Visiting Auntie Heather!

You'll all remember this post about when my best friend Heather came to visit me, well needless to say as often as possible we were together in Connecticut while I was there (we even got to go see Jerry Garcia Band without Annabella)

It really makes me miss being back home when I think about all the fun that we had and how short the whole time seemed. She's the only person I can get this excited with! This would be us eating some wonderful shepherd's pie at the El 'N Gee in New London CT. 

Here we were introduced to 'Lemonadies'  Our friend/ the amazing bartender at the gee invented them on the spot! Since I still think she should patent them I'm not gonna giveaway the secret formula but if you are ever in the area, visit the place!

As Usual Heather has a crazy cat! I actually kinda like this one, she is really cool, and some fancy breed. She was sitting like this for a while, and I couldn't help but take a picture!

Annabella loved Heather's dog, as well as the rest of my friends out there. It was almost like she instantly knew that we were home and she could chill. Well, party was more like it then chill, she loved listening to "Unkie D" and Sean play the guitar, and her and Dumpster (Heather's dog) got along great (except when Dumpster would run out of space and knock her over, but she quickly forgave him)

And out of all the CD's in the book guess which one she picked?? Phish! She takes after her Unkie D for sure!

Annabella and Dumpster were inseparable, even when we tried to separate them so that Annabella could eat, they couldn't help but want to hang out...... or maybe Dumpsters motivation was the scrambled eggs.... we'll never know for sure.

Another perk about being at Auntie Heather's were her yummy scrambled eggs! Mmmm 

 

We all enjoyed some girlie dress up time! 

Annabella tried hard to learn how to hula hoop, she's still a little small to fit, but with a little bit of Auntie's help, she'll be hooping like a pro in no time!

Another crazy picture of Heather's crazy cat! 

We had such a great time visiting with Auntie Heather, and all of my hometown friends back in New London, if you live on the east coast I encourage you to visit the town, and the towns around it! 

I'm going to School.... and some ranting

Well I did it,

Taking full advantage of Annabella's Grandfather's visit, I started the process today to enroll for a Degree in Bookkeeping. I know it doesn't sound like the most exciting career, the truth is when I looked at the classes I knew that I had already had some background knowledge in the areas that were required. Also, I have done some previous work in this area so I figured it would be a good fit,the world always need bookkeepers

I would be lying to say I'm not nervous, I have lots of forms to fill out and registration is in December, meanwhile  I'm in the process of looking for a job and new apartment because mine floods. I'm not too sure where all this money is going to come from either.

To get all my benefits I'll have to go to school full time so its a little intimidating, not to mention all the supplies that  I'm going to need (how do people go to school full time and still afford everything I guess I'm about to find out) 

Despite all the nervousness that I'm feeling, I'm excited to get back to studying, I've always been a fan of going to school and I'm looking forward to taking some classes that I'm interested in, such as Italian language and possibly some cooking classes while I'm at it. 

I really wanted to go for the Culinary program but the truth is I'm just not sure that I can meet the schedule requirements. So I think that I'm going to start with the book keeping and then go to the culinary program when Annabella is a little bit older so that I can spend this time with her.

I'm pretty nervous about the other people going to school, I know I can use this as an opportunity to make a couple new friends but I think over the years I've lost my people skills. I guess being a stay at home mom will do that to you, however if they had a toddler with them... we could probably talk yo gabba gabba

In the meantime, my sleep has been awful, partially because Annabella hasn't been sleeping through the night, partially because I'm worried about my house being flooded and partially well I'm not sure why else I can't sleep, lets just stay I have a lot on my mind right now and I'm not quite sure how to sort it all out

I know that I should be going back to my therapist, but I just don't feel like I have the time it takes me 45 min to get there, and then an hour appointment and 45 min back. And the drive isn't a nice one in the rain which it has started to do all day long out here in northern California.

Now that I've been looking for a job I find that I have no interest in sewing, which bothers me, its so hard for me to combine my crafting life a life in the regular world, I just feel like after a day of working I want to sit down and watch television, its like all my creative juices stop flowing once I enter the real world and although that bothers me I don't think that I really have much of a choice form the mundane life that the rest of the world lives.

I think that Annabella is hell bent on becoming a vegetarian, she pretty much refuses most chicken and meat and would choose something green over something covered in sugar, which I guess is good, but its been making me feel like she's not getting enough protein in her diet. Anybody have suggestions, I've been giving her beans and tofu, but I don't eat tofu often or much vegetarian food, so I'm curious on some kid friendly recipes that I can feed her that won't be too hard for me to make a lot of and then freeze.

I guess thats about it for now! Looking forward to some blogging opportunities with great giveaways that I was contacted about this week so stay tuned??

10 Great Uses for Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly has pretty much always been a part of my life (and as far as I can tell most people that I know as well) Its a product that has been around for 140 years! Now thats a product with a history! Also the price is hard to beat, especially when all you need is just a tiny amount for most tasks and that goes a LONG way! It can be used for just about everything in the house hold, from the garage, to the kitchen, the bathroom and craft room! 

1. Chapped Lips: When I was younger this was my favorite lip gloss (okay mostly because I was a bit of a butterfingers and lost expensive products so couldn't see the use in buying something that cost more) But also because after using it my lips would fell wonderful, and during the proccess they were glossy as it gets! Its simple to cut the gloss effect by blotting your lips on the back of your hand.
2. Polishing Pumpkins!: I just saw this idea on another blog, I'm sorry that I can't remember where to give credit where its due. To make your pumpkins (or other winter squash) beautiful and have a bit of a shine, wash them with some vinegar water and then rub them with a bit of petroleum Jelly so that they have a little bit of a shine, I think it probably helps to use a soft cloth
3. Hair Dying:put this on your hairline before you try to dye it, this will stop the dye from getting on your skin (this works great if you are getting your hair done before you go out for the night.) I relied on this when I would dye my hair myself because I wasn't the neatest beautician
4. Diaper Rash: I'm sure we all know this one already. It works so great though (but don't use it on cloth) When Annabella has a horrible rash; I will use Vaseline and regular diapers a few times a day and at bedtime, usually clears up in about four days.
5. Shine Leather Shoes: This is a quick and easy way to get those shoes looking good if you don't have any polish.  Another bonus is that you don't have the risk of getting black shoe polish all over the place. Also helpful if you have an off color shoe.
6. Rub a little onto your vacuum cleaner parts and they will be easier to get together and apart, I struggled for a long time, even threw out lots of attachments because they were permanently stuck together, I did this to my vacuum a year ago (I'm trying to remember to do things that need to be done yearly around Christmas so I remember) My vacuum parts have been easy to disassemble ever since
7. Do Your Guests Not respect wood: walk around the house with a soft glass and your Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and buff those horrid marks out! Of course next time I suggest coasters or maybe table cloths. Make sure the cloth is soft!
8. Squirrels bothering your bird feeder? Coat the pole in Petroleum Jelly and they won't be heading up there anytime soon after! A friend of mine uses this technique, she discovered it after lots of crazy ideas at how to ward those rodents off. This one she told me is one of the best.
9. Roller Skate Wheels: This works great when applied to the bearings of wheels, they will spin much faster and be smoother to ride on! Be careful if you do this inside and don't get the jelly on the actual wheel because this could cause for an accident as wood floors are already very slippery
10. Eye Makeup Remover: I love using Vaseline when I am super tired (okay or super drunk) because I hate to take the time to wash all my eye-makeup off. Vaseline works great to just get the products to slide right off your skin, it works especially great with waterproof products like mascara! Its great because as well as getting all the dirt off your skin, it moisturizes, I wouldn't recommended this daily because it may clog pores, but a night or two a week when you are tired or rushed isn't bad so long as you don't already have super oily skin

If you search the internet you can probably find about a hundred other uses for Vaseline, these are some of the ones that I could think of, but like I said it can be used everywhere in the house! I also found this great recipe for non-petroleum Jelly here at  frugal life (Scroll down to the bottom of the article for the recipe)

Thanks to Twittermoms for this opportunity

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Vaseline blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Shutterfly Has some great cards

As a mom, I am now, (I think) required to send out those adorable cards of my kids for holidays

Personally, I'm a fan of any cards that let me display multiple pictures of my adorable daughter. I know that since all of our family lives out east they like getting as many pictures as possible, and Its hard (and expensive) to send pictures to everybody  (especially grandparents that refuse to use computers) 

Luckily, tons of websites have cards that I can personalize, to my heart's content.

Which brings me to Shutterfly

They have tons of cards that can fit just about every occasion.

While, browsing through the possibilities I stumbled upon this little number in the

"Holiday Story Cards"

Does it get any better then that?? This is the 'Year in Pictures" Card

This is perfect because I can put all those adorable pictures of Annabella to use, and I don't have to worry if they are 'seasonal' or go out and rush to take pictures of her in a jacket while its still warm outside!

I also like this card because in addition to covering it with my daughter's faces, I can send it to anybody. I can  be politically correct and send it to all my friends because it doesn't say 'Merry Christmas'

I also love how the color scheme can be used all year round, this way my family member can put it on thier fridges and have it up year round (okay I'll probably have one on my fridge too) I'm not too big a fan of the red and green cards up till July.

The other story cards they have allow for multiple children, and have spaces to write info about what they have done throughout the years (this can make those awkward holiday phone calls a little easier because grandparents and other relatives have something to ask the kids about)

Shutterfly also has some great invitations to send out for your Christmas or other holiday parties, if you still need to mail out some for thanksgiving, now is the time to get started because its almost here (you also might want to start thinking about what pie you are going to make)

So head on over to Shutterfly to pick out  your holiday cards now and its one more thing you can check off your every growing list of 'Holiday To Do's"

I wrote this post to recieve 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly

A Visit to Greener Pastures

Lately in California, and I'm sure all over the country, people have been going broke. The comforts that used to be so easy to afford, now come with a greater price. One of those comforts is horses. There are so many costs in such a large animal. Such as boarding, vet bills, salt licks, grain, dental bills. Not including the time taken out of your day to care for the animals

One farm in Connecticut is helping Horses that are unwanted or have been neglected or uncared for. They also accept horses that are blind or other health reasons

Greener Pastures Rescue in Salem CT. was founded in 2002 by Dana Stillwell and Inge Hieret. Their goal is to  " have no  horse in Connecticut without a good home" From what I saw they are doing a great job! 

Greener Pastures does a lot with the horses after they get them. At first because the horses may be uncomfortable, they are walked often. Dana Stillwell explained to me about their training. When they train them its all about positivity! Instead of using 'no' when they do something wrong, the trainers stay silent. If the horse does the right thing they trainers use lots of positive words to tell the horses they did a good job. I really liked hearing about training horses in a new way.

Annabella loved petting all the 'dogs' 

Greener Pastures keeps a waiting list of Horses waiting to come into one of the two privately owned barns that  house the horses. They also have a list of people in the area that would like to adopt a horse themselves. These horses still live with their owners and are waiting for homes to help them.

http://www.greenerpasturesrescue.org

At the Greener Pastures website has a list of horses that need to be adopted. However its not as simple as just adopting the horse the staff over at greener pastures makes sure that the horses are going to good homes. The person is interviewed, the potential property where the horse will live is inspected for safety, and they make an assessment of whether the home is suitable for the horse and Greener Pastures. 

Once the horse is adopted, if the home doesn't seem to be working out, Greener Pastures will work with the home to try to improve the situation, if it isn't working out, Greener pastures will bring the horse back to one of their temporary barns and start the process again.

If you  can't afford a horse, (or don't know anything about them) You can still help Greener Pastures! Join the Carrot Club (for individuals or families) or the Apple Club (businesses) donating will help train, feed, care for, and place horses in good homes. 

If you live in the Northeast, check out the Greener Pastures Rescue Silent Auction on December 3rd from 6-10pm. Check out their website for more details

I want to say thank you to Dana for letting  me visit her farm, I learned so much and had a great time visiting!

Also if you live on the eat coast check out Dana's horse classified magazine (although you probably already have) 

Stead Read

Since I can't upload any pic's here is a wishlist

Great Things for under $100

I can't get any photos to upload on Blogger, 

But I know you need an update

So here's a list I've compiled of some great items for under $100, 

Most I want

a few I have

but they're all great

Vera Bradley Baby Bag: This bag has 11 count them 11 pockets! How perfect to a pocket obsessed person like myself. Vera Bradley bags are so great, and I love how they let you see what patterns are on sale for which bags. I would love one of these in just about any color! Some patterns are on sale for only $60!

3-in-1 calf fringe boot from Minnetoka: Are these not adorable?? I love how versitile they are, I' hoping to score them in the black they would look great with skinny jeans or a pair of leggings, and for under $100 on 

Moccasins.com they're a great deal for shoes you can wear three different ways. I'm a HUGE fan of the feathers!

Fisher-Price Go Baby Go! Stride-to-Ride Dino: My mom got this for Annabella on her Birthday and it was a sure winner, this is one of those toys that can distract your child when they just seem to be getting into everything! It not only is a ride on toy, but the back opens so that it can be a tool for walking as well! This toy  goes for just under $40 on Amazon, but you can also find it at your local toy store

Josie Maran Argan Mascara: I know I know $30 seems like a lot for mascara, but after seeing ingredients like 'shellac' in my mascara, I vowed to go organic for the sake of my lashes! This stuff looks amazing on my lashes, they are thick, long and not clumpy. Try it and you'll never go back 

The Ergo Backpack : This not only attaches to the Ergo, but it also is a backpack that you can use after the Ergo no longer fits your baby, I love backpacks, and this would just make my Ergo that much more convenient! I hate having to carry a diaper back around as well as my carrier, with this I could just wear add it to the Ergo! It will run you just under  $50!

Nature's Gate Sunless Tanner, : Of all the reviews that I read this seemed to be the best. I recently heard that pantyhose were a no-no. Since I'm pale and have recently rediscovered my love for dresses, I've decided I really need to learn how to use sunless tanner before winter. And it only costs about $10!!

Not for Kids Only: This tape by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman is filled with great tunes that we all know and love, as well as a few new ones that are sure to make you and your kids start singing along. I love the sounds of Jerry and David's voices as they sing these songs, they give you a warm feeling in your stomach. For under $20 this will save your car trips

Yo Gabba Gabba Live Tickets: I try not to let Annabella watch too much television but who can resist it sometimes (and since we all have our guilty television pleasures). I can't wait to take Annabella down to San Francisco to see Yo Gabba Gabba. She loves the music, and I know she will have a blast dancing with all the kids. (Also, I support any product that can help stretch a car trip)

How we're celebrating halloween with Hersey's

This year we are going to be handing out Hershey's Candy at our door and I can't wait! I love to see all the little kids in their costumes come by, and especially the creative candy. I do't like to go for the cheap generic brand because well, I DON'T want to get eggs all over my house!

I will probably be getting the pumpkins because I feel like they use more peanut butter in those.

To find out more about Hersey's Halloween candy

  www.CelebrateWithHersheys.com/Halloween

 I wrote this post for a chance to win a Hersey's Prize Pack from Mommy Bloggers club

I Love New York!

 It felt wonderful to be back on the Metro North Railroad, living in California, I feel I lost a little bit of the New Yorker that i had always embraced. On our trip back to Connecticut, I couldn't' wait to get my booty to New York. With my sister, mother, cousin Kelsey and of course my little Bella. We packed up the stroller and hopped on the train.

Kelsey and Erin were scheming up something over here but I'm not sure what

 This was Kelsey and Annabella's first trip to Grand Central Station, in my opinion one of the most amazing places in the world, so it was fun to share in the excitement of someone who had never seen the train station.

New York is filled with amazing architecture, check out this Synagouge.

This building was so sweet, check out the faces that were carved into it

I think my next house needs some faces carved into it

We even found the home of the goodburger  (sorry though, we were saving our appetites for Little Italy!)

 I knew the cupcake trend was big but not this big! A truck filled with cupcakes! Now thats some fast food!

 After some shopping on Canal Street (who could resist?) We took a left on Mulberry and we were in Italian Heaven!! The streets were filled with amazing smells, and of course hungry folks ready to eat

I'm wonding if maybe I can come up with something like this to roast my meat, maybe I can come up with a smaller model, its on a wheel and the meat spins around the fire slowly, mmm 

 Annabella loved her American Girl Bitty Baby Doll that Granny bought for her at the American Girl Doll Store in Manhattan (by the way if any of you have little girls its not to be missed) She loved the baby doll,  and was especially amazed by the eyes that opened and closed.

She was not however as pleased with this clown that came over, Of course I couldn't resist the photo op. Later we saw the poor fellow get thrown off the street.

 We had Dinner at Giovanna's in Little Italy and it was nice to sit on the street, they had the best garlic bread that we had ever eaten so I had to take a picture

I'm not sure what this guy was doing

 This nice man sang us some Frank Sinatra, which made my night!

This guy played us some wonderful accordion, but wasn't too pleased with me taking his picture

A great picture of us girls

Its been so long since we've been in the city together!!

After and amazing diner, it was back to the streets, and time for some dessert! Who better to visit then....

How does one choose?

 More meat

Corn too!

 Candy Coated strawberries!! And chocolate coated Marshmallows,!

Chicken parm, and ziti, in case you  haven't noticed food is one of the main points of this festival

We got her a shirt that says

"Mommy's little Meatball"

I of course won't leave out the main point of this festival, and thats San Gennaro

San Gennaro is the Patron Saint of Naples. He was martyred into the Faith in 305 A.D.

At the age of 15 Gennaro became a priest, he became bishop of Naples at the age of 20, During the persecution of the Christians, for a year and a half, he helped to hide is fellow Christians. While visiting a friend in Jail him and his colleagues were thrown to jail.

The legend says that he was thrown to the wild beasts in the Flavian Amphitheater, and the beasts would not eat them others say that he was thrown into a furnace and came out unburned.

Every year thousands gather at his church in Naples on December 16 (the day we celebrate his patronage to naples, September 19 (his feast day), and the first Sunday of May (to commemorate the reunification of his relics) On these days his blood  that has been kept in two sealed ampoules, turns from dried blood to liquid for the days of the feasts!

 Riding the Canal Street elevators down to the subway with a tired little baby

Down we go!!

Couldn't leave out my bfing on the subway shot!

Stay tuned folks, I'm coming up with a list of great tips for navigating a city with a little one

Also coming up:

A trip to Greener Pastures horse rescue farm

A visit to Pumpkintown!