Spring Cleaning & Pinterest Poser Challenge

Spring has finally sprung here in Michigan.  We've had a couple days of sort of sunny weather and temps over 40 degrees and we're all going nuts.  Convertible tops are down.  Tank tops and shorts are out of the back of the closet.  

While I am extremely grateful for the sun (especially since I suffer from self-diagnosed SAD, you know the disorder where you need sunlight or you get super cranky and hopeless), there are a few drawbacks.  When the sun shines through my windows I see for the first time in months, just how dirty my windows, floors and screens are.  It's like when you think the preschooler's face is clean after breakfast and then you get to school and the light of day reveals random Fruity Pebbles stuck to his cheeks.  It's shocking and a little bit embarrassing.

Hence the idea of spring cleaning.  That's where the term came from right?  It came from cooped up northerners stuck inside all winter with grey skies and more dark than light for months discovering just how messy their homes were when the spring sunlight shone through their windows.  

So, this week's Pinterest Poser Challenge** involves a little spring cleaning.

 

 **In an attempt at not being a Pinterest Poser,* every week I  detail a new Pinterest challenge whether it be a new recipe or a craft.   

*My definition of a Pinterest Poser is someone who is all pins and no substance.

I got this challenge from a pin of the amazing blog auntpeaches.com.

A Fruit Bag Scrubber

It's really simple and pretty genius.  

You simply take the bag and trim it.  Pinch it into a bunch.  Peaches used a zip tie to secure the bunch, but I just used a rubber band.  That's it.  It takes two minutes and is free (except for the cost of the fruit that came in the bag).  

It's a great little scrubber.  Works on pots and pans, floors and walls.  Peaches describes it as "more aggressive than any sponge but less abrasive then brushes or steel wool" and I 100% agree.

This totally made me feel like I accomplished something yesterday which feels good.  Because spring has sprung and life is about to get busier with end-of-the-school-year mania, baseball games, birthday parties, etc.  

And besides, I have big plans for the spring and summer...I want to take the poser challenge to a whole new level. A level of doors, gardens and so much more.

We found two old doors in the garage when we moved in last year.  A couple weeks ago, we sanded one in preparation for well...something, something grand, we're just not sure yet.  I'm sure Pinterest will tell us what to do with our doors.  Until then, tell me what you've been up to.  Have you made something from Pinterest lately?  Had any great successes?  Do tell.

Please share whatever you're working on in the comments here or over on Facebook.

Come on over and follow my Pinterest boards.

Here are some of the projects I've already attempted, the good and the bad:

Earth Day Cupcakes- Click here

Nail Art-click here

Homemade Photo Booth Fun- click here

Fake Bangs- click here

DIY Subway Art- click here

Furniture Painting and Bench/Chest Makeover- click here

Thanksgiving-y Project/Gratitude/Holiday Countdown- click here
The Smoothie-click here

The Free Printable Turned Artwork in a Boring Hallway- click here

The chalk board-click here
Seven Layer Dip in Individual Cups (my favorite so far!)-click here
The pumpkin address-click here
The Kitchen Dancing Sign--click here

Come play with me on Instagram @jumpingwithmyfingerscrossed.

Oh yeah, and come follow me on Twitter @AngelaYBlood and subscribe to my MomPulse YouTube channel here.

Lessons in Service (And A Giveaway)

I talk a lot about service.  Because I believe in making a difference, I believe in helping people, I believe in compassion and kindness.  I believe that service is a two way street, a you help me and I help you kind of thoroughfare.  

A million years ago, I was a lonesome young girl battling a few demons, quickly slipping into a depression (before it was a common word/diagnosis).  I was a punk/goth wannabe in the early 1990s stuck in Lincoln, Nebraska thinking nobody understood me.  Certainly not my roommate "Ronda without the H" from a little house on the prairie.  I was not only lonesome, I was miserable and judgemental.  I walked around the campus of University of Nebraska with my purplish hair, black boots and bad attitude, Temple of the Dog blasting through my Walkman. 

Broken and bitter and lost.  It was a moment, an intersection--a choice had to be made.  I wanted out of the black hole of depression.  I felt desperate.  I called a hospital in the area.  I called to ask if I could help out.  I needed to get out of my head, get out of my sorrow, get out of my feeling of being utterly useless and unworthy.

At the hospital, I put on my pink polyester jacket and sorted mail, stapled hospital newsletters with Mabel, Ruth and Evelyn (my new best friends that were like my personal Golden Girls), wheeled patients to and from appointments, and delivered flowers.  I was helping people and they were helping me.  

It truly changed my life. Over the years I've had paid jobs and volunteer jobs with organizations like the Red Cross, the United Way, Pittsburgh Cares, Meals on Wheels and more.  My life has been full of ups and downs, twists and turns, emotional and hormonal imbalances....but the lessons I've learned through service have sustained me.  

Service has taught me not only to get out of my head and my own sorrow, it has taught me lessons about compassion, empathy and humanity.  Service has taught me that we all matter, no matter what street we've decided to take in life.  

Since becoming a mother, my urgency to help others only grew--relating to those mothers and children in crisis with my whole heart every time I looked into the eyes of my own children.  However, the opportunity to serve gets a little more challenging with babies.  We tried a few service/volunteer trips without much luck.  Some people are really good at making it work with little ones, I am not those people.  But now that two of my older kids are, well older, we are jumping at the opportunity to serve.

This past weekend, Lucy and I went to Detroit (just about a half hour away from our home) with our church to volunteer at an amazing nonprofit called Cass Community Social Services (CCSS).  CCSS works in areas of concentrated poverty providing programs for food, health, housing and jobs.  They prepare and serve one million meals every year.  Almost 300 homeless men, women and children currently stay in one of the shelters, transitional housing or permanent supportive housing programs.  CCSS operates a weekly free medical clinic and a day program for 100 adults with developmental disabilities.  Over 70 adults are currently employed in the agency's Green Industries.  It's truly unbelievable the good that this organization is doing in a city that needs a lot of good right now.

Lucy and I went to help paint and plant. 

I was so impressed with Lucy and the other kids that came on the trip, they were there to work.  

But just like anything with kids, laughter and silliness ensues.  And that's what I love about kids.  On a street where many of my suburbanite neighbors would be afraid, our kids were running through the hose water and dancing and telling stories.  They were also thoughtful and respectfull of the residents of the house we were painting.  They were curious.  They were interested.  They were full of compassion and empathy.

Here's a short video I made about our visit to CCSS.

St. Paul's Trip to Cass Community Social Services from Jumping With My Fingers Crossed on Vimeo.

When we were getting ready to leave, Lucy was all rosy cheeks, freckles and hope and happiness and love. "When can we come back?," she wanted to know and then she laced her fingers with mine. 

Later we talked about how the residents ended up living in the house we were painting.  She asked questions about what she called their "back stories."  I honestly told her I didn't know everyone's story but imagined that it could've been a lot of little things that led them there.  She listened as I explained my "life's not a one way street" analogy, how there are so many intersections and stop signs and wrong ways and under construction signs to get through.  She gazed out the window only halfway listening.  I knew I was using way too many words.  Lucy summed it up best anyway when she said , "I loved making friends today, my heart feels all full."

CCSS's Cass Industries just started an awesome new project: building and selling coasters.  These coasters are made from recycled glass and feature images of graffiti from Detroit's "wailing wall." This half mile concrete wall was constructed in August 1941 to segregate a Detroit community in order for a white housing development to receive funding.  CCSS says they are hoping the "coasters will not only look great in your home, but also spark discussions about overcoming segregation."  The boxes that hold the coasters are made from refurbished wood, and made by homeless people that work at Cass Industries.   The coasters sell for $20 and can be purchased by calling (313) 883-2277.  Go buy some for sure, but I'm giving a set away.

Click here to hear a great interview with the executive director of CCSS Reverand Faith Fowler about Detroit's Wailing Wall on the Craig Fahle Show.

To win a set of coasters leave a comment below or on my Facebook page about how service has changed your life and/or if you've done any volunteering projects with your kids and/or leave a comment/link with the organization you feel passionate about.  I'll pick a winner on Thursday.

Are You Ready? (& What I Know For Sure & #iPPP)

"We're ready," Lucy and Wade exclaimed yesterday morning before school.

Nobody had a backpack or a jacket.  But Lucy had an umbrella (it wasn't raining), gloves and a smile. And Wade, well he had the Buzz Lightyear costume that has been in our family since my oldest (now 11) was a toddler.

Ready for school? Nope.
Ready for adventure and make believe magic?  Absolutely.

I laughed, Instagrammed the moment and then let it be.  I grabbed Lucy's backpack for her and we were on our way.  They continued the fun in the minivan as we made our way on a "special mission."


We should all be so ready--ready to lighten up, ready to embrace the adventure, ready for special missions and imagination and magic.  I know that for sure (this week).

Here's what else I know (this week):

• I know for sure that I am obsessed with this song--"Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.  Like so obsessed I replay it over and over while I'm running.  Like so obsessed I might be sick of it next week.  Right now, all I know is that it's soooo good.

• Taking asteroids is very bad.  JT was going through his new baseball cards and told us about a player that got in trouble for doing something very bad.  Nervous about what he might have heard from SportsCenter or somewhere else, we asked him what he heard.  "That he took asteroids," he said very concerned.  (Otherwise known as steroids.)

 

• Being a grown up is tough, being a parent to a tween/teen is tougher.  And after the middle school orientation this week, I'm fuuurrreakkkking out just a little.

(Click on this link to see the video if you're an email subscriber: http://youtu.be/04PjGRai-4w)

• There are so many good things happening online.  I'm extremely happy to be a part of shot@life.  Click here to find out how this movement is helping save children's lives around the world.

• I love having a daughter.  My Lucy is incredibly smart and interesting and wears flower pins with her pj's and I love her.

• Laughing is good.  Laughing at goats is ridiculous, but I dare you to watch the clip below and not laugh.  Do it, I dare you.

• Snow in April is wrong, even in Michigan.  Winter hat and gloves at a baseball game is wrong.  We all need a little spring, a little sunshine, a little warmth.  We are ready!

Even though it's freezing, Wade still manages to have fun.

• Subscribing to my YouTube channel will make you feel better about yourself.  I updated my Videos page here on the blog, check it out and then head on over to subscribe to my wee little channel.

What do you know for sure (this week)? C'mon, we're friends, share what you know.  Leave a comment here or on the Facebook page.

  Come play with me on Instagram @jumpingwithmyfingerscrossed.

I'm linking up today with my good buddy Greta from  Gfunkified.com and Sarah at SundaySpill.com for the #iPPP link up.  They host a link up where they encourage people to share "your funny, your yummy, your heartfelt, your favorite photos of the week" from our phones.  Check them out.

Oh yeah, and come follow me on Twitter @AngelaYBlood and subscribe to my MomPulse YouTube channel here.

Giving Kids A Shot@Life

Before Pinterest, before Facebook, my mother was making birthday parties pretty darn fabulous.  She would pick a theme and really run with it.  When I was six years old I had a Mickey Mouse theme.  She sewed individual Mickey Mouse bean bags for the games and to give to all the guests, she designed special hats for everyone to wear, there was a Mickey Mouse shape cake and more.  She did it because she enjoyed it.  She did it because she loved me.

When I was a little kid birthdays were a big deal.  Holidays, traditions, rituals they all mattered, a lot.  With each party, with each special cake, I knew I mattered, I knew I was loved.

I really belt it out when I sing Happy Birthday,
there's no holding back.

Now that I'm the mom, I wish I could say that I was sewing cute bean bags to give to all my kids' friends but I'm not.  Even with all the magazines, web sites and Pinterest, I am not that crafty.  What I lack in craftiness, I make up for in love and silliness.  We have traditions like cake for breakfast, Beatles songs and more for the kids on their birthdays.  They know they matter, they know they are loved.

Around the World
Last month, I met some pretty fabulous women doing some pretty monumental work for children around the world.  The women were a part of Shot@Life-- Shot@Life educates, connects and empowers Americans to champion vaccines as one of the most cost-effective ways to save the lives of children in developing countries. Shot@Life aims to decrease vaccine-preventable childhood deaths and give every child a shot at a healthy life. 

They work to provide vaccines to ensure that children around the world will have a shot at celebrating their birthdays, knowing they matter and knowing they are loved.

Champions

After learning more about Shot@Life, I knew I wanted to be involved.  I knew I wanted to help make a difference.

As an activist I was drawn to how well-organized and focused the organization is.  As a mother, I was drawn to the idea of helping children and mothers around the world.  Not only do vaccines save children's lives, they help mothers.  I cannot imagine the frustration/devastation some women feel knowing they could save their sick child if only they had access to medicines and vaccines.  And that is why I have become a shot@life champion--using my voice, my blog, my energy, my heart to help.

I was so eager to get involved because of the stories from the women already doing good work through this movement.  They inspired me and showed me that even though I have my own small children at home, I too can make a difference.

I got the chance to interview an inspiring shot@life champion and find out what this movement means to her.  Her name is Suzanne Chan and she's pretty incredible. Suzanne lives in New York City and is a student, daughter, wife, (labor & delivery) registered nurse, certified lactation counselor, friend, entrepreneur and blogger – but the job she's most proud of is mother (to a 5 year old, 3 year old and 3 week old). She shares her journey on the blog Mom Confessionals and The Disney Files. She is also a founding mother & partner at Trumpeting Media, a social media consulting company that is dedicated to using social media for social good. In her spare time she is a United Nations Foundation Shot@Life Champion, United Nations Foundation Social Good Fellow and serves on the board of Living with AMY. Read more about her here.

Here are parts of my interview with Suzanne Chan: 

How did you get involved with Shot@Life?

I was invited by the amazing Emily McKhann of the Motherhood to join the Blogust campaign.  She knew how important it was for me and how passionate I am about using my social media voice to convey health advocacy messages.

Why is it important to you?

As an RN, I understand the medical implications and importance of getting your child vaccinated.  As a mother, I identify with these parents, who want at the basic level, to give their children a shot at life. It is something we take for granted here in this country with debates over to give or not to give vaccination to our children.  In other parts of the world, they don't even have the option and vaccines can mean the difference between life or death.  It's heartbreaking to think that so many are not getting lifesaving vaccinations.  If I can use my voice to help even a handful of children, I will.

What have you done with Shot@Life?

I was a part of the amazing Blogust Campaign this past year to raise over $200,000 vaccinating 10,000 children. I participated in Shot@Life's 28 days of impact and along with my team at Trumpeting Media planned the launch party for the Shot@Life mobile app last September. This year I became a UN Foundation Social Good Fellow. Any campaign that they need their message spread, I am there.  I can tweet, I can blog, I can share.  Whatever I can do, I will do.

Celebration
This week Shot@Life is celebrating a birthday, their first.  They are celebrating how they have helped ensure that thousands of children around the world reach the milestone of celebrating a first birthday by receiving life-saving vaccines, sent over 26,000 letters to Congress, and grew the movement to over 190,000 supporters..

This week in honor of their birthday and in conjunction with World Immunization Week they are celebrating with different events, videos and stories.  There are lots of ways to get in on the celebrating. You can share the Global Mom Relay posts which will earn Shot@Life a $5 donation per day.  You can also follow the hashtags #birthdaybash and #getvax on twitter.  Shot@Life has partnered with several bloggers to share stories of other Champions which are being featured on many social media outlets including their Storify page.    

Click here to learn more and get involved.

Mother Earth & Pinterest Poser Challenge

"Come on there's no fighting, it's Earth Day," I heard my husband say to my kids.

Yeah, we'll find a way to turn a holiday into a tool to manipulate our children.  Soon there will be a Mother Earth character that floats all across the world leaving treats along with pamphlets on recycling for kids everywhere rich or poor.  And yes, then there will be a blog post about how everyone gets too Mother Earth crazy and it's too expensive.  

But for now, Earth Day is still this really wonderful day that helps remind us all that we can do better.  It reminds us that we can all do our part--recycle, go green, plant a tree, take shorter showers, buy food locally, etc.

While my kids are young, Earth Day is going to also be about special treats and crafts.  And what better place to get treats and craft ideas than Pinterest?

It's time again for the Pinterest Poser Challenge.  In an attempt at not being a Pinterest Poser,* every week I  detail a new Pinterest challenge whether it be a new recipe or a craft.   

**My definition of a Pinterest Poser is someone who is all pins and no substance.**

(Yes I realize Earth Day was yesterday and this post may feel a little behind.  But that's just how I roll.  

For example, I have YET to mail my Christmas cards.  I stare at them every night and vow to get them out before....next Christmas.)

First the treats-

Gluten Free Earth Day Cupcakes

(It was based on a pin I saw from Birdonacake.com.)

The treats were made with two boxes of Betty Crocker Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix.  I use two boxes because gluten free mixes usually are not very um, fluffy.  

I followed the directions on the boxes and then put blue food coloring in one bowl and green in the other.

Then I poured in spoonfuls of each color into the muffin tin. 

When they were out of the oven and cooled off, I cut out heart shapes in each cupcake.  I filled each cutout with red frosting.  And BAM, I had very yummy gluten-free "I Love Mother Earth Cupcakes." 

Even with the wonky heart shapes,
this Pinterest project was a success.  

Next up, the crafts-

Stained Glass Globe

(This project was based on a pin from momontimeout.com.)

This project involved two of my favorites ModPodge and tissue paper.  It was simple, messy and fun for the kids.

We started by cutting different shades of blue and green tissue paper into squares.  Then we took a plate and traced it onto wax paper.  We smothered the ModPodge onto the wax paper and stuck the tissue squares on in an Earthy design.

We cut out a black construction paper circle to frame the wax paper, taped a string on the back and hung it in front of the window.  It turned out looking like a circle with a bunch of paper haphazardly glued to it. I mean it looked like Earth?

Not my favorite Pinterest project, but it did keep the kids busy for five minutes. And we talked about Earth Day together. 

Have you made something from Pinterest lately?  Had any great successes?  Did you do anything special for Earth Day?

Do tell.

Please share whatever you're working on in the comments here or over on Facebook.

Come on over and follow my Pinterest boards.

Here are some of the projects I've already attempted, the good and the bad:

Homemade Photo Booth Fun- click here

Fake Bangs- click here

DIY Subway Art- click here

Furniture Painting and Bench/Chest Makeover- click here

Thanksgiving-y Project/Gratitude/Holiday Countdown- click here
The Smoothie-click here

The Free Printable Turned Artwork in a Boring Hallway- click here

The chalk board-click here
Seven Layer Dip in Individual Cups (my favorite so far!)-click here
The pumpkin address-click here
The Kitchen Dancing Sign--click here

Come play with me on Instagram @jumpingwithmyfingerscrossed.

Oh yeah, and come follow me on Twitter @AngelaYBlood and subscribe to my MomPulse YouTube channel here.