYI/AAAAAAAACes/P9vxWHeCRFg/s500/Photo%25252020150330093132545.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324577.4731" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<p> </p>
<p>The kitchen bi-fold tucked out of the way in the open position.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZxTRjnlt8xg/VONEEOI8QJI/AAAAAAAACWI/H9VL3WYN8bs/s1936/Photo%25252020150217083623487.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZxTRjnlt8xg/VONEEOI8QJI/AAAAAAAACWI/H9VL3WYN8bs/s500/Photo%25252020150217083623487.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324580.2283" class="alignnone" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>Simple hook and eye closure. <a href="http://t.homedepot.com/p/National-Hardware-2-in-Zinc-Plated-Safety-Hook-and-Eye-V2002-2-SFTY-HOOK-EYE/204591330?cm_mmc=shopping-_-googleads-_-pla-_-204591330&ci_sku=204591330&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=17588969&gclid=Cj0KEQjw6OOoBRDP9uG4oqzUv7kBEiQA0sRYBGGv-mgeFbUZNIyzVJzbJZbY64T95izIirCLYIEcS50aAkCg8P8HAQ" target="_self" title="I will probably need to upgrade at some point.">Spring closed hook and eyes</a> are also available, but I had these on hand.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cXRDOR80CvA/VRlQQsXpu9I/AAAAAAAACe0/zhE2smyJV-E/s2048/Photo%25252020150330093132862.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cXRDOR80CvA/VRlQQsXpu9I/AAAAAAAACe0/zhE2smyJV-E/s500/Photo%25252020150330093132862.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324620.0195" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>I recently added a bar latch to the front of the bi-fold kitchen gate to help prevent the pinching of little fingers when they are tugging at the gate.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ETpQkp1Mero/VRlQSDFXumI/AAAAAAAACe8/8w0QS9xD5b0/s2048/Photo%25252020150330093133121.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ETpQkp1Mero/VRlQSDFXumI/AAAAAAAACe8/8w0QS9xD5b0/s500/Photo%25252020150330093133121.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324661.0396" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>The stair gate. The wood strip on the wall was screwed in with wall anchors to make up for the thickness of the molding and provide a secure place to attach the gate.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lrKUQMBtYdI/VRlQT1VK7GI/AAAAAAAACfE/BpXYxbzZgLg/s2048/Photo%25252020150330093133379.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lrKUQMBtYdI/VRlQT1VK7GI/AAAAAAAACfE/BpXYxbzZgLg/s500/Photo%25252020150330093133379.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324666.116" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>The hardest part was shaping the bit that slides into the wrought iron railing.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SaD8xmNKWM8/VRlQVh4KhjI/AAAAAAAACfM/GMUHeGVZTTM/s2048/Photo%25252020150330093133708.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SaD8xmNKWM8/VRlQVh4KhjI/AAAAAAAACfM/GMUHeGVZTTM/s500/Photo%25252020150330093133708.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324588.5337" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>This gate locks with just a simple board on a swivel. This works so much better than the sliding bar lock on my other bi-fold gate.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ze9wnSk6Vm0/VRlQXLOAioI/AAAAAAAACfU/wbtpHPELjwU/s2048/Photo%25252020150330093133996.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ze9wnSk6Vm0/VRlQXLOAioI/AAAAAAAACfU/wbtpHPELjwU/s500/Photo%25252020150330093133996.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324626.727" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>The stair gate folded out of the way for when you are moving up and down the stairs with laundry or other bulky items.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vLr5QNK06I8/VRlQYYMn8FI/AAAAAAAACfc/8v4HVBLUjTo/s2048/Photo%25252020150330093134282.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vLr5QNK06I8/VRlQYYMn8FI/AAAAAAAACfc/8v4HVBLUjTo/s500/Photo%25252020150330093134282.jpg" id="blogsy-1427744324642.1157" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p> So there you go. Gates that aren't awful to look at. These were about $30 or less each, and I don't even hate them.</p>
<p>-Jen</p>
<p> </p>
<p>PS-As with all DIY projects, this is a "at your own risk" project.</p>
<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-70474160606774489072015-03-23T10:14:00.000-04:002015-03-23T10:14:47.108-04:00Any Given Weekday
<p> You know those home tours and makeover reveals where everything is pretty and nice. Well, this ain't one of them.</p>
<p>I recently posted a kitchen update, mostly because it was clean. But today I am going to give you the "Average Weekday" house tour. Let's start in the kitchen. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LbDHQMsUxus/VQCE4GU4MqI/AAAAAAAACc0/IkiRkdLCrSw/s2048/Photo%25252020150311140933796.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LbDHQMsUxus/VQCE4GU4MqI/AAAAAAAACc0/IkiRkdLCrSw/s500/Photo%25252020150311140933796.jpg" id="blogsy-1427119696357.621" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><p> Yup. Pretty average. See that lego box? It arrived mid-meal packed with "things for our next adventure". So the legos have been dumped somewhere.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GzjXLXhvWBU/VQCE5vPSVgI/AAAAAAAACc8/_WrpvkLdpJY/s2048/Photo%25252020150311140934044.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GzjXLXhvWBU/VQCE5vPSVgI/AAAAAAAACc8/_WrpvkLdpJY/s500/Photo%25252020150311140934044.jpg" id="blogsy-1427119696348.3213" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p> We ate in the kitchen because, this is what the dining room looked like. Last nights dishes, things I cleared out of the car five minutes ago that aren't in the trash yet because the trash is full, folded laundry waiting to be carried upstairs kept out of reach, legal papers and various cords.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zYBRN5x-oDE/VQCE7PSgg5I/AAAAAAAACdE/u5qqGZzwK60/s2048/Photo%25252020150311140934289.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zYBRN5x-oDE/VQCE7PSgg5I/AAAAAAAACdE/u5qqGZzwK60/s500/Photo%25252020150311140934289.jpg" id="blogsy-1427119696294.6016" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p> Yes, that is a dirty diaper on the playroom floor. Apparently there was a run away who needed to be chased.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0HD0k8CFIdg/VQCE8lJMxNI/AAAAAAAACdM/tENv2OlBLLk/s2048/Photo%25252020150311140934568.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0HD0k8CFIdg/VQCE8lJMxNI/AAAAAAAACdM/tENv2OlBLLk/s500/Photo%25252020150311140934568.jpg" id="blogsy-1427119696274.332" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p> Oh! There are the legos! And the snow pants, and one slipper, and a washcloth, and the Hubster's shirt from yesterday?</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_sB2_SMKyrw/VQCE9_tRbQI/AAAAAAAACdU/itfdZziR1vY/s2048/Photo%25252020150311140934826.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_sB2_SMKyrw/VQCE9_tRbQI/AAAAAAAACdU/itfdZziR1vY/s500/Photo%25252020150311140934826.jpg" id="blogsy-1427119696344.5042" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p> Ah..the living room. Where I go to relax.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WfcXXB2g61c/VQCE_SrRTGI/AAAAAAAACdc/UXTL2MrYj60/s2048/Photo%25252020150311140935097.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WfcXXB2g61c/VQCE_SrRTGI/AAAAAAAACdc/UXTL2MrYj60/s500/Photo%25252020150311140935097.jpg" id="blogsy-1427119696287.139" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p> Note the empty play pen and the tied up dog. She is tied up because she thought it was a good idea to spray her anal glands in her crate when we were out.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7FwbCv01lUU/VQCFA8UbuiI/AAAAAAAACdk/bgx_3t6oOX4/s2048/Photo%25252020150311140935431.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7FwbCv01lUU/VQCFA8UbuiI/AAAAAAAACdk/bgx_3t6oOX4/s500/Photo%25252020150311140935431.jpg" id="blogsy-1427119696329.979" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div>
<p> And know you know why the folded laundry is on the dining room table.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x_Twc_w64pSzBcNqcLf1snPjdwjVILHELWt2n7GPGB144xoe6o2EPdmtnCTZGKtohoRhSItryWMcfPcEN8Ps4uNGzuJxmASqHZN4EBGeUuptI3RiXjmC6_zITUMEUP6yF1aLLAJDpXc/s2048/Photo%25252020150311140935796.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x_Twc_w64pSzBcNqcLf1snPjdwjVILHELWt2n7GPGB144xoe6o2EPdmtnCTZGKtohoRhSItryWMcfPcEN8Ps4uNGzuJxmASqHZN4EBGeUuptI3RiXjmC6_zITUMEUP6yF1aLLAJDpXc/s500/Photo%25252020150311140935796.jpg" id="blogsy-1427119696316.8245" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<p> The bathroom is not too bad. Not clean, and that toilet is full of pee, but no toilet paper rolls have been murdered here today...yet.</p>
<p>Most of this mess happened while I was washing dishes, and answering the phone, and fixing lunch. In otherwords, it happened in about 45 minutes.</p>
<p>There really isn't anything interesting about my messy house, but I think we all fall victim to pretty pictures of pretty houses, and think "if only..." It used to happen once a month when the magazines came, but now it happens every time we open up pinterest. I am not blaming pinterest, or the magazines, I enjoy them, but I sometimes still feel a little...if only.</p>
<p>One of the kindest things I have ever heard someone say was my Uncle, talking to my Aunt about their messy house. She was upset because she had seen the neighbor's house, on a weekday, and it was really clean. Worse, that Mom worked full time and had the same number of children. Surely my Aunt was failing. Not according to my Uncle. This may not be verbatim but here goes:</p>
<blockquote>
<h1><em>The play room is a mess, because the kids are playing, and you are playing with them. The kitchen is a mess because you are cooking healthy food for them three times a day, plus snacks. The living room is a mess because you are folding the laundry so we have clean clothes. The bathroom is a mess because...boys. And the whole place looks ransacked because that's what kids do, all day, everyday. That lady down the street, maybe her house is clean because her kids Are clean, but I doubt it. I bet her kids do their ransacking at daycare, sometimes they do their ransacking here because you are the Mom on the block who is home to watch them after school. Maybe her house is clean because the kids don't have nearly as much time between dinner and bed to ransack the joint. Or maybe her cleaning service was just there. Or she cleaned it up to have you over. Who knows? But our house? Our house, is a mess because it is full of life and happy kids, and you should never feel bad about that.</em></h1>
<div>
<p> </p>
<p>I am going to be go take a nap, in my messy living room, with my happy kids and not feel bad about it. Not even a little bit.</p>
<p>-Jen</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-39785749106129549942015-03-09T09:00:00.001-04:002015-03-09T09:03:17.613-04:00Kitchen update
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">The mighty mighty Hubster cleaned the kitchen and polished the countertops this weekend. Didn't he do a great job? I figured that this was the perfect time to snap a few progress shots (even though not too much has changed).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3Q_-OZwZhOI/VP2ZOfgBcqI/AAAAAAAACbY/MEY9LtwFNIE/s2048/Photo%25252020150309085931835.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3Q_-OZwZhOI/VP2ZOfgBcqI/AAAAAAAACbY/MEY9LtwFNIE/s500/Photo%25252020150309085931835.jpg" id="blogsy-1425906113460.24" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a><a name='more'></a>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my shelves and all the lighting!</td></tr>
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<p> </p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NfIfZrl272s/VP2ZRCmTMCI/AAAAAAAACbg/KHLYEhBz5ek/s2048/Photo%25252020150309085932058.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NfIfZrl272s/VP2ZRCmTMCI/AAAAAAAACbg/KHLYEhBz5ek/s500/Photo%25252020150309085932058.jpg" id="blogsy-1425906113481.9707" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is a rag instead of a dead bolt. It's a new trend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7aZkeltKDZg/VP2ZTdRixUI/AAAAAAAACbo/QBQ6g7bfhDA/s2048/Photo%25252020150309085932316.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7aZkeltKDZg/VP2ZTdRixUI/AAAAAAAACbo/QBQ6g7bfhDA/s500/Photo%25252020150309085932316.jpg" id="blogsy-1425906113444.6338" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen cart cubby is done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">I love using baskets as open storage because they reduce visual (and actual) clutter.</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, that is a rag in place of a dead bolt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kYLcd4tyhO8/VP2ZVM72vcI/AAAAAAAACbw/POZuXAdLR6M/s2048/Photo%25252020150309085932537.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kYLcd4tyhO8/VP2ZVM72vcI/AAAAAAAACbw/POZuXAdLR6M/s500/Photo%25252020150309085932537.jpg" id="blogsy-1425906113464.4402" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these baskets. I love them even more with galvanized tags! ($1 for 4, Target)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">We made the kitchen kaddy kubby because we didn't want to block the access panel.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8ikd6m1BR1wZuLbz7ETV96WDN1mDCp8juDfQKZW3M4LgEKtFDBzVQcGzE1XapVEmch9EjoDGRcO6zNukZvsWD52KE6DJRk0joJ6wiKckSlJ_fId22tQMtx7ZThGZ7vbHs9XTolCFOmg/s2048/Photo%25252020150309085932754.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8ikd6m1BR1wZuLbz7ETV96WDN1mDCp8juDfQKZW3M4LgEKtFDBzVQcGzE1XapVEmch9EjoDGRcO6zNukZvsWD52KE6DJRk0joJ6wiKckSlJ_fId22tQMtx7ZThGZ7vbHs9XTolCFOmg/s500/Photo%25252020150309085932754.jpg" id="blogsy-1425906113400.158" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is basically done, just needs some trim work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7ZXFb9VSdjY/VP2ZYYkz4-I/AAAAAAAACcA/YaA8DCVgHnY/s2048/Photo%25252020150309085932973.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7ZXFb9VSdjY/VP2ZYYkz4-I/AAAAAAAACcA/YaA8DCVgHnY/s500/Photo%25252020150309085932973.jpg" id="blogsy-1425906113484.0146" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I painted it soft yellow for kicks. And we can still get to the plumbing quickly if need be.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUS4XTdoD_mH2tomika3BNCr_r9Cz6QTrEuMIygtzoRW-o1UMfTyzps2lh91PzupEdHEa96MTBTHo_JNucObeJz5LM_hxxyu7Sh_1Poycgdzml0DibxH-XLwPnaSChXDtn4JRF4jQ1ivQ/s2048/Photo%25252020150309085933193.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUS4XTdoD_mH2tomika3BNCr_r9Cz6QTrEuMIygtzoRW-o1UMfTyzps2lh91PzupEdHEa96MTBTHo_JNucObeJz5LM_hxxyu7Sh_1Poycgdzml0DibxH-XLwPnaSChXDtn4JRF4jQ1ivQ/s500/Photo%25252020150309085933193.jpg" id="blogsy-1425906113435.341" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open storage and bonus counter space. And the dog bowls slide out of sight/reach when not in use. Awesome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, that is a rag in place of a dead bolt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> There were some things I forgot on the to do list in the last post. Bummer.</p>
<div class="separator">
<p>We still need to:</p>
<ul> <li><strike>Stain the other shelves</strike></li> <li><strike>Make a kitchen cart cubby</strike></li> <li>Install baseboards</li> <li>Install dead bolt on back door</li> <li>Tile the backsplash</li> <li>Knock a hole through the wall to the dining room</li> <li>Install side panels of cupboards</li> <li>Paint/finish kitchen cart</li> <li>Trim top of cupboards over the stove</li> <li>Make/hang curtains/window treatments-I have no idea what I want...ugh.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Jen</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-57886758692216716302015-03-03T14:45:00.001-05:002015-03-03T14:45:53.806-05:00No TV<p>I am aware that the American Association of Pediatrics has some rather prudent guidelines about TV, media, and screen time. Apparently, two hours a day is too much. Kids should be playing, reading, engaging with their environment. I'm cool with the first two, but I could do with a lot less engagement with the environment.</p><p> My Personal Assistant's behavior yesterday was so horrible that he has lost TV privileges for an indeterminate period of time. Basically, he can't watch tv or have tech time until he stops asking for it-constantly-at a screaming volume-using phraseology he has not been exposed to under this roof. I am so upset. I really do not know how I will cope. </p><p>The following is a true story of what happens when we loose TV privileges. It is not for the faint of heart. You have been warned.</p><a name='more'></a><p>The Assistant overslept this morning and didn't quite make it to the toilet. I found him, naked from the waist down, sleepily washing his hands and air drying his manly bits in front of the heating vent in the bathroom.</p><p>Mr. Baby was fussing and I sat down on the couch to see what was going on and keep an eye on the hand washer. Mr. Baby vomited on my lap more than I have ever witnessed a baby vomit. More than I thought possible. Then he did it four more times before I could move. He vomited on me so profusely that all I could do was strip him, put him in his playpen, and shower, because there was vomit in my underwear. Let me clarify: THERE WAS VOMIT IN MY UNDERWEAR.</p><p>I stepped out of the shower to be greeted by my still undressed assistant.</p><p>"Mommy, Mr. Baby pooped very greenly in his pack-n-play. It is also very greenly and all over my shirt."</p><p>While I cleaned that mess up, my faithful Assistant, now naked, prepared "gifts" for Mr. Baby's "get well party". (The Personal Assistant believes in celebrating the little things, and I predict, will have a wide ranging circle of friends in college because he can turn just about anything into a party.) One of the gifts was matchbox cars shoved in a sock he found. A sock that I had just stripped off his brother due to either vomit or poo. </p><p>Mr. Baby loudly requested going straight back to bed. So while I rocked Mr. Baby to sleep, my Assistant packed the shape sorter with various objects. Including: random toys, cupcake wrappers, toilet paper tube, the canister of black pepper, my inhaler. These were not easily accessed objects.</p><p>While I was sorting out that mess and bleaching the toys, the Personal Assistant sat quietly on the couch...pulling the feathers out of the pillows until the couch was covered in feathers.</p><p>I had to use the bathroom. While I was in the bathroom, my Assistant helped by shouted demands at me. I told him to go play and wait for me to come out. He, instead, silently scaled the kitchen cabinets to get to his safe candy stash retrieved one, then ran to his bedroom (where is brother was sleeping) to eat it behind the rocking chair.</p><p>I was so livid I silently threw what was left of his sugar free red vine away. He asked for yogurt. I made the yogurt and left the room to count to ten. When I came back, the kitchen smelled of vanilla. He handed me the now near-empty bottle of vanilla.</p><p> "Did you open this?"</p><p> "No."</p><p>"Why do I smell vanilla?"</p><p>"Um.."</p><p>He had emptied the bottle into the mixing bowl.</p><p>Somehow, Mr. Baby napped, all the toys in the playroom and playpen made it into the tub to be bleached or the washer to be sanitized, the vanilla was poured back into the bottle, and everyone who was able to eat, did. Especially the Assistant, who ate 3 bowls of yogurt (one purple, one green, one plain) and, by request, a pepperoni and honey sandwich. (Gag a maggot.)</p><p>He is now playing tea set with the stuffed animals from the top shelf, because there is literally nothing left in the playroom. I thought him that the stuffed animals really liked tea parties so that I didn't have to play and could wolf down some lunch while Mr. Baby screamed in the carrier on my back because he won't be put down.</p><p>Thank God the furnace was fixed yesterday and we have heat again (again) because if I had to spend 2 hours getting a fire going with wet wood like I did yesterday everyone would have been S.O.L. Or I might be in jail, or Thailand.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eHsoozMyK78/VPYPbkiE4tI/AAAAAAAACas/6MKl_QMx8Bo/s2048/Photo%25252020150303144548235.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eHsoozMyK78/VPYPbkiE4tI/AAAAAAAACas/6MKl_QMx8Bo/s500/Photo%25252020150303144548235.jpg" id="blogsy-1425411954335.977" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting with the yellow dog his customers include: T-Bone, Mr. Pricklepants, Caillou, Mr. Bun, Mr. Purple Prickle, and Clifford. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>I am just remembering that somewhere in my house is a pile of pee soaked pajamas. I hope it is in the upstairs bathroom and not hidden somewhere.</p><p>Next time the pediatrician asks how much TV we watch, I hope to proudly answer; "We have a two hour a day minimum." I hope he earns his screen time back soon. I need a nap.<br></p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-28655148505104770182015-02-24T07:49:00.001-05:002015-02-24T07:55:30.487-05:00Kitchen Renovation<p>Ever get to that point with a project where the finishing touches are taking forever and annoying you, and the pictures need to come off your device to make room for the new ios update? I hit that point this week with the kitchen.</p><p>I was promising my self that I would wait to do one big kitchen reveal post, but it's time to remind myself just how far we've come before I get too annoyed at how far we still need to go.</p><p> Behold the before in all it's water damaged 1950's glory:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QbeL8iP0TQc/VOxzaFgq2WI/AAAAAAAACaI/aGFNhVvcuyE/s2048/Photo%25252020150224074941432.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QbeL8iP0TQc/VOxzaFgq2WI/AAAAAAAACaI/aGFNhVvcuyE/s500/Photo%25252020150224074941432.jpg" id="blogsy-1424782200309.0012" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">You can't see the water damage, but I assure you, it is there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2UPWS2oI68A/VOxzboFd4mI/AAAAAAAACaQ/6jssFtnRrcw/s2048/Photo%25252020150224074941666.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2UPWS2oI68A/VOxzboFd4mI/AAAAAAAACaQ/6jssFtnRrcw/s500/Photo%25252020150224074941666.jpg" id="blogsy-1424782200284.5303" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></div><a name='more'></a><p> And now...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hDb46zxNpFQ/VOxzdMONz_I/AAAAAAAACaY/qKw_vQgotg8/s1936/Photo%25252020150224074941912.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hDb46zxNpFQ/VOxzdMONz_I/AAAAAAAACaY/qKw_vQgotg8/s500/Photo%25252020150224074941912.jpg" id="blogsy-1424782200239.4297" class="alignnone" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><p>I should probably post more pictures so you can see the whole thing, but it is messy. And my Personal Assistant has a stomach bug. And it's not yet 8am. And I am lazy. Consider this a teaser. The final pictures will be posted months from now when I finally finish it and have time to clean up for pictures. Maybe.</p><p>So instead, here's a little video showing how we got from the 1950's to the 2010's in the not-quite-finished kitchen. </p><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;"><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/120335539" width="500" height="305" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><a href="http://vimeo.com/120335539">Kitchen Renovation</a> </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;">I still need to:</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;"><ul> <li>Stain the other shelves</li> <li>Install baseboards</li> <li>Install dead bolt on back door</li> <li>Tile the backsplash</li> <li>Knock a hole through the wall to the dining room</li></ul><div>We'll get there someday.</div><p> </p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-30943718710239158802015-02-21T21:56:00.001-05:002015-03-03T14:53:00.070-05:00Quick Fix: Baby Food<p> We make most of our own baby food here. It's easy, fresh and cheap, but I think the main benefit is knowing exactly what your baby is eating. Not because I don't trust baby food companies, but because it's just easier when you are introducing new foods. (Also because CSID. But that's a whole other conversation.)</p><p>At Christmas the Hubster gave me a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/black-decker-personal-blender-with-jar/-/A-15712295?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=15712295&CPNG=Appliances&kpid=15712295&LID=3pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=15712295&kpid=15712295&gclid=CjwKEAiAyMCnBRDa0Pyex-qswB0SJADKNMKAiyHucJALxDg-XUL1qzF156jKdtxABHX8EW4TTRhATxoCVQTw_wcB" target="_self" title="Ohh...">Black & Decker smoothie blender</a>. At the time I was all "oh, gee...thanks?" But later I figured out all that it could do and thanked him properly. The best feature of this blender is that it fits on mason jars-which is great for so many reasons. Especially baby food.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-poP4mEbUdSA/VOlFSh4pc9I/AAAAAAAACYk/iivpPY6b8xE/s1936/Photo%25252020150221215605760.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-poP4mEbUdSA/VOlFSh4pc9I/AAAAAAAACYk/iivpPY6b8xE/s500/Photo%25252020150221215605760.jpg" id="blogsy-1425412363539.7222" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> </p><a name='more'></a><p> I start my baby food with some diced whatever. Here I used pears. Put them in a small mason jar with a bit of water and steam until tender in the microwave (about 1 minute).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lAHqI4AGAfI/VOlFUJf--kI/AAAAAAAACYs/OPvRZnW6lZA/s1936/Photo%25252020150221215605955.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lAHqI4AGAfI/VOlFUJf--kI/AAAAAAAACYs/OPvRZnW6lZA/s500/Photo%25252020150221215605955.jpg" id="blogsy-1425412363533.5337" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> Let them cool a bit, then fit on the blender lid and pop on the blender.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hSVVqz7H8Xw/VOlFVx7QfiI/AAAAAAAACY0/CyUNsVA84_8/s1936/Photo%25252020150221215606148.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hSVVqz7H8Xw/VOlFVx7QfiI/AAAAAAAACY0/CyUNsVA84_8/s500/Photo%25252020150221215606148.jpg" id="blogsy-1425412363533.3208" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> Blend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpjLzH9i9cPE-w20e7yZaji7FLeJNHndyjptCsmNUhEdi9Q3ZEi406LlDgaxwoV0saCy5rWuufwU8XsCJKqGDUseg8JPk6-yOo2oj1Z4IzS0NyEJ7XHscDPgQeb939oEFq1sEco6x0Xg/s1936/Photo%25252020150221215606344.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpjLzH9i9cPE-w20e7yZaji7FLeJNHndyjptCsmNUhEdi9Q3ZEi406LlDgaxwoV0saCy5rWuufwU8XsCJKqGDUseg8JPk6-yOo2oj1Z4IzS0NyEJ7XHscDPgQeb939oEFq1sEco6x0Xg/s500/Photo%25252020150221215606344.jpg" id="blogsy-1425412363560.2136" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> Done.</p><p> </p><p>No really. That's it. No special equipment. No $100+ baby food maker. Just a mason jar, a microwave, and a personal blender (or any blender that fits on a mason jar.)</p><p>-Jen</p><p>FYI- While I was writing this post, the Personal Assistant decided to make a cake and got down the food coloring. Mr. Baby grabbed it and took off running. While I was tracking him down, the P.A. found my charcoal drawing kit from college and sorted it by color, on the bed. I sent him to wash his hands while I picked up the charcoal. Mr. Baby toddled in to present me with the Hubster's athletic cup, which he found under the sink when he followed big brother to the bathroom. Making baby food is easier than all that.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-41798881982494050702015-02-12T11:46:00.001-05:002015-02-12T11:46:30.100-05:00Sweets for my Sweeties: CSID Valentines Marshmallows<p>This Friday is Mr. Baby's first birthday. It is also my Personal Assistant's very first school party. I asked him what snack he wanted to take and he asked for his favorite-marshmallows. After some discussion, we decided they should be strawberry heart shaped with sprinkles. Yum!</p><p>(And since these are sucrose and starch free, as well as peanut, egg, dairy and gluten free, they are a great option for safe sharing at school parties!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r4wX0JXb5mU/VNzYxsJpkHI/AAAAAAAACT8/yHZWLXe2Urk/s1936/Photo%25252020150212114556126.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r4wX0JXb5mU/VNzYxsJpkHI/AAAAAAAACT8/yHZWLXe2Urk/s500/Photo%25252020150212114556126.jpg" id="blogsy-1423759591800.6719" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><a name='more'></a><p>Here's some stuff you need:</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vfHdUBO5k5k/VNzYzFqqlQI/AAAAAAAACUE/FQZmc0dh0AI/s1936/Photo%25252020150212114556367.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vfHdUBO5k5k/VNzYzFqqlQI/AAAAAAAACUE/FQZmc0dh0AI/s500/Photo%25252020150212114556367.jpg" id="blogsy-1423759591750.9133" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> CSID friendly ingredients we used to make Strawberry Valentine's Day Marshmallows</td></tr></tbody></table><p> As always, the boys were a big help.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--wn_0wVu8Og/VNzY0qGWcZI/AAAAAAAACUM/_vKVpP-sSGk/s2048/Photo%25252020150212114556650.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--wn_0wVu8Og/VNzY0qGWcZI/AAAAAAAACUM/_vKVpP-sSGk/s500/Photo%25252020150212114556650.jpg" id="blogsy-1423759591767.9575" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Personal Assistant crushing dehydrated strawberries to make sprinkles while Mr. Baby supervises</td></tr></tbody></table><h1><br></h1><h1>CSID Homemade Marshmallows</h1><p>Adapted from <a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/homemade-marshmallows/" target="_blank" title="">My Baking Addiction</a></p><p>Yield: about 60 marshmallows</p><p>Prep Time: 25 minutes</p><h3>Ingredients:</h3><p>3/4 cup water, divided</p><p>3 (.25 ounce) packages unflavored gelatin (or 1 package sugar free jello and 2 pkgs gelatin for flavored marshmallows)</p><p>2/3 cup light corn syrup</p><p>2 cups dextrose</p><p>1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)</p><p>1/2 cup dextrose for dredging</p><h3>Directions:</h3><p>1. Line a 9x12 inch baking dish with plastic wrap and spray with non-stick cooking spray. </p><p>2. Place 1/2 cup of water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and sprinkle gelatin on top of water to soak.</p><p>3. While gelatin is soaking, combine 1/4 cup of water, corn syrup, and 2c dextrose in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Boil the mixture hard for 1 minute.</p><p>4. Carefully pour the hot sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture and beat on high for 12 minutes with electric mixer, until the mixture is fluffy and forms stiff peaks. (If making plain marshmallows, add in vanilla extract and beat until just combined. You could also add any other extract flavoring at this point.)</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LVNMHsn-7xw/VNzY10wTP8I/AAAAAAAACUU/CEnbYHbpi7M/s2048/Photo%25252020150212114556921.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LVNMHsn-7xw/VNzY10wTP8I/AAAAAAAACUU/CEnbYHbpi7M/s500/Photo%25252020150212114556921.jpg" id="blogsy-1423759591779.6948" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It will get stiff near the end of the 12 minutes.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>5. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a greased spatula to smooth the top. Spray the top of the marshmallows with non-stick spray, then cover with plastic wrap, pressing it down lightly to seal the covering to the top of the candy.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CBGoWoJsnNQ/VNzY3XfWHmI/AAAAAAAACUc/B0vU1ks_XJ4/s2048/Photo%25252020150212114557137.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CBGoWoJsnNQ/VNzY3XfWHmI/AAAAAAAACUc/B0vU1ks_XJ4/s500/Photo%25252020150212114557137.jpg" id="blogsy-1423759591753.752" class="alignnone" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We used a cookie sheet this time so they would be thin enough to cut with cookie cutters.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>6. Allow the marshmallow candy to rest for 4 hours or overnight. Using oiled scissors or an oiled kitchen knife, cut the marshmallow candy into strips, then into 1 inch squares. Dredge the marshmallows lightly in the dextrose and store in an airtight container.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AJkvo29m5AE/VNzY4iQ5IqI/AAAAAAAACUk/Jkur5TLOb4U/s2048/Photo%25252020150212114557358.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AJkvo29m5AE/VNzY4iQ5IqI/AAAAAAAACUk/Jkur5TLOb4U/s500/Photo%25252020150212114557358.jpg" id="blogsy-1423759591832.9197" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The greased cookie cutter worked great!</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>Have a Sweet Vanentine's Day!</p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-79266364284980569982015-02-10T09:12:00.001-05:002015-02-10T09:14:15.090-05:00Frozen smoothie treats for teething babies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Most teething treats are starchy and out of bounds for us. Lots of yogurt drop baby finger foods have added sugar or are made with sucrose containing fruits and veggies, so again-out if bounds. But I wanted to make some yummy teething treats for Mr. Baby, and decided to try making frozen yogurt drops. He loves them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZjoflK2mG5Q/VNoRnXoVumI/AAAAAAAACTE/R2L_04JDkzk/s2048/Photo%25252020150210091136330.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZjoflK2mG5Q/VNoRnXoVumI/AAAAAAAACTE/R2L_04JDkzk/s500/Photo%25252020150210091136330.jpg" id="blogsy-1423577637413.2363" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> First, pack your blender jar. I usually use frozen fruit, but this morning we were out so I used crushed ice. If you don't want crushed ice all over your kitchen floor, grab a jar filling funnel. (These things are great, and since I use ball jars for all kinds of storage, beyond canning, it gets used a lot.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglojIWAjOvY0CCy2ktByY0gsIdW4UpEc1pQ1zgU1TZ5yXz5ekROZmlu1alBCWIAwIdWuZwkGjKpSo9qHuqjmMebL11MNCEmUjW0RQtdO16GpF_lzrc6SVFR4jV-UR7RmT0i9t0iOsOpxo/s2048/Photo%25252020150210091136764.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglojIWAjOvY0CCy2ktByY0gsIdW4UpEc1pQ1zgU1TZ5yXz5ekROZmlu1alBCWIAwIdWuZwkGjKpSo9qHuqjmMebL11MNCEmUjW0RQtdO16GpF_lzrc6SVFR4jV-UR7RmT0i9t0iOsOpxo/s500/Photo%25252020150210091136764.jpg" id="blogsy-1423577637411.964" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> After the ice, comes fruit, then yogurt, then spinach or kale, and finally juice or milk. We mostly use milk. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c217kevQqXM/VNoRqSe7R1I/AAAAAAAACTU/_uX10o0b4Uw/s2048/Photo%25252020150210091137041.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c217kevQqXM/VNoRqSe7R1I/AAAAAAAACTU/_uX10o0b4Uw/s500/Photo%25252020150210091137041.jpg" id="blogsy-1423577637344.2778" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p> Once it is blended, pour into <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cubette-Mini-Ice-Cube-Trays/dp/B000I1ZXIK/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1423577562&sr=1-1&keywords=Mini+ice+cube+tray" target="_blank" title="">tiny ice tray</a> molds, and spread with the back of a spoon until level. Freeze. (Taking crappy pictures is optional.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g3QtEvXIXjw/VNoRru75n1I/AAAAAAAACTc/dyVNDu8KzVk/s2048/Photo%25252020150210091137270.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g3QtEvXIXjw/VNoRru75n1I/AAAAAAAACTc/dyVNDu8KzVk/s500/Photo%25252020150210091137270.jpg" id="blogsy-1423577637355.8162" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store in a freezer bag.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ewyIsGWSl94/VNoRtKTnGvI/AAAAAAAACTk/cITHsxpDTA4/s2048/Photo%25252020150210091137506.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ewyIsGWSl94/VNoRtKTnGvI/AAAAAAAACTk/cITHsxpDTA4/s500/Photo%25252020150210091137506.jpg" id="blogsy-1423577637395.7427" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p> Enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5wLR7tuCjUw/VNoRukMhknI/AAAAAAAACTs/yRlu1fMzQ_0/s2048/Photo%25252020150210091137725.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5wLR7tuCjUw/VNoRukMhknI/AAAAAAAACTs/yRlu1fMzQ_0/s500/Photo%25252020150210091137725.jpg" id="blogsy-1423577637358.9307" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> -Jen</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-45990537930818018842015-02-02T09:23:00.001-05:002015-02-02T09:24:28.347-05:00Quick fix: Starry Night Mobile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gyeCMMvU2pg/VM-IOqK15LI/AAAAAAAACSk/1cB989dPon8/s2048/Photo%25252020150202092247071.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gyeCMMvU2pg/VM-IOqK15LI/AAAAAAAACSk/1cB989dPon8/s500/Photo%25252020150202092247071.jpg" id="blogsy-1422887032719.8416" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> I had this done. With step by step pictures. And then somehow the whole thing was replaced by a picture of a paint lid and all the step by step pictures were lost. Gone. Shanghaied. I hate Mondays.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">So...I am going to trust you all to use your imaginations on the step by step bit. </div><h2>Starry night mobile</h2><p>You will need:</p><ul> <li>Cardboard</li> <li><a href="http://t.homedepot.com/p/Nashua-Tape-1-89-in-x-50-yd-322-Multi-Purpose-HVAC-Foil-Tape-1207792/100030120" target="_blank" title="">Foil tape</a></li> <li>Exacto knife</li> <li>Thread</li> <li><a href="http://www.overstock.com/Office-Supplies/Wall-Hooks-Clips/9570/subcat.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiA3bymBRC19IrD7O_NrYsBEiQAb2dpAxNcfQxU933rCB1FIjme6WmbUXLHfUHQZkiCZ9AkZ9gaArNw8P8HAQ&featuredproduct=7357107&featuredoption=9992386&cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14819499-000-000&ef_id=VIy6AgAABeSvVDOE:20150202141255:s" target="_self" title=""></a><a href="http://www.overstock.com/Office-Supplies/Wall-Hooks-Clips/9570/subcat.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiA3bymBRC19IrD7O_NrYsBEiQAb2dpAxNcfQxU933rCB1FIjme6WmbUXLHfUHQZkiCZ9AkZ9gaArNw8P8HAQ&featuredproduct=7357107&featuredoption=9992386&cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14819499-000-000&ef_id=VIy6AgAABeSvVDOE:20150202141255:s" target="_blank" title="">Command cord clips</a></li></ul><p>I had everything left over from other projects, so for me this was a freebie.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Zxv_PxI2KU/VM-IPy-AFQI/AAAAAAAACSs/ArvhD2YxJ6w/s2048/Photo%25252020150202092247314.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Zxv_PxI2KU/VM-IPy-AFQI/AAAAAAAACSs/ArvhD2YxJ6w/s500/Photo%25252020150202092247314.jpg" id="blogsy-1422887032735.5203" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> </p><p>Steps:</p><ol> <li>Cut a shape from cardboard</li> <li>Rip off peices of foil tape, crinkle, apply to shape</li> <li>Hang from the ceiling with your command hooks and thread.</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ohiJvIXFmEQ/VM-IRj80SRI/AAAAAAAACS0/ED_YMVPrwSo/s2048/Photo%25252020150202092247507.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ohiJvIXFmEQ/VM-IRj80SRI/AAAAAAAACS0/ED_YMVPrwSo/s500/Photo%25252020150202092247507.jpg" id="blogsy-1422887032733.793" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p> </p><p>As Kiddo would say, it was "easy bo steasy."</p><p>-Jen</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-14558662994211182212015-01-23T07:24:00.000-05:002015-01-23T07:24:00.246-05:00Chocolate Coconut Cookies
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Just a year ago we got the news that my kiddo could not digest sugar or starch. I always wanted to be the Mom who made hot cocoa with marshmallow and cookies on a snowy day, and I really thought that would never happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">I have learned a lot this past year. Like never say never, and do not come between me and a good cookie. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Today we had an impromptu sledding party. After, we roasted hotdogs on the fire, ate homemade sucrose free marshmallows, drank peppermint tea and homemade hot cocoa, and had warm cookies fresh from the oven made with normal ingredients from the pantry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9TXomQrQJ5A/VL7yLQV9pbI/AAAAAAAACRI/YKUCbzr4LRs/s2048/Photo%25252020150120192619998.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9TXomQrQJ5A/VL7yLQV9pbI/AAAAAAAACRI/YKUCbzr4LRs/s500/Photo%25252020150120192619998.jpg" id="blogsy-1421799986442.8674" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<a name='more'></a><h1>
<span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.3em;"> </span>Chocolate Coconut Cookies</h1>
<h3>1 cup each:</h3>
<ul> <li>Dextrose (or other sweetener)</li> <li>Peanut butter (or other tolerated nut butter)</li> <li>Applesauce (or other tolerated fruit purée like pumpkin or banana)</li>
</ul>
<h3>1/2 cup each:</h3>
<ul> <li>Unsweetened coconut</li> <li>Cocoa powder</li>
</ul>
<p>1tsp vanilla</p>
<p>Shot of espresso (optional)</p>
<p>Beat together to form dough. Drop with cookie scooper or tablespoon onto cookie sheets. Flatten with fork. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They were really yummy-even the Hubster liked them. And everyone could eat them. They are CSID friendly, and egg free, but it is also gluten free, dairy free, and vegan as well. Plus, the recipe is pretty adaptable if nut allergies are an issue. If you need to cut out the cocoa or coconut, just reduce to he apple sauce by half and you have some pretty rocking peanut butter cookies.</p>
<p>Never say never.</p>
<p>Especially to cookies.</p>
<p>-Jen</p>
<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465874484457865505.post-51121326270393136992015-01-20T07:54:00.000-05:002015-01-20T07:54:00.221-05:00Camp Bedroom: Chalkboard mural<p>Oh my goodness! I am so super excited about this one...<br>I may not have Kim K's behind, but I'd like to think I could break the Pinterest with this post.<br>It's a how to...<br>Make a mural...<br>Make chalk paint...<br>Make a mural in chalk paint...<br></p><h4>Make a chalk board mural with custom chalk paint!</h4><p>I'm pretty impressed with myself. This was really, really super fun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EVZXM1L1trk/VL3DInh808I/AAAAAAAACQ4/xxRwZAPkAng/s2048/Photo%25252020150119215318517.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EVZXM1L1trk/VL3DInh808I/AAAAAAAACQ4/xxRwZAPkAng/s500/Photo%25252020150119215318517.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404129.9988" class="alignnone" width="500" height="669" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><a name='more'></a><p> You will need some stuff.</p><ul> <li>Paint brushes in various sizes</li> <li>Edging tools</li> <li>Many stir sticks</li> <li>Drop cloths</li> <li>Plaster of Paris ($7)</li> <li>Latex Paint (I used basement finds)</li> <li>Something to mix paint in-raid the recycling bin.</li> <li>A tablespoon </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3Zauc7xeZjQ/VLP4ikn_MSI/AAAAAAAACN4/0S4_s33zDGQ/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113827369.jpg" style="" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3Zauc7xeZjQ/VLP4ikn_MSI/AAAAAAAACN4/0S4_s33zDGQ/s400/Photo%25252020150112113827369.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404038.162" class="alignnone" alt="" width="400" height="298"></a></div><p><br>First, take your recycled sour cream jar or whatever, and pour in 1 cup of water. Mark that line. You need 1 cup of paint and 2 tablespoons of plaster to make chalk paint. At least according to Martha in some article I read on Pinterest, which I can't find at the moment. (When I tried to look it up again, to link it, all I found was a <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/271574/custom-color-chalkboard-paint" target="_self" title="Whatever Martha.">different article</a> where she said grout mix. But the plaster worked just fine.)<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNasvmPhFmnUKbs8ni8AcGI_CrjtRkV_Y67RSQoAsSPtM6tue36BpTd4XrH79Tb2yzUaA6q-rfeKp-lc00m3cJYfA3Udso2XzwxgsgXCbfrnWfB_crUBwB5nlQhsEbQm35AgDZR7vFWQ/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113827591.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNasvmPhFmnUKbs8ni8AcGI_CrjtRkV_Y67RSQoAsSPtM6tue36BpTd4XrH79Tb2yzUaA6q-rfeKp-lc00m3cJYfA3Udso2XzwxgsgXCbfrnWfB_crUBwB5nlQhsEbQm35AgDZR7vFWQ/s400/Photo%25252020150112113827591.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404064.166" class="alignnone" alt="" width="400" height="298"></a></div><p><br>Next, sketch your mural on the wall. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QDKJwSWuAsA/VLP4lcumZnI/AAAAAAAACOI/YJqhmaFApeM/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113827849.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QDKJwSWuAsA/VLP4lcumZnI/AAAAAAAACOI/YJqhmaFApeM/s400/Photo%25252020150112113827849.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404125.2341" class="alignnone" alt="" width="298" height="400"></a></div><p><br>I started at the top, mixing and using one color at a time. Chalk paint is really thick and covered well with one coat (except on the closet doors which needed two coats). One cup of blue covered all but a bit of the cutting in on the last wall. This was good to know so I would know how much to mix of the colors that came later.<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sUuDixaIMXA/VLP4mnHts1I/AAAAAAAACOQ/ohiu7osKvrE/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113828052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sUuDixaIMXA/VLP4mnHts1I/AAAAAAAACOQ/ohiu7osKvrE/s400/Photo%25252020150112113828052.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404095.1128" class="alignnone" alt="" width="400" height="298"></a></div><p><br> I started filling in the mural-I was painting the green mountains of Vermont. The mountains get darker the closer they are to you, so the furthest ones were the lightest green. I used just four colors for this, a light blue, a light green, a dark green and a dark brown. For the mountains, I started with the light green, then added a little more dark green to what was left in my cup for each layer of mountains.</p><p>Because I was painting quickly, I used a large brush to paint the body of each space... <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gf4DX0uEFMc/VLP4n2VlSKI/AAAAAAAACOY/jEskHnzlwQw/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113828259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gf4DX0uEFMc/VLP4n2VlSKI/AAAAAAAACOY/jEskHnzlwQw/s400/Photo%25252020150112113828259.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404048.5771" class="alignnone" alt="" width="400" height="296"></a></div><p>...then used a small brush to cut back into the previous color. This gave the paint more time to dry. It dried pretty fast. I was glad that I was working on a graphic style mural and not trying to blend colors.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zslv0Jc_m5Q/VLP4pNTT6pI/AAAAAAAACOg/QF0aof5tSgA/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113828479.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zslv0Jc_m5Q/VLP4pNTT6pI/AAAAAAAACOg/QF0aof5tSgA/s400/Photo%25252020150112113828479.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404062.6682" class="alignnone" alt="" width="400" height="298"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">This is as far as I got the first day. Not to bad for having two little boys playing at my feet while I worked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pVuTDihPj94/VLP4qtgQ0NI/AAAAAAAACOo/NKHz5kE3nZY/s1600/Photo%25252020150112113828741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pVuTDihPj94/VLP4qtgQ0NI/AAAAAAAACOo/NKHz5kE3nZY/s400/Photo%25252020150112113828741.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404077.9512" class="alignnone" alt="" width="298" height="400"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pDLFPYPvLxQ/VLP4r15h7VI/AAAAAAAACOw/WQbG_u0nnqY/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113828990.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pDLFPYPvLxQ/VLP4r15h7VI/AAAAAAAACOw/WQbG_u0nnqY/s500/Photo%25252020150112113828990.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404063.7585" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><p><span style="color: black;">The next day I drew some silhouettes on contact paper. Kiddo could not decide which was better-a chipmunk or a squirrel-so we made one of each. You can find a silhouette of darn near anything by googling "______ silhouette." If you don't feel up to free handing the drawing, just print from google then trace your image onto the paper side of the contact paper. </span>Once the shapes were cut out, I placed them on the closet doors, burnished them with a clean stir stick and kept painting.<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hmqT0JfhyQQ/VLP4tNZVXPI/AAAAAAAACO4/oCqwgP9SEoY/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113829255.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hmqT0JfhyQQ/VLP4tNZVXPI/AAAAAAAACO4/oCqwgP9SEoY/s500/Photo%25252020150112113829255.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404085.4202" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p><br>I worked on finishing the mountains, and blocking in the foreground. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZLcHxTU1Nq8/VLP4vN1_tGI/AAAAAAAACPA/ipxmydSjF5U/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113829500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZLcHxTU1Nq8/VLP4vN1_tGI/AAAAAAAACPA/ipxmydSjF5U/s400/Photo%25252020150112113829500.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404101.1724" class="alignnone" alt="" width="298" height="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibmrNodV7GMX_lmAEwL40CPMoVqS39bSZiYrE40b2Cvc1hL8ZgkfzQ5NVPhCYAehDtOTykWP5QMfd0h4lheDiIAvug389VBn2uBNcRUmgrcwARnVJ1BUJGyy59-9Yclt1BRlk_0pjOR4/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113829819.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibmrNodV7GMX_lmAEwL40CPMoVqS39bSZiYrE40b2Cvc1hL8ZgkfzQ5NVPhCYAehDtOTykWP5QMfd0h4lheDiIAvug389VBn2uBNcRUmgrcwARnVJ1BUJGyy59-9Yclt1BRlk_0pjOR4/s400/Photo%25252020150112113829819.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404145.8623" class="alignnone" alt="" width="400" height="298"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CzNTl4AAtwc/VLP4xf9oTJI/AAAAAAAACPQ/r4PHAg2dds0/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113830074.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CzNTl4AAtwc/VLP4xf9oTJI/AAAAAAAACPQ/r4PHAg2dds0/s400/Photo%25252020150112113830074.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404120.851" class="alignnone" alt="" width="400" height="298"></a></div><p><br>It's hard to see, but I decided that there was too much contrast between two of the mountain ranges, so I added in the in between ranges the second day. The midtone on the left was my first attempt, but it dried too dark, so I repainted it the third day a slightly lighter shade (right). I know it's hard to see, but it made a BIG difference when I backed up. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9WekKyEeeZ8/VLP4y43KSqI/AAAAAAAACPY/gA342UzhKrI/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113830333.jpg" style="" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9WekKyEeeZ8/VLP4y43KSqI/AAAAAAAACPY/gA342UzhKrI/s400/Photo%25252020150112113830333.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404073.891" class="alignnone" alt="" width="400" height="298"></a></div><p><br> On the third day I finished the foreground details and the rock wall. Once everything was dry and I was happy with it. I carefully started removing the contact paper. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ops04FaD6qo/VLP40Z1DkEI/AAAAAAAACPg/xCPk_U7rLj8/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113830690.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ops04FaD6qo/VLP40Z1DkEI/AAAAAAAACPg/xCPk_U7rLj8/s500/Photo%25252020150112113830690.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404092.4587" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p><br>The contact paper preserved the finish of the closet doors, leaving perfect critter silhouettes. (The squirrel is climbing what will eventually be a sign post.)<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MDkFtAfF4VM/VLP41QEXUzI/AAAAAAAACPo/snA4RE8zbnQ/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113830904.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MDkFtAfF4VM/VLP41QEXUzI/AAAAAAAACPo/snA4RE8zbnQ/s500/Photo%25252020150112113830904.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404101.323" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qb62JODfez0/VLP427Q9H1I/AAAAAAAACPw/0v1hbicXCMA/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113831112.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qb62JODfez0/VLP427Q9H1I/AAAAAAAACPw/0v1hbicXCMA/s500/Photo%25252020150112113831112.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404153.984" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p><br>Here's some images of the finished view from the tent in Camp Bedroom. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncc6ouo-fOvSJghud5mEjGcnyP_ApUxLMV7A1wBWJNbJs-dxjBRf1LhMQnRPqf1Wuf4C1q5qJcKZU8NUSGsrqKqQHZvQgpCZG9UsVcs91eqWwThXL_5ovDwJYKTCBLXVMMJnkLqbfwIA/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113831317.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncc6ouo-fOvSJghud5mEjGcnyP_ApUxLMV7A1wBWJNbJs-dxjBRf1LhMQnRPqf1Wuf4C1q5qJcKZU8NUSGsrqKqQHZvQgpCZG9UsVcs91eqWwThXL_5ovDwJYKTCBLXVMMJnkLqbfwIA/s500/Photo%25252020150112113831317.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404152.9414" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p><br>I love it and I want to switch rooms. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9s46FsIteKc/VLP45QN3r6I/AAAAAAAACQA/o4MjXDFvYr4/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113831523.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9s46FsIteKc/VLP45QN3r6I/AAAAAAAACQA/o4MjXDFvYr4/s500/Photo%25252020150112113831523.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404095.625" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><p><br>Eventually the nook will have 'rock' bean bags for lounging and reading, and it will look like the mural is coming off the wall. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Or-G3x-zDwk/VLP46lxed6I/AAAAAAAACQI/9-oFEGCAPb4/s2048/Photo%25252020150112113831751.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Or-G3x-zDwk/VLP46lxed6I/AAAAAAAACQI/9-oFEGCAPb4/s500/Photo%25252020150112113831751.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404072.0312" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p><br>And of course, the best part is...we can draw all kinds of stories on it! <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U6rBvGyUoBk/VLP59pTsJqI/AAAAAAAACQU/7WuvODDW8-A/s2048/Photo%25252020150112114435553.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U6rBvGyUoBk/VLP59pTsJqI/AAAAAAAACQU/7WuvODDW8-A/s500/Photo%25252020150112114435553.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404107.351" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V5kDBuXqTpA/VLP5-y-pO-I/AAAAAAAACQc/7b7f9EoNdwA/s2048/Photo%25252020150112114435747.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V5kDBuXqTpA/VLP5-y-pO-I/AAAAAAAACQc/7b7f9EoNdwA/s500/Photo%25252020150112114435747.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404136.005" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4JtEsJq0fxQ/VLP6AdQdC_I/AAAAAAAACQk/lUQcz9VpAyw/s2048/Photo%25252020150112114435947.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4JtEsJq0fxQ/VLP6AdQdC_I/AAAAAAAACQk/lUQcz9VpAyw/s500/Photo%25252020150112114435947.jpg" id="blogsy-1421722404135.5261" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div><p><br>Kiddo had a great time drawing and erasing, drawing and erasing, then telling me to 'Draw me a bedtime story Mommy." It was wonderful.</p><p>Then the next morning he stomped into my room demanding to know where his snowman was and why it was not a winter scene "because I want it to be winter in my room forever." If that sounds like it might have been a reasonable request, please note that it was 6:00 am, I was sleeping/nursing the baby, and it was the first I had heard of the snow requirement. And he was growling. I think my response was something equally reasonable, like "Um. No. Leave."</p><p>I guess you can't win them all. Even Kim has her critics.</p><p>-Jen <br></p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Too Honest Momshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08849712578879323937noreply@blogger.com0