The Unknown Adorable Villain

Yep, that's him, officer!

(The Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar)

Who would've thought, eh? This cute, fuzzy little caterpillar has apparently been causing all kinds of mischief. 

Mischief? What kind of Mischief? 

I'll tell you. This Canadian caterpillar has found its way to northern Indiana. These hungry little hippos feed on nut trees, You're likely to find them grazing on your pecan, hickory, or walnut trees. Since these little porkers have large appetites, you may also find them eating your shrubs, corn leaves, or vegetables. The problem people are beginning to discover is not their appetite, though. These cute little fuzzballs are not sweet and cuddly like you would hope. They have been causing rashes to people of all ages. The rashes are similar to that of poison ivy and they're performing the deed... with their stinging hairs!

(Disappointing, I know. I had the same feeling when I found out that the platypus is poisonous.

There goes my dream to go to Austrailia and buy a pet platypus... who I could name "Ducky.")

How in the world can hairs sting?

It's interesting, really. Their hairs are hollow, leading to their poison glands. Sha-zam! You've been stung. The hairs can also cause a prick-like feeling and (because they are so thin) can break off into your skin. The symptoms of a sting can range from mild to severe depending on the individual.

How severe can the symptoms get?

Symptons can range anywhere from local reddening, swelling, burning, and itching to severe pain.

Hypersensitive people may also experience severe swelling, nausea, hives, and wheezing, leading up to the possibility of anaplylactic shock.

How do you rid yourself of these pests?

If you want to avoid getting stung, simply picking up the little culprits won't do.

The best way (according to Rick Steinau the Exterminator) is to use a pair of protective gloves. Another way of removing these pests from your garden (or your child's play area) is to introduce and encourage a host of predatory animals such as lizards, frogs, wasps, and birds. (The most attainable and least threatening to children would be the frogs. I do not recommend introducing wasps to reduce a caterpillar problem.)

So, my advice, steer clear of these cute little jerks. They aren't worth the risk.

Have a good and SAFE day!

For more info, visit these sites: 

The Ohio State University Fact Sheet

Ask the Exterminator by Rick Steinau

Tea-licious!

I have been investigating teas recently... herbal teas. Teas are a tasty beverage and I drink them often.

I have been investigating them not for their taste, but for their health benefits.

Did you know that (depending on your tea choice) you could be getting healthier while enjoying a tasty herbal beverage?? *Happy dance!* Now that is definitely something to celebrate.

Here are just some of the fabulously healthy teas:

Green Tea:

• contains polyphenols (helpful in dissolving sugar and fat) which promote weight loss and reduce tooth decay
• eases arthritis pains
• stabilizes cholesterol
• contains antioxidants that help strengthen immune system, slow the aging process, and prevent acne
• contains enzymes that slow the onset of alzheimer's and parkinson's disease
• prevents cardiovascular disease

Red Clover:

• helps establish fertility in women
• high vitamin and protein content aids the uterus and body
• absorbable calcium and magnesium relax the nervous system and promote good hormonal health
• alkalinizes the body and can help balance the acidity levels in the female reproductive organs, limiting infections such as yeist.

Dandelion Leaf:

• strengthens the liver
• helps kidney function
• good source of calcium and potassium
• contains folic acid and iron which help to aid and prevent anemia

Nettle Leaf:

• helps with human growth and health
• contains vitamins A, C, D, and K, calcium, potassium, phospherous, iron, and sulfur
• contains chlorophyll which is important to purify your blood stream,
• relieves constipation
• prevents anemia
• nourishes and strengthens kidneys for a better urinary tract
• high calcium content helps to ease leg cramps
• high vitamin K content helps prevent hemorrhaging and hemorrhoids by tightening and strengthening blood vessels

Acai Berry:

• rich in anti-oxidants, therefore good for detox
• can improve circulation and strengthen your heart
• rich in omega fats and fiber
• anthocyanins contained in the berry help prevent the build-up of fats
• can help with concentration
• enhances sexual performance

Comfrey Leaf:

• contains more protein than any other plant (useful for vegetarians)
• contains vitamin A and potassium
• is the only known plant to contain vitamin B12 which is essential for regeneration of red blood cells and is involved in many enzymatic processes.

Chaste Tree Berry:

• works through the body's main pituitary gland to regulate hormones
• aidins in the healing of fybroid cysts and endometriosis
• can decrease the estrogen to gestagen balance in the body (progesterone effect)
• decreases FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) production and increases LH (lutenizing hormone)

Getting To Bed With the LEGO Man!

Bedtime!

Jake was getting all snuggled up preparing for his nightly snooze.

Every night he has a different toy that ends up coming to bed with him.

Last night, it was the LEGO man.

As I tuck in my little man, he tries to lay his LEGO man's head on his pillow and cover him up with his sheets.

Jake looks at his LEGO man in discontent and says,

"Mommy, the LEGO man is too small for my bed."

So I ask, "Should I put him away for you?"

He thinks for a second... then says,

"No..."

"...He needs a little bed."

I was suprised of course. It's a silly request, but who can resist this little face???

So I think for a minute...

I could put a tissue on the LEGO man and call it a blanket...

I imagined Jake's face reacting to a tissue on his LEGO man.

He'd probably say something like, "Mommy, he doesn't need to blow his NOSE! He needs a bed!"

I think some more...

What in the world can I use to make a quick bed for the LEGO man?

I look around the room, through my drawers, and then stumble upon the perfect supplies for a tiny bed!

(A sponge that I haven't used, sewing needle, thread, scissors, and cloth from a dress that had a stain.)

BRILLIANT!

So I get to work.

STEP 1: I cut a small portion of the sponge off to make the pillow and I removed that goofy net:

Hmmm... Every pillow needs a pillow case, so I grabbed the skirt.

Snip snip snip!

STEP 2: I cut a small square of fabric to wrap around the small sponge pillow.

(Jake and the LEGO man watched and waited very impatiently.)

"Mommy, the LEGO man is watching you."

Haha! Who thought I'd ever hear those words?

Sew sew sew...

STEP 3: I sewed the pillow case around the pillow.

Well... Mr. LEGO needs a blanket.

"Mommy, is it ready???"

Snip snip snip!

STEP 4: I cut out a square of fabric to make a blanket.

and...

Viola!

(A memory foam mattress and pillow, a colorful comforter, and a matching pillowcase!)

Mr. LEGO slept in both style and comfort!

Jake was fully satisfied with the results.

Mission accomplished.

Now all Mr. LEGO needs is a Mrs LEGO!

(Awww... what a cute couple.)

Try this at home! ;o)

"Akward... I Didn't Type That."

As some people may be aware, I don't have a computer at home... therefore, no internet.

It's all kinds of lame! (Especially considering 90% of the world runs off of the internet nowadays.)

To use the internet I have to go to the nearest public library and use a computer.

I am very thankful for libraries because it comes in VERY handy to have the option.

So... getting to the point... yesterday I was at the library.

I used their internet and was logged in to the ever-so-addicting social network called Facebook.

After using the computer, I FORGOT TO LOG OFF! (Dun dun dunnn!)

Since today's technology is all kinds of awesome and allows me to get facebook notifications through my cell phone, I got a facebook notification about a friend "liking" my status.

I logged onto facebook...

My status was:

"Always remember to log off from facebook when using a library computer, otherwise prying eyes may see." (Ancient Chinese Proverb)

I thought to myself, "Akward... I didn't type that."

But that wasn't the only thing the random individual decided to change.

My occupation, religion, relationship status, interests, and many other things had been "updated" (and they were not rated PG anymore).

My profile pic was... um... scary! My face in emoticon form was something like this:

I have to hand it to the random "hacker", they have an imagination...

...and an obnoxious sense of humor.

It took an inconvenient amount of time to change everything back to normal.

So kids.... What have we learned today???

I will remember to log out today.

A Little Bit Of Me Q&A

IT'S QUIZ TIME PEEPS!

So... I have been absent to blog world, yet again 

Blogging regularly can be a difficult task when you don't have internet at home. *sigh*

But it's O.K. ... I will get there!

Life has also been a bit bumpy for the past two months. It causes a very un-inspiring writer's block.

Luckily, quizzes are an easy way to have something to write about! 

So to fill in some blog space, (and for fun) here's the quiz:

(Feel free to snatch it up and fill it out on your blog!)

1. What do you feel is your greatest achievement?

Easy! My beautiful, smart, adorable, sweet, little boy! ("No, I'm a big boy mommy!")

I wouldn't be the person I am today if he hadn't decided to come along and be the best suprise of my life.

2. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

I am currently making many changes. I am eating healthier, taking vitamins, looking for a good job, exercising, and just altogether tring to give myself a healthier body/mind. My biggest trait that I'm working on is staying true to myself. Not settling for less than what I need, and not spreading myself too thin... like butter. That has caused a great deal of problems for me, but I will improve!

3. What is your greatest dream/ambition?

I aspire to own a fabulous shop. I will make shoes! Pumps, flats, heels, boots, the whole shabang! It's going to be a while before that dream becomes reality, but baby steps are required before that can happen. I also aspire to be one of the top 50 Etsy moms with said shoe shop. On the side I may sell some pottery or some other form of decorative craft, but the Etsy shoe shop is the main goal. I am super pumped! (Tehe.. get it... pumped?)

4. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Italy... is amazing. I loved it there. Soooo pretty! My sister and I graduated from highschool in 2005 (No, we are not twins) so my parents gave us the AWESME graduation gift of travel! Because we were both art majors, they took us to see all the amazing classic works of art that Italy has to offer. It was incredible!

I would also like to see Ireland... just for funzies. It looks very pretty in movies.

Oh and while I'm at it... I'll go to France... for the fashion.

5. What is your favorite thing about yourself?

I'm a mother! I love being Jacob's mom! It's amazing how much love you can have for one person and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

 

6. What is your least favorite thing about yourself?

If a project becomes too complex, I can't seem to find the end of it and I quit before I get a chance to really begin. I need to master the art of self rallying. I give great advice and inspire others, but I have a hard time practicing the "I can" attitude. 

7. Who is your favorite singer/artist?

I like Nine Inch Nails, Pink, Shinedown, Modest Mouse, Disturbed, Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, and I like anything I can shake my booty to (as long as the lyrics aren't too repetetive). My taste in music is too eclectic for the word "favorite". Not to mention, I seem to change my mind daily. My most recent she-fad is Ellie Goulding (every female has one) with her album Lights.

8. What is your greatest fear?

The idea that I could possibly outlive my son, or the feeling of abandonment that he could get from my (hopefully far far away in the future) death. Altogether, it's the idea that my son or I would have to live without one another. It makes me very sad... NEXT QUESTION!

9. How old are you?

Psh! I'm 24 years young! Although my body sometimes disagrees and my hips and knees on occasion act as though they've been in existence 80 years, I am young and I plan to have fun with the years that I have! Try and stop me!!! Or just join me! ;o)

10. What is your favorite candy?

Well, I AM a female... sooo... I'm gonna have to go with chocolate covered chocolate with chocolate filling and chocolate chips with some chocolate syrup on chocolate plate with .... etc.. etc... chocolate. The point: Chicks like chocolate.

Thanks for reading! Here's a little something I'll leave for the enjoyment of your ear holes:

Ellie Goulding: Guns and Horses

Don't Get Stuck

Do you know those people that just seem to be stuck in life? I'm sure you do. They're stuck working at a job that they hate because they're afraid of the risk that comes with change. Maybe they're stuck in a relationship that is only tolerable, not exceptional. Perhaps these people have been meaning to change but they don't. They refuse to grow, they don't mature, and their lives are colorless. They are so afraid of being lonely or rejected that they refuse to raise the bar. Well, I refuse to be that person.

I want to be better, do better, know more, and be more.

I am going to stop letting other people's actions and words control my emotions.

I will not be driven by my desires, but driven by personal growth.

Every day that I wake, I plan to be a better me than yesterday.

One of my father's co-workers once told him a simple rule to his life's success.

He said, "Every morning when I wake up, I tell myself:

"The first thing I am going to do today is the last thing I want to do."

My life will not be about finding temporary moments of happiness.

Instead, it will be about making relationships that last, surrounding myself with people I can trust, learning new things, and smiling often.

Tiny Celebration

Jake and I reached over 1000 views! Yay us! We're climbing right up there.

Now I need to get to 1000 followers. Haha!

Thanks for reading! :o)

Step In a New Direction

 Life's situations are changing... rapidly. Where I thought I was heading is no longer the case. One trait that I am very happy to have in times like this is adaptability. I can see where I need to be, and I see why things need to change. The road will be rough, and I may have a moment or two of sadness, but it's all going to be worth it in the end. Here's to taking the first steps towards change.

I can make good of my situation, and I will.

Like I said in my first post: Peace, Passion, and Positivity will be in my life. I am determined to stay positive, smile daily, play often, and I will continue to love myself. This is important not only for me, but for Jacob. No matter what our situation, I will smile and make the best of it. My child will learn to see that life is a gift and there is always something to smile about.

My First Tattoo Video!!!

Sell Me This Pen

I had an interview yesterday. My third interview for one company. (Still hoping I get that job!!! Wish me the best of luck!) It was your average interview filled with the expected questions, except for one.

She reached the end of the interview and said "I don't know if the owner asked you this question in your interview with him, but sell me this pen."

Then she placed your average blue ink BIC clicky pen on the desk in front of me.

I was thrown completely off guard! I was prepared for every question under the sun pertaining to the business. I studied and worked hard to be sure I was informed, but when it came to selling this pen, I was stumped! I had actually heard on one occasion of someone being asked that question in an interview, but I never thought that someone would ask me.

I wiped the suprised look off of my face and started rambling off random facts about the pen:

1. It has a clicky top, which is convenient.
2. BIC is a well known brand.
3. Blue ink is legal.
4. It has the company's name on it.
5. It has the convenient extra flap for pocket storage.

Nothing I said had anything to do with selling the pen, nor did it have anything to do with selling it to her.

On the spot, I was lacking in creativity to say the least.

Of course, as luck would have it, I started thinking of better ways to sell the pen on my way home.

I also looked up some ways to answer the question on the internet.

Hopefully when people read this, they won't sport the "deer in headlights" look if ever faced with this question.

Here is a video that I find humerous, yet it would be helpful in answering the question:

In this video the man shows sales talent and he advertises the product well. Even making up random facts, he shows that there are different benefits (even though he sounds like a silly infomercial) to owning a pen. With a little creativity and flair, you can sell the pen (and yourself) to the interviewer.

This next video answers a little as to why the prospective employer would ask you to sell them a pen:

This man explains a fundamental mistake that many people make in selling: They don't ask questions. Some people get so focused on the product that they forget their audience. Don't "Show up and throw up." What does the customer want? How can you meet their needs?

I also asked my mother in law. Being in retail management, she had a great perspective.

Think about the emotion behind what you're selling. The manager I was interviewing had just had a baby.

She said something along the lines of "When you see this pen, think about the moment you had your child, writing his/her name and signing the birth certificate. This pen is the pen you will use to write about the moments you captured in your scrapbook."

When you add sentimental value to an item, you are selling to meet the specific customer's needs. That is what she looks for in an interview.

Lastly, I found this website helpful: Dealer Marketing Magazine: Sell Me This Pen

Put yourself into a character.

Don't be an interviewee, be a long time associate of a worldwide pen company. In my case BIC.

Introduce yourself to your interviewer as if you have never met. Shake their hand, ask their name, and begin the sales process by askng questions.

After reading up on the question, the interviewer isn't thinking about the pen at all. What they really want to know is:

1. Are you a quick thinker?
2. Can you negotiate?
3. Can you sell to the customer's individual needs?
4. Are you afraid to ask questions?
5. Are you creative?
6. Can you romance a product into an idea?

So... now that you have been informed, CAN YOU SELL ME THIS PEN?

Feeling the Love

Today is my birthday. I am officially a 24 year old. Not quite 1/4 of a century!

It almost makes me feel old!!!

Today started off awesome with an inspiring birthday text from one of my besties saying something that could have come from a Hallmark card. It made my day from the start. (Which is good because I have been having a rough couple of weeks)

You have to love having good friends to bring you out of a negative funk. 

Then I checked my facebook.... soooo many people were showing me birthday love! Yay!

I loved reading/responding to every individual message.

I know they only take seconds to type up, but they made my day!

After all the happy messages, I went to my interview... which was fantastic!

Everyone please hope and pray that I get that job and send me your positive energy because it would be so awesome!! (I have been talking about how badly I want the job off and on all day!)

So because my interview went so well, and I felt a good energy coming from the man, I felt that much happier.

From there, my dad and mom met me at Olive Garden for my birthday lunch. Yay! We had soup, salad, an alfredo bowl for our breadsticks, and some good conversation.

Feelin' the love!

Then my mom took me shopping with her and bought me a purse, some Bare Minerals and Philosophy cleanser at Sephora (Who, come to find out, give away a cute birthday cake liquid soap if you come in on your birthday!) Not to mention we nearly made our tummys explode by drinking some Gloria Jeans Coffee after we were already full from lunch!

This birthday has been amazing so far... and it's only going to get better. It goes to show you that if you give off a positive energy, you will recieve it! I just hope to top it all off by getting that job!!! (I told you I can't stop talking about it!)

Now, to share the love, I'll leave you with a happy thought:

"As I go through all kinds of feelings and experiences in my journey through life -- delight, surprise, chagrin, dismay -- I hold this question as a guiding light: "What do I really need right now to be happy?" What I come to over and over again is that only qualities as vast and deep as love, connection and kindness will really make me happy in any sort of enduring way."

- Sharon Salzberg



Quote of the Day

Find your inner peace, be inspired, seek out what you want, love yourself, love others, and be you! :o)
On a side note, tomorrow is my birthday! Yeeeeeah 24! Have a great Wednesday!

Gettin' My Ink On!

I am proud to announce that I, Kiersten, have officially had my first tattoo! It's exciting!!!!

 A couple friends of mine paid for this tattoo as a birthday gift. I have some awesome friends. To share the love, here is a pic of us:



(From left to right: Kiersten(Me), Jackie, Whitney)

We started by checking out our local tattoo parlors. One, just plainly called "Tattoos" across from the Concord Mall in Elkhart, IN started off by dissing the artwork. It turned me off. Not to mention the building was very tiny and run-down. Not appealing. 

So we went to another parlor called Divine Tattoo. (Elkhart, Indiana)

The front desk guy complimented the picture, he was very professional, and the environment was welcoming.

I set up an appointment to talk to the tattoo artist later that day!

This is the beautiful sketch of my owl (Drawn by my sister Brittany, who was offered to be a tattoo apprentice I hope she takes it!) Anyone who knows her should also know that she is a fantastic artist!

I came back later that day to speak to the tattoo artist. He said he could do the tattoo, asked about size, and we set a date! He only asked $140 for a hand-sized tattoo! HUGE!

Showing up for my appointment, I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect since it was my first tattoo. The tattoo artist explained what he was doing step by step and cracked some jokes to calm my nerves. He was very helpful. He separated the colors and his work station was very clean (In other words, I have no fear of infection or disease at this moment) The ink room was also big enough to house my audience of three, and it could have fit more! In the midst of our random babbles and conversation, he proudly announced that his entire staff is drug-free (Which isn't always the case in the tattoo world). I was in good hands!

At about this time, my girl Paige from PBandJ Apparel began recording. Yes, it was caught on video. When the video is edited and ready, I will link to her youtube for everyone to see.

For now, here's some pictures:

(The outline in progess)

(Left: the black shading in process. Right: the finished outline with black shading.)

(Adding colors!)

(Three hours later... FIN!)

At the end of my experience, I had not shed a tear or yelled a profane word. Yay for me!

I will post more updates on the experience and my healing process.

Liebster Blog award!

I have been given the Liebster Blog award! Thanks to my girl @ PBandJ Apparel!

When I learned that I had won this award (since I almost never win anything) my reaction was something like this:

Or maybe like this:

You get the picture (tee hee). I was excited!

So now, to share the love, I will award some blogs.

1. Javan Fitness
2. Find Life's Rythm
3. Living In Yellow

The Liebster Award is designed to be awarded to blogs with less than 300 subscribers to spread the blog love and get them out to a wider audience.

The Rules:

1. Post displaying the award, linking back to the person who awarded you.

2. Pick 3 blogs and let them know they're awarded.