…just breathe

I don’t tend to post a lot about my design work. To me its so personal to the client, I don’t always feel it necessary to share. I do feel my cookies are a part of my design work, however a different medium. I’m happy for my artsy background when it comes to mixing icing colors, and figuring out how to make a cookie just alittlemore special.

So, here is some of my actual graphic design work where I utilized Illustrator & Photoshop instead of sugar cookie dough, and royal icing

You’re 3. I honestly feel like it was yesterday that I was holding you so tiny in my arms wondering “well NOW what!”

You’ve changed my life in ways I never thought were possible. I didn’t know how badly I needed you until you were handed to me in that little swaddle blanket screaming your head off. You still scream an awful lot, but it’s amazing to see your personality and how you’re developing into your own little self.

I love you buddy. I’ve always got your back.

I’ve had that song stuck in my head all day. I suppose it’s better than the macarena I had stuck the other day.

ehhhhhhhh Macarena…

I know you’re all humming it now, so you’re welcome.

I miss my blog. Life has taken over though and I haven’t had time to sit long enough to form a complete thought. Our laptop also died so having time to sit and write has become pretty much non-existent. Goodness it’s nice to just sit and THINK for a few minutes.

We are still potty training & making some headway. He usually stays dry when we are out and about – as long as the trips aren’t more than an hour or so. He will usually go when he’s at home, but he has yet to tell us he has to go. I made up this nifty sticker chart thing we hung on the wall. He loved it at first – but got pretty bored with it after about a week. He’s not really into getting rewards for going potty. Weird. I’m not really worrying about getting him in underwear for his naps/overnight just yet. He is Mr. Independent with the whole thing, so I’m not quite sure how to get him to TELL me he has to pee. I guess that will come later.

Things have been a bit of a struggle with his temper lately. I’ve been trying to re-direct him when I know he’s close to a meltdown. Also how to express his anger instead of lashing out/throwing things/hitting/biting. I am knee deep in it with him & let me tell you, it is hard. As a parent you want your child to behave. To have manners. To respect other people. This phase of independence, and attitude are normal. I know. He’s trying to figure out what is acceptable and what isn’t. But man, it takes all the patience I have some days. I’m not perfect in dealing with the tantrums. I don’t know a mother out there who is. But I’m learning to try to keep myself calm in the midst of it all.

It’s also been decided that I’m going back to work! Woo! I know – the cookie ‘business’ is doing great lately. Honestly if I could stay this busy all year, it wouldn’t be an issue. But we’ve had a few unexpected financial changes the last few months, and it’s really just the smart thing to do at this point. I’m ready to get back out there & bring more substantial money to the family. Goodness knows I’ve got it in me. Now I just need to find someone to give me a phone call. The job market in the area isn’t very strong, but I’ve been applying to what I can. Hoping something works out here soon. No worries though, I will continue to make cookies on the side

My cookie orders have taken off this month. Forgive me as I toot my own horn for a minute, but it’s amazing to me. I started this last year not thinking it would do too much outside of the major holidays & lately I’ve had to turn people away because I’m swamped. It’s pretty cool

Nick and I have a special dinner date tonight at a fancypants restaurant downtown. I’m super excited to have a date night with my hubby. It’s been far too long! Now, if I only had a clue about what to wear…

It’s not just on the kiddos, y’all.

I’ve admitted on more than one occasion I have no real desire to potty train my child, even as much as I understand why it needs done. Blah, blah, blah. I get it. It’s not that I don’t want him potty trained. Lord knows it would make life easier. I just don’t want to deal with it. Its hard. The battles, the screaming, the TEARS, and the struggle have left me throwing my hands in the air and grabbing the wine at 9am.

Does that make me a difficult parent? Probably. Are you giving me the side eye? Yeah, I know.

Nathan will be 3 at the end of August. He’s showing signs of wanting to potty train, but honestly could care less. When we do sit him on the potty he goes, and is super excited, but has no desire to ever re-visit the potty. He likes going in to wash his hands, and really that’s about it. Well and wearing his undies. He does like those.

I’m getting random emails from good meaning companies saying how my child should be just about potty trained, and good for you for getting him there! I’ve got daycare telling me he’s ready, and how he gives her no trouble going when he’s there. I’m seeing a huge handful of twitter mamas (I swear its all of them) successfully potty training their kids with little struggle, and I just feel defeated.

I know it’s not everyone.

I know potty training is HARD.

I know other mamas who have struggled with it.

I know eventually we will get there and he won’t be in college in his diapers – though sometimes it sure feels like it.

We tried him in pull ups and he wandered around in them wet. With no desire to change them.

We’ve tried setting a timer, and that scared the bejeesus out of him. Pro tip: Kitchen timers are LOUD. Try something else. I became a target for him to take out his frustrations, and he started hitting me when I was putting him on the potty. Not cool.

We’ve danced.

We’ve hi-fived and made it exciting for him.

We’ve bribed with M&M’s.

We’ve bribed with hershey kisses.

We’ve promised humungous popsicles for a poop in the potty.

And, nada. Unless he’s forced which I’m not terribly comfortable with.

I can’t be the only one out there who feels defeated and clueless when it comes to this – can I?

Things lately have been more than a little nuts around here. We’ve had weddings (and photographing weddings), enormous cookie orders, holidays, and have begun potty training the little man.

I’ll spare y’all the gory details, but Nathan can’t be potty trained fast enough. We’re getting there. Slowly. But I imagine the fly on the wall is getting some good laughs at me when I realize I missed Nathan “going” and I pull down his training underwear only to say “Sweet Jesus, what in the world do I do with you NOW!?” Most of the time I just want to throw him straight into the shower, but then that would just spread it all around. Changing regular diapers doesn’t really phase me. There’s something about having that tiny piece of a disposable diaper between me and the poo that comforts me in a way that underwear doesn’t. I know my child will be 4 and still in diapers. It’ll happen.

A few weeks ago my brother in law got married up at the lake. It was a beautiful day. About 82*, not many clouds, and a nice breeze. A great day for a wedding. They got married outside at a gazebo with a canopy of trees over head. Such a pretty place.

I was the photographer for the day and realized just how much I missed photographing. Once I got pregnant I pretty much put my camera down. Things got difficult for a while there and I just wasn’t able to enjoy it like I had in the past. Part of the problem is my camera just isn’t up to par anymore. It’s incredibly slow and will need to be upgraded before I can do much. Hopefully soon. I was able to borrow my mother-in-laws camera for the day and really really enjoyed it. I think I got some pretty kick ass pictures with it too It was a beautiful afternoon full of family, cupcakes, and laughter. I’m so glad I was able to be a part of it.

The enormous cookie order I told you about was actually really exciting for me. I got an email from a wonderful woman over at Lollypop Farm. They were planning a ground breaking event for their capital campaign to expand the humane society! Of course I was honored to be a part of the ceremony to Build a better Lollypop. We frequent the grounds quite often for walks and to swoon over all the animals we wish we could adopt. Since we live about half a mile away it’s easy to wander over there and show Nathan the pigs and cows. Something I grew up with readily available on our farm, but something he has limited access to. They placed such a large order, I admittedly was nervous about getting 300 + cookies prepared for such an event. But with a little help from the hubby getting them to the humane society – I did it. And I’m damn proud

So that’s it in a nutshell. I’m running around chasing after a peeing toddler trying to teach him to use the potty. I guess it’s good the cookie orders have slowed down for a bit, huh?

Thank you COOL WHIP for sponsoring this post. Join us on Facebook for inspiration and recipes for everyday treats. What you add makes it. #coolwhipmoms

It’s no real secret around here that I like to cook, and bake. Shocking, I know! But in the summer it gets hot – even in upstate NY. Hot to the point where you don’t want to cook, let alone stand near the oven. One of my favorite summertime dessert recipes is one I found a long time ago. Over the years I’ve adjusted it to our own tastes, and we think it’s pretty darn good. The best part is you can change it up easily depending on what your family likes. You can make this as simple or as complicated as you like. We have tried this with all blueberries, and all strawberries, even adding in some raspberries when they looked good. I’ve even gone as far as adding kiwi fruit, but found they started to get soggy quick. Might be good to avoid them!

We’ve nicknamed this cake the “Super summer tasty cake“  It generally lasts about 2 days in our house I’ve included lots of pictures to help get your mouth watering, but trust me it is REALLY EASY! Even my 2 year old loves it. It’s messy, and “nummy” as he says

You will need:

Strawberry preserves (any flavor you like will work)

Angel food cake (pre-made, or homemade is fine)

COOL WHIP Whipped Topping – chilled, but not frozen

Various Fruit – Strawberries, blueberries, etc..

First add about a cup of your chosen preserves to a small sauce pan.

Heat it on low until it begins to thin. If you need to thin it further, add just a touch of juice or water to it. Once it has thinned, set it aside to cool and get your cake ready.

Slice your angel food cake in half across the middle, and get your COOL WHIP spoon ready!

Next carefully spoon the thinned preserves across the sliced cake. Let it soak in for a few minutes before the next step. Sometimes it helps if you poke holes in the angel food cake to help the preserves absorb.

Liberally apply COOL WHIP to the sliced cake and cover with your favorite sliced fruit. This is seriously the best part.

For the top layer you basically repeat the above steps.  It’s a messy cake, but so versatile, and simple to make you will find it’s almost too easy!

And by the end of it you’re left with this wonderfully yummy cake that your whole family will love! If you don’t bake the angel food cake it takes maaaaybe about half an hour to put this together. Most of the time is for slicing the berries and warming up the preserves. It is best kept cold and covered in the fridge. If you can keep it that long   Enjoy!

Sponsored posts are purely editorial content that we are pleased to have presented by a participating sponsor. Advertisers do not produce the content. I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own.

With the cookie business well underway, I’ve found myself going through so many business cards. I’m already on my second order! Some of you may have noticed I changed up my ‘look’ since my card first order. Honestly I didn’t think I would go through them as quickly as I have. The new cards I made not only fit me a lot better, they also showcase my favorite (& most popular) horse head cookie! I think they’re just spankin great I hope you guys enjoy them! Uprinting has been great at working with me on my design and allowing me a great opportunity to share this with you. They are one of those good companies out there!

Now you have the chance to win some of your own business cards! I’m happy to host a great business cards printing giveaway from UPrinting.com to share the opportunity to get 250 of your own business cards — for free. Not only do they have the typical rectangle cards, but you can get die cut as well. Die cut cards are awesome. As someone with a design background I can tell you first hand that business cards that are ever so slightly different are what get noticed & remembered.

This is a great opportunity to get your name out there and help self promote. You never know who you will run into when you are out. Use them as a way to set up play-dates, or to aid in getting more blog traffic. The possibilities are endless!

Here are the rules of the giveaway:

This will run through MAY 10TH!! Make sure you enter soon & pass this around to anyone else that might need free business cards. (Who doesn’t!) I will choose the winner through random.org and e-mail the winner!

Prize Information:

250 Die-cut Business Cards for one (1) winner

2×3.5″ Rounded Corners, 2×2″ Rounded Corners, 1.75×3.5″ Rounded Corners, 2×3.5″ Leaf, 2×3.5 Rounded one corner, 2×3.5″ Half-Circle Side, 2×3.5″ Oval, or 2.5″ Circle

14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated

6 Business days print turnaround time

Free US shipping only

Giveaway Entry Options:

1. Leave me a comment here telling me what ideas you have for your business cards

{For additional entries}

2. Like UPrinting on Facebook

3. Follow UPrinting on Twitter

4. Add UPrinting to Google+ Circle

Restrictions:

1. This giveaway is open to US residents only, 18 years old and above.

2. No prize substitutions allowed.

3. Winners are allowed to win once over a six-month period.

4. Only email addresses used for the giveaway will be eligible to claim the prize.

Disclaimer:

“You should assume that I will receive free print products in exchange for the post. Any and all reviews posted are based solely on my own experience and may be atypical. Please practice due diligence in making any related purchase decisions. Interested to hold a giveaway like this? Please sign up here.”

After you become a mom, your needs change. Well, everything changes. Those first few months are about survival & just making it through the day as best you can. But, things eventually get to a point where they even out. Kiddos get older, and a little bit more independent. They start enjoying playing trucks and trains on their own, occasionally only needing you to repair a Lego tunnel or train bridge. It’s not an everyday occurrence but when it does, it’s a great thing.

Defining yourself after you have a child can be tough for some (myself included). Once the cloud of postpartum depression started to clear I was able to start focusing back on me, and my own needs while still taking care of my family. My needs aren’t great, and honestly they feel pretty simple compared to most.

My needs:

It’s my husbands responsibility to make sure I get 15 minutes of alone time to shower in the mornings. The only exception with that is when he has class and goes to work really early. I need those few minutes to get myself together and ready for the day. Or well, at least attempt to be clean. Being awake is another story.

Coffee. So much coffee. This helps with that whole ‘being awake’ thing. I think it’s a myth.

Once in a while I need time to myself. Shocking, right? I will take the keys, go get myself a coffee, and walk around the hobby store. All by myself. It doesn’t happen all that often, but when it does I remember how much I enjoy it.

Twice a week for an hour – I take my son to a daycare next door, even though I am a stay at home mom. I arranged it with the daycare to do this on the days Nick has class. Those days are *very* long. It gives me a chance to go jogging, clean, shower, blog, read.. whatever my heart desires. An hour isn’t much, but every little bit helps. My son enjoys his time with his friends next door, and I get some breathing room.

Date nights are a must. There is always a pang of guilt for me when we pull out of my mother in laws driveway, but it doesn’t last long. He has fun with his nana, papa, and his cousins. He is perfectly fine over there, and the break for all of us is much needed. The smiles and tackle hugs we get when we pick him up the next morning are always worth it.

Adult time! I can only handle so much Sesame street, and Thomas the train before I start to analyze the cartoons I’m stuck watching. Honestly, Bob the Builder is a hoarder in the making.

So maybe my needs aren’t that great, or outrageous, but they are mine. They help me navigate this motherhood adventure I am thankful to be in the middle of.

Can you define what you need that help you be a better mom? Are they day-to-day needs or just general things that help? What do you to do ensure you get these needs met?

Working at home. I mean, I do it sorta. The cookie thing has its own life. It has quiet times, and busy other times. It has good days and bad days. I’m still trying to figure it all out – Getting the orders done & out the door, maintaining a house, and manage a sorta potty training 2 year old under my feet. Plus a husband that works & goes to school full time? I might be nuts.

Sometimes I think I’m crazy for trying to take on a small business out of the home. I know I’m organized enough, but am I patient enough to deal with the rest of it? And manage the house? And manage the kiddo? I just don’t know sometimes.

The cookies themselves are time consuming. It takes time to make the dough, roll it out & chill it for an hour or two. There’s the baking involved. Each batch takes 6-8 minutes, plus cooling time. It takes me about 2 hours to mix & color all the icing & get it ready to decorate the cookies. The decorating part per cookie isn’t terrible, but it will take me a good hour to ice a dozen normal sized cookies. They need to rest overnight after the initial layer of icing is down. After that I can add the touches to the top. Let that dry. Then I can bag & ship.From start to finish, it will take about 3 days.

Now, I’m not standing in the kitchen all day working on the cookies. I do work ahead and try to keep a supply of dough in the freezer, which is a HUGE help when a last minute order comes in. The icing needs to be re-made all the time.

I struggle with making sure I play with Nathan enough, and make sure his needs are met. I struggle with setting my price point for my cookies because it IS time ‘away’ from my family – even though I’m still standing in my kitchen. Nathan often comes running into the kitchen saying “mommy, mommy, mommy” in true toddler style begging for hugs. Its hard telling him “no, Mommy is working, go play..” Is he watching too much TV because I’m too busy in the kitchen? Should I make more of an effort to get us outside & work on the cookies at night after he is in bed?

I suppose my concerns are no different than other mothers who have a job at home, or even those that work outside the home. I’m sure I’m just rambling too, but I do worry. I’m sure he will be alright in the long run, and I’m sure we will all adjust just fine. I guess if not, he’ll just have a lot to talk about with his therapist one day

Y’all.. I’m not ready for this.

Didn’t we just come home from the hospital like a month ago? Sometimes I sit here and stare at Nathan and can’t believe he’s 2 1/2. It’s cliche, but really – where DID the time go? He amazes me from day to day – how he progresses and learns. The words he’s picking up are blowing me away.  He’s becoming his own little person and watching him grow up is the most amazing thing I’ve ever been a part of.

So yeah, potty time.

He’s not totally ready, but he’s showing interest. I’m not really pressing the issue with him. Once in a while when things are quiet I will take his diaper off and sit with him on the floor while he sits on the potty. Baby wipes nearby to clean up messes. So far he’s used his potty twice, and the floor/wall/table several times. He has asked for his potty and when he does we listen.

When he has used his potty, we make a big deal out of it while he gives us a side eye and shrugs.

I’m sorta going into this blindly. Everyone is telling me we will figure it out & I do think we will, but I feel like I need some sort of plan. I don’t think we’re quite there to use stickers/rewards just yet. Honestly he could care less most of the time if he’s in a diaper or not.

Have any potty training advice to share?