life by nicole

closing up shop

2012-02-02T19:32:00.000-06:00

Next week I will be closing this blog. If you are still out there and read, make the jump to my new home - life by nicole (same name, new blog). Hope to see you over there!

I've moved!

2012-01-02T15:17:00.000-06:00

After quite a long hiatus I am breaking back into the blog world. And what better way to break back in but with a new blog. That's right - I'm leaving this blog behind and am staring a new one. The name is the same, but the link has changed. If you're still out there, come on over and joine me!

Click on my photo or here to head over to my new home!

{Please update your readers if you'd like to keep up with me as I will soon be deleting this blog}

50 days of summer

2011-08-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today marks the end of my summer break. I'm back to work today, gearing up for a new school year --- a very new year for me as I'm back in the classroom again. I'm looking forward to this new adventure but it's a bittersweet feeling, leaving behind my fun and relaxed days of summer with Nora. I am so thankful for the time I had with her this summer. I saw so much happen - she learned to crawl, started babbling more, began eating finger foods, started pulling up on furniture, tackled climbing stairs, sprouted her first tooth. I was there for it all and am lucky to have a career that allowed me the time to experience this. We had lots of fun reading books, playing with toys, swinging, going on playdates, attending story time at the library - it was definitely a busy and fun-filled summer.

On my first day off for the summer, I made the decision I was going to take a picture every weekday we were home together. At the end of last week that totalled 50 days {weekdays}. Thanks to the ease of a phone with a camera, I was able to snap pictures while we were both at home and on the go. I have compiled them all together...a pretty fun to document our summer together and the experiences we had.

Take a look and you'll see why I've been very absent from the blog this summer. I wouldn't have done it any other way.

eleven months +

2011-08-09T14:48:00.000-05:00

After having drinks with a friend last night I realized it was high time to get back on this blog and post a photo of Nora at eleven months. I'm quite late in posting this time --- she'll be one year old in just ten days. Absolutely amazing to me. We have had a blast watching Nora grow and learn this summer. She is more fun than we could have imagined.

If you're reading, stay tuned...I'm working on a little project to show what Nora has been up to this summer.

AND, if you enjoy reading other blogs, please consider visiting Liz over at Mabel's House. She is a new mom and is dealing with some pretty difficult health issues. A thought or prayer for her would be appreciated.

on the move

2011-06-25T10:43:00.000-05:00

Our monthly photo shots have become a little more difficult.

On another note, I have LOVED my time at home with Nora this summer. My absence on this blog has been due to lots of play time, reading, play dates, library visits, and laughing. It's been great.

changes

2011-05-24T19:25:00.000-05:00

It's been close to a month since I last posted. And I've enjoyed some time away from the computer. I've still tried to read my favorite blogs but it was a nice feeling being free from the "need" to post. I'm coming back with some updates and some changes.

****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ******

Nora is 9 months old. Just crazy. She is developing quite the personality too. Laughing when she's happy, excited, or humored and crying when she's mad, sad, or frustrated. She's saying "da da" and "ma ma". Her favorite method of movement is rolling. She can roll quite fast and with rather good precision (we have had to baby proof). No crawling forward yet but some backward scoots. She is quite the little baby --- Hubby and I are proud.

****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ******

I have three more days of school which means three more days until my role as an elementary instructional coach comes to an end. It's a funny transition. I'll be transitioning to a totally different role but I'm thrilled and excited. The world of third grade awaits me and I'm excited to set up a classroom, read books, teach math (yep, sis), and spend my days with kids again. I'm leaving behind some great friends on my coaching team. We had a cozy breakfast together today; our last gathering as a team. They gave me a darling necklace with Nora's picture and a card with beautiful personal messages. I am so thankful and lucky to work with wonderful women.

****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ******

Summer is almost here and it's going to be a busy one. We have a few quick weekend trips planned but I know my time off will be filled with activity: setting up previously mentioned classroom, doing some cleaning and organizing at home, and going on outings with Nora. I don't want to keep her (or I) cooped up in the house all summer so we have some outings planned at the library and playgrounds. I'm excited to watch her explore new things.

****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ******

Just wanted to pop in and let you all know that yes, I am still here, I'm still checking in on my blogs, and most importantly, I'm enjoying my last days of school and my time with my family. Hope you all are as well.

breathing during a break

2011-05-03T21:17:00.000-05:00

My posting has been sketchy at best the last few weeks. Work has been so busy and at nights all I want to do is play with Nora and bum on the coach with the DVR and my Hubby. I've been lacking for both inspiration and motivation to post. The minute I felt like my blog became a must rather than a want, I knew it was time for a break.

I have three weeks of school left. I'm looking forward to focusing on Nora this summer. Trips to the park, library, play dates, games, naps, walks - I'm ready for a summer like I've never had before. Maybe I'll pick the blog back up but only if it's a natural want, not a must.

I'll start this break with an 8 month photo of Nora. She actually is 8 1/2 months now but we just took her 8 month photos this past weekend. And I felt pretty bad about it. But, that is life. No matter, she's still cute. :)

{Nora needs a break too}

bliss list ~ april

2011-04-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know I say this every time but holy moly this month went by quickly! April was so busy --- the crazy days at work flew by and a night it was play, eat, and to bed...for all of us! In fact, things have been so busy I've really neglected the old blog. Luckily, I had a few posts already created and set up for publishing but I miss the time to think about things I'd like to share and reading posts from all the other great bloggers out there. Nonetheless, another month has passed and I found time to squeeze in a list of things I enjoyed this April.

The Royal Wedding ~ Yep, I watched it. I'm not ashamed. It is history, after all. And after spending a month in England (London and Brentwood, Essex to be exact) in 2003 and another week there in 2007, I enjoy watching some of the pomp and circumstance of these events. I wouldn't say I've been obsessed (Did you see the Royal Wedding episode on The Middle? I swear, I'm not that bad!) but I did set the DVR so I could watch the event in its fully glory. :)

{via}

The Amazing Race ~ Still talking TV this is a show I have loved for years and continues to be a Sunday night staple for Hubby and me. I love this show. It's definitely a reality show but in my opinion is maybe a little more real than some of the other shows out there. It's fun to watch the teams compete, see the contestants crazy personalities, and cheer for your favorites.

{our favs - Jet and Cord}

Flats ~ I've tried heels but they just don't like me feet. My feet love flats. Lucky for me, there are many cute shoes out there in shoeland. I love this time of the year too - I'm not quite ready to wear flip flops or sandals but can wear my flats without socks. They're easy to dress up or wear casually.

{via}

Books ~ I have the pleasure of returning to the classroom next year (3rd grade!) and while I already have some books for my classroom library they are most likely a little dated. I need some new titles that are current and that kids are into reading. Enter, Scholastic! I loved their book order pamphlets as a kid and still love them as a teacher! I made a nice big book order this week for myself and am excited about the possibilities for my classroom library next year. I can't wait to see that Scholastic box up in the front office!

{via}

Nora ~ This girl just makes me happy!

Click here to see what was bliss last April.

reading

2011-04-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

Just reading {and eating} a book.

earth week 4

2011-04-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

For the fourth week in April I thought I would conclude my bits about ways to be Earth friendly with some greener products we have been using as of late.

I really like this hand wash from Method. It's simple and low scent and biodegradable. They even have refills available so you can be even more green and refill with less packaging waste.

While we're talking about Method products, I recently bought this shower spray.

We're hoping it will help prevent mildew and grim build-up and the fresh smell is a nice bonus.

Speaking of cleaners, Method has some great other products and I have also checked out Seventh Generation as well. I have bought some of their All Purpose Cleaner, Dish Soap, and Laundry Detergent.

Another product I'm really excited about is Garnier's biodegradable shampoo and conditioner. I've often thought about all of the soap waste that goes down the drain. I'll feel a little better lathering up with this product.

There are many more green products available now which is a great thing. And you would think they would be significantly pricier but I really haven't found that to be the case. In fact, many of these products offer coupons on their website. Are there any green products you have tried or used that you love and would recommend?

spring to-dos --- an update

2011-04-26T07:00:00.002-05:00

A little over month ago I posted a list of to-dos that I hoped to accomplish this spring and into the summer (hence the short term and long term list). I'm happy to report I have made a little progress.

To-Do
~~sterilize Nora's toys~~
~~pack away Nora's 0-6 month clothing-toys-accessories~~
wipe out kitchen cupboards and organize
clean out pantry and spice cupboard
clean stove
clean out bathroom cupboards
clean/organize linen closet
~~scrub floors {we're talking with hands, not the quick mop}~~
clean ceiling fan blades
dust window blinds
~~sweep~~ and wash ~~out garage~~
reduce paper trail --- scan and shred old documents
dust mop boards
paint master bathroom door
paint/touch-up other doors in house
paint laundry room and ceiling {been on a list for 2 years now...}
re-pot house plant
plant edible garden
~~vacuum car~~
replace microwave
improve deck ??? {pending tax return}
paint front room and ceiling

Not a lot to cross off, but a few things and that makes me happy. I hope to do some yard work either this weekend or next so that will help me accomplish some of my outdoor goals. I've decided to merge lists as until the end of the school year, everything will become long term. I've also added a few items to the list. Hubby is working from home two days a week now and we plan to move his work space from the basement to our upstairs front room. Before we do that, I would like to give the room a fresh coat of paints and will try to paint the ceiling as well. I've never painted a ceiling and we have the beautiful popcorn finish (I know you're jealous) but it is a good sized and shaped room to start with AND my talented mother said she would help me.

Time to get things done is definitely limited these days. I often wonder what I did with all my time before Nora was here. I know my house was a lot cleaner! These days instead of insisting my house be spotless, I'm more concerned that what Nora touches and interacts with is clean. And wanting everything to be safe for her, I found some "green" bleach (if bleach can be green) and it did a great job cleaning up and sanitizing her toys. I try to give them a dip every now and again.

Stay tuned for some summer progress!

music monday

2011-04-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

A get-up-and-go Monday.

easter

2011-04-24T21:46:00.000-05:00

Hope you all enjoyed a happy Easter! The Easter bunny found someone.

earth week 3

2011-04-22T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day has always made me think of Arbor Day, a holiday often celebrated in my home state of Nebraska, where it originated. So, I think of trees when I think of Earth Day. Planting trees and giving back to the Earth in that way. A couple of years ago we planted a new tree in our front yard and started our own edible garden. Our bitty tree still continues to bloom and grow just a bit each year.

Every summer we plant our own edible garden. Tomatoes, peppers, jalapenos, and onions go into the ground and we fill deck planters with herbs - basil, rosemary, cilantro - great for cooking all year long.

Last summer, Hubby and I became huge fans of our town's Saturday farmer's market. We went weekly to grab fresh and locally grown zucchini, onions, squash, corn, potatoes, raspberries, and we ate well the whole week through.

{via}

Hubby and I try to eat locally as often as possible, which is Earth friendly because buying local means less fuel to ship produce to stores and typically, less pesticides and herbicides used while growing. I am in full support of that. Last year I read a little about "the dirty dozen". It was interesting to learn about the foods that should, if possible, be bought organically and locally. It really changed my perspective on what I buy, especially now that we have a tiny eater in our home. Several friends told me I should check out Door to Door Organics, a organization that delivers fresh and local produce to your door on a weekly basis. Last month I bought a Groupon for a discounted package to be used with Door to Door Organics and I am quite excited to give it a try.

Eating better (and I mean quality, not necessarily quantity) has become more important over the years. When I became pregnant with Nora, I really started thinking about what was going into my body. And now that she is here and is starting to eat solids, I am even more conscious of what we stock in our kitchen. The options of edible gardens, farmer's markets, and buying local have helped me in my quest to be a bit more healthy while supporting a healthy Earth.

talking toys

2011-04-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

{action shots = a bit blurry}

Now that Nora can sit up and roll around, she is all about her toys. I think back to those early months, guessing we probably had more than enough toys and wondering if she'd ever even play with them. Well, we're there and yes, she plays with them all. Here are a few of her favorites:

The Bright Stars Rattle and Shake Barbell Rattle was one of the first toys she could grab onto and she still likes to shake...and try to put an entire end in her mouth. She has a few other rattles she likes...the Sassy Rattlin Rings and the Bright Stars Grab and Spin Rattle.

For her Christmas stocking we got Nora the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes (we have an older version without the moving beads). She LOVES this toy. There's something about the music and light combo that really grabs her attention. And she is slowly learning how to turn it on by pushing the button.

Valentine's Day brought a new toy - Playskool Busy Balls: Rhythm and Sounds. They are the perfect size for her to pick up and shake. She will roll them and reach out and scoop them back to her. Playskool also has the same product with Patterns and Colors and Terrific Textures. Terrific Textures might be making an appearance for May Day. :)

Links are good. Whole, they are a fun toy that can be drug around and banged on a high chair tray. Separate, they are great entertainers until dropped on the floor and then it's onto the next one. Nora's links are a very easy toy to throw in her diaper bag when we're going out.

This Melissa & Doug Plush Rainbow Stacker will be Nora's newest present (the Easter Bunny will be delivering it to Grammy and Papa's house). I wanted to get her something that still appealed to her need to grab and put things into her mouth, yet I want her to start working on some skills, thus the stacking.

I feel like Nora will soon be moving out of the baby toys and will be ready for some more learner toys. Once she can pull herself up, I'm looking forward to getting out her LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table but I also want her to have some toys she can sit and play with.

Moms out there, do you have any toy recommendations for 9 to 12 month kiddos? I have an itch to fill my Amazon cart!

If you're still with me and reading, here's Nora happily playing with her toys. And yep, don't we all want her legs?

8 months

2011-04-19T07:00:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe this big girl is my baby.

8 months...so much change.

music monday

2011-04-18T07:00:00.003-05:00

Their music makes me happy. And reminds me of some of my best friends.

earth week 2

2011-04-14T07:00:00.069-05:00

Energy. Being more energy efficient. This can be both easy and difficult.

We actually made a few energy efficient upgrades in the past couple of years. The first was our new dishwasher. We had been without one for the first 2 years living in our house. While we got used to washing everything by hand, it sure was nice to pass off some of the dish washing duties to our trusty, energy efficient dishwasher.

{not sure if this is the exact model but you get the gist}

Following the dishwasher we took the plunge to upgrade our air conditioner. It was as old as our house and acted about two times older than that. It ran constantly and our bills were high. Enter our new {and HUGE} heat pump.

The great thing about this machine is it serves as not only our cooling source in the summer but as our heat source for much of the fall, winter, and spring. When the temps bottom way out, our gas furnace kicks on, otherwise we can use electric heat much of the year. We have noticed major improvement in our bills. While it was a big chunk of change, we have seen the cost benefits and even received a nice tax rebate the year we bought it.

Over the past few years we have worked to switch out the light bulbs in our home to more the LED and CFL light bulbs.

Their marketing ploy is they will last much longer than the regular light bulb and I have to say since using them, I have not had to replace one bulb. There are few drawbacks in my opinion.

1) They aren't always as bright as the old light bulbs and I think our family room is a little on the dark side because of that.

2) They look a little funky but guess that's part of their charm. I have, however, seen newer options that look more like the traditional light bulb.

3) It is difficult to find energy efficient bulbs that are truly compatible to be on a dimmer. They are expensive and don't really dim --- more like off to super bright. But even with those draw backs we have gone the more energy friendly route in terms of lighting at our house.

Speaking of lighting, something super easy to do is turn off lights and appliances in a room you aren't in or using. That was something my parents always taught us. And it saves money too. And turn off that computer. If you can, unplug it too. Saves a lot of energy and money towards electricity. I cringe at the thought of how many computers remain on at my workplace all day and all night. Even though they're in sleep mode, they're still on. I make sure to shut down my work computer at the end of each day.

Other energy efficient options include choosing a water efficient faucet, shower head or toilet. Lowes has several options {click here}. Speaking of Lowes, they have great discounts on energy efficient appliances this time of the year. We took advantage of this opportunity two years ago when we bought our dishwasher. Our next hope for an energy efficient appliance:

With all of the laundry I'm doing lately, I am awaiting the day to invest in a new washing machine. I can dream, right?

hunger games

2011-04-12T07:00:00.002-05:00

I recently finished a really good read. Heard of it?

I'm a little late in jumping on this series but thanks to my buddy, Leah, I read and loved the first book in this series and am now number 61 on a waiting list at the library for the next book. Hope those 61 people before me are fast readers!

While this is a young adult book, it was so well written that I felt character connections and suspense like I would in an adult novel. During my reading Hubby read in the paper they are beginning production of movies based on the book series. I'm not sure how I feel about that. While I would like to see how they play the fantasy out I think all the hype could be too much, especially when I'm hearing "Team Hunger Games" talk {a little too parallel to Twilight}.

If you're looking for a fast and thrilling read, this would be a great choice. And if you're hesitant about the fantasy/science fiction genre, just give this one a try. You won't be sorry.

music monday - beatles edition

2011-04-11T07:00:00.005-05:00

April 10, 1970 --- 41 years ago it ended --- still the best music.

baby sounds

2011-04-09T21:10:00.000-05:00

We've discovered a new sound.

hair tales

2011-04-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

Nora's hair has been all the talk from the minute she was born. I am serious. The first word I heard about her was in regards to her hair. And in the beginning it was so sweet and manageable.

But then somewhere around week 6 she woke up one morning and it was no longer sweet and manageable. It was crazy and wild.

And from that day until it finally grew out, her hair had a mind of its own.

And then...one magical day...the hair decided to rest.

Soon the day came where it was tickling her ear and it was time for a tiny trim. She was such a good and patient girl.

{I think she's sad to see a bit of her hair go}

There were a few, just a few days when her hair was so nuts I wondered what it would like to have a baby with no hair but I simply cannot imagine Miss Nora any other way. Smooth, dark, light, unruly --- it makes our Nora, Nora!

earth week 1

2011-04-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

The topic of reusing.

I think I was raised to be a "reuser". I grew up in a home where we had more than we could want but yet were taught how to waste little. My mom used old shirts and towels for cleaning rags, we re-used zip lock baggies and foil if they weren't beyond repair, we washed sour cream and cottage cheese containers to be used again to pack leftovers. Little did I know what was just common sense at the time would be something so common place 20 some years later.

Over the past few years, Hubby and I have tried to be very conscious to lessen our amount of waste through reusing. We started small a few years ago but now it's become a natural part of our day. Here is a look into our life as "reusers".

Napkins

I bought my last paper napkin about 2 years ago. We realized we were using way too many paper products in the way of napkins, paper towels, etc. Our solution: use cloth napkins. The transition was really easy. I skipped off to Kohl's with my 30% off coupon and bought about 20 napkins and we are in a very nice routine of using a cloth napkin with each meal and washing with our towels. So easy. And you feel kind of fancy while you eat too. :)

Cleaning Rags

As mentioned above, this was something I was already doing. I was no stranger to reusing old undershirts, washcloths, and tea towels for cleaning purposes. My mom never cleaned with paper towels so doing that would have been totally foreign to me. It's quite easy to clean with reusable rags --- just use and wash. But, be careful to only wash rags with rags. While we use nearly all natural cleaning products, I just don't want to risk the chance of our towels mixing with cleaning products. And if you'd prefer not to go the route of the old t-shirt or towel, there are many nice microfiber cloths that serve the purpose quite well.

Containers

Yep, just like my mom, I've been known to save a sour cream container or two for leftovers. But over the past few years I've become a little squeamish about reheating plastic Tupperware. I just don't like the idea of parts of plastic melting off and going into my food. So, a couple years ago I invested in some nice Pyrex reusable dishes. I have no qualms about sending or taking leftovers in these containers. And they look pretty too.

Hubby and I also prefer containers to zip lock baggies. The thought of throwing away a plastic baggie every day seems really wasteful to me. For example, we send a tiny slice of banana with Nora to the sitter for her cereal in the morning. If I put it in a zip lock baggie, we would be throwing one of those baggies away every day. Kind of bad. We found some perfect Nora-sized Rubbermaid containers for her food so I just throw the slick in one of these and all is good.

{and don't worry, neither the sitter nor I microwave these containers...and I don't send olives for Nora's lunch}

Reusable Grocery Bags

I've been using reusable grocery bags for quite some time now. Not only do they look fun but they are a much better alternative than loading your car with plastic bags. I have collected about 8 bags and I like that amount in case I need to make both a grocery and a Target run...I can use bags for both stops. At first I had a difficult time remembering my bags but now it's second nature to grab them from my trunk before I head into the store. The bonus: many stores like Target and my grocery store, Hy-Vee, offer a discount of 5 cents per bag. A nice little reward as I usually use at least 3 bags per stop. And our grocery store offers a spot to recycle used plastic bags because sometimes you just need to get plastic.

Cloth Diapers

A few months ago I posted about our adventures in cloth diapering. Things continue to go well and we love our gDiapers. If you click the link above you can read about our decision to use cloth over disposable. In short, while some of it came down to money (we are definitely saving with this route), a lot of it came down to the environment. We both itched at the idea of throwing countless diapers into our trash weekly, which would then go to a landfill to sit for hundreds of years. Understand, I am not trying to be preachy and if disposable is for you, I completely respect that decision, just as I hope you would respect ours to use cloth. This was the best option for us. And we are really happy with them. Since introducing Nora to some solid foods her poop has been different than when she was strictly on a milk diet. Most people's number one reason for not going cloth is dealing with the poop. Until we started solids I never felt like that was an issue. But now it's just...different. Our solution: a diaper sprayer.

We bought this just recently and it has been a great investment. But the great part about this purchase - we only paid shipping because we were able use money from a Craiglist sale of some extra pre-fold diapers we had. Nice trade-off! I had heard about this said diaper sprayer on Young House Love. Hubby followed their diaper sprayer installation methods and we are now easily spraying off Nora's diapers.

So that's what I've got on the topic of reusing. I know if I sat down and really thought about it, I could probably come up with countless other ways Hubby and I save and reuse. I'm sure many of you are doing great things everyday and maybe one of my suggestions will peak some interest.

grass under her feet

2011-04-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

First experience with grass. Pretty precious.

music monday

2011-04-04T07:00:00.006-05:00

Adele. Kind of like her. Might need to get this track.