Busy

Where have I been? I have so badly wanted to be a great blogger, and I cant even keep up. Well one semester down and a three week break to boot. I am working on so many projects right now, I hope to keep them done in time for Christmas- CRAP Christmas is next week- no literally a week from tomorrow is CHRISTMAS DAY. Man O Man I need to get going. Anyways I have a couple of non sewing projects as well. Time to put in the storm windows, do a top to bottomw scrub of the house, and to get this baby back to sleeping normal again. Lets guess how much of it will get done? hah. Well I am working on a fabulous dress for Evelyn, I will post pictures; it is the style and under the assistance of Tiffany Jewel who is so talented! Well I hope to be frequently updated this blog world with my life:o)

Canning!

Can I just say how fun and rewarding this was. We first spent the morning at Eastern Market in Detroit and then came home to CAN!!! It was my dad and I and soo much fun:o)
First we started with LOTS and LOTS of tomatoes! All grown in our garden in the back yard.

Then we peeled, seeded, and SQUEEZED....
Then we cooked and simmered for hours and seasoned with our own blend of seasoning ((yumm))
Then we processed the cans....and we are done!

In addition to spaghetti sauce (above) we made jam with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and rasberries....al bought from EM for super cheap.

We also bought 75 ears of corn for 10 dollars and boiled, husked and froze the corn. And we have since eaten in and YUMM-O!!! This frozen corn tastes JUST like corn on the cob...didnt even need butter. Mmmm talking about it makes me want some.

We also bought a bushel of fresh picked green beans. We took some to all of our family members and friends in the area, and still has 13 servings (enough to go with dinner) to freeze. For these we just put them in triple thick brown paper bags and rolled them up and froze them in the deep freeze. These also taste AMAZING:o) Oh and did I mention the entire bushel only cost $4.00!

So here is the breakdown of what we bought/made

Tomatoes -Free
Spices-On hand
Fruit-8.50
Corn-10.00
Green Beans-10.00
Canning Tools-12.00(reuseable)
Cans-15.00 (reuseable)

Total Spent-55.50

If bought at store:
15 cans of corn- 15.00
13 cans of beans- 13.00
20 jars of jelly -44.00
14 jars of spaghetti sauce - 28.00 (on sale)

Money saved: 45.00!

I'd say that is a great deal, and time worth spending..not to mention how much fun it was!

Oh and of course, much of the Jam will be presents.

Im baaack

Im back, and in full swing. My life got a bit crazy but Im used to it now and will continue to update. My projects are still going great and Im loving the new craft of sewing.

Our little Evelyn is getting around on all fours now, and man its keepin momma busy. She has recently started to pull herself up on the furniture and attack the sleeping cats, its super cute. On Monday she had to have her clogged tear duct probed. It wasnt a fun day for any party involved, but it looks like that ol' crusty eye is doing better everyday. In the end it was very much worth it.

We have a special weekend coming up! Brads mom and stepdad and possibly his little brother are coming for a visit, it should be fun. Then on Sunday is my little brother Sean's 6th birthday party at Pump It Up. Evelyn will love it!

School is going well for me, Im getting good grades and Im staying ahead of the game, this first semester is at least half over now, we will be in the hospital starting next Friday, super fun!

Well that is all I've got for now. I will post some fun stuff soon.

-Aimee'

My creations~!

So I have been borrowing a sewing machine, and sewing I have been doing!! I am just sooo excited at what I can do. Of course its very novice but I WILL get better. I havent used any patterns, so these things are all from my head (or common sense!). So what do ya think?

There they are! A onsie....turned into an all in one outfit, a skirt, and a dress....all made with 4 bandanas.

I had orientation today for the nursing program....they robbed us of all of our money for uniforms. I need a stethoscope next, ugh.

Tomorrow it is more sewing....diapers! Wooop woooop.
Off to sell a camera:o)

BUSY BUSY

The verdict on laundry detergent made at home; EXCELLENT. I will say that I am more careful to use Shout, or other spot treatment, but its not like I go through a bottle a load- or even a few months for that matter.

The cloth diaper making is finally coming along
it took LOTS of pattern changes, and some aggravation, but I think we have it down. I of course am just an observer at this point. Now that the method works and they are perfect I will be able to learn how to make them. For now I am making the cloth wipes. I cant wait for Evelyn to have just the cutest butt ever! I am awaiting PUL (special diaper making fabric) and snap pliers (from CHINA!) and then we can really get moving, and then do dresses and curtains and everything else I decide to do.

I went with my 2 Aunts and Grandma to Dixieland flea market today-pretty much a let down. It is advertised like crazy. One good thing was the people watching. Im not much for judging but there are definitly some interesting people lingering around there.

Im thinking about going to the Jazzfest tomorrow-fun stuff!

Here is a precious picture of my baby cakes being sleepy and snugglie and me loving every minute!!!
Not my best shot, but goodness look at that baby! I just cant get enough of her, its like her every move is just the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed. I wish everyone could have the joy that I get everyday from my daughter.

Well I hope you all have a great
weekend! Love always- Momma Aimee'

Saving money

Hello! So Today I am making my laundry detergent. I havent done the math but Im pretty sure Ill get about 25 gallons for about 7 bucks!!! I made it and it is in the "setting" mode now. I had an unexpected explosion while cooking the soup, lol. Other than that it was SUPER easy. Hope it works.
Brad and I have decided to cloth diaper. I should be getting fabric in the next couple days and then I will be making her diapers and wipes!!! Isnt that awesome? Who wouldnt want to do that??? I of course will post pictures.

Happy saving!

Lazy day

Happy Wednesday. Brad was off today so we spent some time together and did some grocery shopping. Yesterday I went WAY out of my comfort zone and went to a playgroup. I found it online at meetup.com. Its a little over 50 moms in my area. I was so happy to see that most of them breastfeed, babywear, and even cloth diaper! Ive been wanting to CD but I dont know alot about it and dont know anyone who does it...so Im excited to learn. I'm hoping by 6 months we can be on the CD train.
Also I set up dates with my grandma to learn to sew, SO excited:o) Of course Ill post pics next week.

Homemade Baby Food

Okay here it is:

Tools:
Food processor of some sort (I use magic bullet)
Steamer basket (not for a microwave)
Ice cube trays (either with cover or seran wrap)
Pot to steam in
Food

1. Pick your food...preferably Organic. Frozen is just as good in this case.
2. Steam or bake food until desired tenderness. Steam about 5-8 minutes and for things to bake you can google it depending on the food.
3. Add the soft, cooked food to the food processor, and desired amount of breast milk, water, or formula.
4. Puree until desired consistancy.
5. Spoon into ice cube trays, these will be about one serving size each once thawed.

6. Freeze. Once frozen, pop out of trays and put in ziplock freezer bag.

Today I made peas and sweet potatoes. Remember that with bananas and Avocado no prep is needed, just mash and serve:o) Also Apples are cheaper if you just but Organic Unsweetened Applesauce(ingredients are apples and water:o)).

I will modify instructions for different foods as I get there.

Lastly,

ENJOY!!!
(Mom, your too slow give me the spoon!)

Monday

Happy Monday. Just got the baby to bed and now Im with my bradley watching the Homerun Derby.
We had a fun weekend....had a bonfire one night (mmm s'mores). On Saturday we went to a bowling fundraiser for one of Brad's friends that is going through a rough time. Sunday we had a graduation party and a family reunion. Phew...it was busy but very fun. Today I made my first batch of homemade baby food. I am so proud of myself. It was SUPER easy and sooo much cheaper than buying it and it doesn't taste bad. Most important to me is I know EXACTLY what Im giving Evelyn...no preservatives no crazy chemicals, no hormones, no fish oils (seriouslly-check your ingredient list). I will post pictures and a how-to in my next post.

Intro

Hello! I guess Ill use my first entry to introduce myself. I am Aimee, 21 years old and a mother to the world's most beautiful 5 month old, Evelyn. I live in Michigan- Downriver. I am in love with the most amazing man ever and have been since I knew what love was. We are raising our daughter with values that we both were raised with. We are two stubborn people and have great intentions and hate when people question our abilities. Yada-yada, I take the fall when people think we are crazy but I am okay with that.

I found out yesterday that Evie is capable of putting herself to sleep, so she is sleeping right now and boy did she need it! We have a graduation party today and a family BBQ so it will be busy and a nap was in order!

Im excited for the coming week, I plan on making my very first batch of laundry detergent, start making exciting new foods for the baby, and making her baby wipes.

Have a great Sunday!