Fall, firetrucks and pumpkins



So I am posting less.  I want to post more I really do.  But I think this is better for me right now.  Posting all the time stressed me out before.  I would miss out on time with Jack or miss out on time with my husband, or miss out on time I should be working.   I also have gotten tired of feeling like I am competing for people to like me or to read what I have to say.  If people want to read and comment that's great, but I am tired of all the blogs out there asking for money that I just want to get back to what this is all about....us.

 

And WE went to a fire house party.  Jack got all dressed up in his fire outfit and had a blast a tour of the station.  Sunday we headed on over to one of my favorite places....the pumpkin farm We had some apple donuts, rode some ponys and took too many pictures. 

 

I hope all is well, and that you are enjoying Fall...the weather is beautiful here.

 

He is getting soooo big!!!

I'm a pumpkin head.

Some recipes are so good that I feel like I should post them twice.  This is one of those recipes.  I have expressed with you all my love for chocolate chip cookies before, and I of course I have expressed my love for pumpkin with you.  Put them together, and you have something that I can't even describe in words.  This has the best of both worlds; the cookie-ness of a chocolate chip cookie, yet it has the added spice of pumpkin.  These cookies have a sort of cakey texture to them, which make them irresistible.

I know we have a few more days left of Summer, but I just couldn't wait until Fall to make these.  And what better way to celebrate the end of the teacher strike then to share these with all my co-workers.  I am asked to make this year after year, and I hope you try this recipe out for yourselves.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 cups (12-ounce bag) semisweet chocolate chips

Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

Directions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper.

Using a mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Beat in the white and brown sugars, a little at a time, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time, then mix in the vanilla and pumpkin puree. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Slowly beat the flour mixture into the batter in thirds. Stir in the chips. Scoop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are browned around the edges. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. Take the cookies off with a spatula and cool them on wire racks.

First days....

 

Yes, my new teaching job is at a Chicago Public School.  And we are on strike, and it's not about the money like the news will make you believe.  It's about so much more that you can't know unless you experience the schools for yourself.  That's all I will say.

In better news, Jack started his first day of "school" today.  Because of his birthday he can't go to preschool yet, but he is going to a Parent's Day Out.  His first time being left alone with someone he doesn't know.  

He did fabulously: 

 

There were lots of hugs, but no crying from either of us, he was a very big boy.  

Have a great Wednesday. 

I'm co-hosting!

Happy Happy Friday!

Welcome to the new That Friday Blog Hop.

With your hosts: Rebecca @ Let Them Eat Cake and Chrissy @ A Lil' Dash Of Diva. and me as the co-host this week!   Hop around, have fun, and find lots of fun blogs to enjoy!

So here is what we ask from all of you lovely people.

1. Follow the two hosts
2. Follow the week's special co-host (that's me!)
3. Grab the button, share it everywhere to spread the word

<a href="http://to-calm-insanity.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Let Them Eat Cake" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v324/satinxoxo/blog%20buttons/ThatFridayBlogHop21.png"/></a>

Hosts:

I would love it if you would all join this week, and please visit these two wonderful sites!

For everyone that is new visiting my site, Welcome!  I am a mom, a teacher and an Etsy shop owner.  You can check out my shop Smitten Image here! 

Have a wonderful weekend and thank you!

 

 

New school year, new me!

So I started my new job today....I made it.  I got through the day and it was good!  I met the kids, and survived the heat in our building with no air conditioning.   I am hoping this school year is  a good one and I hope I love my new job.

With the new year I am also looking to get to the new me.  Maybe it's the fact that I'm getting older, and noticing wrinkles and the fact that I'm tired ALL THE TIME.  So looking around on Pinterest I found Back on Pointe's blog.  These workouts will seriously kick your butt. 


Here is an example of one of the ab workouts:

I swear I could not even finish it the first time I did it.

And here is the September challenge I am doing along with my regular gym workouts. 

These workouts are quick, intense and perfect for at home before or after work.  They burn a lot of calories in a little amount of time, perfect for those working moms!

You can check out all her other workouts here, and let me know if you also choose to do the September challenge!

Craving chocolate? Me too.

Since I have been super busy starting my BRAND NEW job, and I didn't want you all to think I forgot about you, I thought I would add something that looks super delicious.  This I can guarantee would also be the perfect after school snack. 

Smitten Kitchen's favorite brownies will satisfy that chocolate craving that is screaming your name and will help you make friends (not like you need to!).  

For the recipe, and more great ones, check it out here.

Ubokia..start shopping

So with all the back to school shopping I am always looking for a deal.  I am also always looking to freshen up my home decor with the new season.  Well there is a great new sight for deals and it's called:

What?! Yes Ubokia!! And let me tell you a bit about this amazing new way to find the stuff you're looking for:

 

Ubokia is one of the Internet’s fastest growing Social Commerce communities. They have developed a platform that connects buyers and sellers together. Ubokia allows you  to buy and sell with each other – right here on my blog! Sweet!

Think of it as a mini-Craigslist - but way cooler - just for you guys. The added benefit of this is security and trust. You can now buy and sell with other like-minded people without the hassle of dealing with spammers and scammers. Additionally, Ubokia allows you to connect with a broader Ubokia network, giving you access to more items to 100,000’s of members in our network.

• With uTrust, Ubokia is the safest way to buy online.
• Buying through a blog marketplace means you are connecting with other like-minded people - making it easier to find what you want and in general your interactions are more pleasant than something like Craigslist.
• Ubokia is easier for buyers because all they have to do is post a want and let sellers come to them. No more searching!
• Ubokia is easier for sellers because they don't have to wait to potential buyers to view their products. They can immediately connect with buyers. 

So why should you join?
Ubokia is transforming social commerce by empowering you to get exactly what you want. After you post a Want, sellers can respond with offers, while you sit back and let the community work for you. The more people that join Ubokia, the more powerful your Ubokia experience will become. Invite your friends to join, and help us create the most powerful Want-centric marketplace in the world! 

It's free to join and you lose nothing by trying it! Go ahead. Head over to the button on the side of my blog and check it out!

I was compensated for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

a first

 

With Summer ending so soon, and us not taking a vacation this year, we went up for a day trip to Michigan.   It was a great time and Jack did something we have been working on for 2 years....

 

 

He conquered his fear of the sand.    After screaming a bit, we distracted him with some rock throwing.  From there it was smooth sailing...he had a blast.

 

 

 

 I hope you are all having a great week, work starts for me next week and I am going to be busy spending as much time as I can with Jack. 

 

 

 

 

A winner and a break...

First of all I have a winner for the canvas or banner giveaway from Banners on the cheap.  

Congrats to #2....Jen!

Please email me at justanothermomdayblog@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Second I have been taking a bit of a break.  Mostly because my new job starts in 10 days, and I am having some major Jack time, and the rest because I have honestly been a bit burned out on the blogging.   I love blogging, but I just need a break to get myself together and recharge a bit.

I will still be blogging, but just not as often until I get myself together with the job.

I hope you all understand!

Have a great weekend!

Come Join the Fun @ Gap Kids Shine On Saturdays!!!

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.

I LOVE GAP.  Have I ever mentioned that?  I think Jack's entire wardrobe is from there.  AND I have spent enough there to keep my SILVER status for the past two years.  What I also love is free events.  Especially free events for kids that involves activities that I can do with Jack, like art events.  This month, select GapKids stores will be hosting a series of special art projects by Merrilee Liddiard of Mer Mag!  Merrilee was inspired by the GapKids and babyGap fall collection, including the best new 1969 denim.  Jewel Box Skinnies for girls (the new skinny jean updated in bright stretchy denim) and Action Stretch Demin for boys (designed for play all day-it's denim that's made to move)

Each Saturday there will be fun events for the family to participate in!  Everything from creating geometric masterpieces on canvas using paint and tape to colorful, custom journals to get kids ready for back-to-school, the projects help kids express their creativity! I know I will be checking them out, and I think you should too.  For you local Chicago folk, here are the upcoming Gap Shine On events:

Saturday, August 11

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

GapKids @ Sheffield

1740 N. Sheffield

Chicago, Illinois 60614

Saturday, August 18

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

GapKids @ Westfield Old Orchard

4999 Old Orchard Center #A6

Skokie, Illinois 60077

Saturday, August 25

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

GapKids @ Oakbrook Shopping Center

533 Oakbrook Center

Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
 

Let me know if you plan on attending one and maybe I'll see you there!

Those of you in other areas:

 

Select GapKids stores in these cities are hosting Shine On Saturdays: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Dallas and Toronto!  Check Gap's Facebook page for specific locations!

  

 I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

My try at a pinspiration...

So I am having my sister's bachelorette party this weekend up in Lake Geneva Wisconsin.  I am sure there will be pictures on here next week showing all the fun.  For now I am stressing making sure we have enough food, drinks and fun planned.   Our decor is pink, black and white and I saw these while pinning a few days ago:

 

So cute right?!?!

So I decided to make my own:

 

Not too shabby, although I wish they were a bit more pink.    I got the recipe from Joy the Baker here.   Once the dough was made  I added about 7 or 8 drops of red food coloring, (I would add more next time) and mixed the dough well.  Also instead of rolling the dough in white sugar I used pink sugar which added to the pink color.  

The main thing is, they taste delicious, and I think they'll be a hit at the party.  

 

Jack in the city...

We went to the city last week.  It was perfect outside, but Jack was a little crabby and really tired.  I did get a few pictures without him crying or frowning in.


I hope your week is great, only a few weeks until school starts again!

Enter to win Canvas print of your choice, or more!!!

I have three parties that I am planning in the next few months.  My sister's bachelorette party, her shower and Jack's 3rd birthday.  Yes I'm stressed.  But Banners on the Cheap is making my life a bit easier, and I am passing on some goodies to you! 

They provided with a credit to use for their banners.  Problem is they have so many great ones that I can't decide.  I will most likely use it for Jack's Cars themed party, but they have them for every occasion!  Banners on the Cheap far EXCEEDED my expectations in every way. Just playing around on their site to create a banner, I realised how quick and easy their site is to use.   I can't wait to design mine and at that personalized touch to my party!

{{win it}}

One of my readers can choose from:

A car magnet

Yard Sign

8 x 10 photo on canvas

or

Banner

 

So take that favorite instagram photo of yours and turn it into canvas!

Use that car magnet to promote your small business!

Add that special touch to your next party!

OR announce that new baby with a yard sign!


To enter please do the following:

1.Click on the links above (under "win it") and comment on which item you would choose if you win


Additional Entries:
1.  Follow Just Another Manic Momday
2.  Like Just Another Manic Momday on facebook

*Details: This giveaway will end 8-17-2012. Entries are only open to residents of the US, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. If you choose a vinyl banner, you will receive a $40 giftcard, a yard sign will be a $30 giftcard, a car magnet will be a $50 giftcard, and a photo canvas will be an 8x10.

* I was compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own!

Welcome my newest sponsor Cara Loren!

I love Cara's blog, and I think you will too.  AND very soon she will be hosting a giveaway from my Etsy shop!  I hope you are having a great day and read more about Cara Loren below!

Hello everyone! Cara here from www.caraloren.blogspot.com. I am a wife to my handsomehusband Brody, and a mommy to my baby boy Hanes.  I have a major passion for fashion and so I have decided toshare it with as many people that want to listen.  I also like to brag a little about my fam who I think areone of a kind! Take a little peak into my life and closet and see what youthink! 

Enter to Win Mission Possible!

Being a teacher, I am always reading up on new ideas in education.  I am always interested in what other schools or states are doing and what is new or up-and-coming in the are of education. Because of this I can imagine that I will "that crazy mom" that other teachers talk about, asking every question to Jack's teachers. That's why, when I was presented with the opportunity to read Mission Possible: How The Secrets of the Success Academies Can Work In Any School, and give away a copy to one of my readers, I jumped at the chance!

I got into this book right away as it talk about the Success Academy charter school system.  Charter schools are a big issue here in Chicago, and I was a charter school teacher for 4 years.  This book takes you on a tour of the Success Academies and shows you THINK literacy in action. Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of the Success Academy Charter Schools, and Ana Lavinia, designer and developer of THINK literacy, understand the challenges teachers and principals face. Using the strategies outlined in the book the first Success Academy Charter School quickly emerged as one of the top performing schools in New York State.

But what stood out to me as the biggest difference between traditional public schools and the Success Academies is the extensive time, energy, and funds that go into educating the adults in the building. They believe that success starts with the adults and there are high expectations placed on teachers. There is also constant support, training, and feedback. Their professional development system includes things like the Cycle of Teacher Improvement and T School, a four week teacher training program.  These things, I believe, really help with teacher morale and making teachers feel like they can be successful and that they matter.