articles - Matthew's Puzzle - Autism Recovery, Gluten Free, Green Living Mom Blog

Going Grey Update

November 8, 2012 By Maryann

Hi there, here is my latest going grey update. Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday Photographing Water

November 7, 2012 By Maryann

This Wordless Wednesday I decided to try to photograph water. I wanted to get the individual droplets. That meant I needed the fastest shutter speed possible. I had some problems because I didn’t have enough light and so I needed my flash. On my camera you can only go to 1/200 with the flash but can get to 1/4000 without the flash. So these aren’t where I want them to be. I will keep trying. Enjoy.

This is the slowest shutter speed I used. You can see how the water looks more like one solid thing.

This is a faster shutter speed. The water looks like more independent drops. Not where I want it to be, but I’ll get there.

Another at the same shutter speed.

The Trash Pack Review

November 6, 2012 By Maryann

photo provided by The Trash Pack

Who would have thought that a little orange plastic trash can could bring so much joy to 3 little boys!? When I was at Brandcation I got 3 small bags to give to the boys when I got home. Little did I know they contained The Trash Pack and that these Trash Packs would become such a big part of my life. Immediately my boys feel in love with these dirty, trashy creatures and a bond was formed.

I love anything that gets them excited and gets them to use their imaginations. And The Trash Pack gives them one more thing that they can talk to their friends about. Since autism often leaves a child not knowing how to relate to other kids, I love it when they find something that gives them a natural topic and that they are interested in, just like their friends. My boys have put the Street Sweeper and the Garbage Truck on their Christmas lists. Thank goodness they haven’t found out about the liquid ooze pack. That might just be mom’s limit! But I do kind of love these little Trash Pack guys. They are sort of gross, but what boy doesn’t love gross? They come in small packages, and what kid doesn’t love little things like themselves? And now we are seeing them all over TV. Kinda cool.

The Trash Pack can be found at Walmart, Toys R Us, Walgreens, Five Below, Kmart and Target. They come in individual packs and multi-packs. I suggest a multi-pack, myself. My personal favorite is Scummy Mummy from the Bin Monsters collection. Which one is yours?

Photo provided by The Trash Pack

Personal Creations Review

November 1, 2012 By Maryann

photo provided by Personal Creations

I love our “new” home. I still refer to it as “new” even though we have lived in it for over 4 years. But we haven’t fully decorated the walls yet. My husband has painted most of the rooms, but we are still putting our personal touches on it. And I have several neighbors that have really done a beautiful job of making their homes personal and welcoming. (which makes me a little jealous of their design aesthetics.)

So when I was given the chance to order something from Personal Creations I jumped at it. I ordered the Embossed Metal Tile in Black and it fits perfectly in our Kitchen. I love the Shabby Chic look of it; all pressed metal with our family initial in the center and our last name printed below that.

Ever since I was a teenager going to high school in an former Catholic boarding school which was covered in painted pressed tin, I have been in love with it. I wanted to do our kitchen ceiling in pressed tin, but my husband is not as in love with it as I am. Enough said. That is why I love the Embossed Metal Tile from Personal Creations. It reminds me of that elegant pressed tin but this one harbors a personal touch, which makes it all the more special.

Photo provided by Personal Creations

Personal Creations had some other amazingly beautiful options such as the Wine Inspired Photography Framed Print, Love Defined Print and the Stemless Wine Glasses. All of these would make wonderful gifts for a bridal shower or anniversary. And Personal Creations also has some adorable Christmas ornaments and stockings that you can personalize with your family members names. My Embossed Metal Tile arrived quickly and I hung it the same afternoon.