tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37843772208430703762024-03-14T00:07:50.157-06:00The Hip (Single) MamaJessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-52638739718060081232011-08-02T09:41:00.000-05:002011-08-02T09:41:19.790-05:00The Hip Single Mama's DIY Couch<div style="text-align: justify;">I love simple and modern furniture. Unfortunately, simple and modern furniture is always the most expensive kind of furniture there is. The less complicated it is, the more you pay. Ikea has some great stuff that's fairly moderately priced, but spending $300-$400 on a couch isn't an option for me right now. I decided when I was moving out of my old apartment and into a new one last week, that I wanted to get rid of my couch (I mostly didn't want to move it because it was super heavy and not that aesthetically appealing) and build one for myself. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first thing I did, before I moved out of my old apartment, was recover the seat cushions and throw pillows from my old couch. When I moved I brought the cushions and pillows with me, and ditched the rest of the couch. I sat on the cushions on the floor for about a week (it was actually pretty comfy!) until it was couch building day this past weekend. I based this DIY couch project on <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/living-room/desire-to-inspire-kims-amazing-diy-couch-078126">this Apartment Therapy Desire To Inspire article</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, I did have a little help. A friend of mine made a 3D model with the dimensions, but this project is totally doable without a 3D model. On Friday night we went to home depot and picked up all the supplies needed. I decided to get cheaper wood for the support beams, legs, and the plywood inside, and I got a nicer looking light wood for the visible frame around the whole couch. Total amount spent was $59 (and I had a lot of wood left over).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TgPfS0tBuDA/TjgFrpZkssI/AAAAAAAAA98/d6C2cDqofBI/s1600/IMAG0368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TgPfS0tBuDA/TjgFrpZkssI/AAAAAAAAA98/d6C2cDqofBI/s320/IMAG0368.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miter saws are fun!</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Onto building! First step was to cut all the wood with the miter saw. This was super fun (and I totally want a miter saw now, but I have nowhere to put it). If you're going to attempt this project, make sure you have all your measurements written out first to make it easy! Once all the wood was cut we pieced it together to make sure everything fit like it should, and then we took the pieces out, flipped the plywood over and screwed in the legs. The next steps after screwing the legs in is screwing the outer support beams in, then the V shaped support beams, and finally the 4 support beams in the middle.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2jDwSPE47Q/TjgFvyQmfKI/AAAAAAAAA-A/siUC6m4j49I/s1600/IMAG0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2jDwSPE47Q/TjgFvyQmfKI/AAAAAAAAA-A/siUC6m4j49I/s320/IMAG0370.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the support beams in place to make sure they fit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agpO_b9G8m8/TjgFx71hnMI/AAAAAAAAA-E/ujqUrKDFc24/s1600/IMAG0371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agpO_b9G8m8/TjgFx71hnMI/AAAAAAAAA-E/ujqUrKDFc24/s320/IMAG0371.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screwing in support beams</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those steps were the most time consuming, and they didn't even take that long to complete! Once you have all of the support beams in place, the only thing left to do is screw in the front, back, and two side pieces that are visible. I also put a strip of wood inside to keep the seat cushions in place, since I left several inches behind the cushions so I could tons of throw pillows.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxVuyhabvw0/TjgF0fwTn1I/AAAAAAAAA-I/DWWJbj66f-g/s1600/IMAG0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxVuyhabvw0/TjgF0fwTn1I/AAAAAAAAA-I/DWWJbj66f-g/s320/IMAG0373.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished! Now I just need to bring it home and put pillows in the back.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">And I present to you: my finished couch! I'm always making or scouring thrift stores and vintage shops for fun throw pillows, so I think this couch will change it's look in the next few weeks since I can play with it now. In front of the couch you can see come oversized wooden blocks that I made for Eli out of the wood left over from the couch legs. He loves them! There are 12 in all, some not pictured, but he constantly stacks them all up and knocks them all over. Aside from the extra wood that I made blocks out of, I have 3 pieces left over from the visible front and side panels. I might turn those into shelves, all I have to do is get some L brackets for them. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvCbtultltU/TjgF3X2PeFI/AAAAAAAAA-M/V3nmcZoP8EE/s1600/IMAG0374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvCbtultltU/TjgF3X2PeFI/AAAAAAAAA-M/V3nmcZoP8EE/s640/IMAG0374.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-69205743489491734032011-06-29T23:03:00.001-05:002011-06-30T02:31:43.931-05:00Become. Shopping your way.I was only recently introduced to <a href="http://become.com/">become.com</a>. This is your online mega store. You want it? They have a section for it. Everything from Baby to Automotive, Home & Garden, Pets, even flowers & gifts! Become.com offers price comparisons, reviews, and hot deals, so this website really is one-stop shopping. Their integrated search engine is fabulous. Say you're looking for <a href="http://www.become.com/antique-white-bar-stools">antique white bar stools</a>, just type it into the search bar and you get an entire page of exactly what you're looking for. Looking for that perfect <a href="http://www.become.com/leather-tufted-sofa">leather tufted sofa</a>? No problem. Or how about if you have really wide doorways and you need to keep Fido out of your all white living room? Just type in <a href="http://pets.become.com/extra-wide-pet-gate">extra wide pet gate</a> and you'll surely find something that will exceed your expectations!<br />
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<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-4742595441178648792011-06-28T23:36:00.000-05:002011-06-28T23:36:24.882-05:00Bluefly.com - The ultimate hook up for the fashion obsessed<div style="text-align: justify;">As a mom, I'm always looking for a good deal. I can't remember the last time I paid full retail price for something. One of my favorite websites for deals on fashion is bluefly.com. They are an established website that offers designer brands at discount prices. You can look like a million bucks for just a fraction of the cost. They carry one of my favorite designers, <a href="http://www.bluefly.com/designer/bcbgmaxazria">bcbg</a> (go check out their dresses! I especially love the pink flush pleated organza strapless bustier dress), they also carry <a href="http://www.bluefly.com/BCBGMAXAZRIA-Shoes/_/N-1z140phZfg6/list.fly">bcbg shoes</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some other favorite brands of mine that bluefly.com carries are American Apparel, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Miss Sixty. There are so many designers to choose from, your favorites are guaranteed to be there. They not only carry women's clothing and accessories, but they have a large section just for men too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bluefly.com has a trends section, which I love, that shows you the current trends of the season, they have an awesome sale section, and they just introduced their website, eyefly.com, where you can get beautiful eyewear for $99 with RX lenses. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, if you're a mom on a budget, or if you just want some amazing deals on fashion (who doesn't?!) then go check out bluefly.com. </div><br />
<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-63344479304772682132011-06-18T01:54:00.000-05:002011-06-18T01:54:57.635-05:00"Some days are harder than others."<div style="text-align: justify;">I think every mother, single or not, has thought this at least once, if not multiple times in their life. The past couple of days have been pretty hard for me. It's just a period of time where I'm stressed out about pressing issues such as money and my health and there are certain factors (or people) who are making my stress level go through the roof.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I feel stuck. I've been looking for a job for the past few months, although not aggressively looking until about a month ago. I've made it a point to send out at least 5 resumes per <b>day</b>. I think I'm just feeling discouraged because I haven't gotten any call backs yet. I'm not being picky at all because, well, I need to work. Not only is not getting any interviews stressful, but I think about what's going to happen if I get hired and they want me to start immediately? Elijah is not in day care, and in order to get him into day care his dad is going to have to foot the bill at first until I make some money. It just feels like it's going to be impossible to set him up in day care and start working in the quick time frame that I am going to need it to happen.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My next serious stressor of course has to do with my health. I still don't have health insurance and I can't forsee that changing in the near future. I have an oncologist appointment coming up and I have to have him look over all of my moles since I can't afford to go to a dermatologist, and I am freaked out. I have a small spot on my shoulder that I think is new, and it looks abnormal to me. I need to remain positive and think that if they do catch something that it will be caught super early and I won't have to go through all that crap that I went through before. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'd like to end my rant on a positive note and say that my son is my rock. When I'm having a bad day, or week, he can tell, and he's the sweetest little boy ever. He constantly tries to cheer me up (and it works!) by giving me lots of extra hugs or kisses, and trying to share things with me (included, but not limited to, his food or drink). I don't know what I'd do without him.</div><img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-27091354734903419152011-06-17T23:25:00.002-05:002011-06-17T23:25:50.417-05:00Mom and Dad Make the MoveGuest written by our friend Katie Callahan<br />
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When mom and dad decided they wanted to live out on the <a href="http://www.countrylifebb.com/" title="country deals">country</a> farm instead of in our neighborhood house I was a little concerned, to say the least. The farm was going to be a big undertaking and it was all the way out in the middle of nowhere… Not exactly the safest place for to elderly citizens to be living by themselves. I put together a plan for my brother and I to make sure we went by and saw him at least once a week each and we definitely talked to our mom at least once a day. I also did a good bit of digging on <a href="http://www.homesecurity101.com/home-security-equipment/">www.homesecurity101.com</a> to find them a security system that made sense for their small budget. They seem to be really happy out on the farm and they like being away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I definitely think they shortened my lifespan by a few years at least, but I guess it's just payback for all the worrying they did over me when I was a kid!Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-70254289520326823232011-06-06T04:09:00.001-05:002011-06-06T04:10:26.983-05:00Update: Cloth Diapers and Apartment Living<div style="text-align: justify;">I have lived in an apartment without washer & dryer hook ups or a laundry room since September 2010. I decided that when I moved in I would hook my washing machine up to my kitchen sink and air dry my diapers. I have been doing this for the past 9 months and I am happy to report that I haven't had any problems! At first I was worried about water pressure and the amount of time air drying takes, but both of these things are non issues.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have been using different kinds of soaps. First I was using Rockin' Green, which I absolutely love, but once that ran out I didn't have the money to get anymore. Being a single mom means I am on a serious budget. Luckily I had a large box of Country Save, so I used that for quite a while. I recently joined this awesome site called <a href="http://heartsy.me/users/49401/referral?c=plink"><b>Heartsy</b></a>, I had some credits from referring friends so I was able to purchase a deal from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LifeSoapSimple?ref=pr_shop_more"><b>Life Soap Simple</b></a> and I got some natural citrus laundry soap for free (and a stain stick too)! I have been using this on my diapers and it's working wonderfully. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For my wash cycle I turn my cold water on and do a cold rinse. Once that's finished I turn my sink to hot and put it on the longest wash with an extra rinse, then for good measure I do one more quick cold rinse and then hang the diapers up to dry. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">One good thing about living in Texas is the fact that it's been warm/hot for months now, so my diapers dry super fast when I hang them outside. During the winter months it took a little longer since I usually just hung them indoors, but I have never been without clean cloth diapers to use. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even if you can't hook a washing machine up to your sink, there are ways to wash diapers if you live in an apartment. Don't let apartment living sway you away from using cloth. Depending on your situation there are diapering options that would be more apartment friendly than others. Do you live in an apartment and cloth? Share your routines! </div><br />
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<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-12072768265530042902011-03-13T11:50:00.000-06:002011-03-13T11:50:13.648-06:00The Littlest Forest Winner<div style="text-align: justify;">Sorry for being so late picking the winner of The Littlest Forest longies, folks. It's been hectic around here with a computer that works part-time and SXSW. Without further ado, the winner of the longies is Rebecca O.! Cobgratulations, I will be emailing you shortly.</div><br />
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<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-53837681777828527472011-03-06T11:09:00.000-06:002011-03-06T11:09:52.281-06:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Last week I spent the better part of the 7 days having serious anxiety. Those of us who have dealt with cancer refer to it as "scanxiety". I basically couldn't sleep, couldn't eat much, and would cry at the drop of a hat. I had my 6 month c/t scan, blood work, and oncologist visit on Thursday. With the help of my friends and ativan, I made it through, and my scans and blood ork came back all clear! I've now been NED (no evidence of disease) for 18 months. Let's hope it stays that way for the rest of my life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Writing has been hard because my computer stopped working. I'm not sure what the problem is, and unfortunately can't afford to get a new one. This is kind of a big deal because my entire business is online. When I boot up in regular mode the track pad doesn't work. I scroll over the bottom menu and it does nothing, and I can't click on anything. I can start it in safe mode and the trackpad works, but I can't connect to the internet. I guess if anything at least I can save all my files in safe mode. Hopefully I'll figure out a solution to this, but until then my blogging might be sporadic. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-14998879508857085462011-02-25T00:00:00.000-06:002011-02-25T00:00:09.888-06:00My Kid Did That: Cat in Heat Edition<div style="text-align: justify;">After finally settling into our apartment these past few months, I decided that we could get one of the cats from Elijah's dad's house so Eli would have a cat (since he loves cats, that's one word he says constantly) to play with, and I'd have a cat to cuddle with when Eli sleeps overnight at his dads 3 nights a week. What I didn't realize when we picked up Thufir, was that she hadn't been fixed yet. Visions of a cat peeing all over the house immediately sprung through my head.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Luckily there has been no peeing. Thufir is, however, constantly in heat. It seems that way anyway, she's been in heat for the past 5 days or so. For some reason Eli is <b>all over </b>the poor cat while she's in heat. I'm talking rolling over, laying on, I even caught him trying to stand on her today. Luckily I caught him in time and we avoided that situation. The other day we were sitting in the living room playing and good ol' Thufir comes in the living room and starts trying to love on the carpet, meowing, with her butt up in the air and her parts all exposed. Eli took this opportunity to put his finger in Thufir's hoo-ha because it was just THERE. Yup, my kid did that. You can rest assured that Eli got a bath immediately following this incident, and that Thufir will be getting fixed as soon as she's out of heat. <b><br />
</b></div><img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-49796553812815306502011-02-24T19:02:00.001-06:002011-02-24T19:15:07.247-06:00One Single Mama's Healthcare Crisis<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11FZfmro1rs/TWcClDPjoqI/AAAAAAAAA9w/2fRevqeo8iY/s1600/HealthCareCrisis_lg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11FZfmro1rs/TWcClDPjoqI/AAAAAAAAA9w/2fRevqeo8iY/s320/HealthCareCrisis_lg1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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We all know the health care situation in America is, for the lack of a better term, messed up. Half of the people who need actually need health care don't have it and can't afford it. I'm one of those people who needs health care. I certainly can't afford it, and unfortunately, most people don't want to insure me. Since that law that will allow people with pre-existing conditions to get insurance doesn't go through until 2014, I'm screwed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I recently applied for medicaid thinking there was no way I could get denied. My only claimable income in child support, which is $10 less than what my rent is. I do have a small business, but the income for that is so sporadic, there isn't even a way to claim it, and it's certainly not enough to cover health insurance. So since my child support barely covers my rent and I have other bills to pay (electricity, transportation, etc.) then I should get medicaid, right? Wrong. In Texas you can only make a whopping $163 per month for a family of two to be approved for medicaid. What!? Homeless people who stand on the side of the road asking for money probably make more than that. Texas has basically made it so that no one can be covered by medicaid, unless you are a child or pregnant. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Their logic boggles my mind. Yes, low-income children and pregnant women should be covered, but as soon as you have a baby you are no longer covered under their care. What happens when these children's parents can't get the care, preventative and otherwise, that they need? Children need parents. There's no argument there. If I don't figure out a way to get health insurance or to be seen by doctors then there's a chance that I could die, and that would leave my son without a mother. Is that better than raising the monthly income allowance to a rate that is more feasible?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The law states that each state can make their own medicaid guidelines. In Massachusetts a family of two can make up to $1,200 a month. In California they practically give insurance away. What gives, Texas? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's the thing. I had stage 3 cancer. After I had my 2 surgeries in 2009, they told me I had a 50% change of recurrence. In order to make sure I don't have any cancer in body, and that they catch it early if I do, I have to have C/T scans approximately every 6 months. I believe that's for the first 3 years, and then I can move it to once a year. If anything abnormal was to ever come back on my C/T scan then I would have to go in for a PET scan. Now let's talk cost. Me, a single, uninsured, practically 300% poverty level female, has to pay approximately $6,000 out of pocket for a C/T scan. This is the price that MD Anderson sent me for an uninsured patient (which means it costs even more if you have insurance, but if you have insurance then they pay for a lot of it). That's just the C/T scan. The last one I had took about 20 minutes because they just do my head, chest, and neck. Now if it does come back abnormal and I have to have a PET scan it would be a full body scan and take about an hour. The average cost of a PET scan is about $7,000. If something were to come back abnormal that would ultimately mean I would need a surgery or some kind of radiation or chemo. My two surgeries in 2009 (without any chemo or radiation) cost roughly $80,000. What's a person to do in this situation?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have done copious amounts of research. I've contacted cancer societies and google searched until my eyes almost bled and the answer is always the same, there's nothing I can do except rack up insane medical bills that I will only be able to pay if I win millions of dollars in the lottery, but that's a catch-22 because I don't even have the extra money to PLAY the damn lottery, and if you don't play then you can't win.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The real kicker? There's an organization in Austin that gives working musicians health insurance. It's a wonderful organization and I am glad that it's around for people who need it, BUT WHAT ABOUT ME!? Where's the organization that can help me!? The only thing I want in life is to be able to stay alive so I can watch my son grow up, and so I can do all the things that I have ever wanted to do. Texas would apparently rather see the poor people die. I'm lost. Really lost. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions that I might not have already thought of, I welcome it with open arms. </div><img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-52771254662274969032011-02-22T00:56:00.002-06:002011-02-22T00:56:50.748-06:00Growing Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmsooSSnrEo/TWNdL-J-s6I/AAAAAAAAABI/Vi5y-SdGQuM/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-22+at+12.51.34+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmsooSSnrEo/TWNdL-J-s6I/AAAAAAAAABI/Vi5y-SdGQuM/s400/Screen+shot+2011-02-22+at+12.51.34+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It's hard to believe that in less than two weeks my little man is going to be 20 months old. Before I know it he'll be having his second birthday. Time truly does fly when you've got a babe around. I love this photo because it shows Eli today, but you can also see the beautiful certificate that I got from the birth center when he was born with his footprints on it (it's the center frame on the wall). </div><img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-11775237749009968552011-02-21T19:17:00.003-06:002011-02-21T19:21:00.411-06:00Handmade Monday: Wool Longies From The Littlest Forest Giveaway<div style="text-align: justify;">Every Monday is going to be <b>Handmade Monday</b> here at <a href="http://ww.lepetitowlet.com/">The Hip (Single) Mama</a>. Handmade Monday will feature our favorite small businesses and handmade goods. There's so much great stuff out there that's made by moms like us that they deserve their very own special day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To kick of our first ever <b>Handmade Monday</b> we're going to be giving away one medium pair of sage green merino wool longies from <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lepetitowlet">The Littlest Forest</a></b> on Etsy!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OseAPJF9xqI/TWMJPljddEI/AAAAAAAAA9o/NEiDqFZg9Ug/s1600/iusb_760x100.8166316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OseAPJF9xqI/TWMJPljddEI/AAAAAAAAA9o/NEiDqFZg9Ug/s400/iusb_760x100.8166316.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOF3jcIsITo/TWMJWlgZ5yI/AAAAAAAAA9s/vdAdqX00aGI/s1600/IMG_5786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOF3jcIsITo/TWMJWlgZ5yI/AAAAAAAAA9s/vdAdqX00aGI/s320/IMG_5786.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium longies on a 19 month old 30lb baby</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">These longies are made with two layers of 100% merino wool interlock that is knit and dyed in Peru. They are a pull-up style without elastic in the waistband, so you don't have to worry about red marks on your little ones sensitive skin. These longies are The Little Forest's new "sweatpant style" longies, which feature a cuff on the bottom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The medium longies have the following measurements (unstretched):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Waist: 16"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rise: 14"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Inseam: 10"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, what do you have to do to win? It's easy! <u>First and foremost you <b>MUST </b>be a public follower of The Hip (Single) Mama on Google Friend Connect (to the right)</u>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Once you are a public follower please post in a comment why you would love to win these longies and what other products from <a href="http://lepetitowlet.etsy.com/">The Littlest Forest</a> you love</b>. <span style="font-size: small;">(Be sure you leave your email address so I have a way to contact you if you win!)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Additional Entries </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">(please post a separate comment for each entry)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1.</b> "Like" <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheLittlestForest">The Littlest Forest on Facebook</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2.</b> "Like" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hip-Single-Mama/127980470608409"><b>The Hip (Single) Mama on Facebook</b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>3.</b> Link to The Hip (Single) Mama on your blog! (2 entries)<b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>4.</b> Tweet about this contest: Win wool longies for your #clothdiapers from @lepetitowlet http://bit.ly/icbjGb (up to 3 tweets per day. Please leave the permalink for each tweet, and make sure your entries are in separate comments!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. Blog about this giveaway! (5 entries. Please leave a link to your blog)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This contest is open to U.S residents only and will end on March 6th at 11:59pm CST. Good Luck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>If you have a small business that sells handmade items and are interested in being featured on Handmade Monday then please email ohdearjessica@gmail.com</i></div><br />
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<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com128tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-46329852108211574432011-02-21T03:05:00.002-06:002011-02-21T03:36:09.187-06:00BabyKicks Organic Fitted Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2o2NOd_yJY/TWIqfWl-PNI/AAAAAAAAA9c/XtQpibMQ4Cw/s1600/8417_256486180482_253433220482_8604749_1803800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2o2NOd_yJY/TWIqfWl-PNI/AAAAAAAAA9c/XtQpibMQ4Cw/s320/8417_256486180482_253433220482_8604749_1803800_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm always on the search for cloth diapers to try with features that I love. I have a strong love for fitted diapers with wool, especially during the day, because I want Elijah to wear something that is breathable and natural. Some other features that I love are of course one size diapers, because they will fit my son until potty training, and side snaps because my 19 month old babe is always on the go and keeping him down is hard enough as it is, side snaps are a bit easier to fasten when he's rolling over. I was thrilled to receive a BabyKicks Organic Fitted diaper to test out because it has all these features and then some.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFR1_QRJHQo/TWIo0VV5SQI/AAAAAAAAA9U/mFQVxyZV9wo/s1600/FrontOrganicFitted%2528500x518%2529-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFR1_QRJHQo/TWIo0VV5SQI/AAAAAAAAA9U/mFQVxyZV9wo/s200/FrontOrganicFitted%2528500x518%2529-1.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Fit:</b> This diaper is very trim, which I love, especially since I pair fitted diapers with wool which can add some bulk. The side snaps create a snug fit around Eli's waist, and since this is a one size diaper there are snaps to change the rise setting. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ease of use: </b>I love the different colored snaps on this diaper, they make it super easy to use! I don't have t count or guess, I just snap the snaps with their coordinating colors. This diaper has a pocket, so you need to stuff the insert in before use, but I always do that after washing and drying anyway. I love when fitteds have pockets because you can add more absorbency if needed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Performance: </b>This diaper is made of organic cotton and hemp. Hemp is the most absorbent material, so this diaper can hold a <b>lot</b>. I Eli doesn't usually do very well with fitteds overnight anymore (he is a heavy wetter and gets really fussy when he can feel the moisture), but this diaper help up pretty great at night. It's the perfect diaper for when e are out running errands and there's an extended amount of time when I can't change him right away. Overall this fitted diaper has gone above and beyond my expectations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZpCZDnQtMw/TWIqFapkOpI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/OR6-GY14PrU/s1600/Fitted-Front-%2528500x492%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZpCZDnQtMw/TWIqFapkOpI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/OR6-GY14PrU/s200/Fitted-Front-%2528500x492%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Value: </b>The BabyKicks Organic Fitted retails for $19.95. This is pretty standard for an organic fitted diaper. Some organic fitteds that are not one-size diapers cost this much, so that fact that this diaper will last from birth to potty training helps with the value. If you wanted to diaper your baby using BabyKicks exclusively, you could have a 12-diaper stash for around $240. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We love our BabyKicks Organic Fitted diaper. You can use this fitted diaper as a training pant too, which is an added bonus in my eyes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can purchase your own BabyKicks Organic Fitted diaper on their <a href="http://www.babykicks.com/"><b>website</b></a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Like" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BabyKicksOrganic">BabyKicks on Facebook</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: I did not receive payment in any form for this review.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I did receive a sample of the product or service for testing and review purposes. This will in no way sway my opinion of the product or service.The review is in my own words and is my own opinion. Your results and opinion may differ</span></div><br />
<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-69795055052242642752010-12-07T20:37:00.002-06:002011-02-21T03:36:25.179-06:00Is your cell phone causing more harm than good?<div style="text-align: justify;">In this day and age cell phones are hardly for emergencies only anymore. You probably have one, your sister, brother, parents, grandparents, your 12 year old cousin probably even has one. Cell phones have advanced so much in the past decade that you can do virtually anything on it. You can update your facebook, post pictures online, purchase goods, use paypal to forward money to someone, I could even write this blog post on my phone if I wanted to. Because of the convenience that our cell phones provide us, many of us are on our phones virtually all the time. So, how bad is that for us? While there is no conclusive research that the radiation emissions from cell phones are harming us, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that constant exposure to radiation can, and will, do some kind of harm. The more you use your phone, the more your phone is emitting radiation. For example, a simple phone call on a cell phone emits about 1/10th of it's maximum radiation. The more work your phone has to do, the more radiation it emits. The same goes for the distance you are from a cell phone tower, the further away you are, the more work your phone has to do to maintain a signal, therefore more radiation is being emitted.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TP7vUvG-utI/AAAAAAAAA9I/QxtanX0H5uQ/s1600/cellphone-radiation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TP7vUvG-utI/AAAAAAAAA9I/QxtanX0H5uQ/s320/cellphone-radiation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
CNET has a list of the <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6602_7-5020357-1.html">20 highest-radiation cell phones</a>, is yours on it?<br />
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Cell phone / SAR level (digital)<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="radiation" style="width: 529px;"><tbody>
<tr><td>1</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/motorola-v195s-t-mobile/4505-6454_7-32442901.html">Motorola V195s</a></td> <td>1.6</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"> <td>2</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/motorola-zine-zn5-t/4505-6454_7-33107336.html">Motorola Zine ZN5</a></td> <td>1.59</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>2a</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/motorola-rival-silver-verizon/4505-6454_7-33678471.html">Motorola Rival</a></td> <td>1.59</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"> <td>4</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/kyocera-jax-s1300-virgin/4505-6454_7-33647834.html">Kyocera Jax S1300</a></td> <td>1.55</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>4a</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/motorola-vu204-verizon-wireless/4505-6454_7-33316959.html">Motorola VU204</a></td> <td>1.55</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"> <td>6</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/rim-blackberry-curve-8330/4505-6452_7-32925232.html">RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 (Sprint)</a></td> <td>1.54</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>6a</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/rim-blackberry-curve-8330/4505-6452_7-33241055.html">RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 (U.S. Cellular)</a></td> <td>1.54</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"> <td>6b</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/rim-blackberry-curve-8330/4505-6452_7-32925233.html">RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 (Verizon Wireless)</a></td> <td>1.54</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>9</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/nokia-e71x-black-at/4505-6452_7-33573216.html">Nokia E71x</a></td> <td>1.53</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"> <td>10</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/pantech-matrix-blue-at/4505-6454_7-33343538.html">Pantech Matrix</a></td> <td>1.52</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>11</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/lg-rumor2-sprint/4505-6454_7-33557890.html">LG Rumor 2</a></td> <td>1.51</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"> <td>11a</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/rim-blackberry-bold-at/4505-6452_7-33016450.html">RIM BlackBerry Bold</a></td> <td>1.51</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>13</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/htc-smt5800-verizon-wireless/4505-6452_7-32815505.html">HTC SMT5800</a></td> <td>1.49</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"> <td>14</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/sony-ericsson-w350a-white/4505-6454_7-33195234.html">Sony Ericsson W350a</a></td> <td>1.48</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>15</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/t-mobile-dash-3g/4505-6452_7-33703089.html">T-Mobile Dash 3G</a></td> <td>1.47</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"> <td>16</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/samsung-instinct/4505-6454_7-33061246.html">Samsung Instinct</a></td> <td>1.46</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>16a</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/samsung-spex-sch-r210/4505-6454_7-33069134.html">Samsung Spex SCH-R210</a></td> <td>1.46</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"> <td>18</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/kyocera-x-tc-virgin/4505-6454_7-33573791.html">Kyocera X-tc</a></td> <td>1.45</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>18a</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/motorola-i576-black-sprint/4505-6454_7-33249925.html">Motorola i576</a></td> <td>1.45</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"> <td>18b</td> <td><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/motorola-adventure-v750-verizon/4505-6454_7-33184316.html">Motorola Adventure V750</a></td> <td>1.45</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, what can you do to minimize the exposure to radiation? Clearly the best thing you could do is to not use your cell phone as frequently, but for some people that's just not an option anymore. The second best option would be to get a headset so you are removing the radiation from your head area all together and try not to keep your cell phone on your person (such as in your pocket) if you don't have to. </div><br />
<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/xojessica.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-68173487453918913972010-10-13T18:50:00.000-05:002010-10-13T18:50:42.520-05:00All moved in!<div style="text-align: justify;">The hectic-ness of moving is starting to die down. Eli and I are basically all settled in to our new place and it's considered our home now. The apartment is really wonderful. We have a large living room which I've blocked off with our wooden baby gate and my sewing area is on the other side of it. I spend most Eli's waking time playing with him in the living room, but sometimes I can sneak in some quick work in the sewing area. Our bedroom is huge and in the back of the apartment so Eli never gets woken up by the sound of the sewing machine or television (unlike our last place where the sewing room shared a wall with the bedroom). There's a big yard with a hammock and some garden boxes that one of the neighbors built, which is great because Eli gets to run around outside at least once a say (though usually more since the weather has been so nice). I am free to build my own boxes and I'm hoping to have a garden started at some point. I even talked to the neighbors about chickens and it seems like it's a very good possibility. I will talk with them more once January/February rolls around and baby chicks will start hatching.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">My washing machine is successfully hooked up to my kitchen sink and I've done lots of diaper washes already. Hang drying all my laundry is taking some time to get used to since I don't have a proper clothesline out front yet, but I don't have to leave my apartment to do laundry, and I'm saving money.</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick release hose attachment</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The washing machine in action</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Sewing is going well. I took a little hiatus from everything for a while so I could move and then get settled in, but I am starting to ease back in to everything full force.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My next goal is to start cooking more! I just got the VegWeb app for my phone which I think will be super handy when I go grocery shopping. I always try to make lists of ingredients but I am forever forgetting to buy something. Having the recipe and their pre-made shopping lists right on my phone will be super handy! If anyone has any vegetarian recipes that they love then please share them with me!</div><br />
<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-88872995624546190312010-09-02T03:00:00.000-05:002010-09-02T03:00:47.982-05:00Cloth Diapering & Apartment Living<div style="text-align: justify;">Cloth diapering isn't just for people in houses with washers and dryers. It seems like it would be a pain in the but the wash cloth diapers if you live in an apartment, but you actually have a lot of options of how you can do things. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The apartment that I am moving into has NO W/D hookups and NO on-site laundry facility. It's a 4-plex (one building, 4 apartments) and it's a fairly old building (I do however have a sort of yard, and I saw a hammock hanging between two trees). The laundry situation isn't ideal, but it made me do some research. Upon searching I discovered that yes, there is such a thing as a portable washing machine, and no, you don't need hook ups for it. If you have a kitchen sink then you're good to go. They even make some small enough to fit on your counter top! I'm planning on hopefully getting one before I move (if I can save up/sell enough stuff), I am choosing one that has a 12 lb. capacity (since dirty diapers are pretty heavy) and it's approximately $229. If you think about it, if you are an apartment dweller in a similar situation you could get one of these washers and an entire stash of cloth diapers and still save <b>thousands</b> of dollars. Once you spend that initial money then you're done spending money on diapers entirely.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I figure that since I live in Texas and it's going to be hot/warm until Halloween, that I can air dry while I save up for a portable dryer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am going to try to update more often, and I especially want to update my cloth diapering journey going from a house with a washer and dryer out back, to an apartment with none of the above.</div><br />
<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-91452911264899899302010-09-01T15:50:00.001-05:002011-02-21T03:44:16.914-06:00The blog that fell by the waysideTalk about being a busy mama. I just haven't been able to blog, so much other stuff has been going on.<br />
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My divorce is finally final. As stressful as it is to have to start figuring stuff out like health insurance, I am relieved to finally be officially not married. The night that it was final I went out with some friends to celebrate. I've been a lot more social lately, which is nice. I like getting out of the house. I've been reconnecting with old friends that I just hadn't talked to in forever and I even went dancing the other night! <br />
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I found an apartment and I move in on September 27th. It's a 950 sq. foot 1 bedroom apartment, which means I don't have to have a roommate. I was kind of stressing out about the whole roommate thing. The apartment is in an amazing neighborhood, and the apartment I found is about $300/mo cheaper than every other 1 bedroom in that area. There's room for my sewing stuff that is separate from the bedroom or living room, which is awesome cause my sewing area is definitely not baby friendly. It's in a super central location and I can either walk or bike downtown if I wanted to, and I can walk to Whole Foods, Pease Park, some swimming pools, and other fun stuff. <br />
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Eli is awesome. He's growing up so fast. In 4 days he will be 14 months old. Seriously, where has this past year gone!?<br />
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<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-38092521381324842152010-08-06T20:13:00.000-05:002010-08-06T20:13:38.009-05:00Positives.+ CT Scan came back all clear! Cancer can't touch this!<br />
+ I have begun to have somewhat of a social life. Meaning I have a friend that I hang out with regularly.<br />
+ I have begun thinking of ways that I can minimize objects and expenses in my life. This world is so driven by stuff and things. I want to live minimally.<br />
+ I've been on the best sewing kick of my life lately. It normally takes me 2 weeks (or more) to sew orders, but I have been so driven lately that every order from the past week or 2 will be shipping out on Monday. I forgot how great it feels to not procrastinate more than is needed, and it's super nice to not have anything looming overhead.<br />
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<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-19916906620350514182010-08-05T21:21:00.000-05:002010-08-05T21:21:21.025-05:00Life has been hectic lately<div style="text-align: justify;">Finding the time to update my blog has been moved to the bottom of my ever growing list. I love writing and wish I could do it more, but the life of a single mother is harder than I could have ever expected. I always had a lot of respect for single mothers, but it wasn't until I became one that I knew just how hard it was. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, #1 on my list of things I have to do? Find an apartment. This one is going to be really hard because no matter what way I look at it, I have no money. Luckily for the past 3 months I have drawn up patterns for several different things to make including Boo Boo drops, baby blankets & quilts, baby pants, reusable snack bags. I'm only now just starting to get around to making these things because I have been so backed up with orders. I've been working my ass off to try to make enough money to survive on my own. I'm glad I have sewing. It's been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, and I have been doing it for over 12 years now. I've put a ton of work into this business that I have been building, and it's finally starting to pay off. I am hoping that my business will continue to grow and expand because this has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I guess #2 is in there on my list. My business. I finally made a pair of wide leg baby pants that I have been waiting to make for months. I've had this pattern drawn forever and I finally had an open night where all my orders were filled, so I got to work. I'm still working on perfecting them and coming up with the perfect waistband, but they are my favorite things ever. I'm currently working on a pattern for mama pads to. This one is probably going to take a little while to come up with. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">#3 on my list is dealing with the finalization of my divorce. This is the shitty part, the part that everyone fights about. No one can ever agree on anything. I have to basically rewrite the entire decree and add change things around and resubmit it as a counterproposal, then we go to court on Sept. 15th.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My real #1 though, is being a mom to Eli. I am trying to cherish these moments that I get to spend with him all day because I never know when I won't be able to do it anymore. Being a single mom means I might have to start working out of the house, at least part time, and that means I will miss out on being with Eli a lot. I've been slacking on everything lately, my dishes don't get washed, the laundry sits on the couch for days, just so I can spend the day with my babe. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jessica" border="0" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" /></a></div>Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-8503060619833523862010-07-28T13:21:00.000-05:002010-07-28T13:21:17.847-05:00Oh hello there, blog.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TE_RuYnlOOI/AAAAAAAAA8U/qsyPW-Aaz-I/s1600/39846_411700031789_523881789_5155146_6346480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TE_RuYnlOOI/AAAAAAAAA8U/qsyPW-Aaz-I/s320/39846_411700031789_523881789_5155146_6346480_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Every day I get to see new little miracles. This little dude is seriously the most amazing person I have ever met. We're going on 13 months here soon and every day is filled with new excitement and milestones.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I sure did luck out in the teething department! Eli was sitting on the floor and leaning against our bed with his head tilted back laughing and I saw MOLARS! I had no clue that he was even teething at all. I have always heard that teething for molars is the worst and I was kind of nervous about that, but it just happened and I had no idea that it was even happening at all. He did have a fever for a few days, maybe that had something to do with it, but I'll take it!</div><br />
Friday I have a CT scan coming up. I'm pretty nervous about it, though hiding it pretty well (I think I am, anyway). I've been having these weird sharp pains and my brain automatically goes straight to "you have cancer". I honestly feel like a little part of me is going to always think that way now, unfortunately. I'm remaining positive, but those thoughts will still occur. I'm positive in the sense that I know I have a lot of life left to live, so no matter what happens, I'm not going anywhere. It would be nice to not have anymore road blocks though, so cross your fingers that cancer never comes back.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm currently in the process of looking for an apartment for Eli and I. It's really hard to say the least. I would prefer a house to rent, but they are expensive. I need a lot of space too. I need to have a designated sewing area that isn't in a common area because there are lots of not baby safe things hanging around and it's frequently a mess, especially when I've been working a lot (and I'm going to have to start working <b>a lot</b>). My budget is not a lot, so I really have some searching to do. Unfortunately there's a lot of crap going on in between in this area. I was informed by my ex that he will not help with move in costs or co-signing, even though I have no money and I need a co-signer. So that's something I am going to have to fight for. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have to run right now because Eli is all over the place, including on my computer, and we need to eat lunch!</div><img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-78320666834831045102010-07-11T12:56:00.004-05:002010-07-11T12:59:30.150-05:00Welcome to Toddlerhood<div style="text-align: justify;">I've been lax on the blogging lately. Life as a single mom to a 1 year old and running your own business is a LOT of work, so lately in my "down time" (if there ever is such a thing) I read or veg out and watch movies.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TDn6Oo5gLZI/AAAAAAAAA7s/Hai5X2oCSOQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-07-11+at+12.06.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TDn6Oo5gLZI/AAAAAAAAA7s/Hai5X2oCSOQ/s320/Screen+shot+2010-07-11+at+12.06.36+PM.png" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Once Eli had his first birthday it was like a switch was flipped into toddlerhood. He's changing in so many ways, it sure is amazing to watch. He's always been curious, all babies are, but it seems that he's especially curious lately. He's perfecting his walking and hardly ever falls down while doing it, he's figured how to take off his diapers that snap, and he's become a night owl just like his mama.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Eli loves his toys. For his birthday I bought him a mini bowling set that has 6 wooden pins and a felted wool ball. You can frequently find him walking around with one or two of the pins in each hand. The car shown is by Sprig. It's made from recycled materials and wood chips (and it smells like the wood chips!) in Canada. He also got some other great stuff including a rocking horse, lots of wood blocks, and a wooden sailboat that I bought for him for bath time and then playing in puddles as he gets older.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TDoEcyeHXiI/AAAAAAAAA78/63k7YCJw3Os/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-07-11+at+12.09.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TDoEcyeHXiI/AAAAAAAAA78/63k7YCJw3Os/s200/Screen+shot+2010-07-11+at+12.09.44+PM.png" width="198" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TDoEjBHQgRI/AAAAAAAAA8E/5UllwGOuxk8/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-07-11+at+12.08.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TDoEjBHQgRI/AAAAAAAAA8E/5UllwGOuxk8/s200/Screen+shot+2010-07-11+at+12.08.58+PM.png" width="198" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">With the fun has also come the not so fun. Eli has all of a sudden started going through a hair pulling and face slapping phase. Luckily it's most likely just a phase, and hopefully it won't last long. I am trying to teach him that it's not nice by telling him no and that it hurts, then leaving the room. Whenever I do this he starts freaking out and crying, so I come back in and give him a hug. I think he's learning, it's not happening as often as it was a couple days ago.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's the extent of his "naughtiness" though, and he's only 1, so he doesn't know any better. Life is a learning process, and so isn't being a mom. A learning process for both of us. Nothing in the world seems bad when he puts his nose on my nose and stares into my eyes then laughs. He loves me and I love him.</div><br />
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<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-91287390239028789022010-07-07T02:06:00.001-05:002010-07-07T02:11:34.696-05:00Baby Led Weaning<div style="text-align: justify;">After much research prior to Elijah's birth and during his first few months earth side, I knew I wanted to do baby led weaning. BLW is gradually weaning from milk and allowing your baby to self feed solid foods at their own pace. No purees, which means no spoon feeding. A lot of parents start the process at 6 months or so, but many parents are waiting longer if their baby isn't showing much interest in food. You can exclusively breastfeed your baby up to a year old until you need to start introducing solids.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Eli hasn't been totally exclusively breastfed, he's had some solids here and there, but no full meals. Until your baby is a year old food is really just for experimentation anyway, but now that he's had his first birthday it's time I start introducing more foods into his diet, and daily.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today for his first full meal I gave him some brown rice, black beans, apples, and pears. I have to admit, coming up with food ideas for Eli is a little tricky. I obviously want him to have a wide variety of foods every day and of course it needs to be well balanced.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm going to work on making a weekly menu and making foods that both Eli and I can eat together, rather than making my food and then making him different things. I will appreciate any and all suggestions! We eat a vegetarian diet, so no meat suggestions please.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm looking forward to this new chapter, it's always fun watching your little one learning and experiencing new things!</div><br />
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<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-50398993510000240262010-07-05T13:56:00.002-05:002010-07-05T15:12:15.204-05:00To Elijah on Your First Birthday<div style="text-align: justify;">At 10:52pm tonight it will be exactly one year to the hour that you were born. Such a magical moment. That hour marks the minute that my life changed forever, in ways that I could have never imagined.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before you were born I thought I knew what love and selflessness was. I thought I knew what it felt like to feel fulfilled or content, but I was wrong. It's only because of you that I now truly know these things. I have loved you like I never thought possible, I didn't even know that this part of my heart even existed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You've brought joy, magic, and meaning into my life. It's because of you that I have been able to deal with so much. You have made me strong. You are my rock.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This past year has been amazing. I've watched you grow so much. You are much different today than the tiny newborn that I brought home from the birth center. You went from sleeping all day and barely moving, just looking around, to a full of energy walking toddler. In the past few weeks you started saying mama. It's amazing. Every day you learn something new, every day you make my heart melt.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm excited to have you for this wonderful journey. The rest of our lives are going to be amazing. I'm glad we have each other. I will always be there for you, no matter what. You already know this, though.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I love you, Elijah. Happy first year of life. I can't wait to see what the next one brings.</div><br />
Love,<br />
Mom<br />
<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-66617941387520510092010-06-30T13:55:00.000-05:002010-06-30T13:55:54.698-05:00Boo Boo Drops Pre-OrdersI am accepting pre-orders for the Boo Boo Drops. Please send an email to ohdearjessica (at) gmail (dot) com with how many drops you would like and your fabric choice(s) (make sure you include the number). Each drop is natural in color and comes with one cover. That is $12. You can purchase additional covers for $5 each. All proceeds are going to my doula training workshop and certification fund!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TCuTDrmImJI/AAAAAAAAA7U/QFmoH4agWdw/s1600/fabricflannel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TCuTDrmImJI/AAAAAAAAA7U/QFmoH4agWdw/s320/fabricflannel.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TCuTJw36u8I/AAAAAAAAA7c/zikxvfHIsmU/s1600/wovenfabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TCuTJw36u8I/AAAAAAAAA7c/zikxvfHIsmU/s320/wovenfabric.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3784377220843070376.post-52810243004752403012010-06-29T15:26:00.000-05:002010-06-29T15:26:41.576-05:00Future Endeavors<div style="text-align: justify;">When I was pregnant I did some research on becoming a doula. That whole idea was put on hold while I had to deal with things like newborn baby, cancer, and divorce, but now that things are settling down a bit I am revisiting the idea.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am going to go through DONA International. To become a doula there are a bunch of requirements. I have to read 5 books from the required reading list (I am getting 2 of them soon which I am excited for, I traded some credit for cloth diapers for them!), attend a doula training workshop, become a member on DONA International and purchase the certification packet, complete a breastfeeding basics or lactation course (there's one online that I am going to do), attend a childbirth class as a non-expecting parent, attend 3 births and document them (and have the care providers fill out some forms to tell how you did), and finally, write an essay on the value and purpose of labor support. There are some other little things, but once you purchase the certification packet you have 2 years to complete everything. There is a doula training workshop here in October that I am going to try to save up for. It's $375, you need to put a $100 minimum deposit down and the rest is due by the first day of the workshop. I am hesitant to put a deposit down because I am not sure if I can actually come up with that money by then, but I have time some time to register so the next couple of months will be devoted to trying to save some money for that!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think becoming a doula will be an amazing experience. I didn't have one at my birth but the extra support would have been wonderful. Doula's can not only be your support system but they can help your partner be more active in support, sometimes partners forget what to do or need a little nudge. If I ever have another baby down the road I will definitely have a doula.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TCpWmhZco5I/AAAAAAAAA7M/id6T-KPRroM/s1600/IMG_4889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TCpWmhZco5I/AAAAAAAAA7M/id6T-KPRroM/s200/IMG_4889.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TCpWeFrBhjI/AAAAAAAAA7E/YdIxVXgPIT8/s1600/IMG_4880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WgDaWI-9iP8/TCpWeFrBhjI/AAAAAAAAA7E/YdIxVXgPIT8/s200/IMG_4880.JPG" width="150" /></a>In order to save I will be coming up with a few new products to sell aside from cloth diapers. The one that I am working on now is called a Boo Boo Drop. It's based off of the stuffed raindrops I was making. I sent one in an order that I recently shipped out and the mama's son came up with the name Boo Boo Drop after colliding with his brother. Kids come up with the best names, don't they!? The Boo Boo Drop is in the shape of a raindrop and filled with organic rice. You can put it in the freezer or microwave it for a few seconds and use it on any bumps, bruises, or sore spots. I am going to be making the drops themselves out of the same organic, natural colored fabrics that I use to make diapers with and I will be making covers for them. The drops are not washable because of the rice but the covers will be! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><img alt="Jessica" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad91/lepetitowlet/jessica-3.png" />Jessica Lyn.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05177041702955129620noreply@blogger.com2