1. When someone asks you for a book recommendation, what is your go-to book?
I usually recommend Jodi Picoult. Because's she's AMAZING. But if they like YA, I recommend Sarah Dessen.
2. Do you buy your books, or are you a library patron?
I buy used books from thriftbooks.com or book sales.
3. E-readers, yay or nay?
NAY!!!! They contribute to the death of the bookstore. Plus, I just love books. I love the way they feel, the way the smell, the way the look on my shelf... everything about them
4. What was your favorite book as a child?
I love the Ramona Quimby series. I tend to like authors and series better than just one particular book.
5. If you could be any character in a book, who would you be?
I'm not really sure!
6. What book would you love to see turned into a movie?
I'm not a big fan of movies based on books.
7. What is your all-time favorite book?
Eeks... another hard one. I love so many books, it's just too hard to say.
8. How many books do you read at once?
Usually one. I averaged like 5 in grade school.
9. What is your favorite book genre?
Chick lit. And some YA.
10. Which Harry Potter book is the best? Or haven’t you read them at all?
I've always like the 4th one.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
I Loathe Bounce Houses
Last week was "Week of the Young Child". It's a great concept. A week celebrating the innocence and playful spirit of the little ones. The childcare center that I work at goes all out for WOYC. Each day was something different. Monday we all wore pajamas to school, saw a magician and tie dyed t-shirts. Tuesday was school spirit day and we ate pizza and homemade salads. Wednesday was sports day. We played sports inside (it rained) and wore sports apparel. Thursday was rainbow day and community helpers day. We wore tie dye and were visited by firemen and police dogs. Friday was green day, to celebrate Earth Day. We all wore green and planted flowers. We also had a big party to celebrate the end of the week. We invited parents to join us for an ice cream social and set up a bounce house in the playground. Various other things were scattered through the week, like a visit from a parent who works for LEGO and brought in huge creations, and a parent who put on a concert with his acoustic guitar. But the bounce house was a favorite.
The general consensus around the building was that WOYC is amazing for the children, but it's hell for the teachers.
Especially the bounce house.
When kids find out that there's going to be a bounce house, it's like feeding them crack. It's all they can think about and all they can talk about. And there's no way to hide it from them, because parents needed to contribute a few dollars towards renting the thing. They won't nap because all they can think about is the bounce house. They won't eat because all they can talk about is the bounce house.
We let each class have 2 turns in the bounce house. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The kids came to school wound up about the bounce house and left school wound up about the bounce house. And in between, all you heard was "BOUNCE HOUSE! BOUNCE HOUSE! BOUNCE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
And the kids get in this thing, and it's madness. They're jumping and they're screaming. They're smacking into each other and they're laughing hysterically. They fall down and their face gets jumped on, but their tears are of pure joy. A kid could break both their arms and shattered their pelvis in a 10 kid pile of bouncing insanity and they would still think the bounce house was the. greatest. thing. ever.
They come out of this thing with their hair all disheveled, plastic burns on their faces, hands, and knees, sore, bruised, out of breath, covered in dirt, sweat, and possibly some blood, smelling of dirty plastic, and probably missing at least one article of clothing, but they'll have the biggest smile on their face and beg to go back in as soon as possible.
I really do not get it.
And I do not like it either.
Don't forget my giveaway.
The general consensus around the building was that WOYC is amazing for the children, but it's hell for the teachers.
Especially the bounce house.
When kids find out that there's going to be a bounce house, it's like feeding them crack. It's all they can think about and all they can talk about. And there's no way to hide it from them, because parents needed to contribute a few dollars towards renting the thing. They won't nap because all they can think about is the bounce house. They won't eat because all they can talk about is the bounce house.
We let each class have 2 turns in the bounce house. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The kids came to school wound up about the bounce house and left school wound up about the bounce house. And in between, all you heard was "BOUNCE HOUSE! BOUNCE HOUSE! BOUNCE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
And the kids get in this thing, and it's madness. They're jumping and they're screaming. They're smacking into each other and they're laughing hysterically. They fall down and their face gets jumped on, but their tears are of pure joy. A kid could break both their arms and shattered their pelvis in a 10 kid pile of bouncing insanity and they would still think the bounce house was the. greatest. thing. ever.
They come out of this thing with their hair all disheveled, plastic burns on their faces, hands, and knees, sore, bruised, out of breath, covered in dirt, sweat, and possibly some blood, smelling of dirty plastic, and probably missing at least one article of clothing, but they'll have the biggest smile on their face and beg to go back in as soon as possible.
I really do not get it.
And I do not like it either.
Don't forget my giveaway.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Ten on Tuesday
1. If you work, do you drive to work or take public transportation?
I drive Dan's car to work. We share, because my car was a piece of junk and not worth the time and money to keep it on the road.
2. How often do you get your haircut? Do you go to the same person every time?
Honestly... like once a year. And no, I don't go to the same person every time. I think a regular hairdresser would not be happy with how infrequently I cut him hair. But I get it cut and keep it that way until it no longer looks good/is manageable. I don't really get split ends, and I don't do trendy haircuts so I'm good with once a year.
3. Do you read the newspaper? If so, a hardcopy or the online version?
I'll read the paper occasionally if there's one around and I'm bored.
4. What is the best book you have read this year?
Time Traveler's Wife.
5. What is the best movie you have seen this year?
Hmm.... not entirely sure. I can't think of what movies I saw this year vs. last year.
6. Do you tend to crave sweet or salty foods?
I'd sweet 65% of the time, salty 35%.
7. Do you eat breakfast every day? If so, what do you have?
Not every single day, but I definitely should cause I feel better when I do. I usually have coffee and some sort of carb like toast or a donut.
8. If you celebrate Easter, what Easter treat/candy are you most looking forward to?
I love fruity candy. Doesn't really matter what kind. But I also love Reece's Eggs and Cadbury eggs.
9. How late is “sleeping in” to you?
10 am or later.
10. Where are you going on your next vacation?
Don't know!
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a free handmade teddybear!
I drive Dan's car to work. We share, because my car was a piece of junk and not worth the time and money to keep it on the road.
2. How often do you get your haircut? Do you go to the same person every time?
Honestly... like once a year. And no, I don't go to the same person every time. I think a regular hairdresser would not be happy with how infrequently I cut him hair. But I get it cut and keep it that way until it no longer looks good/is manageable. I don't really get split ends, and I don't do trendy haircuts so I'm good with once a year.
3. Do you read the newspaper? If so, a hardcopy or the online version?
I'll read the paper occasionally if there's one around and I'm bored.
4. What is the best book you have read this year?
Time Traveler's Wife.
5. What is the best movie you have seen this year?
Hmm.... not entirely sure. I can't think of what movies I saw this year vs. last year.
6. Do you tend to crave sweet or salty foods?
I'd sweet 65% of the time, salty 35%.
7. Do you eat breakfast every day? If so, what do you have?
Not every single day, but I definitely should cause I feel better when I do. I usually have coffee and some sort of carb like toast or a donut.
8. If you celebrate Easter, what Easter treat/candy are you most looking forward to?
I love fruity candy. Doesn't really matter what kind. But I also love Reece's Eggs and Cadbury eggs.
9. How late is “sleeping in” to you?
10 am or later.
10. Where are you going on your next vacation?
Don't know!
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a free handmade teddybear!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Giveaway! Win a free handmade amigurumi teddy bear!
Want to win this cute, cuddly handmade teddy bear?!
Well, you can! It's easy! Just enter my giveaway and he could be yours.
And as an extra bonus, also included in the giveaway is a 50% off coupon to my Etsy shop - Pockets Full of Posies. Use it to get a pal for your teddy bear, or give it to a friend so they can get one too! (I also have lots of accessories in my shop - for humans - like hats, scarfs, and purses. A little something for everyone)
How do you enter?
It's simple. Just comment on this blog and tell me which item from my Etsy shop is your favorite. Make sure to include your email address somewhere so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner!
** If someone other than me referred you, please let me know who they were, so they can get an extra entry!**
There are also MANY other ways to get entries. There is actually no limit to how many more entries you can get.
Please leave a comment for each individual entry telling me how I can verify your entry - links, user names, etc.
- Be a follower of my blog (1 entry)
- "Like" Pockets Full of Posies on Facebook (1 entry)
- Tweet about my shop (Add @theashes so I will see it. 1 entry per tweet per day.)
- Make a purchase in the shop, or have made one in the past (10 entries)
- Favorite an item in my Etsy shop (Up to 5 entries)
- Add me to your Etsy circle (2 entries)
- Blog about this giveaway. (Must include a link to my Etsy shop. You may use photos of my merchandise. Email me if you have any questions.) (5 entries)
- Refer a friend. (Make sure they tell me who sent them) (1 entry per person. Unlimited entries!)
Also, there are no restrictions for this giveaway. I'll ship it anywhere in the world. (As long as this sort of thing is legal in your country) Customs forms don't scare me. :)
Giveaway has been extended until May 14th at midnight (eastern standard time)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
My First Ten on Tuesday
A fellow blogger, Erin, always does Ten on Tuesday and I always read it... after Tuesday. I've always wanted to participate, but like I said, I always read it after Tuesday and by then it's too late! So here we go, my first Ten on Tuesday. Unfortunately it's about cooking... something I don't do a whole lot of.
1. What is a food that you never thought you would try, but then tried and liked?
I never thought I'd try kangaroo. Or alligator. But I've tried both in the past year (kangaroo in Australia and alligator at the folk festival back in Maine) and actually liked them.
2. Do you subscribe to any foodie publications? If so, which ones?
I, for some reason, receive Rachael Ray's magazine in the mail. I don't know why, exactly. I've never been billed for it though. (Thank goodness! I'm not a huge fan, so it's definitely not something I'd pay for)
3. What ingredient do you find yourself reaching for the most when you cook?
Green peppers and onions. Most of my favorite meals have both of those.
4. Are there any foods that you hated as a child, but then learned to like as an adult?
Oh, you name it, and I probably hated it as a child! Most of them I like a lot now though. I specifically remember wanting to try sushi on my 16th birthday. We were at the beach, and for some stupid reason we decided grocery store sushi would be the way to go (We were at a beach! We probably could have gotten delicious fresh sushi someplace really good, but we didn't) and I HATED it. Then a few years later, Danny took me for sushi, probably at Green Tea, and I loved it. Still not a huge fan of raw fish sushi though.
5. What do you like to eat that others may consider weird?
Hm. Not so sure about this one.
6. What is the weirdest ingredient you’ve ever cooked with?
I'm not super adventurous when it comes to cooking... probably because I'm so bad at it!
7. Do you have any major food allergies?
Nope! Thank goodness. I have a sensitivity to MSG though.
8. Is there an ingredient that you would like to cook with, but are intimidated to try?
I'm intimidated by spices. My roommate makes fun of me for buying seasoning packets for things like chili and fajitas when we have tons of spices here, but I just don't know what tastes good/right together.
9. Do you bake?
Yes. Mostly boxed mixes. :-D
10. If you could go on any “foodie” show to compete, which one would it be, and why?
Not sure! One where they teach you how? Haha
1. What is a food that you never thought you would try, but then tried and liked?
I never thought I'd try kangaroo. Or alligator. But I've tried both in the past year (kangaroo in Australia and alligator at the folk festival back in Maine) and actually liked them.
2. Do you subscribe to any foodie publications? If so, which ones?
I, for some reason, receive Rachael Ray's magazine in the mail. I don't know why, exactly. I've never been billed for it though. (Thank goodness! I'm not a huge fan, so it's definitely not something I'd pay for)
3. What ingredient do you find yourself reaching for the most when you cook?
Green peppers and onions. Most of my favorite meals have both of those.
4. Are there any foods that you hated as a child, but then learned to like as an adult?
Oh, you name it, and I probably hated it as a child! Most of them I like a lot now though. I specifically remember wanting to try sushi on my 16th birthday. We were at the beach, and for some stupid reason we decided grocery store sushi would be the way to go (We were at a beach! We probably could have gotten delicious fresh sushi someplace really good, but we didn't) and I HATED it. Then a few years later, Danny took me for sushi, probably at Green Tea, and I loved it. Still not a huge fan of raw fish sushi though.
5. What do you like to eat that others may consider weird?
Hm. Not so sure about this one.
6. What is the weirdest ingredient you’ve ever cooked with?
I'm not super adventurous when it comes to cooking... probably because I'm so bad at it!
7. Do you have any major food allergies?
Nope! Thank goodness. I have a sensitivity to MSG though.
8. Is there an ingredient that you would like to cook with, but are intimidated to try?
I'm intimidated by spices. My roommate makes fun of me for buying seasoning packets for things like chili and fajitas when we have tons of spices here, but I just don't know what tastes good/right together.
9. Do you bake?
Yes. Mostly boxed mixes. :-D
10. If you could go on any “foodie” show to compete, which one would it be, and why?
Not sure! One where they teach you how? Haha
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Preview of New Items for My Etsy Shop!
I've decided to post my two newest handmade items that I intend to list in my Etsy shop here first, so that I can get people's opinions. They're both projects that were my first attempts ever at a new skill - sewing from a pattern and crocheting an amigurumi. I had a lot of fun with both of these projects, and I'm very pleased at how they came out.
First is the Bumblebee Mini Tote Bag
The dimensions of this bag are 12.5in(32cm) x 4in(10cm) x 8in(20cm). It has pockets all the way around the outside of the bag, with a total of 6 pockets. It can easily hold 2-3 hard covered books and would make a great purse.
You can purchase this purse here
And here is my first amigurumi - And trust me, I will be making many more of these! I've found a pattern for a turtle that I really like, and I'm looking for a lion as well. (Although, if anyone knows of any patterns for any other cute animals, please do share them!!)
My little koala!
He's 7 inches(18cm) tall and his eyes are made of glass pearls.
First is the Bumblebee Mini Tote Bag
The dimensions of this bag are 12.5in(32cm) x 4in(10cm) x 8in(20cm). It has pockets all the way around the outside of the bag, with a total of 6 pockets. It can easily hold 2-3 hard covered books and would make a great purse.
You can purchase this purse here
And here is my first amigurumi - And trust me, I will be making many more of these! I've found a pattern for a turtle that I really like, and I'm looking for a lion as well. (Although, if anyone knows of any patterns for any other cute animals, please do share them!!)
My little koala!
I'm so very proud of this! I'd never considered crocheting animals before, but I found this pattern and it didn't look beyond my skills, so I went for it!! And I'm so happy with it. I don't think the photo does this guy justice. He's absolutely adorable.
I think when I sell him, he'll come with a little bow made of either pink, purple, or aqua ribbon. :)
You can buy this little guy here
Okay... so any ideas of what I should sell these things for?
EDIT: The items have been posted and priced, but feedback (on this blog post please) is appreciated.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sad Attempt at Blogging, but Some Good News
So, it's been nearly two weeks since I blogged. So much for jumping back in full force. I guess it will be a slow transition back, but I'm still here. I'm still doing it.
So here's what happened lately.
Dan started his new job. It's been a little rough with scheduling, but hopefully that will get worked out.
I've substituted for a total of two weeks. I absolutely love it. The people that I work with are awesome, the kids are bright and cheerful, and I actually enjoy being at work. This is something you probably would not have heard from me at my previous job. Even my first days at my old job were rough. There really wasn't a honeymoon period there... it was fairly unpleasant from the beginning, I had just hoped that with time things would get better.
Anyways, it turns out that after next week, I will not be subbing anymore. That's right. After just 2 weeks, I have been offered a permanent position. I don't know my actual job title, but I will be floating between 3 different classroom to provide additional coverage. I'll be working 11-5:30, which is considered part-time. It's not a TON of hours, but it's guaranteed hours, and I will get more in the summer. Also, as soon as I'm teacher qualified (end of March) I will be able to be considered for a full-time teaching job, if one opens up. Fingers, toes, and everything else crossed that that happens. I could definitely see myself teaching preschool at this center for a couple of years. I have not given up on teaching elementary school (I did put 4 years of college in for this) but I feel like this would be a good transition.
Hopefully this means that our financial situation will be becoming more stable. As of right now, we have no idea when we'll be moving into our own place. I think it's best to not put a date on it right now. Too many variables, and I don't want to set myself up for more disappointment. This might mean that we won't be able to get the puppy after all, but hopefully we can work something out so that we can. I'm already attached!
So here's what happened lately.
Dan started his new job. It's been a little rough with scheduling, but hopefully that will get worked out.
I've substituted for a total of two weeks. I absolutely love it. The people that I work with are awesome, the kids are bright and cheerful, and I actually enjoy being at work. This is something you probably would not have heard from me at my previous job. Even my first days at my old job were rough. There really wasn't a honeymoon period there... it was fairly unpleasant from the beginning, I had just hoped that with time things would get better.
Anyways, it turns out that after next week, I will not be subbing anymore. That's right. After just 2 weeks, I have been offered a permanent position. I don't know my actual job title, but I will be floating between 3 different classroom to provide additional coverage. I'll be working 11-5:30, which is considered part-time. It's not a TON of hours, but it's guaranteed hours, and I will get more in the summer. Also, as soon as I'm teacher qualified (end of March) I will be able to be considered for a full-time teaching job, if one opens up. Fingers, toes, and everything else crossed that that happens. I could definitely see myself teaching preschool at this center for a couple of years. I have not given up on teaching elementary school (I did put 4 years of college in for this) but I feel like this would be a good transition.
Hopefully this means that our financial situation will be becoming more stable. As of right now, we have no idea when we'll be moving into our own place. I think it's best to not put a date on it right now. Too many variables, and I don't want to set myself up for more disappointment. This might mean that we won't be able to get the puppy after all, but hopefully we can work something out so that we can. I'm already attached!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)