Working From Home

I get a lot of questions about my job. Most people are just curious about how teaching high school online really works. I was pretty intrigued when I first started to consider doing it for a living as well. The other half that comment on my job--do so in a typical southern fashion. They are nice nasty. Nice nasty is when you say something condescending in a really nice way. I truly believe that half of the people that do this do not even realize that they are being condescending. Here are the most common comments that I get about my job:

1. "I could never do that, I wouldn't have enough to do. I'd be so bored."
2. "I would love to be like you and not have to have a real job."
3. "It must be nice to get paid to say at home with your daughter."
4. "I bet your husband loves that you are home and can do all of the (insert house chore here)."

While some of these things are more insulting in their context than others. You get the general idea of the underlying insult there. Yes, someone has actually said each and every one of the above things to me.

Let me assure you that I do like my job. I love teaching, and I am immensely grateful that I have a job that allows me to do what I love while also being able to be home with my daughter. It is the best of both worlds for me. However, there are times that I think it would be easier to teach in a traditional school. No, don't burn me at the stake just yet. I believe that my job is much harder--and much more demanding than the average teacher. Yes--I said it.

Here is why--while you are all in your classrooms teaching your students. You are focused mostly on them. Of course a mother is always thinking about how her child is, but mostly you are focused on the job at hand. You are able to put your professional hat on, and shove that mommy hat in your desk drawer. I, I am wearing both of mine every single day...all day long. Don't get me wrong. That is what I asked for and what I want to do. When I teach my class, P is usually asleep upstairs. I say usually because she is unpredictable at times. There are a lot of times that I am doing multiple things at once. I may be in a meeting, feeding P solids, and pumping all at the same time. So--if you think that I don't have enough to do, then I would like to see you do it for a week. A whole week, I dare you.

A real job...seriously? We have got to stop the mommy bashing in this culture. I have found the worst mommy bashers...are moms themselves. They say things like this because they are jealous--or because they don't understand why anyone would want to do it differently than they did it with their kids. I believe that just being a mom at home with your child or children is a REAL, honest to god, job. Even if you can't give it the "job" label--can we at least agree that it is work? Hard work at that.

 I wish that I could be a stay at home mom, but I am not. I am a work from home mom. The two things are similar in few ways and different in many others. I sacrifice a lot of quality time with my daughter because I am working. Just like those who work outside of the home. Yeah, she is sitting right next me me, but it is not quality time. I will admit that there are days,--when I am really busy--that I make it to lunch and realize that haven't spoken one word to her all day. I worry about her development. Would she be better off in a daycare where they would interact with her better? It all comes down to the idea of quality versus quantity. We spend a lot of time together, but I do sometimes feel that I have really spent it with my computer screen.

I don't get paid to stay at home with my daughter. I get paid to do a job. It just so happens that I get to be at home where my daughter is while doing it. However, it is like every other job. If my daughter interrupts my work to a point where I can not get the job done--I will be reprimanded. While my job is full of moms like me--we are all expected to perform as if we were distraction free. They are not in the business of paying women to stay at home with their kids. If anyone knows of such a job where this is really the case, then let me know. Because I would be early every day for that job. I would work it on weekends, holidays, whenever...oh wait--I already do. It's called motherhood.

My husband would laugh at the idea that because I work from home it somehow means that I keep the house clean. I wish that I was that gifted at multi-tasking. Even if I had the time--I still wouldn't clean. The truth is that any time I do have a break from working--I am not going to spend it cleaning a toilet--sorry. I am spending it looking into those little green eyes. Most days I don't have time for chores, and when I do--I don't do them. When I have free time and P is napping--the last thing I want to do is laundry. I want to get some alone time. Some me time--where I sit and watch Real Housewives of (insert various options here, I watch them all).

So, I am sorry to dispell your myths and preconceived notions about work from home moms. We certainly don't spend our days watching The Price is Right or twiddling our thumbs. We are sometimes doing more than one job at a time. And you know what--I am not complaining. I am so grateful that I do this each and every day. It allows me to bring in a living while fulfilling a dream I have always had to stay at home with my children. On a day like today, where I have taken the day off to spend QUALITY time with my daughter. I will spend it giggling, chasing, tickling, kissing, rocking, reading, singing, and loving that little girl to pieces--be jealous about that. Because you totally should be!

Cheers Ladies!

Friday Favs

Ok, I've bought into the Friday Favorites movement. I know you are all rejoicing out there in cyberspace. Yay!

The point of these posts is to share with all of you the things that I am currently, in this moment loving/wanting. In the hopes that you might see something you didn't know about that might improve your life. So...here it goes!

1. The Merry Mistletoe Candle from Bath and Body Works.
 I have two of these from two Christmases ago, and they are THE BOMB. Seriously. I love curling up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and the smell of these suckers burning on the coffee table. It brings me back to such great childhood memories. Christmas was a very special time for my whole family. My grandmother LOVED Christmas, and she always managed to make it so special for all of us. Once she died, it was never the same. This candle reminds me of happier times with her. I heard that they were not one of BBW's candles last Christmas. Say it isn't so? They seriously need to bring this one back. It is my very favorite. Until then, I will savor the ones that I have as long as possible.

2. Leopard Print Infinity Scarf!
My mom bought me one of these from Old Navy because I had been salivating over it on Pinterest since last fall. I am a big scarf person in the winter and fall months. I love a good scarf with a graphic tee and thick industrial leggings. Ahh--that's my jam right there!

3. A good Crock Pot.
 I know, this is silly for most of you. BUT, I love a good crock pot. This is the time of year of chilli during the Falcon's games. I adore a big bowl of chilli with shredded cheddar cheese and Fritos crumbled up on top. That is a little bowl full of heaven to me! Sadly, My husband broke the stoneware from the inside of our crock pot a year ago, and we haven't replaced it yet. I am demanding a new one soon! I love throwing all the ingredients in it in the morning, and smelling the goodness all day long. It makes the meal that much more satisfying to me.

4. Zulily
If you don't know about Zulily, then shame on you! This is this amazing site that gets you discounts on goodies for you, your husband, and your kids. I especially like their baby and kids stuff. I got P's baby carrier from Zulily for 60% off! They have the cutest stuff  from baby food pouches to Michael Kors watches. You just have to figure out if its the best deal for you. A lot of times it is!

5. A good graphic tee
Graphic tees are so in right now. They are everywhere on my Pinterest page. One of my best friends is a persoanl stylist and she has been talking about them all the time in her blog, so I know I am on the right track here. I want this one! It combines two of my favorite things, cute shirts and coffee--we are currently out of coffee at the moment, so this one spoke to me.

Have an Amazing weekend my Friends! This weekend is the first weekend in awhile I do not have a makeup job. I look forward to spending some quality time with J, P, the DAWGS, and the Falcons. I love Football.

'Til next week!
Caroline

P's New Clothes

I have been getting questions about how I dress P. It's very flattering, really. You guys like the way that I dress my daughter, and I have to agree with you. I think P is much better dressed at this stage in her life that her momma is. That is mostly because baby clothes are cheap! AND P has 2 grandmothers that love to buy her the cutest outfits. I usually shop at Carters and Target for her clothes.

This past week I was killing time, and decided to stop in Old Navy. Normally I don't like their stuff, but HOLY CUTENESS!!! Their toddler girl clothes are AHH-MAZING. Yes, I did say toddler girls clothes. My big chunky monkey is wearing 12-18  month clothes at almost 9  months old. Don't rub it in. I am choosing to embrace it at the moment because of all the cute-ness it opens up for us.

We seriously destroyed the store, and I am in love with P's new fall wardrobe. I even got her and I a matching outfit. O-M-G! I can hardly contain my excitement.

Plus, it is relatively inexpensive. I am not one to spend $20 on a onesie and pants. It was all way cheaper than that!

I tend to also try to get pieces that can be mixed and matched. I don't want to get something that will only look good when it is in it's own outfit. I like versatility in her wardrobe--especially when she might throw up all over her shirt at any given moment. As she grows I try to have a pair of jeggings in every size, and leggings in black and hot pink. This time I got jeggings in both regular jean and black jean. Then, I always go for at least one patterned pant. I love the leopard ones above! Then I find tops that will mix and match with all of the bottoms that I have. Old Navy had a ton of graphic Ts and onesies that would match items I already had for P in 12 months.

I also wanted to get her some outerwear and footwear. I found the cutest little hats that are lined with fleece to keep her little head warm. I couldn't resist these boots with the fringe! AND I had to get this red raincoat for her!

I am still trying to decide if she needs this fur vest to go with her leopard outfit pictured above! It would totally be impractical and would serve no real purpose, but come on, it's adorable.

Where do you find your little one's clothes?

Happy Birthday Mom!

Since I became a Mom I have found a whole new appreciation for my own mother. Sunday was my mom's birthday. P and I were so lucky that she chose to spend her special day with us. We went shopping and just hung out. It was a great day!

Raising a daughter is not an easy job. I sit at the beginning of this marathon called motherhood looking towards the milestones that face me in the future with bewilderment. How did she do it? Because I am not so sure that I can do the same job.

With this job comes a whole boat load of worries. Will I pass on the same values, morals, ideals that my mother instilled in me? Will I be able to provide the same happy memories and traditions? Will it all be enough? What about manners,the importance of family and friendships? Will I be able to do it the way that I want to do it?

The answer to that question is on going. But the fear is that life will get in the way, and one day I will wake up with a 17 year old and hope that I did an ok job. The thought is terrifying for me. Seriously...I have nightmares about it.

I will be honest--I don't think my mom had it all together a lot of the time. She is a little scatterbrained. She is forgetful. Despite that I think that I am a pretty well-rounded product. I have good morals, values, memories, traditions, and I truly understand how important my family and friends are. It is this fact that gives me hope. Although I may feel like I have no clue what I am doing--it doesn't necessarily mean that I am not doing a good job.

It is such a monumental job--raising a child. It's not easy, but it is very rewarding. While we are growing up we do not realize the amount of work, sweat, tears, and frustration that goes into raising us. Well, I truly understand it now.

Thank you mom for making my first word "thank you" and for insisting that manners were important. Thank you for forcing me to be active as a child, for putting an emphasis on the arts and music, and for stressing the importance of education and literacy. Thank for making me go to church and for teaching me about religion. Thank you for not lecturing (too much) about the fact that I choose not to practice that religion today. Thank you for all the social science fair projects, spelling test study sessions, nights spent crying over math homework, and english papers that you helped me with. Thank you for having me around your friends growing up, and not just sticking me with a babysitter all of the time. I learned a lot by having all of those adult influences in my life. I hope that P will have a similar experience.

If I could go back and raise myself--I wouldn't change a thing. You did a great job, mom. I hope that I can follow your example. We love you!

CRAWLING

That is right, P is CRAWLING!

I never thought that she would crawl--well, because I never did. She seemed to be taking after the lazy momma. So, I just assumed that my little stationary girl would remain so.

She gave me a big F you this weekend and crawled across the room. Of course, I wasn't there. I was doing make up in the city and was so depressed that I missed it. When I got back to her and saw her crawl myself for the first time--my eyes welled up with tears.

You see, I have been very worried about P's development. I have been measuring her up against the other babies born around her in my mommy group. The ones that are slightly older and have been crawling for awhile now.

Even though, everyone assured me that she would crawl when she was ready, that some babies never crawl, etc. I still worried deep down inside. And...of course I worried loudly to my husband. I made him worry about it too. What a relief!

Now it is on to baby proofing the house and getting ready for my mobile baby girl. I am sure that I will soon miss these pre-crawling days.

P is no longer a baby baby. She is a big baby. She is on her way to being a toddler. OH. MY. HEART.

Do any of you have a bitter sweet relationship with these baby firsts? Is it just me?

DIY Birthday Chalkboard Print

I find it pretty hilarious that my first DIY post is not about make up. I should really do some make up tips and tricks for you guys, but I need a better camera before I delve into that world. Anywho--recently I have started planning for P's FIRST birthday party.

What? Yes, P is only 8 1/2 months old. And yes, I am crazy. There is just so much going on around P's Birthday. Christmas, New Years, and My BIL's wedding. I just know that all of these things are going to creep up on me, and I am too obsessed with the picture perfect first birthday party to let that happen to sweet little me--err, I mean, P.

Ok, so maybe I am throwing a big party partially for me, but damn it, it's a huge day for me. It's the anniversary of the day that I birthed a human. So sue me if I want to throw a party that will symbolize how much that anniversary truly means to me.

Did I mention we are on a budget. As much as I would love to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a party that my daughter will not remember, there are just more important things financially for us right now. So, I am getting creative--and learning a lot about my computer skills at the same time.

The newest trend on pinterest for children's birthday parties is the chalkboard with all of your child's stats listed. Naturally, since I am fashionable, hip, and what not--I HAVE to have one for P's first birthday. So I hop on over to Etsy (which I love) and find that most vendors are charging anywhere from 15-30 dollars for their printable posters.

Then my curiosity got the best of me--How does one make one of these printable boards? I consider myself to be fairly good with the computer. I also think that I am a very quick learner. so I did some research and decided that I could make one of these on my own. Saving the budget $15 at a time!

So here is how I did it in case my mommy friends out there want to do the same.

download a chalkboard background like this one.

Download some pretty fonts that you think will look good in the chalkboard. I love this site for fonts.

Use some editing software. I don't have Photoshop so I used an online editor that I love called Picmonkey. You can check it out here. PicMonket also has a lot of cool fonts that I used! The cool thing about the site is that it lets you use both fonts from your computer and their own pre-loaded fonts.

Upload your chalkboard background to PicMonkey and use your fonts to fill in all your little one's stats.

Then add any embellishments that you find to work with your party plans. Pic Monkey has the cute owls, banners, and dotted line that I added.

Save to a flash drive

Take to Office Depot and have them print it large enough to display at the party!

Note: I filled in the poster with projected weight, height, and number of teeth. I will edit once we get closer to P's Birthday.

Enjoy!

My Favorite Fall Fashion Items

Fall is officially here, ya’ll. I am so excited for fall clothes. This is by far my favorite fashion season. A lot of women love the skimpy summer clothes, but not me. I think I look way better in long sleeved tops and ultra skinny jeans with riding boots that hit just under the knees. I can’t wait for this sweltering Georgia weather to disappear to the amazingly mild fall mornings and afternoons.

This means that P and I will be having a lot more mid-morning walks around the neighborhood. I might even strap her into the baby carrier so that the dog can enjoy the walk as well!

J and I are saving up for our forever home. And by forever, I mean, the next 17 years or so. Because we have this end we are journeying towards—we are currently in hard core budget mode. This means that I will not be buying all of the ridiculously cute fall clothes that I want this season. Plus… I work from home so it is not like I need a TON of things to wear. However—I wanted to share with you guys what I have had my eye on for this season.

1. J Crew vests—I happen to own a hot pink one of these that I wore almost every time I left the house last fall. They are versatile and can be worn with a flannel button down or just a long sleeved t shit. I LOVE them. I have my eye on a cream one. It is on my Christmas list this year for sure.  

2. I love this flannel button down to wear with it.

3. TOMS Wedge Booties and I am in love with their wedge booties since I saw them on my friend’s blog a few days ago.

4. TOMS Ballet Flats—Have had my eyes on the TOMS ballet flats for awhile now, and they are on my short list of things that I want for this fall.  I am having a hard time deciding between the two. I am sure I would be happy with either one.

5. Riding Boots—I wear boots out in the winter and fall months. Therefore, I need a new pair every year. They end up looking pretty ratty by the end of the season. I like these in the picture above from Overstock.com

6. Michael Kors Watch—While I don’t usually wear watches, I have been salivating over this one for months. I think that it would look great with my fall wardrobe. Sadly, it is a little out of my current budget. Maybe a Christmas elf will get it for me.

What are your favorite items for fall?