Finally GOt Things DOne

I made a whole new batch of things this weekend. After we put the kiddies to sleep I got started. I made some bookmarks and only made 3 pairs of earrings in Which my sister took a pair! That's OK, she can be my walking billboard! PLUS, she always pays for things anyway so it only makes sense.

I have been super stressed lately so this was a nice relaxing moment. Of course when I am through it goes right back to crap! I am just so done with not having money. I work so hard for things so I am hoping that at least I get some satisfaction outta my Etsy shop. I don't sell things for much. I just cover my costs with a little bit more for profit. Anyways enough of all that go check out my shop! I will be posting more over the next weekend. I have more but yet to get to post them.

Happy Shopping!

http://www.forevercreative.etsy.com/

Some new ones!

Here are some new book marks that I recently made. The last one is based on a book "Thirteen Reasons Why". I am sorry the pics aren't great but as usual I took the pics in my extremely poor lighting living room and it didn't help that I took them at night! One day I will post my book marks on my Etsy site!

Cramming!!!!!

So I applied to take the state test to be a Law Library Clerk. I am getting my MILS probably this time next year. I have 3 more classes but because I was pregnant Twice I had to limited my classes. So it's been 5 years in a two year college thus far. Anyway, so I paid $30 buck to apply to the test not really knowing if I will be taking it or not or even when I will be taking it. I got the notice yesterday saying that I was accepted to take the test. WAHOO!!! Oh No! The test is next Saturday! Meaning, I had to search everywhere for a study guide. I finally found one but then realized (well I always knew) that I have no money to pay for it. So I begged my sister (of course) and she put it on her account and since she is a Prime customer at Amazon I got next day shipping for #$3.99. Now I can only hope that i have enough time to study or shall I say cram!??!

Even though I am a library student and this test is for a library CLERK I still felt that I should take it anyway just to get a bump ahead and also it pays $5,000 more than what I am getting now AND it all my benefits would go towards that because I will still be working for the state. Now let's hope i pass!!!

New Bookmarks!!!

I took these pics with my iPhone but I was too excited to wait to get better pics but you get the idea.

The first bookmark I created for a fellow goodreader. She told me she liked green and silver and loved Hawaii so this is what I came up with. Let's hope she likes it too.

The second pic is of another book club that I am in and we all get randomly paired with another member and we had to create a bookmark based on our personal YA (Young Adult) favorite. I wanted to keep it more up to date and thought of the last YA I read and really enjoyed AND thought of which pieces were easier to put into a bookmark so I came up with Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief.

And the last picture is just to show you how they work.

I hope you guys enjoy them!!!!

When I am done....

Oh but isn't this me??? I am glad to say that this semester is almost at a close. I have 4 more classes (including tonight's class) for Wednesdays and as for my internship class it ends on May 17th (which we only meet 2 more times before then) and that means I will no longer have the internship too! But I can't get too exciting just yet because I start summer classes at the end of June. It is only 5 weeks of class but the class has to double up so instead of the normal once a week class it will be twice a week! Oh well I will have most of June off and most of August and then I begin my last 2 classes before I can get my MLS (Masters in Library Science) with one being my thesis.

But when I am done I wish I could just go somewhere or do something even for one night but we have our kiddies. I am hoping that me and my sisters (and Mom of course) could go to Atlantic City again. We did when I first had Marley and my sister had Kenny (they are 1 month apart) and we had a lot of fun but I think my hubby is afraid to stay home alone with them for so long. He is not afraid of them at all he can do it, but it is just hard to do it alone and for 2-3 days! He would be a bald man when I get back LOL.

But I figured that when I graduate in December I will also be turning 30 in October. Maybe everyone will cut me some slack and let me go somewhere for the weekend (a nice spa perhaps???) Whatever it may be I just wanna relax for a day or two without any stress but I am sure I will complain the whole time saying that I miss my girls :'( It happens every time!

Laptop Love

Super excited that I finally got a laptop! Now I can do my Etsy all the time (well when I have the time) but this makes my life so much easier. My old computer is in the bedroom but since Vinni goes to sleep around 7PM and I get home at 6:30 I have little time to spend with them anyway so I can't use the computer then and on the weekends it is very hard because Marley wants to touch everything and at least with the laptop we got the TV or some toys to destract her.

My husband is a Craiglist fanatic and he is constantly on my cell phone checking it out so at least the laptop can give me back my phone! This laptop is super lightweight and I had to go to QVC to get it because they offered free S&H and also allowed me to pay it off with monthly installments becuase I can't just shell out $600 bucks!

My broter is a comuter freak and he suggested this laptop. I don't know much about Toshiba but he said it was good and I am thinking that so far I made a good choice. The best thing about this is that the CD/DVD drive is external which makes the notebook like a netbook so it's small and light and it comes with a nice little case. Maybe Iwill have to do a serch on Etsy and find a nicer one.

I realized yesterday too, that most of my gadgets are red. I didn't even know I liked red. I have a red digital camera, a red video camera, and now a red laptop, who knew? It's like this past winter, I got everything purple and I didn't even think that purple was cool. I got a purple jacket (which is awesome) and a purple bag and a purple cell phone case. Talk about matching! AND my favorite color is Orange. Oh well, now I am rambling..... See you all on Etsy!!!!

Easter!

It was so not easy trying to get all the kiddies together! We thought my nephew Kenny would be the only cooperative one but he was the first to make a run for it and the Vinni got cranky and we all thought for sure that Marley was gonna be the first to hit the ground running but it turns out she was the best one of them all. Kenny ran, Vinni cried, and Marley was all smiles. Who would have thought?

Easter was fun and of course they were spoiled. I didn't get them anything because they are 9 months and Marley will be 2 next week. They won't remember and I have too much crap in the house of theirs that I am trying to get rid of. Trey don't need any more. I am also not getting Marley anything for her birthday gift. She will have friends and family come over and will let her have a little piece of cake. That can be her gift. I will put the money that I would have spent on a gift and put it in her college fund! That's a gift! I just don't feel like I should waste the money on something hat she will like for 30 seconds and then I will never see it again or if I do it will be in a million tiny pieces! Love will be my gift!

Spring has Arrived!!!

I didn't take this picture but isn't it beautiful??? I am oh so excited that the nice weather is arriving, slowly, but it has arrived! Now I can take the kiddies out more often and get more exercise. I am so over getting all bundled and it's hard and very stressful trying to pack the kiddies to go out and I am always so worried about them getting sick. Spring is just beautiful, just look at the pic! It is nice and comfy and then you know what comes after that?? SUMMER and since I live on the beach Summer is very important. I am hoping that Vinni is walking by then so we can delete the stroller and just run the boards (boardwalk). Having a double stroller is easy but yet bulky.

Speaking of Vinni walking, she does not seem to want to crawl. She starts to and then tries to get on her feet. I swear she is going to walk before she crawls. Marley starting walking when she was a little over 10 months! I think Vinni will be the same. She just turned 9 months yesterday so one more month to see for sure. Marley's birthday is in 12 days! She will be two and then time for the whole Potty Training ordeal (What Fun!).

Anyways Spring is here and let's do lunch!!!!

Do You Tweet???

SO I have decided to have two separate Twitter accounts: One for personal (@Dfiggz) and one for Forever Creative (@4everCreative) I was thinking one for Eightbeerz but I think I am getting out of control.

The reason behind this is because I have so many tweets per day and it is hard to keep track and it is hard to read them all. SOOOO if I dedicate one just for Etsy then it would seem to make my life a little easier (maybe) or it can make things more difficult, we will just have to see.

But I have more stuff to put up on Eightybeerz but it is hard when you have such a crappy computer. I have Fios but on a 10 year old computer so it works just like dial-up! One day I will afford a laptop! I pay all this money for a computer that I rarely ever use. I think I would be able to put more stuff up on Etsy if I have a faster functioning computer! Oh well, I will just have to deal with it and hopefully I will make enough to at least put a nice down payment on one!

Being Broke Sucks!

Being broke really sucks and I am sure you all agree with me. It's like I can never catch up. I got my tax check and I paid off some bills and then I attempted to save but it seems like i keep having to dip into the piggy bank every so often. So much so that now there is nothing but change in that account. It's hard being a grown-up! My job is pushing for people to voluntarily retire or leave with s measly severance package but I am not taking it, I am in high hopes that I will not be one of those who get laid off in the end. As you guys are well aware of, I am the sole provider in my family and even if I don't get much , I am the one who gets the benefits. I can't afford to lose my job. If it were just me, I would suck it up and go work elsewhere but since there are babies involved I am forced to do what needs to be done.

Next fall/winter I should at least have finished my master's degree and at least I can apply for better jobs but who knows in this day in age?? It seems like every time I turn around more jobs are lost and more pay is cut and so on and so on. Do I really have a chance at a new job? Let's just hope I can keep the job I have now but in the meantime I guess looking doesn't hurt...???

OMG How Could I Forget???

I actually got a chance to make some jewelry AND upload them AND list them on Etsy and I never told you guys!! I have been crazy, as you guys are well aware of, but I did it! I also got a chance to upload some of the vintage jewelry on my 80beerz account. Not all of it was listed but a fair amount was. As soon as I put stuff up they were a' sellin'! I am selling it all for a very cheap price. I am not appraising any of it so I am pricing based on my judgement. You may even find a real gem in the bunch!

Go check out my handmade jewelry at http://www.forevercreative.esty.com/ and now my new vintage shop http://www.eightybeerz.esty.com/

Hope to see you guys soon!

Going Vintage

So I have mentioned before that I was turning another Etsy shop vintage. 80beerz will be that site! http://www.eightybeerz.etsy.com/

I have been out and about collecting (and also taking from my own personal collection) random vintage items. Mostly jewelry. I have a few clothing items but not many. I noted on my shop that I am not aware of the value of these items. I am merely pricing them as I see fit. Some may be worth a lot more for what I am selling it for. Who knows?? Granted, if I see an item that I think may be of monetary value I will do some sort of professional appraising. My mother is joining in on all the fun stuff! I will let you know when I update the site. I should be taking some pics over the weekend. and should go from there.

Stay tuned!!!!

PS I always except donations ;-D

Amazing Book Covers!

Many of you know that I am crazy for books! So as I am an avid reader as well as an avid Esty-rian (?) I found these amazing book covers. She sells these covers in a bunch of different sizes, from trade paperback to medium hardback and even mass markets. The bookmarks are attached making it super simple to hold your pages. It is also great for when you don't want anyone to know what you are reading! There are also this little pocket inside which is great for your library card, metrocard, another bookmark, or like me, I keep a small notepad inside for when I want to write down an awesome quote from the book or to simply just have on hand.

Check her out at http://www.bold7seven7.etsy.com/

I contacted the seller and asked if she had any other type of fabric. She immediately sent me a large batch of images of the fabric she had. I picked out the ones I liked and later that night she send me the pictures of the final projects. First I was super shocked that she did it so quickly then when I approved it and sent payment. She sent me an email with the tracking in just minutes. We talked on Thursday, sent payment on Friday, received it on Monday. Talk about AWESOME! When I received it it was 10x's better than I originally thought. I just had to share because this is truly one of the most perfect transactions ever. Just like the other awesome shop! http://www.knitwithues.etsy.com/ She too is simply amazing! This seller may not make book covers but she does have bookmarks and things to keep you nice and toasty for when you are reading!

Always HEctic!

Well, I gotta admit that I am feeling a little better about things! Money still is tight and sucks and I have been having super, major babysitter issues but things are slowly coming together so I am a little more at ease. So long as things fall apart little by little instead of all at once I should be able to keep my sanity!

School starts up on Monday and things may a little more hairy but I have done it plenty of times before that I just gotta breathe and take my time (which is something I rarely do, I am always frantic).

We thought we were saving money on gas but now we have to drive our new sitter home and to us as well but this is a little different. First, he wasn't charging us for a while but I no longer feel comfortable with that. Especially since he will be doing the whole week (he's gay so don't worry!) and he lives pretty darn far and I just think it is safer for him to get dropped off and picked up. He is not in walking distance but when the weather gets better I hope he can take the bus or train home! Oh well only time will tell!!

There are other things on my plate but I don't want to bore you all at once. I will get back to you more during the week to rave and rant about all the other BS in my life!

On being a Working Mom...

I feel like I am missing everything. It is so hard to get things done, but hey that's parenthood, right? I have been working very hard for the little money that I get and I have to do it because of the fantastic benefits but the salary is kicking my butt. I am trying to get my Etsy shop really moving but it just seems as though I don't have enough hours in the day. I am trying to stay positive but I am so tired. Husband got a new job and we are only hoping for the best. He now works in a building doing maintenance work and just yesterday Woody Harrelson walks through the door. Apparently he has a apartment there. I guess things are looking up.

School is out but that doesn't mean I have free time. It seems like I never will.

Here is my daily schedule:

Kids are usually asleep when we wake up but not all the time.

5:30 - Get up, take a shower, make coffee, and do hair and make-up

6:30 - Husband gets up to pick up the babysitter (who lives 4 blocks away)

6:45 - Pour coffee, get lunch, head out the door to train station (which is 6 blocks away)

6:59 - Train leaves the station, open up book and drink coffee.

8:05 - Arrive at work (if trains are on time)

Work, Work, Work......

4:50 - Leave my desk, go to trains (I have to take anywhere from 2-3 trains to get to work and back home again. My commute is about 1 hour and 15 to 30 minutes each way.)

6:20 - Get home kiss the kiddies and start dinner. Hubby is not home yet so kids are screaming and tired and all the while I lock them out of the kitchen.

6:40 - Daddy gets home but has to drive the babysitter back home.

7:00 - Dinner ready, Daddy's home. Eat in seconds

7:15/20 - Put Vinni to bed.

8:00 - Put Marley to bed.

8:15 - clean up the house, do dishes, get bottles and stuff ready for when Vinni wakes up, make lunches for the next day. Vinni sometimes wakes up and stays up for a while so we do this while holding her at times.

9 - 9:30 - Go to bed.

We really don't have time to watch T.V or even talk to one another. We are so drained that we can barely stay awake.

On the weekends we have so much to do that we are running around but on Sundays we try to make it all about the kids and we try to take them to museums or just out to run around and of course it really depends on the weather. But when school starts of course this all changes because I have to go into another town to go to class. My Mother or a friend usually will come downstairs to my apartment and watch Vinni while hubby comes and gets me at school (which is 45 minutes from my house). He usually takes Marley but sometimes he is forced to take both of them. We usually get back to my house around 9:45 depending on traffic and whether or not the class runs late or what have you.

UGH! It is rough but I tell myself that it's all wroth it!

Sorry Folks!

Sorry guys that I have not wished you all a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or a Happy New Year so I am doing all that now. Things have been crazy as they always are. Just when I thought one kids was tough try having two! juggling is supposed to be fun but not in life I guess lol.

I do hope everyone enjoyed their holiday season and I do wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. I just wanted to make a quick stop to say all the merries and happies and then I must be on my way to begin my hectic life again.

HAPPY & EVERYTHING ELSE!!!!