tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41245446651407198782024-03-13T10:35:36.633-04:00Jersey Jenny's JournalJerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comBlogger493125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-4010673401210018362017-04-24T09:38:00.000-04:002017-04-24T14:55:40.086-04:00Maternity Monday - Postpartum DoulasPostpartum doulas help moms recover: <a href="http://www.citizen-times.com/story/life/family/2017/04/01/postpartum-doulas-help-moms-recover/99904044/">http://www.citizen-times.com/story/life/family/2017/04/01/postpartum-doulas-help-moms-recover/99904044/</a>
<p>
"Doulas are trained to recognize symptoms of postpartum depression. They are trained to provide warm comforting foods to help restore the new mother’s strength. They recognize the peaks and valleys of breast-feeding. They provide complementary care to the mother’s health care professional. They are even trained to recognize when the mom’s partner needs support."
<p>
Physically, emotionally & culturally, postpartum doulas are invaluable.
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comBlackwood, NJ 08012, USA39.7891108 -75.05527389999997539.5938798 -75.37799739999997 39.9843418 -74.73255039999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-26559619377198253172017-04-17T09:25:00.000-04:002017-04-24T14:38:06.822-04:00Maternity Monday15 Famous Women on Postpartum Depression: <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2017/04/quotes-from-15-famous-women-on-postpartum-depression.html">http://nymag.com/thecut/2017/04/quotes-from-15-famous-women-on-postpartum-depression.html</a>
<p>
"There’s a lot of misunderstanding — there are a lot of people out there that think that it’s not real, that it’s not true, that it’s something that’s made up in their minds — ‘Oh, it’s hormones.’ They brush it off. It’s something that’s completely uncontrollable. It’s really painful and it’s really scary and women need a lot of support."
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-72751712640112850342017-04-10T09:00:00.000-04:002017-04-24T14:25:06.875-04:00Maternity MondayA postpartum doula isn't just for those who "need" help or may be prone to postpartum disorders. No, postpartum doulas are for <u>ALL</u> families! In fact, WHO (the World Health Organization) greatly encourages postpartum support & education.JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-66555643355465651132017-04-03T09:02:00.000-04:002017-04-03T09:02:10.532-04:00Maternity Monday "In many cultures, women and their families are cared for and nurtured by the community around them for weeks, and sometimes months after the birth of a new family member. Women living in kin-based communities adhere to customary postpartum rituals and typically do not experience postpartum disorders. They also tend to breastfeed their babies for a longer period of time and feel closer to their infants than women who have had no support. Strong social support is vital.
<p>
In today’s mobile society, extended families do not live close and may be unable to provide care for the new family. New parents may expect medical professionals to provide not only informational support but also educational and physical/emotional support outside of the hospital setting. When this support from family or professionals is lacking, mentoring is then lost. This is where the postpartum doula can be an invaluable resource, by bridging the gap and providing the missing mentoring opportunity."
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqgz_65qb3g/WNktZVyJbUI/AAAAAAAA974/KDYK1WNmqHcgc6Y2XRzUX-U8hLhrfCg8wCLcB/s1600/ppd_support%2Bto%2Bthrive.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqgz_65qb3g/WNktZVyJbUI/AAAAAAAA974/KDYK1WNmqHcgc6Y2XRzUX-U8hLhrfCg8wCLcB/s320/ppd_support%2Bto%2Bthrive.png" width="320" height="180" /></a></div>
<p>
#postpartumdoula
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-82940480272450945972017-03-27T09:04:00.000-04:002017-03-27T11:17:18.387-04:00Maternity Monday I'm going to be a postpartum doula!
<p>
Yup, I am excited to share that I am signed up and starting my postpartum doula training this weekend!
<p>
Since becoming pregnant with Willow, I've been reading and researching and super passionate about new life because, well, it's just magic! A new life and becoming a family (or becoming an expanded family) is amazing... And this is a way in which I think I'll really be helping that magic - by helping new families, by helping to support new moms, by empowering ladies to not feel alone in their new life/role (which can unexpectedly creep up on even the most supported women), by improving new lives with education, information, resources & support. I am so excited!
<p>
Wish me luck in training!
<p>
Benefits of having a postpartum doula <a href="http://www.mothermag.com/postpartum-doula/">here</a>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82d71WrCBrA/WNksz3SIKbI/AAAAAAAA97w/0awJ2ba_-tAcXE9a0u0-XLNX8yI56qADwCLcB/s1600/ppd_transformation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82d71WrCBrA/WNksz3SIKbI/AAAAAAAA97w/0awJ2ba_-tAcXE9a0u0-XLNX8yI56qADwCLcB/s320/ppd_transformation.jpg" width="320" height="240" /></a></div>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-5146369522825966022017-02-23T05:37:00.000-05:002017-02-23T05:37:01.405-05:00A Journey AheadWe are undertaking a task - a long drive from Jersey to southern NC ... and then on to FL.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-ukV5eBDV0/WKsq9W25eQI/AAAAAAAA9GE/xlEk2LJauIo_vNGhasPU3BGwhW4b-XkcQCKgB/s1600/IMG_6742.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-ukV5eBDV0/WKsq9W25eQI/AAAAAAAA9GE/xlEk2LJauIo_vNGhasPU3BGwhW4b-XkcQCKgB/s320/IMG_6742.PNG" width="306" height="320" /></a></div>
<p>
I am nervous and anxious, but so terribly excited all at once. Southern NC holds my best friend's parents' home. They've been there a few years now and are constantly posting fun pics from their retired life. I've yet to get down there, so I'm excited to see them and check out their dream home. We'll be with them overnight and then on to FL to see forever family friends who are a part of so, <u>so</u> many of my vacation memories from when I was little.
<p>
It's a long drive - with an 8 month old, but I'm sure the good vibes and love waiting for us will make it worth it ... and oh the memory making along the way!
<p>
Wish us luck!JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-40574741245729741222017-01-30T13:05:00.000-05:002017-02-20T13:08:18.398-05:00#ileftherontheplaymatEvery morning, I come downstairs with Willow in my arms and Miles, Muppy & Sadie around my legs (with Daph already downstairs in the living room from earlier in the morning when Matt heads to work). I let Sadie & Muppy outside together when we get downstairs and then put I Willow down on her play mat in the living room. After the girls hav been out for a bit, I call them in and let Miles out. Sadie & Muppy get water before I switch the girls up - Sadie Lady & Mup into the living room, Daph into the kitchen for water before I called Miles in and let her out. That's the routine every morning.
<p>
Well, some time this morning after I put Willow down on the play mat (note: a good 10 - 15 feet from the gate into the kitchen), I hear a clanging ... the gate rattling. What in the world?! I look over to see this...
<p>
<center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1hmX_tNU-Y/WI9hIfw4iEI/AAAAAAAA8Yk/XTjkUiyNch8N4w9hSijYQAE4She3EZkDgCLcB/s1600/Willow%2Bn%2BDaph%2B01-30-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1hmX_tNU-Y/WI9hIfw4iEI/AAAAAAAA8Yk/XTjkUiyNch8N4w9hSijYQAE4She3EZkDgCLcB/s320/Willow%2Bn%2BDaph%2B01-30-2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</center>
<p>
Ahhh! How'd you get there, kid?!
<p>
I guess we are officially on the move.
<p>
#ileftherontheplaymat
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-46297230660103487282016-04-22T14:33:00.002-04:002016-04-22T14:35:42.390-04:00Ache for Home<i>“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” - Maya Angelou</i>
<p>
Whenever I dream of "home", it's the Wenonah house and all 4 of us are alive...
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-58881092894870174732016-04-15T11:31:00.000-04:002016-04-15T11:31:04.489-04:00Farm FridaySo Matt comes running down the steps last Saturday morning, all excited saying, "They're doing it! They're doing it!" And I am completely confused ...
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--DV1lx72vqU/Vw0RWR5vg8I/AAAAAAAAxv4/2rITkKjI4c03NnSD4reefSF967rebqQdQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--DV1lx72vqU/Vw0RWR5vg8I/AAAAAAAAxv4/2rITkKjI4c03NnSD4reefSF967rebqQdQCLcB/s320/IMG_1573.JPG" /></a></div> Until I look outside our big picture window to see this!!
<p>
Our super awesome construction neighbors were clearing our back property! Of course, we were heading out the door, but just the same, we took several minutes we didn't have debating what to do - take them food? Run out and thank them? Then again, maybe we didn't want to disturb them while they were working? We were just so surprised and excited, Matt and I weren't sure what to do - there we were watching a machine (in the matter of minutes) take on the task we've been trying to figure out how to tackle for the last year.
<p>
I ended up heading outside with some of the eggs we had in the fridge from our hens and found the man inside the machine was in fact the company's owner - how nice of him to take the time to do it himself!
<p>
And now we have all the debris, the trash left over from the previous neighbors, the weeds, logs, possible poison ivy, vines, etc all cleared - it's gone! All that's left on the back property (between the fence and the hill to the stream) are the bigger trees and tire marks. Wahoo!! Now, what to do... Make trails? Make a pen for Rain? A bigger chicken coop? Plant some black walnut tree resistant veggies and shrubs? I am so excited for the possibilities!
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-40025028465957650152016-04-12T11:16:00.000-04:002016-04-12T11:16:01.490-04:00Tea TuesdayWell, good morning, friends.
<p>
It's rainy and messy here so far today ... definitely feels like a spring day! April showers, right? What about April snow though? Because that happened over the weekend too! Oh, Jersey ... I love you and your randomness.
<p>
In the last two weeks, I was surprised with two wonderful showers thrown by some wonderful, wonderful ladies. I'm excited our little girl is already so loved & supported... though the showers have definitely made things a lot more real and serious. There's so much stuff to go through, organize & find placement for. Then there's the realization there are still things we need to get too. That's all topped off with the fact there's actually going to be a new little one very soon using all these things too. Ah!
<p>
I've some warm lemon water instead of tea this dreary morning. What are you up to?
<p>
<center>
Happy to post today. Cheers to Tea Tuesday!
<p>
<a href="http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-tuesday.html"><img alt="10-12-10_Tea (6)ed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5082797578_dd8c44c573_m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.</center>
<p>
JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-70394552949216510962016-04-05T09:24:00.000-04:002016-04-05T11:26:32.546-04:00Tea TuesdayWell, good morning, my friends & readers (if there are any anymore lol)!
<p>
It's Tea Tuesday and what am I up to? Organizing, reviewing some baby products, paying some bills, pet laundry is in, dishes are washed (mostly - the hubby knows I don't like washing silverware), I'm sipping some tea and I'm trying to process The Walking Dead finale that was on the other night. Ugh!
<p>
Speaking of paying bills (yea, it's mushed somewhere in that list I just rambled off of tasks I'm up to), I've been setting up "auto pay" for all our usual monthly bills in preparation of baby arrival ... it's still a couple months off, but I want to make sure it's working properly rather than waiting until the last minute and just hoping. We certainly won't need any more payments/bills (late fees!) when we're a brand new family of three, that's for sure!
<p>
How's your Tuesday going?
<p><center>
Happy to post today. Cheers to Tea Tuesday!
<p>
<a href="http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-tuesday.html"><img alt="10-12-10_Tea (6)ed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5082797578_dd8c44c573_m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.</center>
<p>
PS: Expect to see some posts aside from Tea Tuesday pop up soon ... I have some I've been considering and others I apparently wrote, but didn't post (I just found them saved as drafts).
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-46956566350505546882016-03-29T12:01:00.001-04:002016-03-29T12:01:53.238-04:00Tea TuesdayRaspberry Leaf tea for me today. It was in a variety pregnancy pack a friend was nice enough to give me and was also brought up during a birthing class Matt & I went to. I've only had it a handful of times so far, but they say the third trimester is when it's mostly beneficial.
<p>
Here's some good info on it: <a href="http://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/red-raspberry-leaf-tea/">http://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/red-raspberry-leaf-tea/</a>
<p>
Aside from that, I've been working on some work emails, looking up forms and getting ready for the weeks ahead!
<p>
How's your Tuesday going?
<p><center>
Happy to post today. Cheers to Tea Tuesday!
<p>
<a href="http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-tuesday.html"><img alt="10-12-10_Tea (6)ed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5082797578_dd8c44c573_m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.</center>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-11312781611820419212016-03-22T11:49:00.000-04:002016-03-22T11:49:34.354-04:00Tea TuesdayIs it Tea Tuesday again? I seem to have missed a few...
<p>
Tuesdays used to be an attempt at a relaxing day after a long day with my dad. That was awhile ago though.
<p>
Now I have work in the early afternoon and that means for a limited time in the morning to take care of the animals and give them some time out to relax before being cooped up alone (and for Miles & Daph, crated) between me leaving and whenever Matt gets home.
<p>
Matt's not feeling well again, so I've got some chamomile & mint and green & jasmine teas seeping for green tea to hopefully help him feel better ... and it's a pretty delicious combination too.
<p>
I've had crazy nausea again. I thought it was heart burn for awhile because that's a possibility in the stage of pregnancy I'm at, but when I went over the usual "symptoms", that's not it. It's just that cold throat, maybe going to puke feeling. Ugh! I was hoping this part was over, but I guess not. So, tea hasn't really been my thing lately or really much outside of trying to stomach room temperature water.
<p>
How's your Tuesday going?
<p><center>
Happy to post today. Cheers to Tea Tuesday!
<p>
<a href="http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-tuesday.html"><img alt="10-12-10_Tea (6)ed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5082797578_dd8c44c573_m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.</center>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-38585230922979548952016-03-01T09:13:00.000-05:002016-03-01T11:39:17.184-05:00someday when I'm pregnant Tea Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-musqyaWjFXo/T6mpdY50hDI/AAAAAAAAB9c/spLL4Ge4Baw/s1600/tumblr_l97opr1alT1qd96klo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-musqyaWjFXo/T6mpdY50hDI/AAAAAAAAB9c/spLL4Ge4Baw/s320/tumblr_l97opr1alT1qd96klo1_500_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Almost three years ago to the day, I added this photo with the intention that someday, maybe, I'd be writing a Tea Tuesday post ... and pregnant.
<p>
Well, that day is here and that's just crazy, <u>crazy</u> to really think about ... all the time that has passed since I originally drafted this post with the photo and now all the time & changes ahead that this post truly means. We're already more than halfway through this pregnancy and I'm just a few weeks away from the beginning of the third trimester. When did that happen?!
<p>
Today I'm going to focus on the little time I have though, as always, on Tuesday. I'm going to enjoy this tea and (try) not worry about what's ahead. I'm going to focus on today...
<p>
So far today has included some yummy food, freezing some fruit for smoothies and a warm mix of green tea, jasmine tea & almond coconut tea. I also have grown so desperate with all the eggs we have from our super wonderful, sweet hens that I scrambled up some eggs with almond milk, water & oregano for the dogs & myself.
<p><center>
Happy to post today. Cheers to Tea Tuesday!
<p>
<a href="http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-tuesday.html"><img alt="10-12-10_Tea (6)ed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5082797578_dd8c44c573_m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.</center>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-54485046802795228072016-02-23T09:58:00.000-05:002016-02-24T10:00:38.546-05:00Tea Tuesday“<i>Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.</i>” ― C. S. Lewis
<p>
That's today's quote that I was emailed and isn't it a nice one? I really like it.
<p>
Speaking of friendships, Matt & I had a great brunch over the weekend with Ali & Kris. I love those two! We chatted about all sorts of things at a local diner and Ali gave us the cutest mermaid figurine they picked up for the baby while she & Kris were down in the outer banks recently with their parents.
<p>
How's your Tuesday going?
<p><center>
Happy to post today. Cheers to Tea Tuesday!
<p>
<a href="http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-tuesday.html"><img alt="10-12-10_Tea (6)ed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5082797578_dd8c44c573_m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.</center>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-22461264765814522552016-02-09T11:19:00.000-05:002016-03-14T17:14:33.480-04:00Tea Tuesday postTea Tuesday has come around again and I'm typing from a new computer. Over the weekend, my laptop died and is away being looked at - I'm using a borrowed laptop for now. Sad to be without my usual laptop, but this one is really nice and the downed laptop gave me a good excuse to see friends (the ones working on mine now).
<p>
I've got water boiling now for some organic green and oolong tea to be made into iced tea later. I was also gifted some safe mama-to-be teas over the weekend, a variety pack that includes a few very good heartburn teas. I enjoyed the heartburn tea yesterday and plan on seeping some more today before work.
<p>
It's been a fairly lazy Tuesday morning after a <i>very</i> active Monday - work, appointments, etc. I did get some dishes done, the water is boiling for tea and I caught up on most of my online work, so I feel a little accomplished at least :)
<p>
How's your Tuesday going?
<p><center>
Happy to post today. Cheers to Tea Tuesday!
<p>
<a href="http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-tuesday.html"><img alt="10-12-10_Tea (6)ed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5082797578_dd8c44c573_m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.</center>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-3867797814794078452016-02-02T11:26:00.000-05:002016-02-09T10:20:45.686-05:00Tea Tuesday oh and we are having a girlWell it's been a semi-relaxing morning of reading, brewing some Dragon Oolong tea, washing some dishes, going over bills and doing pet laundry - with all the snow melting & some rain mixed in, we went through <i>a lot</i> of towels with the dogs!
<p>
Since I haven't really posted on my blod aside from Tea Tuesday posts (I swear I mean to increase frequency), I'll share this now: we found out last week we're having a girl!
<p>
Everyone was saying my pregnancy was so easy that it must be a boy ... but apparently not. All I can really say is that I hope she's as sweet once she's out here as she has been inside ;)
<p><center>
Happy to post today. Cheers to Tea Tuesday!
<p>
<a href="http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-tuesday.html"><img alt="10-12-10_Tea (6)ed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5082797578_dd8c44c573_m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.</center>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-90187038230284691572016-01-26T11:03:00.000-05:002016-02-02T09:16:51.169-05:00Tea Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nxz6ZxIuzY/VqZDBv7PdfI/AAAAAAAAsi0/szxZw7qY--Q/s1600/tea%2Band%2Bfun%2Bnails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nxz6ZxIuzY/VqZDBv7PdfI/AAAAAAAAsi0/szxZw7qY--Q/s200/tea%2Band%2Bfun%2Bnails.jpg" /></a></div> I love everything about this photo (which I'll admit I stole online somewhere when I Googled "winter tea") - the tea cup, the nail polish, the hand cuffs, the red sweater ... everything! It's all warm & cozy and so appropriate for all the snow we still have here in South Jersey.
<p>
I'm still reveling in some news Matt & I got last night. Both exciting and scary :) I'm taking my time adjusting. I'm also seeping peach ginger tea to enjoy this Tea Tuesday.
<p>
What are you sipping today?
<p><center>
Happy to post today. Cheers to Tea Tuesday!
<p>
<a href="http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-tuesday.html"><img alt="10-12-10_Tea (6)ed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5082797578_dd8c44c573_m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.</center>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-33825427196493482752016-01-24T15:19:00.000-05:002016-01-25T12:20:09.745-05:00boy or girl?<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2sCfULabRs/VqZYyT3Yt6I/AAAAAAAAsjI/ViKOPLu9-nQ/s1600/boy%2Bor%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2sCfULabRs/VqZYyT3Yt6I/AAAAAAAAsjI/ViKOPLu9-nQ/s320/boy%2Bor%2Bgirl.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ibxRYp-7I8/VqZY4POkXUI/AAAAAAAAsjQ/MwqmGYxRhjo/s1600/19%2Bweeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ibxRYp-7I8/VqZY4POkXUI/AAAAAAAAsjQ/MwqmGYxRhjo/s320/19%2Bweeks.JPG" /></a></div>
<p>
So, here's me at 19 weeks and I'm curious - what do you think??
<br>
<h2 class='title'>Boy Or Girl?</h2>
<div class='widget-content' id='widget-content'>
<iframe allowtransparency='true' frameborder='0' height='140' name='poll-widget6418595496818543143' src='https://www.google.com/reviews/polls/display/6418595496818543143/blogger_template/run_app?txtclr=%230b5394&lnkclr=%23538cd6&chrtclr=%23538cd6&font=normal+normal+14px+'Trebuchet+MS',+Trebuchet,+sans-serif&hideq=true&purl=http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/' style='border:none; width:100%;'></iframe></div class>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-53692341311421389622016-01-19T10:22:00.000-05:002016-01-19T10:22:43.036-05:00Tea TuesdayA revival of Tea Tuesday? Yes please!
<p>
According to the weather, it's 21F out ... but feels like 12F. Big change from even just last week!
<p>
I've got red clover tea seeping for the chickens right now to take out to them in a bit. That's my tea for the post today, I think - though I might end up making some green tea for myself before work this afternoon just to be on the safe side.
<p><center>
Happy to post today. Cheers to Tea Tuesday!
<p>
<a href="http://jenwsjournal.blogspot.com/2010/10/tea-tuesday.html"><img alt="10-12-10_Tea (6)ed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5082797578_dd8c44c573_m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />Tea Tuesday is reminder to you too, my friends and wanderers that found your way here. Remember that all the good you do won't get done if you're not around. So, take a minute to relax with me at some point today.</center>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-11114622788601876872016-01-04T18:37:00.001-05:002016-01-14T11:26:46.848-05:00new year, new announcementI'm not sure if anyone still views this blog since I've been so absent, but it's a new year and I've got a new announcement to make, which I wanted to post here before anywhere else...
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1DCCYi8Hj3U/VosBx_lFYVI/AAAAAAAAsNY/DikqyfDjCoM/s1600/holiday%2B2015%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1DCCYi8Hj3U/VosBx_lFYVI/AAAAAAAAsNY/DikqyfDjCoM/s400/holiday%2B2015%2Bcollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<p>
:)
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-12376926327518143632015-08-27T15:20:00.000-04:002015-08-27T15:20:01.432-04:00potluck picnicThe annual (at this point, very overdue) potluck picnic is happening soon ... and this year it'll be at our home!
<p>
Obviously it's late this year - between moving, breaking my knee and the wedding, the potluck just wasn't happening in the spring. Plus, I figured that having the potluck picnic in the fall was a good time to get together some of the people we couldn't invite to the wedding due to guest number limits - we know and love so many people!
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0B9pwmOXNQ/Vd9dmeQXkuI/AAAAAAAAphE/oMqzjxccBww/s1600/f_06-18-11_picnic%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0B9pwmOXNQ/Vd9dmeQXkuI/AAAAAAAAphE/oMqzjxccBww/s200/f_06-18-11_picnic%2B%25283%2529.JPG" /></a></div> This picnic is always an excuse to get together all the good people in our life though and has often been an opportunity to meet some people who I've mostly chatted with online or via email about rescue stuff. I love it! It's a bunch of people coming together and different minds either chatting ... or respecting our good time enough to avoid each other hahaha At least there's been no drama that I've ever been aware of.
<p>
The food is always delicious too since it's such a collection of different people & tastes - appetizers, desserts, vegetarian, seafood, gluten-free, etc. I leave it up to the guests to simply bring something they want to eat.
<p>
I'm not going to deny being a bit nervous though this year - it's always been at the farm with lots of room to spread out, a long driveway for parking, an extra fridge for anything that needs to stay cold and undeniably more things to do - like canoe or see the horses & sheep.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5YFtefiOar0/Vd9dso8dLsI/AAAAAAAAphM/43hLD4KIwvU/s1600/event_05-19-2013_potluck%2Bpicnic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5YFtefiOar0/Vd9dso8dLsI/AAAAAAAAphM/43hLD4KIwvU/s320/event_05-19-2013_potluck%2Bpicnic.JPG" /></a></div>
<p>
HOWEVER, <u>we have a house</u> and how can I not celebrate that and not just host it here?! So, lacking the space, extra fridge and farm animals, it'll be here in the back yard with blankets out and chairs if guests choose to bring them. We've got our table in the dining room, the counters in the kitchen and the table on the back porch to set stuff up.
<p>
Side note for anyone reading this and wondering, our hooligan pets will probably be away for the most part ... for their sanity & the guests ;)
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0haYbaQ3Qk/Vd9duQlLh_I/AAAAAAAAphU/Ny2t5cBS2ZQ/s1600/potluck%2Bpicnic_06-18-2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0haYbaQ3Qk/Vd9duQlLh_I/AAAAAAAAphU/Ny2t5cBS2ZQ/s320/potluck%2Bpicnic_06-18-2011.JPG" /></a></div>
<p>
(pictures from previous potluck picnics)
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-56080420857667618482015-08-23T21:50:00.000-04:002015-08-23T21:50:50.006-04:00What a weekendI ran into the people we bought our house from while I was working today. At first, I didn't recognize them (yay! my poor memory from epilepsy) and then when I did, they didn't seem to recognize me.
<p>
I was tempted to say something, re-introduce myself ... but then I didn't. Every time I went to, I thought of all the things I'm frustrated with about this house. Don't get me wrong, I <i>love</i> <u>our</u> house, but the house they sold us - ugh! All the garbage out back (buried in the yard or just tossed in the woods). How about all the crappy DIY stuff when they didn't really seem to know how to do? Like the molding in the kitchen that was just laid up against the wall rather than actually attached. Oh, and the toilet not properly sealed that leaked into the kitchen. Yea... So I didn't re-introduce myself because too many negative "WTF?!" kind of thoughts were coming to mind.
<p>
On a different note, yesterday felt super successful! Joa's Arc has got some potential homes lined up for the CH (neurological) kittens we just took in. Matt & I went to the farmer's market and then we worked in the yard yesterday - tearing out weeds, trimming the hedges, weed whacking and mowing. The chickens got some delicious treats. There was some good resting time after the yard work and dinner ... oh my goodness, dinner! Dinner needs its own paragraph...
<p>
Our friend Debbie R made some absolutely delicious food while I was down with my broken knee & after some recent joking about getting more food out of her, we arranged to have dinner together at her home. That's where dinner was last night. Debbie & Rich have a beautiful home, which Matt & I found quickly by spotting some kitties slumbering on their front stoop. There were three courses with several options - I seriously cannot get into how good each dish was! I could have walked away full just from how much of each appetizer I wanted to eat! Nothing was disappointing and I made a solid effort to at least try one of each ... even when it was time for dessert and I was sure I would burst. The conversation was just as great from food to rescue to friends to fundraisers to legal stuff to family to break in's and bats - it was all over and all interesting. In the end, Matt & I left much later than we were expecting when we headed over and yet it still felt too soon.
<p>
There's not enough good things I can say about the time we had last night aside from I feel very, very grateful that Matt & I have the privilege to call Debbie & Rich friends.
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-4164501001134967382015-08-15T19:10:00.000-04:002015-08-26T10:32:21.060-04:00ProjectFor our wedding, my Aunt Dianne gave me the most beautiful, but, more importantly, a very special set of China - her China that she has been collecting piece by piece since the year I was born. She said that it is also one of the last designs made in the USA. How neat is that!? She also gave it with a sweet note saying not to save it for "special occasions", that some of the most ordinary days have turned into special ones.
<p>
With that in mind, I wanted to have it out all the time ... but safely out too hahaha So I started to come up with a plan and it involved finding the perfect piece to display it on. I found a cute little shop and it had some things <i>like</i> what I had in mind, but not exactly what I wanted. Well, last weekend Matt & I finally stopped into a shop we have past a few times and been interested in and there on the wall was what I was looking for! I bought it.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAZhBndYFoM/VdyFOX8ggkI/AAAAAAAApa0/OPbe6wH5YfI/s1600/before%2Bproject.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAZhBndYFoM/VdyFOX8ggkI/AAAAAAAApa0/OPbe6wH5YfI/s200/before%2Bproject.JPG" /></a></div> It isn't an antique like I wanted, but has crackle paint on it making it look aged. It has a little lip on the display and two indents that will also hold the plate in place without putting weight or pressure on the lip. That's what I really like - I'll be able to display one of the plates without blocking it like some other plate displays do (with a bar in the front) and it won't need to be directly hung on the wall either. I love the crackle paint, but it's not going to stand out against the white section of the kitchen where we've been hanging important pieces.
<p>
So... aside from just finding this display piece, I needed to get crafty.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbAVYQbNALs/VdyJgYWMaPI/AAAAAAAApbA/kR_HGiBTRQE/s1600/during%2Bproject%2Bblue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbAVYQbNALs/VdyJgYWMaPI/AAAAAAAApbA/kR_HGiBTRQE/s200/during%2Bproject%2Bblue.JPG" /></a></div> Getting crafty involves Darcy, which is nice because I've been missing her. We did so much talking & planning for wedding stuff and then got busy afterwards.
<p>
Darcy met me at a local craft store that I love and I had in mind to find a different color crackle paint. Darcy had a different plan though - the crackle paint takes several steps and her idea was cheaper, which I of course need to keep in mind. So, Dar had me pick out the paint color I wanted and told me just to add water to it with that idea that I would "white"-wash the crackle paint already on the piece to achieve the look I wanted. I picked a gorgeous blue to help the blue on the China pop a bit more... and I love blue.
<p>
Blue-washing commenced today while Matt & his brother Michael were outside taking down a large dead branch off a tree in our yard. I love seeing them working together because I know how special the time is to Matt - being constructive with Michael. He loves it.
<p>
What do you think?
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysBshwzuzQg/VdyLaPt5JkI/AAAAAAAApbQ/ww9njNuATpk/s1600/during%2Bproject%2Bpainted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysBshwzuzQg/VdyLaPt5JkI/AAAAAAAApbQ/ww9njNuATpk/s200/during%2Bproject%2Bpainted.JPG" /></a></div> My first try was way too runny/watery - it wasn't retaining at all. So, I tried several different ratios with the paint and water. Honestly, I can't tell you which worked best because I kept changing it and eventually started layering it too - painting, changing the ratio & painting over the last coat. I turned on a fan to help it dry as I got it to a version that I really liked - blue, but still with a lot of the crackle paint showing through.
<p>
Like I mentioned, we have a section of the kitchen wall we've been hanging important pieces. So, after the display piece had dried and Michael had left, Matt measured, leveled, marked the wall and pre-drilled holes for the anchors he got. Matt and I then picked out the plate we wanted to display. Some room was left over, so we picked out two tea cups that fit as well... and I think it looks amazing!
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztUa3Fd4lYs/VdyMl3sP1ZI/AAAAAAAApbY/Fje7A5tQxcI/s1600/after%2Bproject%2Bup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ztUa3Fd4lYs/VdyMl3sP1ZI/AAAAAAAApbY/Fje7A5tQxcI/s320/after%2Bproject%2Bup.JPG" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqmtAATDxd8/VdyMl9SFlFI/AAAAAAAApbU/V859BAHE6PM/s1600/after%2Bproject%2Bcaibnets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqmtAATDxd8/VdyMl9SFlFI/AAAAAAAApbU/V859BAHE6PM/s320/after%2Bproject%2Bcaibnets.JPG" /></a></div>
<p>JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124544665140719878.post-55601562612873621952015-07-01T12:48:00.000-04:002015-07-01T12:48:54.151-04:00Photo A DayI want to get back into blogging and nothing seems simpler than adding a photo a day, right? So, hopefully this is a start to more...
<p>
<a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2015/06/july-photo-a-day-challenge-2015.html">The Idea Room's Photo-A-Day Challenge</a> for today is sparkle and it only seems appropriate to share my engagement ring and new wedding band
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhXBlQIvec8/VZQPNOqsOqI/AAAAAAAAmfE/yEqniHrDzP8/s1600/IMG_8418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhXBlQIvec8/VZQPNOqsOqI/AAAAAAAAmfE/yEqniHrDzP8/s320/IMG_8418.JPG" /></a></div>
<p>
JerseyJennyWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04532146220835505409noreply@blogger.com