August Cara Box Reveal

This was my first time participating in the Cara Box Exchange through Wifessionals.  It was so much fun! I really loved getting to know Jess and Christy!

I was so excited to post photos of what I sent to Jess...but apparently my 8 month old daughter knows how to erase photos from my camera...I'm still blaming B-Real for this one though. ha!

{he says it was Squish, but I'm calling bull-sha-bibble on this one!}

Jess has an amazing shop on Etsy called Sadie Sky Boutique. It is filled with lovely headbands and hair pretties galore! Jess is a very busy gal, and her daughter Sadie is adorbs!

I got home from a long weekend out of town to find a lovely box from Christy. Unfortunately it had been a heat wave at home, and it was outside the whole time.

Christy has a wonderful blog that has some great subscription box reviews. There are some exciting times ahead for this lovely lady, and I'll be on the look out for updates on what's to come. She is also joining up with some other great blogs to bring blog land readers some awesome giveaways. You can check out more on there here.

Here's what was in my box:

{I need to go back and take more photos of the items again...there are missing ones from my camera...see above. SMH}


The loot:

Lion brand yarn Amazing: this yarn is so soft and delightful. The colors are beautiful!

Godiva Dark Chocolate Almonds: Yum! {these were melted from the ridiculous heat here, but I popped them in the freezer, and they were phenomenal frozen}


Organic Cotton Washcloth: So soft, and I love that it's free of chemicals! Squish loves this already...what can I say, she loves washcloths. ha!

Penny Lane Lavender Mist: I love this! I used to have a linen mist from B&B works {obviously from about 15 years ago...they stopped making it...sigh}, and I'm excited to use this. I love yummy smelling sheets.

Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Lip Balm: OMG...I need to find a retailer of this company stat! I love this balm! I'm so glad Christy introduced me to this company. LOVE!

That adorable panda duo...that's my very thoughtful letter from Christy.

Thanks so much to Christy! What a great first Cara Box!



If you would like to participate next month in the Cara Box Exchange please use the button below!

The Must Haves...

...for 8 Months Old. 

 



1.) Nuby No-Spill Super Spout 2 Handle Cup

2.) BabyLegs

3.) Fisher Price Peek-a-Boo Blocks

4.) Plum Organics Super Puffs

5.) bumGenius 4.0 cloth diaper

 

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I can't believe that Squish is almost 8 months old!!! Where has the time gone? 

 

These are my Top 5 Picks for Must Have items for her 8th month. 

 

The Nuby No-Spill Cup has been great, she loves using it, and it's got a softer spout so she can chew away.

 

The Babylegs come in handy for those quick diaper changes {no messing with trying to wrangle a squirmy baby into pants. They also protect her knees while she's crawling all over the place.
{You can also find these types of leggings in other brands, or you could make your own. I plan on posting a tutorial on how to make them...they are super easy!}

Fisher Price Peek-a-Boo Blocks are one of Squish's favorite toys right now. She'll chew on them, toss them around, and she has lots of fun knocking them over after B-Real or I stack them up.

Plum Organics...ahhh...I can't say enough about this brand!! They have some fantastic flavor combinations, I can pronounce all the ingredients {unlike some other brands}, and they are yum-o! I make all of Squish's food, but I've had some epic fails when it comes to trying to make her teething biscuits. So I decided to give these a try, plus they have cremes {non-dairy thank you very much!}, and easy disolve teether cookies. I believe they are gluten free...but don't quote me on that one as I'm a little sleep deprived this week.

bumGenius 4.0 cloth diapers have quickly become one of our favorite diapers. In the beginning some of the one size were super bulky, while others were too trim for our chunky thighed babe...but we've always been able to get a good fit with ALL of the bumGenius that we've tried. I do enjoy a couple other brands of cloth diapers...but that's for another day. :)   Lately we've been having some issues with Squish waking up in the night because she wants a diaper change...not such a big deal, if she were to go back to sleep after said diaper change - but she doesn't. She doesn't like feeling wet, but who can blame her?  The 4.0's are pockets, and I can stuff some super absorbant inserts in there, and the inner fabric has a stay dry feel to it. AWESOME! {I also really like their Freetimes for during the day, and their old style Elementals}

 

 

Inspiration Wednesday

Kitchen Makeover by nutshellfarms

This is my inspiration for a future kitchen makeover. It will consist of me painting...a lot! ha! We won't be tearing out cabinets or installing new flooring...but I look forward to the challenge of freshening up our VERY outdated kitchen!

 

Inspiration Wednesday...

 

...to brighten your day.

Here are some things I've found this morning that are really inspiring me for home décor.

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Ghost House with Trees by Moorea Seal



I can see this going in the office, or in our kitchen once it's redone on a shelf. This is adorable!

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Pogo Dresser from Sauder

 

I scooped up this dresser last week to go in Squish's room {now B-Real will have his dresser back}...for a ridiculously low price.  It's definitely a benefit to have friends that work at Sauder's!  Sauder's is located in our hometown, and have some awesome new collections.  It's all made right down the road from where we live too! I love the Pogo collection though...who doesn't love a toy chest at the bottom of a dresser?!?!

 

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 Rustic Vineyard Chandelier from JunkyardJems on Etsy

 

This would totally fit into our style...we are wine fanatics! :)  I love chandeliers like these.

 

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I also joined Polyvore today. How have I not joined this amazing site before!?!?! You can put together collections, which if you are a Pinterest user, you've seen all those great collections. Now I can put together my own 'Sets'. You can see all the sets that I come up with here, or you can follow them on my Pinterest.

 

Is this week over yet???

I've been asking this question everyday this week.

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I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water the last few days.  Squish has decided that she's going to 'Party Party' at night time...like the good old days. 

{Okay, so the 'good old days' were only a few months ago, but when your kid doesn't sleep at night for the first 4 & 1/2 months of their life - causing you to run on 2 hours of sleep everyday, while going to work full time - your time seems to mash up all together.}

I'm at my wits end again, and don't know how I survived those first few months at all.  The last couple of nights I have caved and let her sleep on my chest a couple nights, and then last night she got to sleep in the bed next to me.  I'm hoping it's just a combo of a growth spurt & teething...that's a big hope.

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Work has been hectic...mostly because I want to crawl under my desk and take a nap.  I'm in the process of getting everything restructured, caught up, and ready to go...for someone else to take over. 

Yes, that's right...I'm leaving work.  I will officially be at home with Squish starting September 7th {okay, so that's technically a Saturday...but the 6th is my last day}.  I'm excited - nervous - anxious - frustrated by this decision.

Things haven't been working out.  I put in for a promotion, was denied that promotion...but was still doing all the work of another person...put in for part time, denied that, and ended up deciding that I'm needed at home.  My milk production has suffered, because they are NOT supportive of my pumping schedule {even though I clock out for this}.  I'm losing sleep {long before Squish started to be up all night again} because I've had to add a couple MOTN pumping sessions to compensate for the lack of milk during the work day.  When I get home from work...it's go go go. I don't feel like I take the time to enjoy Squish {or B-Real}.  I'm so consumed with what needs to get done for the next day, that I'm not really living in the moment...I'm trying to rush through.  Then my weekends are spent catching up on all the stuff that needs to get done throughout the week, but that doesn't.  I don't take the time to enjoy my family on the weekends then like I should be doing. 

I'm salty about what transpired at work, but I know that I'm better off in the direction that I'm going now.  I can focus on my family, enjoying this precious time with my daughter, and can focus on my own business. 

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There is lots coming up in the next month also {I can't believe it's the middle of August...really?!?!}...

September kicks off the Subscription Reviews - starting with food...nom nom nom!

I'll be posting a couple reviews in the coming week that I feel should be done before hand.  For every review post, I will also be posting other things as well. This isn't a 'review blog'...but I'm grateful for the opportunity to review these items.  Who doesn't like coming home to a bunch of fun packages??

There will be a 40 Bags in 40 Days adventure starting in September also. I can't wait until Lent to start this program, it must get done before the holidays! ha!  My house looks like a tornado hit...a tornado by the name of Squish!  It's time to do some purging!

Next month there will be plenty of DIY projects {I've got a list started that I want to tackle from Pinterest}, recipes, shop news, and much more.

You can see Pinterest ideas that I've already completed here.

Thanks for sharing in this adventure with me!

The Weekend is Coming...

...the weekend is almost here!!!

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YAY! Fridays make me happy...mostly because I know that there are 2 days ahead that I'm not going to have to go work. ha!

I love being able to spend all day with my Squishy pants.

Here's a little something sweet to illuminate your Friday morning:

 

She was blowing kisses. She's so stinkin' adorable!

 

 

What Squish is Eating...

...or what she's smearing all over her face.

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Last night I mixed up a lovely 'medley' of fruits and veggies for Squish.  She likes flavor combinations { or as B-Real would say 'a flavor explosion' } and I'm taking advantage of the fact that she'll eat just about anything right now. ;)

Here's what on the menu:

Baby Spinach
Banana
Peaches
Avocado
Blueberries

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It looks like a big old gross mess, but it takes yum!  I taste everything I give to her.  If I wouldn't eat it, I don't serve it to her.  I'm hoping this will foster good eating habits, and that we'll be able to avoid severe food aversions with her. 

 

 

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Feeding time...

 

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What's on the menu in your house today?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frustration & Guilt...

...with a large slice of Humble Pie to wash it all down with.

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I'm not even sure how to start this, and I have a feeling it might feel a little rambling - so I apologize in advance.  Over the last few days I've been going over in my head how I was going to do this post.  I guess I should preface this by saying a few things about myself that you may { or may not } know already. 

1.)  I'm not an outwardly overly emotional person when it comes to certain emotions.  I'm able to show joy, happiness, frustration, even some anger sometimes.  I'm not a public crier though...never have been.  I have a very difficult time showing sadness to other people.  I feel like this is a weakness, and it's totally a control issue.  I'm working on this...
{ I have NO problem with other people showing emotions publicly, and I'm actually really good in a crisis/difficult situation/etc. I'm very sympathetic, empathetic, and compassionate. }

2.)  There have only been a couple people in my life who have ever really seen me really angry...and it resulted in them crying.  I don't find extreme anger to be a productive emotion { there is something to be said for being ticked off though...because I can do ticked off pretty well. ha! }  I usually walk away from a situation if I start to feel that rageful anger rise up in myself, because I know that all that will come of that anger is hurt, regret, and more anger. 

3.)  I try to be a happy person for the most part.  This isn't easy, because life can just down right suck sometimes.  I try to see the positives in every situation.  This is difficult, but that is life. 

4.)  I tend to keep things to myself.  I don't share the nitty gritty ugly parts of my life in a public forum typically.  I cringe when reading some of the posts that are put on Facebook and other media sites today.  So for me to post the following is me stepping way outside of my comfort zone. 

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My oldest sister passed away last week.  She was 36 { going to be 37 in November } 

We're are not sure on all the details as of yet, because it was an "unattended death," and she lives in New Mexico by herself. 

She was a witty, book smart, and caring person. 

She passed away within a year of our Mom passing away from cancer.  As of right now, we are led to believe that it was natural causes.  I'm sure that will be the final results we get also. 

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Frus-tra-tion    (fr-strshn) 
n
         1. the condition of being frustrated
         2. something that frustrates
         3. (Psychology) Psychol
                     a. the prevention or hindering of a potentially satisfying activity
                     b. the emotional reaction to such prevention that may involve aggression

I'm frustrated because I wish she would've taken better care of herself { she had severe health issues that were self inflicted } I'm frustrated because not even a year after burying his wife, my Dad has to bury his oldest daughter.  I'm frustrated because this didn't have to happen.  I'm frustrated because she left a big damn mess that my Dad has to clean up.  I'm frustrated because she was almost 37 years old, and couldn't function as an adult and take care of herself { physically, emotionally, financially }

I'm frustrated...

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Guilt     [gɪlt]
n
        1. the fact or state of having done wrong or committed an offence
        2. (Law) responsibility for a criminal or moral offence deserving punishment or a penalty
        3. remorse or self-reproach caused by feeling that one is responsible for a wrong or offence
        4. Archaic sin or crime

I feel guilt because I hadn't spoken to her in almost 2 months { it was difficult to get ahold of her because her phone was constantly shut off or no internet access }  I feel guilt because I knew she was having a difficult time, and I didn't reach out to her because I didn't have anything uplifting to say.  I feel guilt because I know that there was nothing that I could say or do to make her change to get back to good health.  I feel guilt because we had a distant relationship.

I feel guilt...

Guilt, thick as ether, seeped into my body —Jonathan Valin

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My slice of Humble Pie...

My father called me last Wednesday evening to let me know that she had passed.  He had just received a call from one of my sisters co-workers, and the death had apparently occurred a couple days before, but she wasn't found until Wednesday.  Thursday morning I went with my Dad to the funeral home { the same funeral home we had been to nine months previously to finalize my Mom's funeral arrangements } to get everything in order, and find out what needed to be done.  I must say that Eagle Funeral Home is the BEST!  Jason and his family have been through their own trials, and he's amazing at what he does { he also has two of the cutest kids, and a very gracious wife! }

My father then drove to New Mexico over the weekend to clean out my sisters apartment.  It was a mess, and that's all the more detail I'll go into.  He was greeted by amazing people.  People that welcomed him with open arms.  People that didn't know him { they had known my sister } 

This amazing group of people { the Navajos are really an amazing tribe! I've known this for years since my Mom's family is from Gallup, NM...but this outpouring of help was humbling } came to my Dad, paid for his hotel room, came to help him clean out the apartment, hauled trash, brought food and water, gave him money to use towards his traveling expenses and the funeral arrangements, and the list goes on...

These people , who didn't know my Dad, were willing to give everything they had to a grieving father.  I'm so grateful to every one of them.  I was unable to travel out there with him to help because of Squish { I breastfeed, and wouldn't be able to leave her behind...and there was no way to take her with me to what was waiting } I'm grateful because he didn't have to do this alone.

I'm grateful...

I'm humbled...

Welcome to My World...

...it's a pretty exciting world indeed!

I know there is an 'About Me' section, but I thought I would do up a little post that was a little more in depth.

So let's play 20 questions { Scratch that...ain't nobody got time for 20 ?'s } 10 questions, shall we?

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What are the basics?

My name is Jessica {  you can call me Jess...but NOT Jessie. ;)  }.  I'm 31 years old, live in a small farming community in Ohio, and share my life with an amazing partner named Jeff { a.k.a. 'B-Real' }, our fluffy hippie cat Oliver, and our newest addition Alexandria Grace { a.k.a. 'Squish' }.

What do you do?

This is kind of multi-faceted question for me.  My day job is working in the office of a construction equipment manufacturing company.  My dream job { and passion } is creating children's items, adult accessories, and home goods for my shops here and here.  My newest gig is being a FTM, which I love...and never realized would be the best job in the world. ;) 

What is your passion?

Being creative.  Being a new Mom. 

What are your shops all about?

Nutshell Farms is handmade home goods, pantry { edibles } items, adult accessories { hats/scarves/etc. }

Nutshell Farms Kids is handmade children's items such as: hats, scarves, toys, blankets, and room décor.

What is your 'Mama Style' like?

Well, this is going to sound pretty "crunchy, granola" to some of you...but here goes. I breastfeed, we cloth diaper, I make {almost } all of Squish's food, we are a selective vax home, I baby wear { well, I did when she would actually let me }, and we plan on homeschooling.

So, yeah...you will occasionally see some posts on here about the CD'ing, and baby food making.

{  * I do NOT discuss our vaccination choices with anyone, even family. *  }

What do you do for fun?

I like to do creative things, try new recipes/patterns/etc., visit with family & friends, and enjoy our time together with Squish.  We love going to the lake house in Northern Michigan...it's so relaxing up there.

If you could live anywhere in the USA, where would it be?

Either Northern Michigan, or Oregon. 

What are these "shenanigans" that B-Real gets into?

Unicycling, dirt bike trail riding, plane flying, chess enthusiast.  He also dabbles in wine making, gardening, raising chickens, and wants to learn how to sail.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

 

Hopefully, I'll have finished my RN degree, working in a wonderful oncology center, raising Squish { and possibly another child }, working on creating our dream home with B-Real, and living as simply and naturally as possible.  I want to make lasting meaningful memories for my child(ren)...just like I have from my childhood.

 

 

What will we see on this blog?

 

You will find tutorials, recipes, product reviews, giveaways, random ramblings, and snippets into our lives here at Nutshell Farms.



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Well, I hope you've enjoyed getting to know me a little better.  If you ever have any burning questions, please feel free to ask.  I'm usually an open book about most things.