Pittsburgh Nesties — thenest

clare- showings

AmandaJLewis — Fri, 31 May 2013 09:38:52 +0000

I hear you on the pain of the un-productive showings. When we listed last year in January we had a lot of activity but with more serious buyers. Then came spring after all of our issues were resolved and we had so many more showings that amounted to nothing. Just people looking at what was out there. Which is fine but so hard when you are trying to keep a house tidy with a kid(s) and need to haul out the pooches every time too! I hope your house finds its next owner soon! hang in there. Activity is a good sign, it means that your listing is attractive online!

for those with little Monsters Inc fans

egpitt22 — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:31:46 +0000

The Lowe's Build & Grow classes are Monsters Inc themed this month, they look really cute

http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

I need to start remembering to check out their classes, as well as Home Depot's; we've never done any of the workshops, but I think jake would like them!

gates on banisters/top of stairs

egpitt22 — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:50:26 +0000

So, my little houdini has been trying to bust out of his crib the past few nights. His room is right at the top of our stairs, so we need to install a gate up there to keep him from tumbling down (with Jake we just put a gate across his door, but he was older & never climbed anything, so I didn't worry about him getting out)

We have a banister on one side of the staircase, and the gate would have to be mounted into the wall on the other side. I don't want to have to drill into the banister if we don't have to...any suggestions for gates? I'd like one that has the swing through door.

thanks!

Summer Bucket List

Meghan&Rich — Fri, 31 May 2013 10:42:46 +0000

I've seen a few summer bucket list ideas floating around Pinterest. We didn't get around to doing a lot of the things I wanted to last summer, so I'm thinking that making a check list might help to keep us on track.

Does anyone have any fun ideas or things they're looking forward to doing this summer?

Running/Fitness Post!

Meghan&Rich — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:39:56 +0000

I don't think we did a running post in a couple weeks - how is everyone doing? (Also, I thought we could do a general fitness/exercise post, not just running!)

The last two weeks have been tough, I haven't done anything! The stomach flu made it's way through our house, then last week I was traveling for work. I wanted to get out this weekend, but I was honestly exhausted from the last few weeks and chose sleep over moving. Before this I had finally reached the point of running a 5k in under an 11 minute pace, so hopefully my lack of activity hasn't set me back too much. I plan to run tonight, we'll see how I do!

I also decided to not cancel my Y membership, so I am looking forward to getting back to taking classes again. (Cross training on my own just isn't working out that well, I need someone telling me what to do.)

This weekend I have the Dirty Girl Mud Run. I am not nervous about the running part, but I am not sure how I'll do on the obstacle part. It's my first mud run though, so I am excited to see how it goes.

Sand and water tables

lala5507 — Thu, 30 May 2013 12:00:01 +0000

This sand and water table is driving me batty! I'm glad we have it because it keeps the kids busy for a pretty long time but....the sand ends up on the water side, the water ends up on the sand side. I drain the water and half the sand comes out. How do you keep your sand and water orderly? Or do you just let go?

Runners

rona118 — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 07:30:34 +0000

Hi there ladies! I have a question for you.... so this weekend in my attempt to push myself to run 5 mins more than I had (25 mins from 20 in the last week) I think I did something to my left hamstring. I can walk fine without pain. It is just when I extend my leg out to stretch it really hurts and is very tight. Not sure if I rest a day or so or push through?? I don't think it is pulled or a strain based on my google reading (ha.)

Thanks,

Caron

Babysitting Course/Infant-Toddler CPR

mareski — Fri, 31 May 2013 07:45:48 +0000

Hey ladies, anyone know of a good infant-toddler CPR class for teens? We are looking to have my niece to start babysitting for us and she is 15. Our daughter has some gross motor and oral feeding issues (14 months) and so we want to make sure she has some background in CPR/First Aid. I've seen some through hospitals, but their ages were between 11-13. Oh, we are in the South Hills if that helps.

Part Time

mrsnala — Thu, 30 May 2013 07:16:33 +0000

Does anyone know of any part time positions available? I have a Masters Degree in Accounting and I am looking for something part time since having DS. Sometimes you ladies have connections.

TGIF!

AmandaJLewis — Fri, 31 May 2013 06:54:35 +0000

Why is it the short weeks always feel longer?

so happy to welcome the weekend though. What does everyone have planned?

Tonight after work is EJ's pre-k graduation (though monday she goes right back like nothing ever happened... yea daycare). and I promised her Red Robin for dinner. Tomorrow I may take her to the zoo (we have not been there in over a year!?!?!) and then spend the rest of the day hanging out in the neighborhood. I kinda want to repaint my front door (thinking green) to brighten up the front of the house but the logistics of that on a very hot day do not seem very easy, as there is no screen door and the AC is running. Perhaps I will get the paint and just do a first coat early sunday.

7 days until the pool work should start. sigh.

Amy

gwennythepooh — Fri, 31 May 2013 10:13:48 +0000

Did you find a pre-school for Brinley? Our daycare (not terribly far from yours) offers preschool and seems to be pretty good. It's a 3 star center and she indicated that the kids are always extremely ready for kindergarten. Let me know if you need the name!

North Hills Pre-Schools

Meghan&Rich — Fri, 31 May 2013 08:32:43 +0000

Can anyone recommend any pre-schools in the North Hills? Our daycare offers a pre-school program, but I think it's a lot pricier than a stand alone program. There's a chance we may be pulling the boys from daycare, but I'd need a pre-school option for Mason in the fall and I'm not sure where to start!

TIA!

South Hills Electrician Recommendations?

mareski — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:50:32 +0000

We have a few small electricical corrections that we need made and are looking for an Electrician in the South Hills. Any recommendations? My husband called Gillece and they were supposed to come between 4-6, but when he called again yesterday they said it would be between 7-9pm. With a little one, that window of time was not acceptable.

Thursday Randoms

waltsgirl102503 — Thu, 30 May 2013 09:20:03 +0000

Post your random thoughts. Because we need more than 2 posts today!

Booster car seat questions

Luckystar2 — Wed, 29 May 2013 10:25:57 +0000

I've asked before, but it's been a while. A couple booster seat questions. How long do you expect to have your kid in a 5 point booster before switching to just seat belt and high back booster?

What seat do you have and do you like it?

We had to get a seat quick in the fall after car accident. I asked then and I think a few have graco nautilus. The store we went to didn't have it so we went with graco argos. And we hate it! However, looking at seats in stores lately, seems most seats have the same issues. 1. the strap tightening/loosening system isn't great. Spoiled by evenflo triumph for sure! But I seriously am not able to tighten our argos. 2. the crotch strap is too far inward so it's very hard to buckle. 3. The tabs that go into the buckle are awkward and it's just hard to get it buckled!

I have joint issues so ease of use with straps/buckles is a big deal. But I guess, realistically how long will we keep her in 5 point harness? Once in seat belt these issues are moot. DD just turned 5 and is right around 45lbs. But I just don't know when I'd be ready to switch to just seat belt.

Anybody have Britax 85? I just got an amazon email and they are on sale since the 90 just came out. There's an 85 for $195 which seems like a great deal. The 90 itself looks really nice and is on sale for $250. But not sure if the updates are worth the extra cost at this point.

I'd love to try out the 85 in store but nobody has it in stock! $195 seems like a great price for a britax but am wondering if its worth it at this point? Not sure how much longer she will be in 5 point. Should I just go with something cheaper??

2 year olds and hitting

lala5507 — Thu, 30 May 2013 09:08:49 +0000

Earlier this month we took the girls for their yearly check ups. They were both due for a 4 year and 2.5 year so we did it at the same time. My 2.5 year old pushed my 4 year old randomly during the visit. The pediatrician saw and said, "oh do we have an aggression issue..." and they I got sent home with all this paper work about aggressive kids that was clearly written about school aged children.

I think dd is a pretty normal 2 year old who occasionally has trouble controlling herself. She never hits other kids other than her sister; it's not like she's a bully. She is actually getting much better. I thought hitting was a pretty "normal" toddler phase. Obviously, we address it as soon as she does it. But what that heck? You see my kid push her sister one time and now she's labeled as an aggressive kid? Grrrrr

Aldi shoppers--questions

lishie — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:21:33 +0000

I know several of you shop at Aldi and have been happy with it.

Ours just opened, and I bought some produce, and I'm wondering if my bad experience is just a fluke involving the grand opening.

My bananas almost all had brown spots, the strawberry cartons contained some moldy berries, and several of the lemons in the package were covered in a greenish fuzz. None of this was apparent when I bought them, but I saw it when I got home and went to use them.

Have you seen this?

How are their eggs and milk? Would you recommend buying them there?

I'm going to give them another try, especially since it's so close to my house, but I know to be a little more careful with my purchase.

Our offer was accepted!

justme04 — Tue, 28 May 2013 20:31:26 +0000

On a house in North Hills. Now to get everything in order so we cross the t's and dot the i's, get all of those inspections done, and pack because we still have to be out of this apartment by July 14th and I want to be nearly done packing prior to July 1.

Edit- Seriously my phone auto-corrected accepted to excepted in the subject....stupid phone. I have a degree in Journalism...I know the difference between the two. I really should just never post from me phone...

South Hills Movers

WhitneyAnne — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:18:51 +0000

Has anyone used them for a local move? I had Don Farr here yesterday to give an estimate (then saw that they have an F with the BBB!)-so they are out! South Hills was here today. Would like to talk to one other local moving company, but just wondered what other experiences were with SHM. We will most likely need storage in btw moves, haven't found a new house yet

how to word this - nursing corner

denalea — Wed, 29 May 2013 09:04:17 +0000

We suddenly have a lot of small babies in our church, and I noticed one momma nursing in the bathroom, and our secretary noticed one going out to her car. So, we created a nursing corner in our nursery. It's just a rocking chair with a curtain (like at the Science Center) but I am pretty proud of it! Go us, helping Mommas to feel more comfortable in church!

But now, here's my dilemma. We want to put an announcement in the bulletin so people know its there. But I don't want people to think that we don't want small infants in worship. (One mom a few months back nursed right in the service...which was fine by me. She was covered and all of that. People probably didn't even realize it.) Would you think we were subtly telling you to get out with your infant if you read this in your church bulletin? Any changes you would make? We truly do love having children in church. Even the noisy variety. We just talk louder. :-)

For infants and parents who may need a little bit of privacy, our nursery now has a curtained off corner. This area can be used for nursing or for calming down your child should the need arise. Any of our ushers or nursery workers will be glad to show you where it is. We love having so many small babies in church, and hope that this area will help to better serve their needs.

Cancer Sucks

amyjoy18 — Tue, 28 May 2013 07:14:26 +0000

My aunt received her diagnosis and treatment plan on Friday. She has Stage III breast cancer. It's an aggressive cancer. She will need to do 3 different types of chemo. Two types at the same time for 3 months, then the third kind for another 3 months. Followed by 33 radiation treatments. It's going to be a long 2013 for her and her family.

My heart is breaking for her 2 daughters. The oldest is graduating HS in 2 weeks, and the youngest is a sophomore--who had no desire to get her license, but is now doing it so she can drive her mom to chemo.

I know they're worried about finances too, since they have an 80/20 insurance plan. I feel so helpless.

Kitchen Appliances

amyjoy18 — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:20:10 +0000

Are your kitchen appliances all the same brand?

Our home has taken off construction-wise. The cabinets are going in today and we need to get the counter top people out to template it, but first we need to select our cook-top.

And I'm trying to decide if it's necessary to go with one brand/line for everything, or if we pick the pieces we want individually.

Thoughts?

They will be stainless steel if that makes a difference.

East end nesties--spray park

lishie — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:47:08 +0000

The Mellon Park spray park is finally opening, after a two year delay

Since playing is a topic -- trampolines: yay or nay?

MandyMilller — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:37:33 +0000

We've been debating this for years! On one hand, I think it'd be fun to have a big trampoline (with enclosure), but I am slightly worried about injuries and maintenance. My parents picked up a pretty nice one from Aldi's for $200, but only time will tell if it's well made.

If you have one, is it worth the trouble? Or is it a novelty that wears off quickly? What do you have to do to protect it in winter?

Speaking of trampolines...

lala5507 — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:03:44 +0000

I say we have an adult nestie get together here...

http://www.skyzone.com/leetsdale

Maple Syrup- wasn't there a post?

Jefsnickerdodle — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:01:52 +0000

I thought I remembered reading a post about this...

Today I was at Giant Eagle and I saw the Log Cabin clearly marked that it had no HFC.

Typically I buy Giant Eagle because I read lables before and it actually contains Maple Syrup.

So I decided to compare.

Both are 24oz.

Log Cabin 2.99

NO HFC But 1st ing. was Corn syrup followed by "Liquid Sugar" followed by a bunch of crap.

Giant Eagle 2/3

Yes HFC was listed first followed by Corn Syrup. Followed By MAPLE SYRUP then it says less than 2% of a couple things and some color.

Next I looked at nutrition. All about the same- not really good for ya, BUT the sodium on the Log Cabin was 153mg or something outragous and the Giant Eagle is only 25 mg!!!

Soooo I don't know. Pick you battles I guess.

I opted for a little HFC with some REAL MAPLE and like 1/6th the sodium.....

We don't eat syrup all that much...and I did switch to Simply ketchup with no HFC which Adam especially eats much more of than he does syrup!

ETA: who they heck actually eats a 1/4 cup of the stuff anyway?? really? we drizzle not eat it with a spoon- yuck!

What's everyone up to this weekend?

sarahandtim — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:19:28 +0000

My brain is already at the beach, so I need some distraction today. My friend and I are driving down to North Carolina for the weekend for our friend's 30th birthday. I'm going to really miss the boys, but the though of laying on the beach with a Corona all weekend will help me get over that!

What's everyone else up to?

Chimney Repair

leiann2003 — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:28:39 +0000

We need to have some of the bricks on our chimney repaired. Does anyone have a recommendation for someone that does this type of work?

Thanks!

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

Temp752290812504671 — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:45:09 +0000

I know a lot of people were waiting for Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale last month, well it is currently going on online and in-store.

Follow up on kids' playing

Luckystar2 — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:17:15 +0000

Does your kid dictate playing? I really hadn't paid attention to this until a friend pointed it out. Dd dictates pretty much every aspect of play. If she wants us to play with her she says, mom play dolls with me. Fine. But then she will say, mom you have to be this one and pretend this and pretend that.

She had a friend over the other day and was doing the same thing. I said a couple times to her to stop and let her friend choose but her friend says, that's ok I like it.

i think this is coming from her being an only child and her friends are not as strong willed as she is.

Anybody else notice this? I assume its normal to an extent but feels like dd does it a lot! I always worry about her being an only child and don't want her to think she can always get her way. If we play with her we generally just do what she wants since we don't really care vs a sibling who might fight back. Lately we have been trying to not just do whatever she wants and talk to her about letting her friends choose when they play, etc. IDK I think it's also just personality...dd is a leader/boss!