tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64923735492070124942024-03-13T10:46:43.823-07:00Babes in BooklandMegan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-52631888693115116102012-04-30T21:25:00.000-07:002012-04-30T21:25:41.554-07:00Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!After much anticipation, we have a winner! I am thrilled tO announce that the winner of our Bookland Bundle is...
Ruth McLoughlin! Can't wait to work with you Ruth!
Thanks so much to everyone that entered. Even though only one could win we'd like to offer you a coupon good for 15% off your order from our Etsy shop. Just use code BUNDLE15.Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-57641907156791981952012-04-24T10:16:00.004-07:002012-04-24T10:17:45.705-07:00Custom Bundle Giveaway!We've made it to 100! In honor of our 100th like (thank you to Christine from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Jadescloset">Jades Closet</a>) on Facebook and a new offering on Etsy, we're doing our very own giveaway through our very own blog! All you need to do to enter is comment on this blog post with the name of your favorite childhood book. Then, you can always share on Facebook to give your friends a chance of winning too!<br />
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We've just started offering them in the Etsy shop and now, you get the first chance at our new venture: custom designed Bookland bundles for baby bibliophiles. Winner will receive a custom gift set from Babes in Bookland valued at $99. You will get to choose a book from our stash (or let us know if there's one you'd REALLY like us to find for you) for a custom made book mobile, coordinating fabric for three cloth diaper burp cloths, paper garland, washi tape clothespins, a hand embroidered pennant, three puffsy sticks, and three reusable felt gift bows. All in the color scheme and style of your choosing! <br />
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A winner will be chosen at random and announced via the blog on Monday, April 30 at 9:00pm. Good luck to all, and we can't wait to work with you designing your Bookland Bundle!<br />
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Check out the listing for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98232293/book-mobile-gift-set">Bookland Bundles</a> on Etsy.Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-66195722164275759422012-04-19T11:15:00.000-07:002012-04-19T11:15:20.440-07:00London CallingHaving been struck by the sudden realization that this summer is not only an Olympic summer, but that it is also the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, I've got Britain on the brain! Visions of union jacks are swirling in my head as I attempt to visualize the perfect summer get together. A few Cornish pasties, some tea (iced, this is America, hot tea does NOT cut it in the summertime here!), a little Olympics, and a lot of Beatles tunes on the old record player.<br />
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There are so many ideas for decorations on Etsy. What's funny is, I don't think there's much of a call for Union Jack themed parties in America because ALL of the sellers that I found, were in England. Makes sense, I suppose. That's the beauty of Etsy. It's worldwide and enables us American folks to have access to all the things that British crafters and artisans have to offer.<br />
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Here's an assortment of things I found that I just fell in love with, and a shout out to our friends across the pond! Links to items after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>1. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96045233/union-jack-cotton-fabric-bunting-floral">Union Jack Cotton Fabric Bunting</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/whiteacacia?ref=seller_info">whiteacacia</a> <br />
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2. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74058772/london-calling-wedding-invitation">London Calling Wedding Inviation Collection</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaBelleVieDesign?ref=seller_info">LaBelleVieDesign </a><br />
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3. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62544423/jam-and-cream-scone?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=felt+scone&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadefelt+scone">Jam and Cream Scone</a> (felt) by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/woollyduck?ref=seller_info">woollyduck</a><br />
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4. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73456943/gryffindor-house-tea-organic">Gryffindor House Tea</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wortsandcunning">wortsandcunning</a><br />
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5. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97458540/pretty-patchwork-quilted-union-jack">Patchwork Quilted Union Jack Cushion</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/robinredcrafts?ref=seller_info">robinredcrafts</a><br />
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6. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94831859/diamond-jubilee-poster-a3-giclee-print?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=diamond+jubilee&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadediamond+jubilee">Diamond Jubilee Poster</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarushuk?ga_search_query=diamond+jubilee&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadediamond+jubilee&ref=sr_gallery_10">sugarushuk</a><br />
<br />Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-21292643377833957502012-04-18T11:41:00.000-07:002012-04-18T11:41:34.585-07:00Home Is Where the Hope IsI loved decorating my kids room before Fletcher was born. I spent so much time wandering the antique stores looking for just the right items to add to the mix. It's easier doing a room for a boy and a girl than you might think. Not everything for girls has to be pink, and not everything for boys has to be blue! With a mixture of vintage and handmade, it all came together wonderfully in the end.<br />
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I don't have pictures of my own kids room to share right now (it's NEVER clean enough to photograph and the lighting is terrible in there) but my latest treasury has tons of things that I love for kids rooms. It's all about vintage charm and adorable but educational elements such as the maps and letters. How about a big shout out for the alphabet? It's so in right now...<br />
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I am so excited to have ordered some pieces from this wonderful designer and I cannot wait to get them in the mail. Time to pay a little lip service to Kiki from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMeasure?ref=seller_info">The Measure</a>! <br />
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Kiki Fluhr of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/themeasure">The Measure</a> makes some of the most unique and special little girls clothes I've ever seen (and I do my fair share of browsing for little girls clothes). Her use of fabrics and addition of vintage materials makes for beautiful pieces that every little girl and her mother will love.<br />
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Her designs strike the perfect balance between "my daughter is <span style="font-family: inherit;">being swallowed by ruffles and bright patterns" and "not only are there 6 Peyton's at Sunday school but they're all wearing the same dress". The benefit of buying handmade from Etsy is that, you know without a doubt that you are supporting someones small business that they worked so</span> hard to build. There is something to be said about that kind of creativity and ingenuity.<br />
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Another bonus is that she accepts old oxford shirts and vintage doilies in exchange for store credit. I, of course, ran right down to the local antique mall that I frequent daily (no joke, I'm there almost daily some weeks). I knew that they had doilies on sale for excellent prices and a great selection to boot. Hope she likes the ones I sent! I'm even considering taking a page out of her book and sending out a request for some of the vintage children's books that we love so much at Babes in Bookland. Such a good idea!<br />
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So go check out Kiki's shop on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMeasure?ref=seller_info">Etsy</a>, and like it on Facebook. She's always adding super deals for Facebook fans!<br />
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Photo credits go to Shannon Sewell. Check her out at www.shannonsewell.com <br />
<br />Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-13230839717005031372012-04-12T10:41:00.001-07:002012-04-12T11:02:27.558-07:00She's the Salt of the EarthIt's Thursday. Also known as the day I peruse the Sac Etsy Team listings in an effort to find a selection of items that inspires me enough to put them all together and think of a clever title. ALSO known as my turn to create a team treasury.
What started out as an attempt at compiling items with earth tones, turned into a song reference from way in my past, which resulted in me having lots of warm fuzzy memories of high school (something that nothing in the treasury has anything to do with). I swear, I never wore a girdle in high school and I definitely didn't know how to embroider yet.
Treasuries seem to be a pretty important part of being successful on Etsy. Without them, you have no chance of getting recognized on the front page. Seems that all anyone does on Etsy is either try to make money, or try to be on the front page. Myself? I'll take the money. Treasuries are just for fun.
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PS Anyone out there who reads this. I swear I will give you a 50% off coupon if you can write me the lyrics to the song I'm referencing in a comment. Anyone. This is a test to see if anyone is reading. Ready, Go.Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-16375171515180889642012-04-03T09:15:00.001-07:002012-04-03T09:35:06.344-07:003rd Saturday Spring Craft FlingApril 21st from 5-8 pm at Craftology in Fair Oaks, we will be participating in a small craft fair sponsored by Craftology and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelrybyCharisma">Jewelry by Charisma</a>. There are going to be refreshments, music, and a wide assortment of local artisans showcasing their wares. We are looking forward to it and are going to spend some time this week hopefully putting up fliers in the local coffee shops and stores that we frequent. Hope to see you there!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://craftologystore.com/class/3rd-saturday-art-craft-show/">3rd Saturday Spring Craft Fling</a></div><br />
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</tbody></table>Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-11022825807584654272012-04-02T11:07:00.000-07:002012-04-02T11:07:47.522-07:00The Spring Market and Additional NewsWe're getting more and more geared up for this years Spring Market in Curtis Park. New product lines, displays, and packaging. We even got a HUGE vinyl sign for a screamin' deal from vistaprint. I have a feeling it's going to be a very busy month around here!<br />
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Go ahead and check out <a href="http://www.thespringmarket.com/">The Spring Market</a> online and see links to some of this years vendors!<br />
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</tbody></table>In other news, we've been chosen to be included in a two page Etsy ad in the June/July issue of Netherlands home design magazine: 101 Woonideeen. Check out their <a href="http://www.101woonideeen.nl/">website</a>, and don't be alarmed when you can't read it! I just enjoy looking at the pictures. We'll be sure to post updates on that as we receive them!Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-31602318990018640592012-03-31T10:31:00.000-07:002012-03-31T10:31:45.239-07:00New product coming soonVery excited about this new product we've decided to add to our shop. Coming soon, hand embroidered felt pennants! We love the way our kids vintage pennants look in their room and I love embroidery, so why not mix the two?<br />
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We are going to spend the next couple weeks on creating several premade options to post in the shop, and will also have the option to make them completely custom just for you! Your words, your colors, your choice!<br />
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Shown in the picture from left to right are: my own hunger games/chorus line inspired design (I'm a little obsessed, it's beginning to show in my work...), our babes in Bookland shop pennant, and a cheery yellow and peacock blue "shine" pennant (probably wont be doing one like that again...I do NOT like how it turned out!). <br />
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For updates on new items and to be notified when the pennants are in the shop for sale,like us on Facebook! Making a purchase? Convo us for a 10% off coupon!Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-10019370758989367262012-03-30T00:00:00.001-07:002012-03-30T00:00:13.474-07:00It's the Jane Show!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table> Today is my lovely mother's birthday, although I won't be telling you which one (which birthday not which mother, I only have one mommy). That wouldn't be polite! In honor of her, I scouted Etsy for items that represent certain things I know she loves like her Hermi cat, her fancy shmancy new job, and her gosh darned favorite stinky candy.<br />
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Always the practical influence on my life I know that she will appreciate knowing that instead of buying her a present, I've posted pictures of virtual ones. So, mom, enjoy oohing and ahhing over the awesomeness. Hope you enjoy being featured on the blog on your special day, mom! I love you! <br />
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<a name='more'></a> I love felted anything, but especially adorable little felt creatures. Owls are pretty hip and trendy right now so it's not hard to find them ALL over Etsy. Although I do love them, they do tend to remind me of the time our mom found an owl that had died and kept it in a cooler in our backyard for a little while. I was really mad she wouldn't let me play with it... One day I'm going to hold her to her idea of getting an owl tattoo, but until that day, we can just ogle this little felty tyto. <br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66309976/needle-felted-barn-owl">Needle Felted Barn Owl</a><br />
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We always tease her for her endless political posts on Facebook. So here's maybe a more subtle way to represent your political affiliations, with a huge amount of graphic appeal. Or, maybe you might just love tea! I know I do. <br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90270679/blood-sweat-tea-a4-83-x-117-art-print">Blood, Sweat, and Tea Art Print</a><br />
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I always loved the Ramona books as a kid and even more so as a mom. They just really speak to who I was as a child and now who my daughter is definitely growing up to be, which in turn reminds me of my mom. As much as she's fought with that nook of hers, I bet she'd love to show it off to everyone if it an adorable, retro, re-purposed cover like this one. <br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89985079/kindle-cover-or-nook-cover-ereader-cover">Ramona the Brave Nook Cover</a><br />
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I seriously think that there's something about having children and becoming a mother that all of a sudden turns you into a black licorice eater. I believe it to be a defense mechanism against children stealing your candy, as most kids don't like black licorice...I know I hated it! Except, my Peyton is weird...she loves it. And she loves when 'MorMor' comes to visit...goes straight for her purse where the candy always is. Good old reliable MorMor!<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64441229/black-licorice-star-anise-soap-from">Black Licorice Star Anise Soap</a><br />
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Just what every grandmother needs. A portrait of her beloved cat. But how stylin' is this one? Every cat lover needs to have one of these to immortalize their furry friend!<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93255364/large-custom-cat-portrait-digital-print">Large Custom Cat Portrait</a><br />
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Now that she's a bigwig car salesman (saleswoman?), that has closed SEVERAL sales, it's been decreed that she can in fact have some coffee. So, she'll need something to keep that coffee warm while keeping her hands safe from mug burn. Enter: knit coffee cozy. Genius. <br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94396395/coffee-cozy-crochet-coffee-is-for">Coffee Cozy Crochet</a><br />
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<!--more-->Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-16456295717866678272012-03-29T10:33:00.000-07:002012-03-29T10:33:49.454-07:00Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue I recently joined up with the Sac Etsy Group through Etsy. It's a team for us local Sacramento folks to support and help each other out and I love it! It's a great group of people who are all so helpful and really know their stuff.<br />
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A group of us committed to doing a treasury every week including items from team members, so hopefully there will be a Sac Etsy Treasury everyday which is a great way for everyone to get seen. I know I get a TON of views when someone puts my items in a treasury.<br />
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I volunteered myself for Thursdays and here is my first treasury using Sac Etsy Team members. Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little bit of a close-up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Because I love that there are at least 20 different colors of pink thread to choose from...and twice the options for green. I've always wanted to learn how to embroider, and I decided that now is a good a time as any. Heading to a baby shower this weekend with some Babes in Bookland goodies in tow and I am so excited to embroider the babies initials on the burp cloths. Maybe soon I'll be able to offer this as an option in the shop! <br />
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Bought a book and some thread to match my burp cloth cotton last night and started practicing with different stitches. Back stitch, split stitch, cross stitch, hook stitch, sticky stitch, witch stitch...I don't know...I can't remember the names so I may be making some up. Point is, I did a lot. Oh yeah, french knots. Those are harder than they look... <br />
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I practiced a different type of stitch on each letter of the babies name. It did not turn out very well...so I've decided to stick with just doing her first initial, and doing it big. Here's what my practice looked like last night. More experimentation than practice I suppose. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b005Y23svL0/T3HhW_Cn0HI/AAAAAAAAAEk/ud4UyTYh1v8/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b005Y23svL0/T3HhW_Cn0HI/AAAAAAAAAEk/ud4UyTYh1v8/s200/IMG_2090.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Giada"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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If the picture is a little blurry...it's because I'm no photographer. And apparently...no master embroiderer! You probably can't even make out what the name is...but that G looks pretty good yeah? I'm pretty proud of it as it was my first letter ever of that stitch. I also like the way the satin stitch on the dress turned out.<br />
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I'm off to embroider now...possibly on anything and everything. I caught myself practicing on my pillowcase last night while I was laying down feeding Fletcher...you know you're some kind of crazy crafter when you have a needle and thread on your bedside table within arms reach and you pick it up and just start going at your bed linens. I need to be stopped.<br />
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UPDATE: Check out finished embroidery after the jump!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kind of hard to see</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtCS0tjzT-g/T3JHLg2KPlI/AAAAAAAAAFM/ClE4X8pFGK4/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtCS0tjzT-g/T3JHLg2KPlI/AAAAAAAAAFM/ClE4X8pFGK4/s320/IMG_2098.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G is for Giada</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WwEss0b17n8/T3JHJ-SBxJI/AAAAAAAAAE8/qU652LBv8q0/s1600/IMG_2096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WwEss0b17n8/T3JHJ-SBxJI/AAAAAAAAAE8/qU652LBv8q0/s320/IMG_2096.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look a flower! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-23612730438684481812012-03-26T12:11:00.000-07:002012-03-26T12:11:37.122-07:00You Found MeToday a challenge was posted in the Etsy forums, and I think I rose to meet it quite nicely. The challenge was to create a treasury based on the theme "Get Found". The parameters were to make a front page quality treasury and use as many possible items from shops that aren't usually seen in treasuries and especially not on the front page.<br />
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That was harder than I expected as when an item is photographed well and great quality, it usually gets recognized for that! So, I've got a few that I know have had their fair share of visibility, but I tried my best to choose items from shops with fewer sales than others that I saw with similar items. This treasury makes me want to have another wedding, I really was that inspired!<br />
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So here it is, a treasury all about being found and finding the one you love. Complete with up-cycled, vintage, and map themed items.<br />
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</script>Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-7889461984634943672012-03-26T09:49:00.001-07:002012-03-26T09:49:53.878-07:00Mistress of My Domain!We are officially the new owners (at least for this year) of our own domain name!<br />
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Unfortunately...www.babesinbookland.com was taken, so we had to get creative. Not really too creative as we didn't want to stray TOO far from the familiar, so our new domain is officially: <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.booklandshop.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.booklandshop.com</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Plus, to add excellence to awesomeness, I figured out how to add a shopping option to the blog, so now, instead of only having one shopping option, my one or two readers will have TWO! Now I'm just going to go enjoy typing my own url into the address bar and watching it go to MY page! How fun is this...</div>Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-53659484150348502132012-03-03T22:23:00.000-08:002012-03-03T22:23:01.196-08:00There Ain't Nothin' Like a DameA fellow Etsian, Levi Emerson of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/shojishoji?ref=pr_shop_more">Shoji Shoji</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gypsumrose">Gypsum Rose</a>, has to be my latest Etsy crush. His latest treasury, "warrants out for my head", features a selection of vintage photographs and items that I like to think tell the thrilling story of a sexy siren on the lam. I love vintage inspired treasuries, especially cheeky ones like this! <br />
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</script>Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-21659307173749382612012-03-01T15:37:00.000-08:002012-03-01T15:37:27.487-08:00Hippest Kids in TownThanks to Netflix, we've been watching as much Portlandia as we can get our hands and eyes on. When I say we, I mean me, and when I say watching, I mean trying to figure out why we don't live in Portland. It's where young people go to retire! I mean, where else do a bartender and an Etsian belong? Well, besides San Diego...our one true love.<br />
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Hipster-ness is one of those things that I don't pretend to FULLY understand...especially since they are a people who, not unlike the many other subcultures of my generation, ridicule you if you do. Enter hipster kitty.<br />
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So since this is primarily an Etsy blog, meant for promoting my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/babesinbookland">Etsy shop</a>, I thought I'd give some love to fellow Etsians who represent all things hipster that I love. Here's to mustaches, old school nintendo, nerd glasses, and turning your babies into mini hipster versions of yourself. After the jump of course.<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92261601/bandana-bib-red-blue-plaid?ref=tre-2313886559-1">Bandana Bib in Red and Blue plaid</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChickenandCharlie?ref=seller_info">Chicken and Charlie</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77221573/boys-hipster-plaid-bow-tie-shirt-with?ref=tre-2313886559-2">Boys Hipster Plaid Bow Tie Shirt with Floral Bow Tie and Leather Shoulder Patch</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EWMcCall?ref=seller_info">EW McCall</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79813631/baby-geek-toy-teether-geekery-teething">NinTeeth-o Wooden Teething Toy</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/3PrincessesEngraving?ref=seller_info">3 Princesses Engraving</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65772716/i-love-music-mini-4x5-print?ref=tre-2313886559-4">I Love Music, Mini 4x5 Print</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kecky?ref=seller_info">Kecky</a> <br />
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Check our more items like these in our latest Etsy treasury: Hipster Boy and Hipster Girl. <br />
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<script src='http://www.craftcult.com/js/trwi.js?s=0&l=NTUzOTkyNXwyMzEzODg2NTU5&r=46916&t=s&m=0&u=5539925&'></script>Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-78638378630848243642012-02-28T10:26:00.000-08:002012-02-28T10:26:53.259-08:00The Spring MarketWe were recently invited to participate in the upcoming second annual Spring Market in Curtis Park. It's a local craft fair that coincides with the Curtis Park home tour and we could not be more excited! Finally got around to reserving a spot this morning. <br />
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It was especially flattering to be invited specially by the lovely woman coordinating it. It's always good for morale to get that kind of recognition (just ask Sally Field). Link to website, directions, and some links to last years vendors after the jump! <br />
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<a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.thespringmarket.com/">The Spring Market</a><br />
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The Market takes place on April 28th from 10-3 in the parking lot of Paula V Salon in Curtis Park (click for <a href="http://www.thespringmarket.com/466_362_898960510_2_large.jpg?u=4026209103">directions</a>). So we have roughly two months to design our booth space and get a pop up canopy. I just love social events and love doing new creative stuff with Babes in Bookland, so this is going to be the most fun! <br />
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Take a look at some of last years vendors:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.beaucoupbandit.etsy.com/">Beaucoup Bandit</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/zenthreads">Zen Threads</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cupc4ke">Cupc4ake</a><br />
<a href="http://www.murphyandgert.etsy.com/">Murphy and Gert</a>Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-17749705132421283512012-02-27T14:43:00.000-08:002012-02-27T14:43:08.894-08:00A Birthday for HusbyI'm one of those people who loves gift giving. I go in stages as to who I feel like shopping for. Sometimes I'm always finding things for my kids, sometimes my sister, lately it's been my husband. He's a fairly simple guy who is typical in every way. His likes include sports, burritos, beer, sports, and beer. But I like to try and be more creative with the things that I get him.<br />
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When it comes to men, I have to assume they get really bored with ties and picture frames with their kids in them. I know mine does. So I've compiled a list of things I think he might like (since his birthday's coming up and all), and that others husbands might like as well. Could also be for a brother, father, uncle, cousin, nephew, nice waiter or bartender. Any male you know well enough to buy a gift for! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRwLqaoOIrE/T0wFJhHcORI/AAAAAAAAACI/AuqRrgKDhwE/s1600/BlogLinks22812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRwLqaoOIrE/T0wFJhHcORI/AAAAAAAAACI/AuqRrgKDhwE/s400/BlogLinks22812.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Links to these products after the jump! </span></b></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>Aren't those cufflinks great? The shop has more styles available, but me and my husby are absolute San Diego lovers after living there for 8 months. We both left a piece of our hearts there I think.<br />
<h1 style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89290713/san-diego-california-1961-vintage-map?ref=sc_4&sref=sr_906d40c9469f9434a01f8ee2ac0dfbad41ed80677d3b9d8d2139ac1f4dc642cb_1330371020_14139102_san_diego">San Diego, California 1961 Vintage Map Cufflinks</a></span> </h1>Though you could get any band or custom paint job, Mitch absolutely LOVES Relient K, so I know he would absolutely swoon at these.<br />
<h1 style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71571173/hand-painted-custom-toms?ref=v1_other_2">Hand Painted Custom Toms</a></span></h1>For the man who has everything, except a bow tie for his best friend. Our Rocco would look smashing in one of these bowtie collars from SillyBuddy on Etsy. <br />
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<h1 style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80459050/black-honeycomb-dog-bow-tie-collar"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Black Honeycomb Dog Bow Tie Collar</span></span></a></b></h1><h1><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">This wallet is made from the same material used in old volkswagen beetle interior. Pretty awesome for a guy who has a passion for the ultimate retro car like my guy does. </span></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62033348/70s-80s-vintage-volkswagen-slimline?ref=sr_gallery_11&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=volkswagen&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Vintage Volkswagen Slimline Wallet</a></span></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">What boy doesn't love legos? And what boy doesn't need a case to save his fancy hundreds of dollars iPhone? I couldn't think of too many. </span></span></h1><h1><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92907064/toy-lego-camera-iphone-4-case-iphone-4s?ref=sr_gallery_1&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=toy+lego+camera&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Toy Lego Camera iPhone 4s case</span></span></a></h1><h1><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">A great way to repurpose old Gameboy games. And SO useful for a guy to carry around on his keys. Especially one like mine who is constantly needing to print out resumes on the go. </span></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94020350/4gb-game-boy-cartridge-jump-drive-tetris?ref=cat1_gallery_2">4 GB Game Boy Cartridge Jump Drive </a></span></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62033348/70s-80s-vintage-volkswagen-slimline?ref=sr_gallery_11&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=volkswagen&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"></a></span></span></h1><h1><br />
</h1>Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-87887260185733410072012-02-25T03:31:00.001-08:002012-02-25T03:33:20.082-08:00TreasuriesThe past few days some of my mobiles have been featured pretty heavily in treasuries on Etsy, thanks to a game we're playing in the Top Treasury Team. It's been really fun seeing what themes people find to put the books in. Most of them have been just gorgeous, I can't help but feel like I don't deserve to be in them...but I guess they think otherwise!<br />
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I'll continue to add and switch out treasuries for all to look at as they happen. Maybe I'll even add some of my own. Check the side!<br />
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</span>Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-79337883442567735002012-02-25T02:57:00.000-08:002012-02-25T02:57:41.406-08:00I Have A Blog?As Peyton would say. "Oh there it is! You ok?" Yeah, blog, you ok? You seem to have been left to fester for quite some time. I mean, last time I posted I was nowhere near having a baby and now I have a chubbawubby 6 month old...time flies when you're having anxiety attacks, opening an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/babesinbookland"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">etsy shop</span></span></a> , your sister has a baby, your parents get separated, you start nannying for your sisters baby, you discover pinterest, and get a dog that subsequently eats all but two pairs of your shoes leaving you to wear the same flats and ugg boots with EVERYTHING. Not necessarily in that order.<br />
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Welcome back self. Lets see how long goes between now and the next post...Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-65270236836058131202011-04-04T19:46:00.000-07:002011-04-04T19:46:08.499-07:00Money DOESN'T Buy Happiness?But all that stands between me and being able to bring the next addition to our family unit into the world in a way that I feel is beneficial to all parties involved, is money. Our "insurance" covers 1,500 dollars of a 4,000 dollar midwife fee, leaving 2,500 dollars floating over our heads. Even with an offer from the midwife to take 700 dollars off in exchange for home cooked meals and cleaning her house twice a month until the birth, that's 1,800 dollars. <br />
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Part of me knows how easy it would be to just go to an Obstetrician with my tail between my legs and relent to the c-section they've insisted is "necessary". But, that would be a huge blow to me. It would mean never knowing whether or not I could have done it. The elusive "virginal" birth...as my sister accidentally called it. So frustrating when all that stands between you and having what you know you want and need to do, is 1,800 dollars. Money doesn't buy happiness, and I know that whether or not we come up with this money, this baby will be born...but to have to give up the choice? The choice of letting my body do what it was designed to do, what millions upon millions of other women have been doing for centuries. Kind of puts a dull tinge over things.<br />
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Time to have a yard sale I guess. Bake sale anyone? I think I saw a quarter between the couch cushions the other day...Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-10969283501568093042011-02-15T23:14:00.000-08:002011-02-15T23:14:52.811-08:00Moving Is Our Favorite HobbyThat's why we do it every six months! Sure, we could keep going month to month, paying so much in rent that we can barely afford to eat...but Mama's getting HUNGRIER and HUUUUUUNGRIER, and I really would like to be able to afford new clothes! So, I don't mind moving away from paradise if it means having more income to play around with, and also being closer to family and friends. Ok...moving away from San Diego will be hard, but we aren't really enjoying all the things it has to offer because we don't have anyone except each other to enjoy them with. Any parent of a toddler knows it's nearly impossible to have fun when you don't have twenty extra sets of hands and eyes to follow them with. <br />
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It seems like this move is happening really fast. Probably because we have so much less stuff to pack up and move, and some of it hasn't had time (or space) to shift since we unpacked it last. Luckily it's been easy to get boxes from the grocery stores in the neighborhood. <br />
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Thankfully, it looks like Peytons MorMor will be able to fly all the way from NC to help with the move. I'll try to make it as easy as possible on her so that we will have time to show her the city we will miss so much! But I know having her here will take away a huge amount if stress that moving while pregnant brings...luckily it's not moving while 9 months pregnant and then a week after a c-section. Never doing THAT again!Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-39830308685157526602011-02-12T19:08:00.000-08:002011-02-12T19:08:24.644-08:00Inception Meets InfectionPeyton has been mysteriously sick these past few days, and it has been hugely stressful for us (mostly the pregnant one. No doctor has been able to clearly and definitely diagnose her...which would be fine except for the fact that no diagnosis means NO CURE! 4 days into her battle royale with this imaginary mystery illness, she's feeling much better unless she is deprived of food or her motrin wears off. But this post is not about her illness...it's about what happens when you watch Inception, and then your baby won't sleep through the night.<br />
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First off, I loved the movie. It was just easy enough to follow, but still a challenge. The special effects were attractive...and Joseph Gordon Levitt is just lick able. And FYI, I don't care whether the top stops spinning in the end, nor do I care whether or not I live in the matrix. <br />
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However, this is NOT a movie you should watch when you are sleep deprived and/or pregnant. I already tend to dream in well thought out horror movies when pregnant, so this just turned me sideways and spanked me. There is no feeling quite like waking up to a screaming (for who knows what reason) baby and being really alarmed because your husband "missed the kick". I vaguely recall trying to figure out which level of the dream we were in and whether or not one of us had gotten stuck in limbo...none of this while I was asleep. <br />
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I used to think there was nothing worse than waking up to a screaming baby and being sleep deprived, then I got the pleasure of waking up to a screaming SICK baby and being sleep deprived. So much worse. But, THEN, I woke up to a screaming sick baby after watching Inception. THIS I believe to be the mother of all causes of sleep depravation...they were right when they said your brain works faster when you're dreaming, and it. is. exausting.Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-27120327443795426692011-02-09T22:26:00.000-08:002011-02-09T22:26:51.848-08:00So Many Things To Say...My sisters on-demand cable feature turned me onto this interesting show. Thankfully there were TONS of episodes available, all of which were very educational. It's on the Discovery Health Channel and called "I'm pregnant and...". Every episode finishes the sentence with something controversial such as addicted, in prison, HIV positive, etc. Riveting stuff, but my absolute favorite, in that it got me really thinking as well as really irritated, was I'm pregnant and homeless.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goinglikesixty.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/vw-van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://goinglikesixty.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/vw-van.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't paint an apartment like this...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The couple referred to in the title were married, living in a van down by the river (no joke) in North Carolina. They had a one year old baby and she was 9 months pregnant. I know the economy is bad (trust me, I know what it's like to be poor) and it's hard to find jobs, and that part isn't the part that got me a little peeved. It's two completely separate issues.<br />
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Firstly, she stated that the only reason she didn't take her baby and a half and go stay with her parents, was that they wouldn't also allow her husband to stay with them, because they didn't like him. Really? Romantic as that sounds, TAKE CARE OF YOUR BABIES! I verified this with my oh so sensible husband, and he said...yeah I'll be homeless you can stay with your parents. If the homeless husby doesn't have a pregnant wife to stress about taking care of, perhaps it would be easier for him to focus on finding work? Come to find out he has a felony on his record...there's the clincher. <br />
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Secondly, after 3 hours of panhandling, they made a little over 17 dollars (hey, if you make six dollars an hour, after taxes...that sounds about right), and thus began the discussion of how expensive food is and woe is us we can't cook food living in a van/tent. As a stay at home mom with a very limited grocery budget, don't get me started on what 17 dollars will buy you at the grocery store. You can't cook anything? Buy bologna, a 99 cent loaf of bread, and get free packets of mayo and mustard at a gas station. There, 2 dollars, and you can eat for quite a few days. Don't be squeamish about the bologna sitting out. That stuff has so many preservatives in it...it will live longer than you will.<br />
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I mean, water is free (drink it out of the tap, really people, it's more regulated than bottled water), and fruits and vegetables can be very cheap and sustaining. The point is, if people knew how much money WE were surviving on, more than surviving even, their mouths would DROP TO THE FLOOR. Maybe I'm just not eating enough. Probably because my number one priority is stuffing food in that babies mouth. And mom, if we ever became homeless, Mitch could come stay with you guys too right?Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6492373549207012494.post-21051798494749085882011-02-03T00:33:00.000-08:002011-02-03T00:33:47.314-08:00Just a RealizationIf people are going to follow this blog that means I have to write things in it...no more repeats of the Twitter incident! How about a story about mom brain to put all you night owls down for beddy bye? <br />
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Once upon a this afternoon, this afternoon being Wednesday, February two, twenty-ten (aka groundhog day. And congrats Phil on a wise and thoughtful decision, you rodenty rascal you!), I had some errands to run. I forgot how stupid pregnancy makes me, and today was the beginning of it kicking in. I'll simplify this part...<br />
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-I left my sunglasses at old navy. The cheap pair I keep around so I don't have to lose the ray bans.<br />
-I lost my phone in Peytons carseat without remembering having it back there.<br />
-I left the frozen yogurt store, after buying two frozen yogurts and a drink, without my drink. <br />
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To make matters worse, I don't LOOK pregnant. <br />
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So, for the next 5 or so months I get to live in this pregnant brain. A brain in which the jokes don't ever trigger a correct response, I will cry at the end of every episode of every tv show, every movie, and every commercial we watch, things that are not jokes will make me laugh hysterically, and even the simplest tasks will prove impossible (especially if I forget what that task is in the middle of performing it).<br />
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Every good story has to have a twist right? Here's this one. Now, on top of remembering to put my shoes on and grab my keys before locking myself out of the apartment (twice locked out and counting), I am responsible for the well-being of a one year old. God willing, I don't accidentally lock her in the apartment with the keys...cause Lord KNOW she will be eating herself some of that forbidden cat food if I can't pull her away from it. <br />
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The end.Megan Ireland Bainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867845105784696151noreply@blogger.com0