The One with Potty Trained!

We've flirted with the idea of potty training for about a year. We even went as far as to buy Fox his own little plastic toilet when he was about 18 months old. He even "went" in it a couple of times here and there, but nothing consistent. He just wasn't ready, or maybe we weren't ready. I don't know.
Lately my friends with 2 year olds have been potty training their kids left and right. Fox is already almost 3!! But what do I do? How do I even start potty training? I've never had a kid before, Fox is my test child/guinea pig!
I read a few articles, found some ideas on Pinterest (cuz Pinterest has an answer to every problem) and then chucked it all out the window and decided to just try my own method: bribery (and cute underwear from Grandma!).
Someone was selling about 50 Disney toys CARS cars here in Grafenwoehr and I snatched those right up for cheap. On Monday September 9th when Fox woke up I said to him, "Fox, go potty in the toilet and you'll get a surprise!" Lo and behold, he went potty in the toilet, and he got a surprise!
You can bet he went potty about 20 times that day and the next several days, and yes, he got a new little toy car every time. He knew the drill and definitely took advantage of the system. We always made a big deal after the deed was done: "YAY FOX! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU! (clap clap clap) YOU DID IT! WAY TO GO! WOOHOO!" Lots of time was spent in the bathroom those first few days!
Getting him to go #2 in the toilet took a bit of a bigger reward and a little more time. We were unsuccessful on day 1 of potty training, he went #2 in his underwear. But we kept saying "If you go poo poo in the toilet you get a BIG surprise!". On day 2 he didn't even go #2... On day 3 he told me he had to go poo poo in the toilet and he did! Just like that! Ever since then he's gone #2 in his toilet. He even dumps his own waste in the big toilet, flushes, then washes his hands. He still needs help wiping and putting his underwear and pants back on. All in good time right?
So it's been almost 3 weeks of potty training. We still have him wear pull-ups overnight because he usually pees overnight. Probably our fault because he has a waterbottle with him. If he doesn't have a waterbottle on his nightstand he will wake up and cry and cry for "mommy" until I get his waterbottle. That's a battle I'm just not ready to win yet. But his pull-up has been dry the last several nights, even with a waterbottle! Progress! Plus he's not peeing over his daily nap as long has he goes potty right before he lays down.
All-in-all, I'd say it's been a success! We've left the house to run errands and what not and he's just held it, no accidents so far, knock on wood. When we go out on our longer adventures we take him potty when we go potty. We always bring an extra pull-up and pair of pants just in case because accidents are bound to happen.
Fox sporting his big boy underwear:

We're so proud of you Fox! Way to go little dude!

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The One with Northridge Publications

(Make sure you scroll all the way to the end of this post for discount codes - woohoo!)
I've worked at Northridge Publishing for 8 years this October! (8 years already?? Wow time flies when you're having fun!) 

When I first started it was a pretty small company with a handful of employees across Utah and Idaho and a couple different magazines that were printed only bi-monthly. Since then, the company has grown and grown, multiplied their publications exponentially, and has employees all over the world! Hooray!

Then the darn economy went to pot and sadly, like most print publications, Northridge was either forced to close its doors forever OR switch to an all-digital format. 

I, for one, am SO HAPPY to still have a job that I love more than anything. I have met some incredibly talented women over the last 8 years and have built lasting friendships. Working from home is such a blessing that has helped put Chris through college and dental school. 

Yes, I'll be the first to admit that I was super sad when the decision was made to go all digital. I have every single issue from every single magazine Northridge has ever published. It's quite the collection and it's a bummer to see that collection end. I loved sitting down with my hot-off-the-press magazine after a long day, propping my feet up, and basking in the inspiration with every turn of the page. But, if I'm being honest, it's nice that they won't be taking up precious space anymore! It was getting harder and harder to find places and ways to store them in an aesthetically pleasing way!

There are also some really awesome and amazing things that you can get from digital magazines that you simply can't get in a hard copy magazine. 

For instance - hyperlinks. Meaning, underneath every person's project is a link to their blog or etsy site and with just a tap of the finger I'm directed to that website - endless windows open for more creativity and inspiration! 

Also, with more swipes of the finger, I can see multiple images of one project. Before, we could only put a picture or two of each project on each page. But with digital, you can see and get so much more bang for your buck! 

Another perk is videos and how-to tutorials can be played and watched right then and there. I don't think we've had too many of these yet, but we're planning on more because they're high in demand. 

And I know I know, after sitting at a computer all the livelong day the last thing you want to do is be on a tablet or iPad. Here's my rebuttal: iPads remind me of the first time I held an iPod and saw it's amazing potential. I CAN HAVE MY ENTIRE ENORMOUS CD COLLECTION ON THIS ONE TINY DEVICE?!? Like unto that, I CAN HAVE MY ENTIRE MAGAZINE COLLECTION ON THIS ONE SINGLE DEVICE??? It really is quite amazing and sooo stinkin' convenient. 

What if you don't have an iPad? Don't worry! An app for Android users is in the works and for now the Kindle will work through the Kindle browser, and the Nook will work through the Dolphin browser. All other Android tablets should work through the Chrome browser, which allows flash. Done and done, good to go, on any type of tablet! Sweet beans!

Also, can I just mention that the photography in these magazines is top notch? Kaycee and Kristy and Amy are the best. They really have an eye for superb project photography. Every image is droolworthy and I find myself wishing I could be right there with the layout/card/project. Serious eye candy! 

Which brings me to our publications!

Each of these incredible publications are $4.99 a month.

OR - the best deal is to get an All-Access Pass for just $9.99 - that's less than $2 per issue!

PS - We're starting a new campaign: use hashtag #HowIReadNP to show everyone how versatile and easy it is to take the magazines with you wherever you go. So take a selfie while reading the digital issues, on your computer or your iPad while you are sitting in your cozy chair next to the fireplace, while waiting to pick up the kids from school, or while doing yoga, and tag it with #HowIReadNP on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, and show everyone how easy and fun it is to read the new digital issues!

I've saved the best for last:

Get 50% off of single issue purchases using code "friendsandfamily50"

Get 20% off recurring subscriptions using code "friendsandfamily20"

There - I've done my work promotion for the day :)

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The One with September 2013 American Crafts Layouts

I got a big ol' box of CHA goodies a week or so ago and I've been having a blast creating layout after layout! Here are my two monthly layouts for American Crafts:

12 MONTHS OF JANE by Paige Evans

How to: Use a circle punch to notch the corners of a gray/yellow striped layout background. Watercolor the edges then stitch around the edges using silver floss. Place a doily on the center of the layout. Punch doilies from all the papers in the Cut & Paste collection then layer them in a circle around the doily. Sew around the punched doilies to secure them in place for infinity (and beyond). Place a photo collage on the middle then back each corner with a fabric photo corner. Make a title across the middle using assorted Thickers. Add a number sticker to each photo to tell the month. Accent the punched doilies with sequins and puffy heart stickers.

Supplies: Patterned paper, chipboard (heart, numbers, letters), adhesive: American Crafts; Stickers: American Crafts (fabric photo corners, puffy dots), Making Memories (tiny numbers, "of"); Sequins: Craft supply; Doily: Wilton; Punches: Fiskars (circle), Martha Stewart Crafts (doily); Sewing machine: Brother; Thread: Coats & Clark; Floss: DMC; Watercolors: Prang

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A NIGHT OUT IN GRAFENWOEHR by Paige Evans

Journaling says: Every day I still pinch myself - I can't believe we actually live in Germany and get to see surreal towns like this every day!

How to: Die cut the title from the bottom of a grid paper layout then spray red, orange, and yellow mist over the title. Back the title with green patterned paper and a colorful polka dot paper strip. Drop more mist across the layout. Place a collage of photos across the top half of the layout. Use stickers, chipboard, a fabric brad, and buttons to embellish the photos as shown. Apply a chevron rub on to one of the upper photos. Back the top edge with an arrow paper strip. Stitch three orange "x"s on the top right corner. Finish the title with vellum letter stickers and create an umlaut over the "o" using green epoxy dot stickers. Write journaling below one of the lower photos and stamp the date below.

Supplies: Patterned paper, fabric brad, buttons, chipboard (arrows, "document" tab, "eat" sunburst, heart, star), stickers (epoxy dots, letters, sentiments), chevron rub on, fabric photo corners, date stamp, ink, pen, adhesive: American Crafts; Spray mist: Studio Calico; Floss: DMC; Die cut machine: Cameo by Silhouette

That's all for now! I'm loving the Cut & Paste collection!!

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The One with the 2Peas Gardeners' Digest September 2013 Blog Hop

It's the 22nd of the month - which means it's time for another 2Peas Gardeners' Digest - a monthly blog hop hosted by the Garden Girls! Below you will find a sneak of my upcoming layout for the 2Peas Project Gallery, a couple of layouts from a scrapbooker that inspires me (Erin Stewart), a list of 5 items that I've placed in my shopping cart, and a giveaway of some scrappy Halloween stuff!

Jen Gallacher
Lexi Bridges
Wilna Furstenberg
Céline Navarro
Lilith Eeckels
Melissa Stinson
Lisa Dickinson
Jill Sprott
***Paige Evans***
Michelle De Leon
Amy Tan
Janna Werner
Laura Craigie
Shimelle Laine
2Peas

Here is a sneak peek of the me-themed layout that I created for the October 1st Garden Girl debut - subject to change because I can't decide if I'm in love with it:

Check out the rest of my Garden Girl creations HERE and I'll share the entire layout on September 1st!

I've been working with Erin Stewart on the American Crafts Design Team for the past year and I'm so happy she's back again this year! Because, I'm telling ya, this girl is wicked talented! Check out these two layouts she made for Monochromatic Week and then uploaded to the 2Peas Gallery:

BIG BEAUTIFUL EYES by Erin Stewart

SWEET SADIE by Erin Stewart

I love that she has a little boy and baby girl just a bit younger than my own little boy and baby girl! View more of Erin's projects on her bog and her 2Peas Gallery!

These products probably don't even need promoting, they promote themselves cuz they're that awesome, BUT, here they are, nonetheless! And now that I have my hands on them I can say with confidence they are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! Even more so in real life!

The Close Knit collection by Crate Paper.

 The Cut & Paste line by Amy Tangerine for American Crafts.

The Flea Market collection by Maggie Holmes for Crate Paper.

The Front Porch line by Pebbles.

The Polka Dot Party line by Dear Lizzy for American Crafts.

I love love love love love (love love love!) patterned paper!

This is one case where patience is a virtue (my life-long trial)! My mom (again! She's the best!) got me the exclusive American Crafts Halloween stuff at Target (I MISS TARGET!!!!) and I got it in the mail a couple weeks ago. Then AC so kindly sent me some and I don't need doubles. But my pain (?) is your gain cuz I'm giving the extras away!

Leave a comment on this post telling me what you or your kids plan to be for Halloween and I'll pick a winner next Sunday! GOOD LUCK!
PS - the winner from the American Crafts Blog Hop has been announced at the bottom of that post.

Next on the hop is the talented Michelle De Leon!

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The One with Walhalla Memorial and Kelheim Hall of Liberation

Every Saturday we try to venture out and go somewhere and we take turns choosing our destination. Last Saturday I chose Seehof Palace (or did I? Now that I think about it, I think Chris chose that... but anyhow, it was awesome, so no harm no foul). Today Chris picked Walhalla, a pitstop in Regensburg for lunch, and then the Kelheim Hall of Liberation. 

Let me just set the record straight - I have a hard time narrowing down photos. Take it, or leave it :)
My favorite part of driving to these places is looking out the window and seeing all the picture-perfect towns. Like this:

An hour and a half later we spied our first destination up on the hill!

We turned off the road and up into a forest. So pretty.

We drove up to the top of the steep hill and got a pretty view through the cornfields below.

All the rain recently has done the trees good - it's so fresh and green!

Still had quite the hike ahead of us to get to the top. We made it! This is Walhalla. Looks like the Parthenon in Greece, no?

The Walhalla memorial is a hall of fame that honors laudable and distinguished personalities in German history – politicians, sovereigns, scientists, and artists of the German tongue. Walhalla is named for Valhalla of Norse mythology.  The hall is housed in a neo-classical building above the Danube River, east of Regensburg, in Bavaria, Germany. It was conceived in 1807 by Crown Prince Ludwig I, who built it upon ascending the throne of Bavaria as King Ludwig I. Construction took place between 1830 and 1842, under the supervision of architect Leo von Klenze.  The views out over the Danube.

I really wanted a shot of the entire building, so I ran down a bazillion stairs to get these (well, not the column one, but the other two below). Worth it!

Climbing back up and stopping to smell the flowers. Textured and mossy cobblestone path back up to the memorial.

More flowers | Jane on Daddy's shoulders. GOATS!

Here we are! Evans family at the Walhalla Memorial.

My favorite photo of the day. Kings and Queen of the mountain.

Our friends the Gazarovs came with us. This was the ramp to get up to the memorial for those in wheelchairs or with strollers (guilty as charged). The incline was like 1%, it was soooo long!

Then we went inside the memorial where there is a display of some 65 plaques and 130 busts of persons, covering 2,000 years of history. The earliest person honored is Arminius, victor at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest (9 AD). The creator of Walhalla Memorial - Ludwig I and a bust of Einstein. So gorgeous inside. 

Angelic angels. Chris's pic:

Goodbye Walhalla! You were a blast and pleasing to the eye! Driving to our next destination. I love seeing castles atop hills. There are aplenty.

We made a pitstop in Regensburg to get some lunch.

We saw THREE different brides/grooms getting their wedding photos taken. Everywhere we go :) Cuz everywhere is so gosh dern picturesque.

Jane enjoying currywurst / "Save the clock tower!"

Fresh flowers.

Quick stop and then we were on the road again. This big house set in the trees in the hill is so pretty. I say that word a lot. Pretty pretty pretty.

We rounded a corner and there it was! The Hall of Liberation in Kelheim!

We parked the car and walked up the road, stopping for a quick view of the Daube river. I wonder how many times we've seen and how many more times we will see this river in our adventures over the next few years.

The sun came out for a few minutes, woohoo!, creating pretty (there I go again!) lighting on the building.

The memorial commemorating the victorious battles against Napoleon in the Wars of Liberation in 1813-1815 was ALSO commissioned by King Ludwig I and begun by Friedrich Gärtner, who modeled it on centrally planned buildings from ancient Rome and the Italian Middle Ages. It was completed from modified plans in 1863 by Leo von Klenze.

Looking out to the valley of civilization below. I love all the wonderful views we get from these places up on high!

Inside the Hall of Liberation.

The supporting buttresses of the façade are crowned by 18 monumental statues which are allegories of the German tribes. The number 18 also symbolizes the date of the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig (10.18.1813), when Napoleon's troops suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Coalition.

The Danube River again | Me and Fox and Jane on the front steps.

I live for Saturdays!

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