tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71319347175534249642024-03-13T13:05:45.974-07:00Chronicles of a Knaptime KnitterKnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-79887620379914163402018-09-23T09:24:00.002-07:002018-09-24T08:25:58.068-07:00Holiday Cards & Stationary Made Easy with Basic Invite <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(This is a sponsored post with Basic Invite, but all opinions are my own)</div>
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Well, here we are again: that time of year where summer is suddenly over and we're thrown back into the back-to-school, crazy time of year routines. I don't know about you, but it snuck up on me this year. As a knitter, this change of the seasons also marks the start of my busy season, and it's been exactly that the last couple of weeks: very busy! </div>
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As my order queue fills up, I try to get ahead of my upcoming to-do list as best I can and one place making it very easy to get my ducks in a row is <a href="https://www.basicinvite.com/" target="_blank">Basic Invite</a>. Between my three kids and running an Etsy shop, we do a lot of planning. Basic Invite has all the invitations you need (over 500 designs!), from planning your spooky Halloween bash with their adorable <a href="https://www.basicinvite.com/events/scary-halloween-party-invitations.html" target="_blank">scary Halloween party invitations</a> to getting a head start on your holiday cards with the <a href="https://www.basicinvite.com/events/holiday-cards/photo-christmas-cards.html" target="_blank">online Christmas cards</a> and <a href="https://www.basicinvite.com/events/holiday-cards/holiday-cards.html" target="_blank">holiday picture cards</a>. <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
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One of my favorite features of Basic Invite is the ability to customize so thoroughly. With over 180 color choices on their large selection of designs, they also offer 40+ colors on their peel and stick envelopes and the option of glamorous foil on any stationary. I had a lot of fun customizing some stationary recently and when I received my samples they were gorgeous. </div>
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To make things even easier for you, Basic Invite has a really cool feature where you can link to social media to collect addresses from your friends and family. You can then have them printed right onto the envelope at no extra cost. It's a win-win! </div>
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Once you have a hard copy, you can then customize or change anything further and order your desired amount. I love the idea of personalized stationary for when I send a special hat package out and they really made it easy on me. I couldn't decide which design I liked best, so being able to order a sample (or three!) was really helpful. I didn't have to commit to buying a certain amount before I narrowed down which design I liked best. Honestly, I still don't know which my favorite is! <br />
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To check out the selection and find your favorite designs, head on over to <a href="https://www.basicinvite.com/events/holiday-cards/holiday-cards.html" target="_blank">Basic Invite.</a> If you use the promo code HOLI30 you'll get 30% off! And for some inspiration on designs from their team, check out the Basic Invite <a href="https://www.instagram.com/basicinvite/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> & <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/basicinvite/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</div>
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<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-63720490656138907282018-06-29T17:29:00.001-07:002018-07-01T07:29:08.614-07:00How I Self Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The last month or so has been stressful for us. I spare you the details of that annoyingly vague declaration because this post is based on positivity. Since we've had a lot of high stress situations-ok one being the baby breaking my nose and having surgery to repair it-I have been thinking a lot about slowing down and self care.<br />
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Self care is one of those topics I see a lot on social media and it is one I think is very important. Slowing down goes hand in hand with this. As a family of five, some days feel overwhelming. A lot of them do. We are in the thick of it as far as life goes. Our kids are 16 months, four and seven, and some days I am treading water just to get to bedtime. I take every spare moment to be productive and most days this is a good thing, but some days it's more important to slow down and focus on me.<br />
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Did that sound selfish? I know, it did a little. And you know what? That's ok! I don't know about you but I can usually tell when I need a break. I'll get short with the kids or annoyed at my husband for something very mundane. That's the moment I stop and indulge in a little self care. Here are some ideas for what you can do to take a moment or two for you. It doesn't have to involve a lot of money or a lot of time but maybe one a day, or more, can help you reset your mind.<br />
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1. Retail Therapy: I bet you're saying, "But Amanda, you just said this wouldn't involve a lot of money." I know. But it doesn't have to! I splurge on this jumpsuit the other day using credit I had at <a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/WBO5OB" target="_blank">ThredUp</a>. If you have $30 to spend on yourself, you can indulge in my favorite <a href="https://www.dior.com/beauty/en_us/fragrance-and-beauty/makeup/nails/manicure/pr-manicure-Y0027070-instant-french-manicure-effect-brightening-treatment.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwsdfZBRAkEiwAh2z65iIdrI_YaqrxYZl4oP2BwhUDblF_7B2PetoZh3yhbfiGIRf92RvOKxoCO3cQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">nail polish</a>, or my favorite <a href="https://theouai.com/products/volume-spray?gclid=CjwKCAjwsdfZBRAkEiwAh2z65gymqXLfcNMVLXOaA2Drwg0obKDY3fLZUGt7XjSgURABn4qywxMrERoCvAkQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">hair product</a>. To give your skin a treat, <a href="https://everydayoil.com/collections/frontpage/products/everyday-oil-mainstay-blend" target="_blank">Everyday Oil</a> will make you feel like a million bucks. Whatever it is, spoil yourself! A little luxury doesn't have to cost a fortune and you deserve it!<br />
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2. Re-read your favorite book-or magazine, or blog or whatever. I've been feeling the tug in my brain to read my fave, The Great Gatsby again so I went to the library and grabbed a copy. My copy is lost in the attic because I'm temporarily hiding my books in a safe spot until the baby stops being so destructive! But whatever it is, whatever comes to mind right away, grab it. Take ten minutes a day and read. Get lost in something that isn't the chaos that can be our lives. Sit back and enjoy it. Or better, get your bestie to read the same thing so you can chat about it too.<br />
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3. Start a gratitude journal-this doesn't have to be an official thing, don't feel like this is another commitment in your already busy day. But there is something so nice about grabbing a journal you love and a pen that writes well and jotting down things you are grateful for. It's easy to vent about what makes us mad or frustrated but what if we focused on the good? Even if it's just for ten minutes, take a few notes on what you're happy about. For me, friendship tops my list. Without my friends and support group, I really don't know what I would do. Other gratitude list toppers are the love between my babies, our health and my husband-who is the most supportive person I have ever met. <br />
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4. Exercise-go for a walk, a run, go to a yoga class at your local YMCA. Do something active. This can be hard because who actually wants to work out? Not me. If you had told me I was going to enjoy running a year ago I would have shut you down so fast. But now I crave the time I have when I go the gym, put my headphones in and run. My head gets clearer, my mind more steady and I feel good about doing something positive for my body. Plus, my kids enjoy the daycare there and get to socialize with their friends while I run. It's a win-win.<br />
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5. Grab a drink with some friends-or have your friends over for a glass of wine. Whatever it is, take time to be with your people. When I'm having a hard day or feeling overwhelmed, my go-to is to get out of the house and find my friends. If you can't get out or the schedules aren't jiving, just shoot them a text or a call. Including friends in my day is a top priority. Friends are very important to my self care.<br />
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6. Find what makes you relax and do it-whether it's a bath or a game of scrabble with your spouse. Do it! If it's grabbing your favorite coffee, go get it. Whatever it is, if you need a moment of self care, stop what you're doing and get on your relax go-to! I love a good Everyday Oil bath, so that's often my de-stresser. Maybe it's an episode of your show of the moment. Or listening to a song you love. It doesn't have to take long. Just do it.<br />
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7. Sit outside-I often go out to my yard in my favorite spot and knit or read or just sit. Just taking ten minutes outside makes me feel better.<br />
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8. Find a hobby-for me this is knitting. It's my job too but when I'm looking for self care, I work on a knitting project that is for me. Even if I get only an inch of knitting done on it, I feel good about it and enjoy the process as much as I do the final product.<br />
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Now that you know some of things I do to take a moment or two, I would love to know how you self care. I don't always get to this daily but I try to. I am a firm believer in slowing down, taking the time to heal the mind or taking time for ourselves in order to create our best selves. The laundry can wait. The dishes wait. The chaos can wait. Your well being cannot. KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-4416130280416745042018-06-10T16:42:00.001-07:002018-06-10T16:42:33.379-07:00Tips On Getting Babies to Sleep by Guest Blogger Angela of the Mommy Stories Well, it's been awhile, my friends! This poor little space is getting pretty dusty and it's time to change that. Being a mom of three has started to catch up with me. Mira is 16 months now and she's a firecracker. She climbs everything, dumps anything she can find, makes more messes than any of my kids and has been on a sleep rebellion. So I thought since I'm a walking zombie, maybe you are too. In our family, I am the strict one with kids. I have rules and I am admittedly on my kids all the time to correct behavior. It's an exhausting job! But I am terrible at the sleep part. My sister, however, is the baby sleep master. Her kids slept so early and never looked back. Over the years she's helped me get mine on track and I'm so grateful for it that I figured you'd enjoy her wisdom as well. So here it is, words to live by from my sister Angela of <a href="http://themommystories-friends.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Mommy Stories</a>:<br />
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I'm getting caught up on some old post ideas I've had and this one has
been on my brain for years to actually write and put to words. Getting a
baby to sleep through the night is the hardest thing ever. It's
something all moms talk about, all moms work toward and strive to figure
out, because well, we NEED sleep. The lack of sleep thing with a
newborn is the hardest part of parenting it feels like. I was a zombie
during that part of our lives.<br />
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I've taken years to post this, because, well, I hear so often from
parents who are in the thick of not sleeping that they just cannot do
anything to fix the problem, it is what it is, they're just dealing with
not sleeping for a year or more. They think it's normal and they feel
judged or bad mothers if you suggest anything else. I've never wanted to
judge, only teach. I want you to take this information as helpful tips
if it can be for you. No judgment at how your path has gone up until
now.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">After three children who slept
through the night at 5 weeks, 8 weeks and 9 weeks consecutively I've
learned a few things I'd like to share in hopes that it helps you teach
your little one to sleep through the night early on.</span></i></b><br />
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<i>NOTE: This post is written for new parents starting out with an
infant or parents starting out with their second, third etc. and wanting
to ensure they sleep better than the last. If you need advice on how to
help an older baby/child sleep through the night after a pattern has
already been established to not sleep please consult with your
pediatrician and a sleep specialist such as the Baby Sleep Geek in
Maine <b><u>https://thebabysleepgeek.com/.</u></b></i><br />
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<b>Sleep Philosophy</b><br />
I think it helps to start with hearing a little about where I'm coming
from in my belief and philosophy about sleep. Notice the title of this
article, "Teaching a Baby to Sleep Through the Night." I don't subscribe
to the philosophy that some babies just decide to sleep through the
night. I think it's different for all babies, yes, but for the typically
developing, healthy baby I believe you need to teach them to sleep
through the night. I think there are conscious things you can do to help
your little one sleep longer stretches early on.<br />
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To me, it's a parenting choice you need to make for your sanity and your
own health, as much as for baby's learning experience and overall
wellbeing. When I talk to parents of babies who don't sleep through the
night at 9 months, 12 months, 2 years old, there are typically things
they've done or not done to get there. That's not to place blame, in
fact it's a good thing, once you know what's not working you can work
toward fixing it to something that does work and gets all of you more
sleep. It's the same as any other situation that doesn't work for you-
exercising or being out of shape, buying fruits or not, having a clean
car or not. If it's your priority, something you're working on, it may
have a better outcome than not focusing on it.<br />
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I also believe that it's OK to want to sleep. It doesn't make you a bad
mother if you work hard to help your little one sleep - without nursing
nonstop and without putting them in your bed. If you want to do those
things, that's great, I don't judge you. But I think it's completely OK
and nurturing and wonderfully bonding to have your little one sleep
through the night and take bottles instead of needing to nurse every
hour in your bed. I think there's this shame or something for moms who
talk about needing to get that sleep, and that's just ridiculous.<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A well-rested mother is a better
mother, end of story. I think we'd all agree to that. So just give
yourself grace if you want sleep, it's normal. It is not a badge of
honor to say you're nursing nonstop and staying up with your baby. You
don't HAVE to do that to be a good mom. </span></b></i><br />
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Of course, those who do ARE great moms, and those who sleep longer
stretches are great, too, just like those who use formula are awesome
and those who nurse are, too. Everyone's experience is different.<br />
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<b>Tips for Teaching Your Baby to SLEEP: </b><br />
<i>Note: These tips are for the typically developing, healthy baby. I
realize that all babies are different and those who have an extenuating
circumstance like sickness or colic or something along those lines may
have a different challenge with sleep to address with their doctor.
Growth spurts? Do your best to keep to routine, but remind yourself it's
NORMAL for babies to eat more and need to be held more during those
times. The key here is to TRY to follow some of these suggestions and to
make better sleep a priority versus something that you expect to just
happen. </i></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Set a routine in the hospital. Feed every two hours.</b> I
learned this one by chance. When my doctor left the room the first day
after settling me in with the newborn after my c-section I asked how
often I should feed the baby. He said every 2 hours. So I did that. On
the dot. Of course, if baby was hungry sooner, that was fine, but I kept
it routine from day one every 2 hours. Regulating the feeding pattern
naturally regulates the sleeping pattern. So feed baby every 2 hours-
nursing or bottles, whatever, it works the same. If baby is sleeping
when 2 hours comes along, wake them with a diaper change and feed to
keep routine. Yes, I know you aren't supposed to wake a sleeping
baby.... but during the day all bets are off because YOU need your sleep
at night. If you feed a baby every two hours during the day, you get
more sleep at night because baby is fuller during the day and not as
ravenous when he wakes up later. Feeding every two hours I kept up with
the same ounces also. Nursing or bottles, this works the same. </li>
<li><b>Start early… </b>I start helping my babies sleep better in the
first few days of life by feeding them on a routine… that leads to
sleeping on routine. But at least by 6 weeks, you should be thinking
about teaching them to sleep. It won't be perfect, it won't be succinct,
but you HAVE to work toward a routine. It doesn't just happen. I
believe we need to teach babies to sleep, just like we teach them to
walk and to use a spoon at breakfast. Help them by setting the scene and
routine early on. </li>
<li><b>Keep to the schedule. </b>Schedule with a newborn? haha Yeah
right! I know, I get it. It's not always on cue with a newborn. Butttt
the more you stick to feeding on a routine, then sleeping happens on a
routine. So make your #1 priority be that you are feeding on a routine.
This means you schedule play dates and doctors appointments and things
around the feeding routine as MUCH as possible. Not always possible, of
course, but do your best. It means you wait to go to Target until you
know you can feed baby first and then go, and then shop and change
diaper in the parking lot and then nurse in your car so you're on
routine. Think of it like your job right now is to keep this baby fed,
healthy and happy- which includes sleep, too. It's OK to let other
things go by the wayside. </li>
<li><b>Don't pick up right away.</b> If baby wakes in the night, don't
pick her up immediately. I know that is your instinct, but sometimes
babies wake up. That's normal. They don't always need something. Shush
them, rub their face, re-wrap the swaddle around their body from the
bassinet, but don't pick up if they aren't really crying. </li>
<li><b>Don't offer food right away. </b>Sometimes they just need to be
held upright to get a burp out. Sometimes it's a wet diaper. Other times
their sock fell off and they are cold. Don't instantly go for more
food. Yes, of course many times it's food in the beginning, particularly
through a growth spurt, but don't always immediately think that. Try a
pacifier. Try shushing to sleep on your shoulder. My kids were very
routine with eating because I set it up that way from day one in the
hospital- feeding every two hours, so when baby was crying at 45 minutes
to an hour after I fed them, I knew it was not food they needed so I'd
help them fall asleep. IF baby is hungry, of course feed them. But don't
always rely on that being the case. </li>
<li><b>Dream feed at 10-12 at night to fill up, and make it a bottle. </b>This
is a big one that helped us. Staying up later at night in those first
few weeks and waking baby to feed him before you go to sleep at 11 or 12
at night helps you to get longer stretches during the time you'd be
going to bed. Babies don't go to bed at 7 at night or even 9 at night,
if you do that they will be up in a few hours. Of course, my babies
would fall asleep by 8ish at night and then we'd just wake them with a
diaper change and a bottle. Bottles fill them up longer than nursing, so
this last feed at night I pump and Dad fed a bottle. Then we'd all go
to bed at midnight to get in a few hours during our normal sleep
pattern. This worked great. </li>
<li><b>Start bottles and pacifiers in week one for soothing and filling baby up more.</b>
Pacifiers are a must in my opinion. Babies need to suck and soothe.
They do NOT need to use you or a bottle for that purpose. We used a
bottle by 5 days old with every child of ours. Two of the three nursed
perfectly, one never nursed to begin with. Same with don't always go for
offering food, sometimes baby is just fussy and needs soothing instead
of more food, so give a pacifier. Waiting to use bottles until the week
before you return to work after maternity leave is a BAD idea. Many,
many moms and babies struggle with this, I see comments about it all the
time in our Facebook group. Avoid that by using these tools early on
before baby has a chance to get confused by them. If it's all baby knows
from the beginning, they won't be confused or bothered by using any
option- breast, bottle, pacifier. </li>
<li><b>Bottles from 12-4 am only. </b>No nursing during this time.
Bottles fill babies longer, three kids and that's our experience.
Talking to other moms who use bottles, this was the case for them also.
This also avoids the case where you nurse at 1 a.m. and baby is sleepy
in the dark setting and doesn't nurse on the second side so isn't full
and so needs to nurse a half hour later. Nope... bottles only so they
fill up and get back to sleep. </li>
<li><b>Teach them where they will sleep. Lay baby down for at least one
nap a day in the place where you want baby to sleep at night… bassinet,
crib, etc.</b> NOT just swings or rock and plays, etc. IF you want baby
to sleep in the bassinet in your room at night, you need to teach them
it's a good place to sleep during waking hours where they can see in the
light. If you are moving from bassinet to the crib in the next room,
then during the day put baby in the crib to lay around awake while you
fold laundry or put them down for a nap in there - even after they've
fallen asleep in the swing move them to the crib for example. It's about
comfort and teaching them this new place to sleep. I held my newborns
while sleeping multiple times a day just because they grow so fast and
it was so sweet. My routine idea doesn't suggest you don't hold your
babies. It's just that you need to try at least a few times a day to
help them sleep where they will sleep when older, in a setting they will
sleep in when you return to work, for example. </li>
<li><b>Keep the sleep routine short and simple.</b> I've heard of people
having these elaborate sleep routines, like bath, lotion, nurse, rock,
song, music, massage, etc. It sounds lovely, but it's too long and not
something anyone can duplicate. Make your sleep routine simple,
something that anyone can step in and recreate - in case you want a
night out and Dad's in charge or you are heading to a wedding and
grandparents step in, or perhaps you go back to work and daycare
provider needs to repeat this routine. Make it easy, only 1-3 steps, and
less than 10 minutes long, 5 is ideal. I know this sounds harsh... but
you won't only have this one child typically, and when second child
comes along it'll be hard to keep this up. So stick to pajamas and
diaper change, rocking while singing a song, and into bed or something
along those lines. </li>
<li><b>Don't start anything you can't finish or continue as part of the sleep routine.</b>
This involves things like the rock and play - babies grow out of these
quickly and then are used to rocking to fall asleep so struggle in cribs
I've heard. I had a friend who was going to give me one of these for
baby #3 and I refused it, afraid we'd create a habit we couldn't break. I
never swaddled my kids for sleep, because I'd heard WAY too many
stories of babies outgrowing swaddles around 5 months old and freaking
out crying and not sleeping when they weren't swaddled since they were
so used to it. I avoided this altogether, mostly because baby #1 taught
me he didn't like his arms in the swaddle, and then purposely with kids 2
and 3. We'd swaddle their body tightly but keep their arms out so they
were used to that part. Be conscious about your sleep aids and routine-
if you can't continue it past only a few months, don't start it. It's
one less thing to deal with. </li>
<li><b>Night time is NOT play time</b>… don't talk, don't turn on
lights, move swiftly and quietly when doing a diaper change and getting a
bottle out or when nursing. Day time is for lights and playing. I'd put
the hallway light on, not the baby's room light on. I'd rock in the
dark to nurse or bottle feed. I'd pick baby up crying and shush them and
whisper that it was ok, that I was here, but no cooing and talking
after that. Keep it a quiet setting so they can easily fall back
asleep. </li>
<li><b>Have help, let dad in on the process too. You don't have to do it all in the night.</b>
NO way! This is another reason I use bottles in the night. It's OK to
want some sleep yourself. You don't have to be the ONLY one helping your
baby. Teach your partner whatever you are doing with your routine so
that you aren't the only one who has to always do it. Start by showing
them during the day for naps. </li>
<li><b>Noisemaker - these are must haves. </b>They make noises like in
the womb that are comforting for baby. They block out your own noises of
snoring and moving side to side in your bed, or a cough that could wake
baby. These are great. </li>
<li><b>Think basic needs:</b> are they cold? is there light in their
face? is it too dark? too noisy, not noisy enough? diaper change? need
to burp? take care of these things for a happier baby to sleep. Do these
things when baby wakes and before putting baby to bed. Diaper changes
in the middle of the night - YES. I know some people don't do this, but
you can do a diaper in less than a minute if you need to to keep baby
sleepy. It'll help them sleep longer if you give them a fresh diaper,
then feed. It'll also wake baby to be alert to feed appropriately so
they get filled up longer before you put them to bed again. </li>
<li><b>Don't let all naps be in car seat or driving around with motion. </b>Yes,
these are great places for sleep, my babies slept wonderfully in the
swing and in the car. BUT it should not be your go-to. If baby falls
asleep while nursing, then swaddle and put into the crib once a day so
he wakes up there. If baby falls asleep in the swing, great! But go over
and shut off the motion of the swing after a few minutes. If you know
baby typically sleeps at this time or that, don't go out in the car,
stay put so she can learn to sleep in her bassinet. </li>
<li><b>Don't take the easy way out.</b> It's so much easier to never
think about sleep and to just go through the motions letting baby sleep
all day long in the crib for hours and to just nurse every time you hear
a fuss from the baby. It's so much easier to whip out your breast than
it is to pump a bottle in the night. I get that... but long term that's
not easier, it's not helpful for you. It's harder to think it out, be
proactive planning ahead and teaching your baby when you're so freaking
tired already. I get that... but it's hard for about two months maybe
versus the long term hard of not sleeping through the night for over a
year.... think of it that way. </li>
<li><b>Put to sleep groggy, but not asleep. </b>This comes with time,
usually after the six weeks mark. It's really good to help put baby into
bed before she's asleep so she gets used to falling asleep. Babies wake
a zillion times a night, it's normal for them. So to help them fall
asleep on their own in the night, you need to help them fall asleep
during the day too. So feed them, burp and rock, and quickly put into
bed, with music and noisemaker if you wish. Let them stay there. In the
beginning they may not fall asleep, but they get used to this and it's
good for them to learn. </li>
<li><b>Go longer stretches without feeding when they get a little bigger.</b>
After about the 6-8 week mark, give or take, you can start to eliminate
those 2-4 am feedings by doing a diaper change, shushing them to sleep,
rocking, or decreasing the amount of food they get. This only works for
a healthy baby who's back above birth weight and when you know they
aren't needing to be fed just tired from waking up too soon. Never
prevent a hungry baby from eating, of course! Just be more conscious as
they grow bigger- do they really need to eat or is this just fussy
crying from waking up a little too early? </li>
</ul>
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<b>Getting Your Zzzzzzs</b></div>
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Of course in the beginning you're doing all you can and juggling too
many things, including your hormones. If you use the swing more or you
nurse more or hold baby to sleep more - it's OK! My second fell asleep
to her bottle every single night for months and months, probably like 9
months old we were doing that as our routine, it just happened she'd
fall asleep. It's OK! Just do your best to set up a routine that works
and to be more conscious about teaching your baby to learn this skill of
sleeping through the night.<br />
<br />
It may sound harsh or strict or too routine for a newborn... but it's
the same thing as going to take your child for immunization shots or
teaching them to potty train or reminding them not to use bad words. YOU
have to teach them, and then you have to be consistent in that routine
so they learn it. It's NOT something that just happens.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">You have to make a conscious
effort those first two months especially to help your baby sleep, to get
him on a routine so that he's able to sleep better and so you get the
rest you need. </span></b></i><br />
<br />
Think of anything else in your life - at work, with your family, with
your other children - if you do something haphazardly, randomly, not
planned and then all of a sudden six months later (typically when most
parents are losing their mind from lack of sleep and desperately want
their kid to stop waking up in the night) you decide it's time to change
it up and force them to sleep and even make them cry it out... how's
that going to go for you? How's that going to go for your baby?<br />
<br />
I've not had to cry it out a single day with any of my children. I
understand why some have to do this, but it's not ideal for me. If you
can avoid it by teaching your child, by YOU being consistent and planned
and more thoughtful from the start, that's ideal for you and baby
versus crying - both of you crying typically through that process. It
just takes effort, patience and thought. I do not suggest these things
lightly. I know they take time and a lot of effort during a time where
you are sooooo exhausted and can barely pour your coffee. I get that. So
enlist help, talk to a friend, get your partner on board to assist you.
If you do this, you have a couple of tough weeks or months of lack of
sleep and putting in more effort - versus a year or two of NO sleep....
pick your battle here.<br />
<br />
Yes, it's more effort at first, it'll feel exhausting thinking this
much.... but it's worth it in the end. I swear. I'm one of those people
who needs sleep to be a good mom. I rest daily on the weekends even for
20 minutes to lay down and close my eyes. I'm not patient otherwise.
It's OK to recognize this in yourself. Helping your baby sleep helps
you, too, momma, and that's a good thing.<br />
<br />
Happy resting! :)<br />
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KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-30524808108474144032018-01-16T11:28:00.000-08:002018-01-16T11:28:06.624-08:00Make Your Own Orange Garland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the past two years, I had a list of things and projects I wanted to do with the kids around the holidays. You can probably relate when I tell you: we didn't get to all of them. We really really wanted to make an orange garland. The simplicity of these is what drew me to them. When hung in a window they give off the most beautiful pop of color and I really can't get enough of them!<br />
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Christmas came and went and we still hadn't gotten made our garland. One afternoon-on a day I could tell the kids needed an uplifting project or the witching hour would last all day-we decided there was no reason these had to be a holiday project! We can make orange garlands all year long! So we got to work and oh-my-goodness, we are hooked!<br />
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I posted our finished product on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BdlwGgIlnyD/?taken-by=knaptimeknitter" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and got some questions on how we made it so I figured this how-to may be helpful if you're thinking of making one (or three). It's really very easy.<br />
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<b>All you need is:</b><br />
<b>-oranges! I found when they were cold they were easier to slice</b><br />
<b>-twine, string, bakers thread, anything to use for the base</b><br />
<b>-a darning needle (I used one from my knitting bag, any needle you can fit your string through so you can easily thread through the dried oranges)</b><br />
<b>-your oven </b><br />
<b>-a baking sheet</b><br />
<b>-tin foil or parchment paper</b><br />
<b>-paper towels </b><br />
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Start by preheating the oven to 250 degrees. I lined my cookie sheet with tin foil but this was a precaution. If you start this project and realize you don't have any on hand, I bet it would work without it. Slice up your oranges. I used two oranges for one garland. It's better to make too many than not have enough because you'll likely end up with a few burned ones you will toss. I believe I used four oranges total, and I made two garlands.<br />
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*Just in case you're not sure what a darning needle is, you can <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lion-Brand-Yarn-400-5-5002-Large-Eye/dp/B0021GN2BA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516130342&sr=8-1&keywords=darning+needle" target="_blank">find them here</a>. I have tons of them because of knitting, but you just need one. Walmart, AC Moore, any craft store, will have them too. <br />
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You'll want to grab a paper towel and pat them dry on both sides. The more dry you get them, the less time they'll take. Once you line them on the pan, just pop them in the oven and enjoy as your home fills with the most wonderful aroma! Check on them every so often, but mine took about two hours to dry the way I wanted them. Honestly, I took them out a tiny bit early for fear of burning them but they have been strung up for weeks now and they're still perfect. I had about three slices I had to toss because they were darker than I wanted, but other than that, they came out perfect!<br />
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To make this project even more frugal, be sure to toss your orange remnants in a jar and fill it will vinegar. I do this to make my all purpose cleaner. More about that can be found on <a href="https://chroniclesofaknaptimeknitter.blogspot.com/search/label/diy%20orange%20cleaner?max-results=5" target="_blank">this post</a>. <br />
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Once they're dried and cooled (I let them cool overnight but that's only because I got side tracked), I grabbed some baker's twine I had kicking around and weaved a darning needle through the top. There really isn't an art to this. Any way you choose to get the string through is fine! You could even poke a hole with a knife and string it in that way. For these garlands, I simply inserted the threaded needle into the front, pulled through the back and then poked it back through the front. It's ok if it's not exact. That's the beauty of this project! Imperfections are totally ok. <br />
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We enjoyed this project so much, we hung one garland over our kitchen sink and another in our bedroom. Where will you hang yours? </div>
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I hope you enjoyed this little DIY project as much as we did! If you do make one and post on Instagram, I'd love to see it! Simply tag me @KnaptimeKnitter. I can't wait to see! </div>
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KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-53111236330143019802017-11-17T13:38:00.000-08:002017-11-17T13:39:22.843-08:00Crooked By Design in Simply Saratoga Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so excited about this. Recently I had the honor of being interviewed by Simply Saratoga Magazine for their holiday issue. The awesome free publication featured local shops and local Etsy makers, and I'm absolutely thrilled to have been a part of it.<br />
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If you're local to the Saratoga, NY area, you can grab a free copy at most grocery stores, or if you are impatient like me, you can check out this <a href="http://saratogatodaynewspaper.com/index.php/our-publications/simply-saratoga">online copy</a>.<br />
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It does mention it in the article, but I figured I'd give the deets here too about where you find Crooked By Design locally this holiday season. My amazingly talented friend Michelle, owner of<a href="http://www.stellasny.com/"> Stella's Salon</a> in Schuylerville, NY has hats available, along with scrunchies and cowls. If you're in Saratoga, NY, you can stop by <a href="http://www.cuddlebugsconsignment.com/">Cuddle Bugs Consignment </a>and pick up some hats and bonnets. If you're a store front who'd be interested in carrying <a href="http://www.crookedbydesign.etsy.com/">Crooked By Design</a>, please give a shout! I'd love to work with you.<br />
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<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-15938808696803579752017-08-26T16:31:00.000-07:002017-08-26T16:38:05.970-07:00Beauty Bag-Part 1Anyone else out there love taking a peek inside other people's beauty bags? I do. I love seeing what other people are using and what they like and don't like about it. If you're like me and have sensitive skin, this can be tricky. I often buy things and then realize I'm either allergic to it or it just isn't what my skin needs. My younger sister gets a great deal from this because I've probably supplied her enough toiletries to last the next couple of years.<br />
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After trying a bunch of different things, I have finally found a few things I cannot live without and that feels like a small victory! Are you wondering why this post is in two parts? I'm not trying to be mysterious. But I figured I would do skin/body and a separate one for hair. I hope that's ok with you.<br />
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Ok ok, so here they are. The things I can't live without.<br />
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1. Eyebrow pencil. This is actually a new thing for me. It had literally never occurred to me to pencil in my eyebrows but when I discovered this concept, I haven't gone back. <a href="https://www.target.com/p/sonia-kashuk-174-brow-definer/-/A-14111662#lnk=sametab&preselect=12407303">This one from Target</a> was the first I tried and it was so good I never tried another. I use the Taupe one for my skin tone.<br />
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2. A pen eyeliner. I do cat eye a lot to hide how tired I am (more on this in a moment) and a good eye liner is key. I have tried pencils, liquid and a pen kind and find the pen one works the best. I am not too picky on the brand of this, but I use black usually. Sometimes I get a Physicians Formula one in brown tones but lately my go-to has been <a href="https://www.target.com/p/neutrogena-nourishing-eye-liner/-/A-15658599#lnk=sametab&preselect=11853639&sneakTo=15658599">this one by Neutrogena</a>.<br />
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3. Everyday Oil. You guys, I had never know such an amazing product existed and it I love it so much it makes me regret all those products I have bough over the years and not liked. If only I had discovered this sooner! <a href="https://www.target.com/p/neutrogena-nourishing-eye-liner/-/A-15658599#lnk=sametab&preselect=11853639&sneakTo=15658599">Everyday Oil</a> is made in small batches so it sells out a lot. You can <a href="https://shopeverydayoil.com/pages/how-why-to-use">read all about it on their site</a> but it cleanses, moisturizes, helps your hair and balances your skin. It can help with UV damage and repels bugs. And the smell. It smells so good. I've been using it for a couple weeks now and have reduced the need for foundation to even out my skin. I use it at night before bed and in the morning after my shower. I can't say enough good about it. I use it on my face, and all over my body. I get the post partum "chicken skin" and this oil has helped clear that up. Put it on your face, lather it on your post partum belly, put it on your dry ends. Just cover yourself in it. You'll be happy you did. <br />
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4. Burt's Bees. For my lips, I rarely use color and usually stick to <a href="https://www.burtsbees.com/product/beeswax-lip-balm/11099-00-1.html#navlvl=4&gclid=CjwKCAjwuITNBRBFEiwA9N9YEJu3ge7viL38n2Q0gDITnD0CIP39xYy9Wry9nQEkjkuS5OwYRLAlPxoC_GsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&start=1">plain old original Burt's Bees</a>. Because I'm always kissing Mira's cheeks, I like to use something that won't leave kissy marks all over her face. Wouldn't want to embarrass her!<br />
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5. Mascara. I am not often seen sans mascara since I have very boring lashes (my kids have the best ones, they come from their dad). Finding a mascara I like that doesn't bother my eyes has been challenging but at last I did it, thanks to a sample from Ulta. I tried <a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-lights-camera-lashes-mascara?gclid=CjwKCAjwuITNBRBFEiwA9N9YEIUGjreuPrUK18q_YBbwXJ7-VM-5_dcCNhPuxjQ7zFEHi6ndJ32YThoC994QAvD_BwE">Tart's Lights Camera Lashes</a> when it came with an eyelash curler I picked up (admittedly I don't use it often) and it's one I will buy when I run out. It doesn't clump and it's easy to remove which is key for me because I can't stand a stubborn mascara. I want it there when I want it but gone when I'm ready. This one really did exactly what I was looking for.<br />
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6. Under Eye Color Corrector. Ok, this is a biggie for any moms out there. I am very sleep deprived and it always shows in my eyes. I really enjoyed Bare Minerals Well Rested but it is expensive, so I thought I'd try something else. The first time I used <a href="http://www.ulta.com/dark-circle-concealer?productId=xlsImpprod6380147">NYX Color Corrector</a> I was hooked. It doesn't do anything to fix the problem (if it could get my kids to sleep more that'd be great) but it does mask the bluish tones of tired eyes. Oh, and it's super cheap too.<br />
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Do you have a product you recommend? Let me know! And stay tuned for part two of this that is all about hair. I'll even have a little photo tour of the salon I use and am obsessed with. It's such a gorgeous space and I can't wait to show you!<br />
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Until next time, be sure to follow on Instagram and say hello <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knaptimeknitter">@KnaptimeKnitter</a>! KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-22930347379103544662017-05-16T13:02:00.000-07:002017-05-16T13:02:33.090-07:005 Ways to Make & Save Money This MonthNow that we are a family of five plus two dogs, I am always looking
for more ways to save money and cut costs. We are working the Dave
Ramsey baby steps (though I admit I've been lazy with it lately) and
every little bit helps towards the ultimate goal of paying off those
pesky student loans.<br />
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I
do a lot of things throughout the month to cut down on expenses and
save money, but here are just a few of the things I have done so far the
past couple weeks (and my apologies that this is a long one):<br />
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1. <b>Purge the house of clutter!</b>
Whether you're looking to donate items, toss them or sell, this feels
so good once it's done. The process is daunting, but by tackling one
room or space at a time you can really start to feel the progress. One
effective things to do is to take everything out of a room and enjoy the
empty. You're probably less likely to fill it right back up once you've
seen the calm of an empty and clean space. I suggest starting with a
closet, yours or a kid's. Be sure to order a <a href="https://www.thredup.com/p/cleanout">ThredUp Clean Out Kit </a>and fill it up with quality clothing items you're done with. Since I began sending items into <a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/RVOT1T">ThredUp</a>,
I've made $342.43! If it doesn't fit, isn't worn, or you just plain
don't like it, get rid of it. You can consign with a local consignment
shop, send into ThredUp, have a yard sale, post on Instagram or a
Facebook group. Or there is always eBay. Whatever avenue you take,
you'll be amazed at how much you can make on items you aren't using. And
it will feel so good to have a clutter free space.<br />
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2. <b>Start a Coin Jar:</b>
this might sound odd, I know. But we recently started a family coin jar
and everyone puts their loose change in. The kids have the option of
adding their pennies and coins to it if they want but they don't have
to. We told them that when the jar is full we will roll the coins (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006J36V8M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">with an awesome coin roller</a>)
and when we eventually save enough money we will take a trip to Disney.
This has worked as motivation in so many ways. It gets us to use cash
instead of the debit card (that always makes me watch my purchases more)
because we look forward to the change. The kids are less likely to ask
for things at the store because I keep reminding them of the jar.
Everyone is working towards a common goal and it makes us stop and think
about our purchases and also motivates us to literally save our
pennies. Just the other day my kids stacked wood for their Papa and
were paid in coins and you would have thought it was Christmas morning
they were so filled with excitement. <br />
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3. <b>Join iRazoo:</b> I know what you're thinking. Another survey company, come on, Amanda! But <a href="http://www.irazoo.com/">iRazoo</a>
is different. The idea is basically the same, do some surveys, earn
some points, get a reward. In their case, you can earn gift cards to
Amazon, Target, Home Depot and so many more places. This obviously cuts
down your household expenses but also passes the time if you're waiting
at school pickup, pumping or nursing, at the doctor's office and there
is a long wait, waiting for a flight, you name it! Do a quick five
minute survey, rack up some points and boom! You're on your way to a
gift card. They also have a great <a href="http://kawrbz/">Refer a Friend</a>
program where you can score some major points and get even closer to
your rewards goal. They are very user friendly, have a excellent help
team and don't have a million pop-ups attacking you as you're trying to
earn your points. So next time you're aimlessly scrolling Facebook, do a
survey instead and you'll really be making your time worthwhile. <br />
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<img alt="Image result for irazoo" class="irc_mut iRPMDZuamuNE-HwpH6ZlgJaI" height="136" 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" 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4. <b>Join Stitch-Fix:</b> Ok, this one I bet you're really thinking "you want me to shop to save money?" but hear me out! I get a <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/6790902?sod=w&som=c">Stitch-Fix </a>box
every quarter and I look forward to it so much, it actually helps me
not to shop in between fixes. Knowing there is a fun, surprise, hand
picked box of great quality items headed my way makes me empty my Target
cart of wardrobe purchases I'll likely get sick of in ten minutes. New
to Stitch-Fix? Not a problem! Here's the run down: you make a style
profile, tell your stylist a bit about yourself and what you like and
more importantly, what you grossly dislike. You can provide them with
your <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/amandamccarty45/">Pinterest</a> where you can have a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/amandamccarty45/style/">style board</a> and also your <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knaptimeknitter">Instagram</a>
so they can get a sense of who you are and what you like. This helps a
ton when they are picking things out for you. A stay at home mom like me
doesn't need work pants and blazers, so they don't send that to me. I
recently asked for my box to be nursing friendly and was so happy with
what they sent. I also learned a couple weeks ago that their customer
service is great. I get really excited when my box is set to arrive and I
was disappointed when I received a box with a personalized letter to
Teresa, not me! It was all my size so I tried it on anyway and ended up
buying <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTmzfrbFpzu/?taken-by=knaptimeknitter">a cardigan</a>
from it so it turned out ok. They sent me a new box and credited my
account the style fee and they were wonderful about the mix up. But be
careful here. Don't just buy the items because they're in your hand. Try
them on, feel them. Keep what you absolutely love and what has a place
in your wardrobe. And if you happen to love all five items, you get a
25% off discount. What are you waiting for? Go <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/6790902?sod=w&som=c&str=15343">make your style profile</a> now! <br />
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<img alt="Image result for stitch fix" class="rg_ic rg_i" data-sz="f" name="PeJ6KFNWzifbuM:" src="data:image/png;base64,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" style="height: 173px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 292px;" /><br />
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5. <b>Ask Other Moms:</b>
As a general rule thumb, if there is a baby item I need, I usually ask
my mom friends, mom group or consignment shop before buying new.
Especially with this being my last baby, I don't want to spend a fortune
on things. I recently bought a new stroller at Target and didn't like
that it wasn't a system with my car seat so I asked my mom group if
anyone was selling one and immediately found one. I got a great deal on a
barely used stroller and another mom got some cash in her pocket. Now
I'll be selling the original one I had so the circle continues! My
sister is so good at consignment sales, she's like a thrifting goddess.
But here is where it gets tricky-do not, I repeat DO NOT just buy all
the second hand things because they are good deals. Don't do it. If you
don't need it, or already have it (you don't need seven baby plat mats)
just put it back. A deal doesn't mean you have to have it. Someone else
will need it and scoop it up. You aren't looking for clutter or bad
quality. You're looking for the same item you'd buy at Target only at a
discount and from another family who will benefit more from your
purchase. And to go back to number one on this list, when you're done
with it, especially baby gear, sell it. It's a win win.<br />
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follow on Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knaptimeknitter">@KnaptimeKnitter</a> too! KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-54133541388359457672017-04-28T17:48:00.000-07:002017-04-28T17:48:27.999-07:00I'm Back, Baby! (Like, literally, I had another baby)...Hello, my friends! I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything over here but I promise, I have a good reason. In February we welcomed our third baby, a 9 lb 2 oz bundle of snug named Mira Jolene. If you're following on Instagram (<a href="http://www.instagram.com/knaptimeknitter">@KnaptimeKnitter</a> if you're not and you want to-you totally want to) then you've likely seen my baby spamming...<br />
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A lot of people ask me about transitioning to three babies. So here's my breakdown: zero to one is the hardest ever. One to two, you learn you can juggle, and that's a necessary skill. And then two to three, for us at least, has been the easiest transition. Mira is a very patient and wonderful baby, and she has taught us all to be more patient too. I think also, as we have more kids, we get more confident in what we are doing and that helps a lot. Seriously, you're doing amazing. Keep doing it. <br />
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Mira slid right into our family in such a way that we can't remember being without her. I know that is said for all babies, but I found this to be the easiest one. She's our last baby so I can't speak to any more than three.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETdm2lMJo0A/WQPcNBGJmPI/AAAAAAAACK0/VGWSFFUi6FUsZO2jR7rqDR1pHG7XsV5TgCLcB/s1600/bonnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETdm2lMJo0A/WQPcNBGJmPI/AAAAAAAACK0/VGWSFFUi6FUsZO2jR7rqDR1pHG7XsV5TgCLcB/s400/bonnet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, don't get me wrong here. It is hard. It is very very hard. We are a military family, and where I am thankful we don't lose my husband to deployments (not yet anyway), he is often traveling for work or at military schooling. That leaves me grossly outnumbered a lot. My juggling skills come in very handy these days! To all you moms out there with one kid, or 10 kids, I'm thinking of you as I'm walking around with bags under my eyes, chugging coffee, wondering how I'm going to make it to bedtime. No matter how many babies you have, one thing remains the same: it's worth it, all this hard work and fatigue. Because they are just amazing.<br />
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I get asked a lot of questions (which, honestly, makes me feel honored because I'm still learning my way around this mom thing), so if you have a question, please feel free to email me! Just fill out the Contact Me info and leave me a message. I love hearing from you and I'll do my best to answer them for you. oh, and don't forget to add yourself to the email and/or follow the blog so you'll know when I have a new post up. I promise you, I won't let months go by. But I also won't spam you. A happy medium, perhaps?<br />
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<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-40414079029485479422016-09-13T07:45:00.000-07:002016-09-13T07:45:27.027-07:00Target Beauty Box (Who Knew?)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, I was visiting a friend of ours and sitting at her kitchen counter I saw a fancy looking black box with a Target label on it. I had to open it! There it was, a box filled with all sorts of fun beauty products in both sample and full sized packaging. I asked her what the heck this cool thing was and she told me about Target Beauty Box.</div>
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So here's how it works. Target puts out a Beauty Box each month and it's just $10 and free shipping, available online only. Pictured above is the September box (photo is from the <a href="http://www.target.com/p/target-september-beauty-box/-/A-51264864">Target website</a>), and the first one I had the excitement of getting. I was really happy to see it included sample and full sized items and from what I've tried so far, the products have been great. My favorite so far (I haven't tried them all yet) is the Biore face wash. My pores are very happy.</div>
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Something I really liked about this beauty box in comparison to others that are available out there is you don't need to subscribe to anything. Each month they will email you letting you know the new box is available and you can see what's in it and decide if you want to order or not. </div>
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So to sum up, here's my experience:</div>
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<b>The cons</b>: it isn't available all month (this September one is unavailable now). Jump on it if you want it when it comes out! Also, the lipstick was way too dark for me, but that's more personal preference so I only count this as a partial con.</div>
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<b>The pros</b>: A fun way to try new products at a great price, and no pressure to buy it every month because it isn't a subscription. </div>
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All the details on this month's box and where find them is <a href="http://www.target.com/p/target-september-beauty-box/-/A-51264864">here</a>. I will definitely be ordering again next month. </div>
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**this post is not at all sponsored by Target and all opinions are my own based on my experience**</div>
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KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-71498180936725780902016-04-13T06:32:00.001-07:002016-04-13T06:32:44.990-07:00Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Free Coloring Pages<img alt="" height="220" src="http://www.pbs.org/parents/daniel/files/2012/03/danieltiger-banner-img.png" width="640" /><br />
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My daughter is a Daniel Tiger fanatic. She recently got into coloring and asked for a "Tigey coloring" so I looked around and couldn't find any. I eventually saw some on Amazon but they were expensive so I decided printable would be just the thing we needed.<br />
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If you head on over to <a href="http://www.pbskids.org/">PBS Kids</a> you'll find a bunch of fun coloring pages that you can print for free. Best part is you don't have to download anything, you just <a href="http://pbskids.org/daniel/coloring/printables.html">print right from the page</a>.<br />
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While you're on PBS, be sure to check all the other cool things they offer. My son enjoys the games they have, there's loads of coloring pages, videos, and a place with information for the parents, too. <a href="http://www.pbs.org/parents/">The PBS Parents Page</a> is really helpful, filled with meal ideas, milestone information, birthday ideas and so much more. </div>
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To hang with us some more, be sure to subscribe to have blog posts emailed to you, and follow on Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knaptimeknitter">@KnaptimeKnitter.</a> </div>
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KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-71598965607700981412016-04-06T18:10:00.002-07:002016-04-07T06:46:09.271-07:00Our Road Trip EssentialsLately it seems we have been in the car every single weekend and our calendar doesn't seem to be slowing down. Our families are both four hours away in opposite directions, so we travel a lot to visit friends and family.<br />
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The past few weekends we have gone away on weekend trips, one to Maine and one to Boston have learned from past mistakes and successes that we need a plan and a checklist when traveling. Here are some of our essentials when hitting the road.<br />
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(York, ME)</div>
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1.<b> Snacks</b>-do not leave the house without snacks, even if you're traveling alone. Being gluten-free, this is especially important. Some of my go-to travel snacks include:<br />
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-cheese & gf crackers</div>
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-veggies like carrots, cucumbers and celery</div>
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-apples and peanut butter </div>
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-cheese sticks</div>
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-rice cakes</div>
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-grapes & other fruits</div>
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2. <b>Water</b>-pack a bunch of water. We use Nalgene bottles and I pack one for each of us. This saves so much money and prevents a million stops when people get thirsty.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iK0o3UShHrw/VwWueI2VSII/AAAAAAAACAU/ARCsBVBW1WsehGN1Ja7t_jpwnXDeAL_DQ/s1600/IMG_5303.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iK0o3UShHrw/VwWueI2VSII/AAAAAAAACAU/ARCsBVBW1WsehGN1Ja7t_jpwnXDeAL_DQ/s400/IMG_5303.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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(Freshly out of a 3 1/2 hour car ride to Boston)</div>
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3.<b> Music</b>-I don't know about you, but music is a must for me. We do audio books sometimes too, but I like music and I like variety. As you can see by my <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/amccarty45/playlist/3mYWAYBgRMC36DpqLKZ9Su">Spotify Playlist</a>, I enjoy variety maybe a little too much, but songs that are throwbacks for you, good sing alongs, or just that song that you hear and think, "wow! I'm so happy this song came on!" are songs you should add to your list. <br />
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My playlist is a collection of some of my old faves and nostalgic songs, mixed in with a few newer ones that I've been enjoying. Yes, you'll find Underoath and also Justin Bieber and some Hanson. Bayside makes an appearance twice because they are my favorite. In any event, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Aubree, if you're reading this, Mariah was for you. Alyce and Bec, I don't have to tell you what ones were for you. It's a long list but I know I'm forgetting some, so I'll likely be adding to it as I think of them!<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Auser%3Aamccarty45%3Aplaylist%3A3mYWAYBgRMC36DpqLKZ9Su" width="300"></iframe>
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4. <b>Cash</b>-don't forget to grab cash before you leave so you can avoid the ATM fees and having to stop for some if you encounter a toll you forgot about or just in general needed some cash on hand. We've made this mistake before and it gets expensive.<br />
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5.<b> A reliable car</b>-this sounds like a no-brainer, right? But believe me, we've packed up the car and headed out on an adventure and had the "oh crap" moments of cars breaking down. Our transmission went once. It was the worst.<br />
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If you're taking your own car, do the run down of tires, oil check, gas check, wiper fluid, all of it. You'll be happy you did. And if you are a AAA customer, be sure to grab your card!<br />
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If you're renting, be sure to check out the CD player too, especially if using a rental company like <a href="https://turo.com/">Turo</a>. You might just find a surprise playlist! Turo is a really neat <a href="https://turo.com/rent">car rental option</a> where you rent from a person, rather than a company, essentially the Airbnb of cars. It's a great option too if you want to make a little money off you're car too and they have ways to save when parking at airports as well. To find out more about Turo, <a href="https://turo.com/how-turo-works">you can go here.</a><br />
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<img alt="Image result for turo" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="0dKK7GPjg8S6GM:" 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" 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6. <b>Entertainment for the Kids</b>-We don't do movies in the car, but we try to bring supplies to keep the kiddies entertained. Generally speaking, they are fantastic in the car, but our two year old gets a little bored sometimes. We pack books, coloring supplies, all their favorite stuffed animals and let them choose four things each to take with them in their own backpacks. They love to pack their bags, and the rule is, if it fits it can come. If it doesn't, it stays home.</div>
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7. <b>Your Knitting!</b>-If you're a yarner like me, do not forgot your projects! I usually bring my current one and a spare just in case we get stuck in traffic or something and I get some extra time on my hands. </div>
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Do you have any Road Trip Essentials? Please share them! </div>
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And if you want to see more of our adventures, follow on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knaptimeknitter">Instagram @KnaptimeKnitter</a>.</div>
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KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-15416128164688173122016-03-23T06:14:00.002-07:002016-04-13T06:33:47.962-07:00Tips on Starting a Household Clutter Purge I have been on a serious house purge these past couple months. So far, I have donated NINE enormous black grocery bags filled with random things from the house. I've sent out THREE bags to ThredUP in the past two months. Dropped things at consignment shops, given things away, and eBay'd some items.<br />
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This is all part of my master plan to declutter our lives, and bring in some extra cash. It all started when I had a meltdown recently after stepping on things that I swore I had just put away (ahem, Legos). I was sick of spending my day picking up clutter and trying to find homes for things I really didn't care about. I knew something had to be done, and I stopped thinking about and just started doing. Opperation Declutter and organize was in full effect.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FETKehS164I/VvKUuAkXkGI/AAAAAAAAB_I/nocxcABTYSYrckrQGsIhw0NxlWMQjq9OA/s1600/IMG_3957%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FETKehS164I/VvKUuAkXkGI/AAAAAAAAB_I/nocxcABTYSYrckrQGsIhw0NxlWMQjq9OA/s640/IMG_3957%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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When picking up an item to contemplate getting rid of, ask yourself the following:</div>
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<b>-does this make me happy?</b></div>
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<b>-am I keeping this only because I bought it and I'll feel bad for just getting rid of it?</b></div>
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<b>-will I even notice this is gone?</b></div>
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first is easy. No joy, you don't keep. The second is a toughie and I've
been there. But at the end of the day, don't keep something just
because you bought it. It made sense at the time, and oh well, you've
change your mind. You're forgiven. We've all done it. We learned our
lesson. Get rid of it. </div>
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And last, the answer probably is: you won't miss it. Ask yourself: why am I keeping this? The answer should tell you whether or not you should be. </div>
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Here's a few things I did to get started, and I tell you, it's so much easier to purge your house of clutter once you donate those first few bags.<br />
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1. Get a garbage bag or a box and put it in a location where everyone in the house sees it. For us, this is by our front door. I wanted this donation bag to be in the way so everyone remembered it was there. This served as a reminder that clutter is in the way, and also to encourage everyone to donate things as they saw them.<br />
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2. Start in one area of your house. I started upstairs in my son's room. Go through EVERYTHING. If you don't have time for a deep clean/purge, no worries! Only look on surfaces. If it's toys cluttering up your life, pick some to donate, sell, or put in storage to rotate later. If you pick it up, or your child does, and no one has a positive from it, it goes! Broken or missing pieces? Goodbye! One trick for doing this with kids is to go in like a ninja when they aren't looking. I emptied an entire toy box of my son's stuff and put it in the basement. I thought he would notice. He didn't. He never asked for anything specific in there and when I showed him his new, decluttered room, he actually said, "wow! Look at all my toys!" It was like Christmas when he saw all the toys he had forgotten about because they were buried under clutter. <br />
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3. Decide whether to donate, give away, sell or keep. If you want to donate, throw it in the donate bag! Keep your friends in mind when you find something to get rid of. I found a pack of diapers we didn't need and gave them to a friend along with a few other baby items I thought they might want. Have a cute shirt your friend would look great it, that you don't wear anymore? Give it to them!<br />
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If you have something of value, consider selling it. This takes a little more time but is worth it. I sell clothing on eBay all the time. If it's clothing, check around for consignment shops too, and make an appointment to drop things off to sell. EBay of course is a great place to sell anything, Facebook swap groups is awesome for kids/baby items. Kidizen is an awesome app for selling kids and baby clothes. There are so many options and you can make a little cash doing it. My breakdown for the last month alone was:<br />
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$25 from ThredUP</div>
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$37 from the adult consignment shop</div>
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$25 from eBay</div>
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$10 from Kidizen</div>
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I promise you, once you sell even one item and realize there is cash in your clutter, it will motivate you even more.<br />
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4. Get the donation bags out of your house! I bring them a few at a time to the donation bin and it always feels amazing. I usually just toss them in the bin, but you can also donate to local churches, Goodwill, thrift stores.<br />
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5. Keep up on this! I found that once I started, it was easier to get rid of things. And I'm not saying get rid of everything you own. Not at all. But I am saying, if it doesn't make you happy or have a home, you don't need it. The less you have to pick up, the more time you have for other things. We are still in the beginning stages of this. The garage needs a purge, as does the basement. But it's ok to start slowly! Even getting rid of one item is a start. <br />
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When you start this process, it is overwhelming. That's why I suggest starting in one place and diving in. But you can also do it by item as you find them. Say you are in the living room, and you see a pillow that always finds it way to the floor. You pick it up, curse that damn pillow and put it back on the couch. Five minutes later, there it is again on it's migration path to the floor. This time when you pick it up, ask yourself: does this pillow bring me joy? Why am I keeping it around? Does this serve a purpose other than to irritate me?<br />
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Much like our cluttered houses, this post has a lot of information coming at you, and if you read it all, you really mean business and you're ready to go! So get your garbage bags, and get ready to purge.<br />
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<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-23604271769724713282016-03-01T07:06:00.000-08:002016-03-01T07:06:39.049-08:00DIY Coffee Face Scrub & MaskI recently tried a sample of a coffee scrub at LUSH and I loved everything about it, except the price tag. It worked so well, and I was wanting to do another, but didn't budget for it this month, so I took to Pinterest to see how I could make one myself.<br />
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The easiest one I found involved just two ingredients and I happened to have them on hand so I gave it a try. Coffee grounds and coconut oil. That's all you need!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUKsZ5k6Yks/VtWqXgvTW5I/AAAAAAAAB9o/Lf4W-h99QDE/s1600/coffee%2Bscrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUKsZ5k6Yks/VtWqXgvTW5I/AAAAAAAAB9o/Lf4W-h99QDE/s640/coffee%2Bscrub.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure if I should call this a scrub or a mask so we're going to call it a scrub/mask, since really it is both. So head to your kitchen and grab what you need!<br />
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-1 tbsp coconut oil<br />
-1 tbsp coffee grinds (you can use either leftover grinds from your morning coffee, or dry. I used a little of both).<br />
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Mix them together in a bowl to form a paste. Note: if you leave this out too long, it does liquefy a little (I made this mistake) so I suggest using it right away.<br />
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Before the scrub is my bare face, post workout (I'm like, so glamorous). Apply the mask all over your face. Be careful of your eyes. You want to get a little under your eyes because the caffeine from the coffee with wake up your face a little, but it will hurt really really bad if you get it in there!</div>
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I left mine on for about 15 minutes. Because this is such a simple mask/scrub, it does get a little melty, so watch out for dripping. You could add clay to it, for a sturdier mask, but I didn't have any on hand.</div>
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Next, get a warm washcloth and wipe off the mask. If you have sensitive skin like me, I'd do this gently because you're exfoliating and it go too rough, you're going to get very red and it may actually hurt a bit! So gently wipe it all off and check out your gorgeous, glowing skin!</div>
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When I wiped it off, my skin immediately felt softer, and more hydrated. You can also use this on your body to exfoliate. I've read that it works especially well on the belly (for all you mamas out there like me who want to tighten that post babies skin at the belly) because it exfoliates the skin and helps to tighten. I have no clue if that is actually true, but it doesn't hurt to try. <br />
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<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-65159359988355511742016-02-01T08:25:00.000-08:002016-02-01T08:25:18.937-08:00Easy (and cheap) Orange All-Purpose Cleaner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently I over-bought oranges because they were a great price, and a bunch were leftover and needed to be used up asap before they became a waste. The first thing I thought to make was orange all purpose cleaner. This is so easy and works really well!<br />
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The first thing to do is peel those oranges. Or, if you're someone who eats a lot of citrus, save those peels! Take the peels and put them in a jar. <br />
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To use up some more, I put orange slices in the fridge to toss in my daily smoothie, and also down the garbage disposal to clean in there. <br />
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Next, I added plain old white vinegar to the jar of peels, stuck it on the windowsill and let it soak for two weeks. I know this seems like a long wait time, but the longer they go, the more oils go into the vinegar and the better it is going to work.<br />
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Once the vinegar solution is ready, grab an empty spray bottle and a funnel and fill the bottle about half way. Then fill the rest with water. If you have leftover vinegar in the orange jar, stick it back on the windowsill until you're ready to make more! <br />
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Ok, so maybe you're wondering if it actually works. I let my counters get good and dirty and used only this spray on it. It works so well! If there's a stuck on stain, let it soak for a minute or two and then wipe it off.<br />
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I showed a friend of mine who is a major germ-a-phobe (Holly, I'm talking to you!) this solution and her first question was, "but does it disinfect?" Good question!<br />
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I've been using vinegar to clean my house for sometime now, and that orange works as a great degreaser, but it also does have germ fighting ninjas too, according to Greenopedia.com:<br />
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<i><strong>White vinegar</strong> is a highly effective alternative that
kills nearly all household germs, bacteria, mold, and mildew without
the harmful fumes or residue of chlorine bleach. Vinegar is just as
economical and it is completely safe to use around children and pets.</i></div>
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<i>Vinegar is also biodegradable, so you can wash your sinks, drain and
toilets without worrying about chemicals being flushed into your local
water system.</i></div>
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<i>If you prefer premixed cleaning solutions to vinegar, look for
natural alternatives that use hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, grapefruit
seed extract, tea tree oil or thyme oil to effectively disinfect your
home.</i></div>
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I should specify that I am not a vinegar or germ expert, so if you're skeptical, do a little research (I simply Google'd it) on vinegar and citric acid and you be the judge. I'm willing to bet bleach and other chemical cleaners are more effective at killing a bigger variety of germs, but for my house with a child, toddler and dogs, I prefer things that are food grade and non toxic so this is what works for our family.</div>
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If you're a budgeter, you'll enjoy how inexpensive this is to make. If you want to get fancy, add some essential oils to it, or some other citrus peels. </div>
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For the bottle, I'm using one I've had kicking around from a spray I ran out of but you can also get prettier ones too. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Firefly-Craft-Bottles-Chalkboard-Labels/dp/B00YTKM046/ref=sm_n_ma_dka_US_e4048_T1_pr_pub_0_0?imprToken=NBQquovu8v20TNaf9wn8fg&linkCode=w43&tag=greenopedia0b-20&linkid=7ce0238bc044d41712236432feadb47e"> Amazon has these lovely ones</a> that I have on my wish-list for a future purchase. With all the money you save making your own cleaner, you can totally justify buying the pretty bottles!</div>
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Have you made your own sprays? Please share your tips for making them even better!</div>
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KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-14734032835061303262016-01-29T10:11:00.000-08:002016-01-29T10:11:03.197-08:00DIY Peanut Butter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, I was on Pinterest (as I usually am) and came across some homemade peanut butter recipes. For some reason, it had never occurred to me making it wouldn't be that hard. I don't know why I thought I would need a ton of ingredients and special machinery. Because guess what? It takes very little to make this, and it comes out so delicious!<br />
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You can alter yours to your liking, but here we like mostly smooth with a bit of honey. Here's what I did to achieve that:<br />
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I used Planter's peanuts that I found at BJ's on sale. I have also done this with dry roasted and honey roasted and its come out yummy each time. How smooth it comes out really depends on you. I add a tbsp of oil to mine for extra creaminess. <br />
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Step 1: Add 1 1/2 cups of peanuts to your food processor, and drizzle the oil over it. You can skip the oil if you want it crunchier.<br />
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Step 2: For my processor that only had two settings, I alternated between them for blending. First, grind for a couple minutes. Then chop for a couple minutes. You'll see it start to do melt down into the peanut butter and it's actually pretty neat to watch.<br />
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Step 3: Once it's roughly chopped, add a tbsp of honey. I used a raw local honey because we prefer the taste and texture. Again, if you don't want a honey kind, just omit this step. Continue alternating between blending and chopping and it will continue to "butter" the peanuts.<br />
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*omitting the honey and oil may mean you have to blend it a little longer.<br />
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If you can believe it, that's all there is to it! To fill this wide mouth mason jar, I did these steps twice. So one round of the 1 1/2 cups of peanuts, put that aside, and do it again with another 1 1/2 cups. Then take the two batches and blend them together.<br />
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If you have a larger or more heavy duty food processor, you could likely just do it all at once, but I found my poor machine was getting a little overworked. It was getting a bit hot headed, so out of fear of overloading it, I did it in two batches.<br />
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I have found this keeps best in the fridge. My kids have been eating this like crazy. On sandwiches, with apples as a yummy snack, on it's own by the spoonfull.<br />
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I hope you enjoy this as much as we do! If you find it isn't getting as smooth as you want (this happened my first batch), keep going with the chopping and grinding. I thought it had the best consistency when the bit of oil was added.<br />
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Have fun, and please let me know if you find any yummy additions to include!<br />
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Want to see more DIY ideas and hang with us some more? Follow <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knaptimeknitter">@KnaptimeKnitter on Instagram</a> and email subscribe to the blog! (emails will only be sent when new posts are added). KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-53794055619234605692016-01-20T09:52:00.000-08:002016-01-20T09:52:32.925-08:00One Week of Toddler Approved Lunch Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Toddlers can be tricky when it comes time to feeding time. If you're reading this, you already know that. My daughter is almost two and very independent. She will only accept food if she is feeding it to herself. I set out to provide her with seven different lunches last week and she loved them all! My goal was easy, healthy, inexpensive and things she could feed herself. <br />
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<b>Day 1:</b><br />
All natural turkey breast from the deli (we love Hannaford's selection), strawberries and cucumbers.<br />
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<b>Day 2:</b><br />
White beans (drained), peaches, crackers and cheese dip.<br />
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<b>Day 3:</b><br />
Cheese and crackers (since they were a hit the day before), and banana.<br />
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<b>Day 4:</b><br />
Homemade apple sauce, Goldfish and Annie's Mac n' Cheese.<br />
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<b>Day 5:</b></div>
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Peanut butter sandwich, cherry tomatoes and cheddar cheese. </div>
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<b>Day 6:</b></div>
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Deli chicken and cheese, blueberries and Cheerio's.</div>
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<b>Day 7:</b><br />
American cheese, blueberries, rice and diced avocado. <b> </b><br />
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Some more quick and easy food ideas for toddlers:<br />
-hard boiled eggs<br />
-diced fruit<br />
-sliced peppers<br />
-pita bread and hummus<br />
-sliced and peeled apples<br />
-shredded cheese<br />
-oatmeal<br />
-dry cereal<br />
-grilled cheese sandwiches (cut into four squares and save half for another meal)<br />
-plain pasta<br />
-scrambled eggs<br />
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Portions of course depend on your child, but she devoured almost every bite of each of these. The blueberries and any type of cheese were favorites of hers.<br />
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I've noticed, with my daughter at least, presentation counts when she's eating lunch. She particularly likes the compartments these plates provide. I found them at Wal-Mart and they are made from recycled material, and very budget friendly. They can also be found on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Re-Play-Count-Divided-Plates-Yellow/dp/B007HZBNZM">Amazon here</a>.<br />
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(*not sponsored in any way, we just really enjoy these plates*) <br />
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Want to keep up with other fun things we're up to? Follow <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knaptimeknitter">@KnaptimeKnitter</a> on Instagram!<br />
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<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-58381742242053936332015-09-18T11:19:00.000-07:002016-01-20T09:57:09.949-08:00Gluten Free One Pot Chili Mac n' Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the start of Kindergarten, I have quickly realized the importance of meal planning and easy dinner ideas. Our days and nights seem to be getting away from us, and there just are not enough minutes in the day! Naturally, when I was thinking, "what's for dinner this week?" I consulted my trusty pal, Pinterest, and went to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/157555686939534265/">this Pin</a> for an easy one-pot chili mac and cheese. I've made this in the past and it was a hit.<br />
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If you're following our adventures on <a href="https://instagram.com/knaptimeknitter/">Instagram</a>, you may have seen a post earlier this week with a delicious meal we made. The beauty of this one was that you don't need to cook the pasta first, it all goes into one pot and it doesn't take too long to make. This makes the cooking easy and clean up even easier. <br />
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First, I grabbed my helper, who grabbed a Halloween decoration broom, and as I got to work cooking, she was "kee kee" which I believe is Ada code for cleaning.<br />
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I used my big cast iron pot, but a sauce pan would work just fine too. I used <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/03/15/one-pot-chili-mac-cheese/">this recipe</a>, and changed things slightly to fit our family's taste buds and restrictions. I used gluten free penne, and that was a mistake. It still tasted delicious but it absorbed too much of the liquid and became a little mushy. So next time I'll be using elbows and also adding a little extra broth, because gluten free pasta tends to suck it right up. I also used turkey burger in lieu of hamburger and omitted the beans because I have house full of crazies who don't like them. <br />
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When adding the cheese, I like to listen to The Pioneer Woman and freshly grate it. I used a Cabot sharp cheddar which is naturally lactose free (for my son who has lactose sensitivities).<br />
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I served up this meal with some fresh baked corn muffins. I cheated a little and used a gluten free boxed mix from Price Chopper because it really is the best corn bread I've had. I make it a lot. The box calls for cooking it in a pan, but this time I tried muffin style and it was very yummy, you just may need to adjust the cooking time. One thing I have learned with making these, is not to use Lactaid in place of regular milk. I'm not sure why, but it make it extremely salty.<br />
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Ada was a huge fan of the muffins. She ate three and then demanded more. My husband devoured this and my five year old son loved it too. That, my friends, equals a meal time success! <br />
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To see more of our gluten free adventures, follow <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knaptimeknitter">@KnaptimeKnitter on Instagram</a>!KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-30823932399458668872015-08-11T11:02:00.001-07:002015-08-11T11:02:58.462-07:00My Closet Downsize-Part 2If you read <a href="http://chroniclesofaknaptimeknitter.blogspot.com/2015/07/my-closet-downsize-part-1.html">part one of this series</a>, then you know I've been downsizing our wardrobes. I started with my closet, and hope you are enjoying the purging of your closet as much as I've enjoyed it with mine. So, you may have these piles kicking around, and wondered what happens next. Here's some things I do with pieces I'm parting with:<br />
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1. <b>One of the easiest things you can do is to consign them. </b> Look online for local consignment shops in your area and set up an appointment. I have one I use for kids and baby items and another for my pieces. Keep in mind, shops can be very particular about what they take, so freshly washed, ironed and on hangers helps when you go to your appointment. Bring in season, or if the season is about to change over, ask them if they'll take the next season as well. <br />
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2. <b>Start an Instagram shop.</b> I did this last year and it was very very VERY slow to start, but then, as I grew my customer base, it got much better. I have so much fun in my Insta shop, because I not only get to make some money off clothing we are no longer using, but I can shop other stores too. I love knowing that when I purchase from other Insta stores, it's going straight to the owner. My shop is called <a href="https://instagram.com/shopthroughtheheart/">@ShopThroughTheHeart</a> and I mostly sell from my own personal closet, but also post some baby and kids. Occasionally, if I find some really great thrifted treasures, I also grab those to post.<br />
Since I started my shop, I've sold almost 300 items, which is great when creating my kid's next size wardrobe. <br />
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I scored this amazing tee for my girl on an Instagram store for $7!</div>
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3. <b>ThredUp</b>. You may have seen other posts about ThredUp here on my little blog, because I am a little obsessed. I sell to ThredUp as a last chance before donating, since you don't get much return on items. You can never really tell what they will or will not take, so if I'm going to donate anyway, I send it in to them so they take what they want to sell and donate the rest. I send in a bag, and only get an average of $20, but hey! that's $20 in my Pay Pal or to spend on their site.<br />
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I got this amazing silk Odille dress from ThredUp for an unbeatable price ($30!):<br />
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If you've never ordered a clean out bag from them, you can <a href="https://www.thredup.com/cleanout">do so here</a> (it's free!).<br />
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If you've never shopped with them before, you can get a free $20 to shop with <a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/WUS9Q2">this link</a>. When I first signed up and shopped, it was only $10, so you're getting a killer deal! <a href="https://www.thredup.com/shop/women/Sweaters/SHAE/3/6231912">Here's an item I sent in</a>, that could be yours for FREE with your credit (picture is from ThredUp):<br />
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<img alt="https://assets-thredup.insnw.net/assets/20459853/original.jpg" class="shrinkToFit" height="640" src="https://assets-thredup.insnw.net/assets/20459853/original.jpg" width="478" /></div>
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4. <b>Donate.</b> This is the quickest and easiest thing to do with your unwanted items. Drop them in a donation bin, at a church, or to Goodwill. Many places will give you a receipt so you can deduct your donation from you taxes, all you have to do is ask.<br />
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Stay tuned for part 3 of this series, which is where the fun begins: shopping for and building your dream wardrobe on a budget!KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-717270905527111392015-07-14T14:07:00.001-07:002015-07-14T14:07:50.325-07:00Christmas in July at Crooked By Design<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time for Christmas in July!! Head on over <a href="http://www.crookedbydesign.etsy.com/">the shop</a> and get your order in while the sale is going on. Ends on Friday July 17th!<br />
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<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-43245117080908170972015-07-08T07:42:00.000-07:002015-07-08T07:42:55.985-07:00My Closet Downsize-Part 1 <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhIer0ZPlBY/VZ00WM6NjHI/AAAAAAAABtA/BQulWWMZHDU/s1600/DSC_0275.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhIer0ZPlBY/VZ00WM6NjHI/AAAAAAAABtA/BQulWWMZHDU/s640/DSC_0275.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'm on Pinterest a lot. This started when I was pumping/nursing for my daughter, something to pass the time, and now continued because, frankly, I just love Pinterest. One thing I've been seeing a lot about is downsizing your closet and de-cluttering your life.<br />
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Tripping over toys, losing things in the laundry, being a slave to the house. These are all things I can't stand. So I decided to find a jumping off point, and go for it. Operation: DE-CLUTTER!<br />
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I started with my closet because it seemed like the easiest and most fulfilling place to begin. I read a lot of stories about how people tackled this project and the main thing that stuck out was to take everything out of your closet and as you put things back in, evaluate the pieces. For this step, only worry about your actual closet. Ignore any dressers or anything else you have for clothing storage. You will get to that later. <br />
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Depending on the size of your closet, this could take awhile! But you can do it. My closet is very very small, which is one of the main reasons for doing this purge. I just don't have the space.<br />
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When you pick up an item to put it back in your closet ask yourself these questions:<br />
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1. <b>What is my first reaction when I'm holding this?</b><br />
Do you want to put it on right that second because you love it so much? Would you miss it? Or even notice it wasn't there anymore? If you don't burst with love for it, you probably won't miss it.<br />
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2. <b>Does it fit?</b><br />
This seems strange, I know. It's in your closet, probably it fits. But if you're a mom like me who has two kid, or you've had clothing for a long time, than you might find you've been not wearing it because it just doesn't fit your body anymore. Maybe it shrunk, maybe your tastes have changed. Whatever it is, if it doesn't fit, for whatever reason, put it in the get rid of pile. Do not, I repeat DO NOT put it back in your closet. You can do this, stay strong!<br />
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3. <b>Why haven't I worn this?</b><br />
I know you have some pieces in your closet that you overlook every day. We all do. Ask yourself why you don't choose it. Depending on the reason, you can evaluate whether or not keep it, but also learn a little about your current likes and dislikes of what you're looking for in a wardrobe. If it needs to be hemmed, or something simple like that, keep it. If there's other reasons, like you don't like the color, etc. then put it in the get rid of pile.<br />
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4. <b>Is it the right season?</b><br />
If you have wool sweaters in your closet in the summer, it's just taking up space. Put those in a storage bin, out of the way. The more clutter, the more stressful your closet is. Only keep in season pieces out and put the rest away.<br />
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5. <b>Do I have more than one of these?</b><br />
If you have six white tee shirts, you can safely assume you can part with four or five of them! If you have a bunch of black tanks, get rid of some. Keep the one, or few you love the most. <b> </b> <br />
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Ok, now that you've done this, look at what's in your closet. Is it filled with pieces you absolutely love? I bet it is.<br />
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So, now that you have all these items you don't want, what do you do with them? Stay tuned for part 2 of my closet downsize!<br />
<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-10469681465807632832015-07-07T07:28:00.000-07:002015-07-07T07:28:05.214-07:00Nap Time Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since its summer, my off season, I've been sitting down with sewing machine as much as I can these days. And boy am I enjoying that! During the fall and winter months, my hands are constantly moving with yarn and my poor machine gets neglected but not anymore. <br />
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If you follow on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/amandamccarty45/">Pinterest</a>, you can see my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/amandamccarty45/sewing/">Sewing Board</a>, which is where I get a lot of my tutorials and how I've self taught myself the basics. I took one class, and intro to get my acquainted with my machine, but the rest I learned from the good old Internet. <br />
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Here are some of the projects I've been working on: <br />
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A similar hat pattern can be found <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/181269953728597463/">here</a>. </div>
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I have some top-knot headbands in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/239160604/2-pack-of-top-knots-6-12-months?ref=shop_home_active_3">Etsy shop</a> too!</div>
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The navy and white tote already sold, but the flower tote can be found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/239630434/3-pocket-flower-tote?ref=shop_home_active_1">here</a>!<br />
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Many of these projects use a knit fabric, something that scared me for a long time. It's a little tougher to work with, but if you're like me and avoided projects because you didn't want to deal with a diva fabric, you might be surprised at how quickly you get used to it. Headbands and hats are great, instant-gratification projects that can be done so fast, you will practice you're skills and get a great accessory in the process. <br />
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To see more of my projects, <a href="https://instagram.com/knaptimeknitter/">follow on Instagram</a>!KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-80205429566915069442015-06-04T06:49:00.001-07:002015-06-04T06:49:38.955-07:00Kid's Books to Check Out <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have been so busy around here lately, one of our outings that has been neglected is our library days. We are vowing to get back on track on this! Typically, we will visit the library once a week. The kids love the play area in one of our bigger libraries, and they also love that they can choose as many books as they want. Atticus thinks he is just about the coolest when he gets to bust out his very own library card and checkout his books. Until, of course, he realizes he has fines and bats his eyes at me to help a book worm out and let him use my card. <br />
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The only real problem with our trips to the library, is they LOVE books. They want them all. But they get lost easily. One way to avoid the book due date scramble, is to designate a shelf, bin or tote to just library books. Put them back into one place and keep track of how many you have out. You don't want to end up like us and get those calls that you still a book you thought your returned!<br />
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One of their go-to's is that <a href="http://www.pigeonpresents.com/">silly Pigeon</a>! Atticus thinks these books are hilarious and has some of them memorized. He loves seeing what kind of trouble that Pigeon is going to get into. <br /><br />
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<img height="400" id="irc_mi" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tOO4SKZIL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" style="margin-top: 130px;" width="398" /> <img height="400" id="irc_mi" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51R9bVS42kL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" style="margin-top: 130px;" width="400" /></div>
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Another favorite of theirs, especially Atticus, is Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon. This is such a sweet story about a penguin who befriends a pine cone. He learns they don't live in the same climates, so he has to say goodbye to his new friend. He visits little Pine Cone, but after a while he doesn't recognize his friend, who has become a tree. <br />
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<img alt="Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story" class="product-image js-product-image js-product-primary-image" data-zoom-image="" src="http://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/dce07b8c-b61a/k2-_a259ce45-777b-4fed-8fa5-e1c8e812fa96.v1.jpg" /> </div>
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The hands down favorite book of all time in this household is actually a Thanksgiving book, but we read it all year long. The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz is the story of a pumpkin who doesn't get picked and as he's walking his way through Halloween, sans family to call his own, he is feeling down and alone. Then he discovers something about himself. It's a terrific story, even when it isn't Fall. <br />
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<img alt="The Ugly Pumpkin: A Thanksgiving Story" class="product-image image img book" data-expand-image="1" height="640" id="rnd-2011812587" itemprop="image" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780399242670_p0_v1_s260x420.jpg" width="515" /> </div>
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For even more book ideas for your kids, check out <a href="http://themommystories-friends.blogspot.com/2013/07/summer-reading-for-littles.html">The Mommy Stories</a> post about their trip to the library! </div>
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Do you have a favorite kids book? Give a shout! We would love to check them out, too. </div>
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Stay Connected:</div>
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To hang out with us some more, follow <a href="https://instagram.com/knaptimeknitter/">@KnaptimeKnitter on Instagram</a>!</div>
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And on <a href="https://twitter.com/KnaptimeKnitter">Twitter @KnaptimeKnitter</a>.</div>
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KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-51765258812630405142015-05-26T06:31:00.000-07:002015-09-03T16:52:35.915-07:00Homemade Counter Top Spray With Essential Oils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Having pets and kids has made me so much more aware of what I use, both with cleaning products and body care. I began making some of my cleaning products for that reason, and also because it is a lot cheaper to use what I have on hand. I took to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/amandamccarty45/">Pinterest</a> and searched away. Because I wanted to use what I already had in the house, <a href="http://blog.hwtm.com/2011/12/diy-tutorial-homemade-hostess-gift-all-natural-candle-cleaners/">I used this recipe and tutorial</a>. I loved the printable that came with it too! You can also find the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/181269953727903036/">Pin here</a>.<br />
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First, I gathered all my ingredients and my helper. I didn't have mint essential oil on hand, so I used some tea tree oil since it is used for cleansing. Well, that's the bottle says, and I've used it before and seems to work so I used it again. I did add some fresh mint this time (only because I had so much overflowing from my herb garden). I don't know if it really did anything different but at least I used some up. I used Dawn for the dish soap, because it is my go-to and I find it works better than anything else. To make it even more natural, you could use an all natural dish soap instead.</div>
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I let my helper do most of the work. His favorite part was giving it a good shake at the end and the thumbs up let me know we were ready to clean! And judging by the background of that thumbs up pic, my house needed a good cleaning.<br />
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**I believe you can order bottles online, but I like to be super thrifty so I used some leftover bottles that I had from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day spray. <br />
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To see more of our projects and DIY fun, follow <a href="https://instagram.com/knaptimeknitter/">@KnaptimeKnitter on Instagram!</a><br />
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<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-6052125462639012442015-05-11T07:20:00.000-07:002015-05-11T07:20:15.934-07:00Money Saving Monday-5 Things to do This WeekHappy Monday! Let's start it off right with some money saving tips to try this week:<br />
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1. Do you ever have those "I'm so proud of myself" moments where you want so badly to buy something, but you resist? That pair of shoes, that amazing top, that hardcover book. This happens to me a lot and it is hard to resist sometimes. Something that makes it a little easier is to take that money I didn't spend, even it it's $5 saved not going to Starbucks, and put it somewhere meaningful. Have a credit card you're paying off? A student loan? A savings account or a savings for a special house project (for us it's a fence)? Put that money there! You'll be surprised how quickly you forget about those things you didn't buy, especially when you see your monetary goals being realized.<br />
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2. Remove the temptation to spend. Do you get those millions of emails filled with deals claiming they will never be back (they will)? Or those special coupons just for you that you have to you use? I mean come on! It's just for you! It's not. Every day I would wake up feeling so overwhelmed when I checked my email. Instead of a positive step to get me saving, I was bombarded with retail peer pressure to spend. I did the only thing I thought would help and clicked that liberating UNSUBSCRIBE button. It takes a little while to kick in, but its wonderful to not have all those offers staring me down. They are great, don't get me wrong, I'm a girl who loves a sale, but I can't have them all. <br />
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3. Meal plan. I'd like to tell you that I do this all the time. That I plan it all out, and make my list with my coupons and get my cash envelope (so I won't go over budget) but that isn't true. However, I am working on it. I get a general idea of what we will eat for the week, and when I go grocery shopping, I get our essentials that we use and run out of weekly (like milk, eggs, etc) and then what I need for the meal plan. If you can sit down with Pinterest and really make a plan, it will save time and money, and then you should come back here and tell me about it so I can be inspired to do it more. Before I decide what we are going to have, I look at what's in the house. Sometimes we say we have no food and need to go grocery shopping right away, and then I look, really really look, and realized there are many options hiding in the pantry, fridge and chest freezer. Be creative and use what you have before buying. You'll be surprised how much you actually have to eat!<br />
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(Bow tie optional Build Your Own Burger Night)</div>
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4. Shop your own house. This is one of my favorite things to do. We change things around at our house a lot. Because we live in an old home, we are working on updating (very very slowly) and to make things fresh on a tiny budget, and I like to shop my garage, or basement, or even other rooms and see what I can come up with add some flare to a room. Change the purpose of an item. One of my favorite things to use for this is hanging fruit baskets. I have one in my office for sewing supplies and one in my bathroom for use as a catch all over the counter. Re-purpose and use what you have, and if it isn't working, then go on the hunt for what you need. (That's an old church pew below).<br />
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(Before and after of one of our recent house projects, the sun room. I shopped our house to furnish and decorate most of it. It isn't done yet, and some was temporary until we buy furniture, but you get the idea)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RIRcXHVhyQM/VVC2XEXFEOI/AAAAAAAABYw/tjK2TkNPlfQ/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RIRcXHVhyQM/VVC2XEXFEOI/AAAAAAAABYw/tjK2TkNPlfQ/s400/IMG_1784.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1bzamJBMtdY/VVC2WNZJKmI/AAAAAAAABYg/Fh7osUvMUGk/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1bzamJBMtdY/VVC2WNZJKmI/AAAAAAAABYg/Fh7osUvMUGk/s400/IMG_1782.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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5. Use up all your bath, body and beauty supplies before buying any more. This sounds odd, I know. You're probably thinking, "But Amanda, if I have shampoo still, why would I buy it?" Look under your sink. Look in your other bathrooms if you have them. I bet you have some there, just waiting to be used. Lotions, I know you have a million. Use them! Once you have purged your bathroom of all of them, then you can buy more. Saves money, and reduces waste. And you'll probably smell really good.<br />
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Do you guys have any tips on saving money? I'd love to hear them! Give a shout!<br />
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And to see more of our projects and gluten free meals follow <a href="https://instagram.com/knaptimeknitter/">@KnapTimeKnitter </a><br />
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<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7131934717553424964.post-42172319308728949232015-04-29T05:33:00.001-07:002015-04-29T05:40:36.568-07:00Naptime Sewing-Summer Dress (Link to Free Pattern)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a very long winter of knitting and crocheting, I was dying to break out my sewing machine. The poor loyal friend had been hidden away in my office for months, begging to be used.<br />
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I consider myself a beginner. I have had two formal classes, only one of which I actually turned on my machine. I can do the basics (totes, headbands, basic skirts, pillow cases) and I was ready for something a little more challenging.<br />
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Naturally, I went to Pinterest. I have a few store bought patterns I wanted to use, but I am a visual learner, and I find I can better execute the instructions when I have a tutorial. I found <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/181269953728226533/">this pin</a> and got to work (during nap time, of course). <br />
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A couple notes about <a href="http://seekatesew.com/easy-baby-dress-pattern/">this dress pattern</a>. When you download the free pattern from Craftsy, it only has one part and this had many (including myself) confused. Be sure to read through the directions before starting. You cut another piece for the skirt portion, and the straps, but it isn't in the PDF because you just measure it. So do not be alarmed when you go to print and it isn't there.<br />
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The pattern comes in one size. I simple cut mine a little bigger to accommodate my girl. I'll be honest, I didn't measure. I also made mine the dress length the pattern calls for, so it would be a longer shirt on my girl (who is 12 months).<br />
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And finally, I found it somewhat hard to get on and off her with the straps on the orange dress, something I attribute to the pattern being a smaller size, and my daughter having an enormous head. Two things could have solved this: putting them further apart/thinner, or simply cutting the top portion bigger so there was a wider opening. On the purple dress, I opted for tie shoulders and it did make it a bit easier.<br />
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I also suggest possibly adding some elastic thread to the waist so she can wear the dress for longer, as a shirt.<br />
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I really enjoyed making this. It was that quick project that I craved, and there was the instant gratification of seeing my daughter wear it. Naturally, she went out in the Spring grass and got herself all dirty moments after snapping these pictures, but at least she waited until after! <br />
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To see more of my projects, follow along on Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/knaptimeknitter/">@KnaptimeKnitter </a><br />
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<br />KnaptimeKnitterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956956731772555626noreply@blogger.com0