Waxing Poetic about a Bargain

I have a thing for apple-scented candles. I like things that smell like apple pie -- it's very "homey" to me. Especially in the fall.

I was in Walmart over the weekend and just happened to pass through the candle section. I remember reading on someone's blog out there in Internet land that there was a great apple-scented candle in Walmart for a bargain price. And I found it! It's "Mulled Cider." It smells fantastic, as good as a more expensive candle.

And guess how much this 20-ounce jar candle cost? A mere $5. Can you believe that?

It smells far better than this over-priced mistake:

I bought this candle from my daughter's school fundraiser. The catch was that the wooden wick emits a crackling sound when burning, which made me think "Oh! Like a fireplace!" But that was ridiculous to expect. The crackle is only audible if you get close enough to set your hair on fire. I'm embarrassed to even tell you how much I paid for this. And the scent is just OK.

For now, I'm sticking with the Walmart candle.

Life, and Death

I'm not really posting today. I had a tiny post scheduled to go up yesterday, but it didn't for some reason, so I'll hold it off. We are currently battling some bug -- it's a nasty weird cold that is affecting every member of my family differently, between sore throats, runny noses, fevers, stomach issues, and one vomiting moment. Couple that with my obligations to job and volunteering and it's been one hell of a week.

But that said, it can't compare to the sadness felt by the family in my link below. If you go back and read this blog, your heart with break into a million pieces. Say a prayer for them and hold that little boy in your heart.

http://www.superty.org/

TWINS TUESDAYS: First School

Two weeks ago, I posted about trying to fit in more activities with the twins, as well as trying to fit in some little bits of "homeschooling" (although we are not homeschoolers in the true sense, the toddlers are "home" with me right now!) into their lives. I truly believe that being a stay-at-home mom involves schooling your little ones and getting them ready for real school. And that means learning letters, numbers, colors, shapes, counting, coloring, etc. The twins will go to preschool eventually, but not just yet.

They turn 3 in December, and likely will not step foot in Kindergarten until they are officially 5-turning-6. So preschool will come the year prior to that, which is two years away. In the meantime, I want to make sure they have the same opportunity, however difficult it may be, as Big Girl. And that means this MoM has to get her act in gear and get some schoolin' and learnin' going for them!

I have made a strong effort in that recently, and it's going OK. We have been sitting down to work on things like colors and letters. They know most of their letters by sight, but can be stubborn in playing the "identify" game. I really want to keep pushing the letters thing since reading is very important to me. I already know they are pretty smart cookies, but I also know that working with them will give them a greater chance to shine brighter.

One website has been so helpful to me with them and I wanted to share it with you. It's called "First School," and it has really awesome little worksheets to print out. I have been trying to do things with random letters that go with something from this time of the year, like A for apple, P for pumpkin, B for bat, L for leaf, and -- coming soon! -- T for turkey. Just all that seasonal stuff that they can grasp. I hang up their little coloring pictures and letters, just like their older sister's artwork, and I prompt them to show visitors and grandparents their work so they are proud of what they have done. And several times a day, I might ask them what letter is for "apple" or "pumpkin" and give them a chance to remember and use their little brains.

It is definitely different taking on this toddler "homeschooling" thing with twins. When the crayons come out, it has to be a highly monitored and directed situation or else I will live in a Crayola world. Reading books is even a challenge, as they disagree over which one they want to hear. If I ask one a question, one is more likely to answer faster than the other.

And what I've also found out in my mothering years is that teaching kids happens when you are just in the moment (although having a few ideas up your sleeve definitely helps -- especially with more than one little one). Money Saving Mom had a two-part series titled "Teaching Your Tot Without Breaking the Bank" that I thought was really helpful: Part 1 is here and Part 2 is here. Be sure to read through the comments, which have some great ideas too.

I hope that, as I muddle through this twin toddler thing, that someone out there finds a kernel of inspiration somewhere in my posts! We are all in this together, right?

Lincoln Logs

Every now and then I try and pull out a different toy. Something to keep the twins busy for --oh, I don't know -- five minutes? (Just kidding.)

They do seem to need constant stimulation, and switching out toys can switch things up a bit. The other day I started thinking about some toys I had put away and remembered Lincoln Logs. The twins are possibly a little young for them, but I figured that if I built something with them, they might get intrigued by them. Buddy Twin is a LEGO/Thomas train builder-kind-of-kid, so I knew it might appeal to him especially.

Well, it went over... OK. We have a giant Lincoln Log set that has all the traditional wooden pieces, as well as a newer set that has some plastic pieces and is intended to build a schoolhouse. The schoolhouse has a plastic slide, and that was the coveted piece by both children. And then Buddy Twin tried to build a track for his Matchbox cars out of the logs and roof pieces, which is fine with me, since he was hard at work on a project, even if it wasn't a log cabin.

Later that day, as I was putting the twins in bed, I could hear wooden pieces being sorted through downstairs, click clack click... (And Bunny Twin heard it above the bedtime stories: "Lincoln blocks, Lincoln blocks!" she said with one ear in the air.)

When I finally got the tots tucked in, I came downstairs and I found this:

Ah, Big Girl. "I knew exactly what I going to do when they went to bed!" she said.

Lincoln Logs are such a classic, classic toy. They have been around since 1916, and interestingly, were invented by architect Frank Lloyd Wright's son, John Lloyd Wright. The idea came to him when he was watching the building of Tokyo's Imperial Palace Hotel, which was created with "earthquake proof" interlocking pieces. He named the toy after Abraham Lincoln, who began his life in a log cabin. Apparently they reached the height of popularity during the 1950s during the Davy Crockett era.

The package says they are for ages 3 years and up, and clearly we know that the process of building with blocks is a great activity for little minds. It's about creating, problem solving, thinking things through -- that sort of thing. All positive exercises for toddlers.

I'd like to add to our "log" collection. If I had my wish, Santa will bring this for Christmas:

I love this one because of its Laura Ingalls Wilder cuteness. It's even called the "Little Prairie Farmhouse!" I swear they pick these names on purpose to match Laura Ingalls Wilder: The schoolhouse set we have its called the "Walnut Woods Schoolhouse." Um, Walnut Woods? How about "Walnut Grove," right people?

Speaking of girls playing with Lincoln logs, they don't have to be pink for little girls to love them. The plain old logs clearly inspired my oldest, and yesterday I was looking at this 1926 advertisement:

The ad says that girls like to play with them too, to build houses as well as furniture for their dolls. I loved the thought of log picnic tables and stump stools for dolls tea parties.

I'm hoping the Lincoln Logs continue to get a workout in our house, along with the LEGOs and trains, and American Girl dolls.

And in case you are feeling inspired (like I am!) here's a great party idea based on Lincoln Logs:

Source: naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com via Kellie on Pinterest

This party was so cute and original. I even love the food ideas -- lumberjack breakfast, anyone? Future birthday party for twins? Possibly!

Squirreling Away Nuts

It's inevitable. Winter's coming. I can feel it in my bones.

And then I woke up yesterday to this headline in the morning newspaper:

Cold, they say. And costly. Break out your sweaters, your sweatshirts, your blankets, your extra socks and your boots. I guess soon it will be time to put on the layers.

I haven't turned the heat on just yet. Luckily, we've been able to manage the little chills here and there with the help of my little faux fireplace. Hopefully it won't drive up the electric bill to have it on low in the early mornings or at night while I'm watching TV. My electric bill from the last humid heatwave was astronomical. I'm so mentally done with high electricity bills. I'm even considering convincing my husband to scale back the outdoor Christmas display.

We have natural gas heat, which also powers our hot water heater. Luckily the news article reported that gas prices will remain stable, although it will be cooler so we will need to use more gas to keep the temperature consistent. Only a 15 percent increase is expected! Yay, said Sarcastic Me.

In the meantime, I have this inner urge to act like a squirrel. Fill the cabinets and the freezer and get out all the winter gear. Big Girl and I already have the boots, courtesy of finding them at Marshall's earlier this year. Big Girl had a similar pair last year and wore them constantly and outgrew them. She's the new owner of the purple pair, which is very fitting for a tween.

I have the black pair, which is very practical for me. For a very long time I have wanted a pair of UGGs, like everyone else seems to have everywhere I look. Fashion peer pressure! But frankly, when it comes down to it, they are kind of pricey for my budget. I can't justify spending $100 or much more on a pair of boots when that could buy groceries for a week or two, or several outfits for my closet when needed. I've tried to scout out some at Marshall's, but the ones I've seen don't seem worth the price tag -- why pay so much for boots that look like a sweater? How will that keep my feet dry and warm? So I never buy them. And for Big Girl? Well, her feet grow like crazy so it's not necessary to spend major bucks on shoes right now. If she was a teen, and put it on her Christmas list? Well, then, maybe...

Instead, our boots are the Bear Paw brand. They are decently made, and comfortable, and affordable ($30-$40 at Marshall's). As soon as we got them, I headed over to our local KMart and picked up a can of this:

I figured it's good to protect our affordable investment during the upcoming months. I know Big Girl will likely be sporting these every day except gym day, so I'm putting a little effort into keeping them in shape ahead of time. Yesterday, I broke out the new boots and gave them two coats of this stuff.

My next job is to take inventory of the winter jackets, gloves, hats, snow pants, etc. I've got a bunch of hand-me-downs that should fit the twins' needs. Big Girl will hopefully still fit in the large snow pants and snow boots I bought last year. My husband and I will likely muddle through another season in our winter gear, and he got new boots last year so he should be all set.

So, are you ready for winter? Although I've got Christmas on the brain, I still think I could relish not having a spot of snow before the holidays. Not after last year's Halloween ice storm.

Mother Nature? Please be kind for a little while. Send Jack Frost on a vacation somewhere else!

More "Me" on Yahoo! Voices

I've been writing more things for Yahoo! Voices. The latest two articles are The Balancing Act of Work, Family and Activities and Choosing Clothing for a Family Portrait.

You can find all my articles via my profile page. My views are picking up, which is totally great for me since I am trying to make this work as a writing outlet for me -- it's something I can really do while staying home with my little ones. It's fitting that the one article that has boosted my clout so much on this site is my Laura Ingalls Wilder piece. That is so symbolic for me, as she is one of my favorite writers ever. I feel there is some deeper meaning in this; it's encouragement to continue doing what I'm doing.

It's interesting that a few things have happened via my Yahoo! Voices contributions this week: I actually got three comments on my articles -- the first comments I have ever gotten, all within one day's span. I had an e-mail from Aldi wanting to use comments from an article. I actually got paid -- finally! -- because my views reached a certain number. And this week, after submitting the two articles above, I actually had really nice feedback from the editor who checked my work.

It may seem small, but these little things matter so much when you are a writer. Writing is a very solitary job -- sometimes too solitary. The littlest feedback telling you that you are on track, or doing well with your work, or helping a reader out, or making someone feel good, is like a ray of sunshine.

And now on to another talent in my family for which I still need to share the love: My husband co-produced and filmed this awesome "Call Me Maybe" video (link here or click below). I know I mentioned late last week in a post, but it's worth mentioning again! It features employees from Connecticut manufacturing companies lip-synching and dancing and working in their industries. The video was created in honor of Manufacturing Day/Month, and I think it is so incredibly fun and wonderful! It celebrates several "Made in CT" businesses, and that is a great thing: These companies are part of our national economy, and provide jobs in a time when that is a much-needed thing to cherish.

Everyone in this video is such a good sport. I hope it brings a smile to your face. (If the window below appears restricted to you, please take the time to click over to YouTube and view it!)

"Once" Obsessed

There's a new Sunday night ritual in our house. It involves Big Girl, me, a bowl of popcorn, and a little TV show called Once Upon A Time.

We are obsessed. Offically obsessed with a capital "O."

What used to be "Mad Men" night for me and hubby is now "Once" night for me and Big Girl. And I really like it! It's fun to have something to look forward to at the end of the weekend, sort of like how it was years ago when "The Wonderful World of Disney" was on.

(Funny thing: "Once" is basically Disney show! How cool is that?)

Do you watch it? It's hard to describe, other than it's about fairy tale characters who are cursed and sent to live in Maine and don't remember their fairy tale lives. It's so much more than that, however; telling stories in present and the past, with quirky characters that remind me of past favorite shows like "Northern Exposure" and "Twin Peaks." Apparently, some of the writers were writers on "Lost," and that is fitting for how the show plays out.

The show is currently in its second season, but the first season was recently released on DVD -- in fact, it's on sale at Target this week! ($29.99 for 22 hour-long episodes, plus extras!) The DVD was a special treat for us this week and we are slowly making our way through past missed episodes. Even though we know what will happen, the old episodes are still enjoyable to watch because the fairytale back stories are so rich and beautiful to watch.

My daughter has declared this her favorite new show, and I'm so pleased to have something to share with her. There's not much on TV lately that we can both enjoy -- the days of "Full House" and "The Cosby Show" and "Facts of Life" and "Happy Days" and "The Brady Bunch" are long gone. We sometimes watch Disney Channel shows, but they can wear on my nerves sometimes.

"Once" is also one of those eye candy shows for me -- entertainment that inspires with cool clothes and decorating. I'm really obsessed with the character of Mary Margaret, a.k.a. Snow White (I knew she was always my favorite Disney princess!), who is played by actress Ginnifer Goodwin. (Goodwin was a favorite of mine in the series "Big Love" on HBO, which is now long gone. That was such an interesting drama.)

Source: sparkleonandwearbows.wordpress.com via Kellie on Pinterest

Mary Margaret has the coolest Shabby Chic apartment, and dresses in adorable preppy clothing that I want to magically appear in my closet. Where is a good spell when you need one?

Source: missmerfaery.polyvore.com via Kellie on Pinterest

I have now added this necklace to my wishlist, although I just might have to get it for Big Girl. Or maybe one for both of us? :)

Source: etsy.com via Kellie on Pinterest

If you want to join our obsession, you can watch Season 2 episodes at this link. Start with "Magic is Coming" to catch up on back stories of the characters (then go out on buy Season 1 to see them all in their full glory!). But the current three episodes online can get you caught up enough to watch Sunday, at 8 p.m., on the ABC network. Don't forget the popcorn!