I decided recently, that I want to retry the whole etsy thing. I just ordered some supplies, to make soap and some jewelery. Yes, that is an odd combo, but both seem fun. Crafts are supposed to be fun right? I hope to have some new posts soon. I have been completely frazzled these past few weeks. 2 different family members, from 2 different sides of the family, have spent some time in the hospital recently. I've been awful tired due to lack of sleep because a certain 2 year old thinks sleep is overrated. I haven't been able to finish a book in weeks and winter just doesn't seem to want to end. I haven't seen the sun in FOREVER and coffee doesn't even make me happy anymore. *sigh* But I am hoping this etsy business lifts my spirits a little bit. Hopefully my next entry is a little less depressing for you. ;)
Oh, and I changed my blog title back to the original. I have over 200 business cards from the last time I had an etsy shop, I wanted everything to be legit on the card. I know it's annoying, but so am I. ;) I think I will keep this from now on.
08 March 2013
27 January 2013
Bedside Book
I recently just finished the Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.
Overall, it was a good book. It wasn't an 'easy' read IMO, but I did enjoy it. I actually learned a little bit from it as well. I loved how the narrators of the book, were 5 different characters, so we got to see the story unfold from 5 different perspectives. If you have time to read an in depth story, this would be a good choice. I like these types of books, which also make me learn to appreciate what I have as well.
Whenever I complete either a book series, or a huge novel, Like the Poisonwood Bible, I end up with a little bit of a book hangover. If you read a lot, I am sure you can relate. I don't always feel up to reading another book, because I am still recovering from the previous.
I usually follow up these 'hangovers' with what I call a 'light and fluffy' read. Usually a romance novel. Yep, I admitted to being into those types of books. I like them. They don't require much thinking, they are easy to read and are a great 'in between' book for the next in depth read. In my mind a perfect way to keep the book reading going, and not go into a lull.
The book I decided to open up on my kindle has been downloaded for quite some time now. I tend to hoard ebooks, because, well, amazon is always giving them away for free, so I just grab them in quantity. I just grabbed one at random and decided it was a good one to start up. It is called "Her Best Catch" by Lindi Peterson.
A quick overview of this book: Allison Doll's mother is rebelliously turning fifty, her two best friends have started dating
and a gorgeous injured relief pitcher named Ashton Boyd has joined her
Sunday school class, rocking her world into confusion, heartache and
temptation, places she hasn't visited in a long time, much less all at
once.
But with the help of family, old friends she really hasn't lost, a new friend she really can count on, and God, she begins to find out whether she'll always be a girl waiting for life to happen or a woman who's ready to commit to her best catch.
It is so far, a very easy read.
Overall, it was a good book. It wasn't an 'easy' read IMO, but I did enjoy it. I actually learned a little bit from it as well. I loved how the narrators of the book, were 5 different characters, so we got to see the story unfold from 5 different perspectives. If you have time to read an in depth story, this would be a good choice. I like these types of books, which also make me learn to appreciate what I have as well.
Whenever I complete either a book series, or a huge novel, Like the Poisonwood Bible, I end up with a little bit of a book hangover. If you read a lot, I am sure you can relate. I don't always feel up to reading another book, because I am still recovering from the previous.
I usually follow up these 'hangovers' with what I call a 'light and fluffy' read. Usually a romance novel. Yep, I admitted to being into those types of books. I like them. They don't require much thinking, they are easy to read and are a great 'in between' book for the next in depth read. In my mind a perfect way to keep the book reading going, and not go into a lull.
The book I decided to open up on my kindle has been downloaded for quite some time now. I tend to hoard ebooks, because, well, amazon is always giving them away for free, so I just grab them in quantity. I just grabbed one at random and decided it was a good one to start up. It is called "Her Best Catch" by Lindi Peterson.
But with the help of family, old friends she really hasn't lost, a new friend she really can count on, and God, she begins to find out whether she'll always be a girl waiting for life to happen or a woman who's ready to commit to her best catch.
It is so far, a very easy read.
Sleeping through the Night
Whats this sleep you speak of? I feel like there is some kind of sensor in my brain, that sets off a silent alarm as soon as I drift off into dreamland, that causes one of my sweet boys to start whining, or even better, BOTH of them in a lovely chorus of constant cries.
This happens every night for at least the past week.
EVERY.
SINGLE.
TIME.
I fall asleep, until about 2am when they finally grow tired.
BUT, they don't sleep in either. Still up at the crack of dawn they are. Which is fine, because I hate sleeping in, but because of their lack of sleep, they are whiney and cranky for the greater portion of the morning. I can't even complete a full cup of coffee (if I can even GET to that first cup first) without the youngest climbing into my lap begging for mommies love.
Do I mind the snuggles? no, of course not. I LOVE to love my children. But what I wouldn't do for a full uninterrupted night of sleep, followed up with a moment of peace and a full HOT cup of coffee.
This happens every night for at least the past week.
EVERY.
SINGLE.
TIME.
I fall asleep, until about 2am when they finally grow tired.
BUT, they don't sleep in either. Still up at the crack of dawn they are. Which is fine, because I hate sleeping in, but because of their lack of sleep, they are whiney and cranky for the greater portion of the morning. I can't even complete a full cup of coffee (if I can even GET to that first cup first) without the youngest climbing into my lap begging for mommies love.
Do I mind the snuggles? no, of course not. I LOVE to love my children. But what I wouldn't do for a full uninterrupted night of sleep, followed up with a moment of peace and a full HOT cup of coffee.
12 January 2013
Fabric Softener
One of the ways I like to save money, is to make my own cleaning supplies. Today I am going to share with you, the Liquid Fabric Softener I use.
I cannot, for the life of me, remember WHERE I got this recipe, but I have been using it for quite some time now, and I am really satisfied with it. I will share it here with you, but cannot take the credit. Someone out there in the world wide web, is the one to thank. :)
Anyway.. The recipe is as follows:
6 cups water
4 cups white vinegar
2 cups hair conditioner
This is what I use:
Its just 1 15 FL OZ bottle. It is pretty much 2 cups.. so all I do is squirt the entire bottle into the pot, instead of making a mess with measuring, etc.
You can use ANY scent you want. No rules here. :)
You pour all of the ingredients into a pot, and boil and stir slowly (if you use a wooden spoon, I would recommend restricting it for DIY use only, unless you like the taste of conditioner, of course) Just keep stirring, until the conditioner is completely dissolved.
Thats it. Once you're done, find a funnel, and a container (I used an old gallon sized vinegar bottle) and pour your softener into the jug. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per load. This stuff lasts me months.
This doesn't save me a TON of money, but every penny counts right?
I cannot, for the life of me, remember WHERE I got this recipe, but I have been using it for quite some time now, and I am really satisfied with it. I will share it here with you, but cannot take the credit. Someone out there in the world wide web, is the one to thank. :)
Anyway.. The recipe is as follows:
6 cups water
4 cups white vinegar
2 cups hair conditioner
This is what I use:
You can use ANY scent you want. No rules here. :)
You pour all of the ingredients into a pot, and boil and stir slowly (if you use a wooden spoon, I would recommend restricting it for DIY use only, unless you like the taste of conditioner, of course) Just keep stirring, until the conditioner is completely dissolved.
Thats it. Once you're done, find a funnel, and a container (I used an old gallon sized vinegar bottle) and pour your softener into the jug. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per load. This stuff lasts me months.
This doesn't save me a TON of money, but every penny counts right?
11 January 2013
New Name
I am sure you noticed if you are subscribed to this blog, and noticed an odd name in your blog roll. I did it without warning. Sorry about that.
The title "Creative Ideas" just didn't feel like it fit with me anymore.. not with this blog anyway. I don't always have something 'creative' to share here. So I felt that it needed some change.
The title "Creative Ideas" just didn't feel like it fit with me anymore.. not with this blog anyway. I don't always have something 'creative' to share here. So I felt that it needed some change.
more to add to my "to do" list :)
Today a new bed we had ordered arrived. I set it up in the boys room, where I wanted it. Even though it 'fits' it still seems kind of crowded. I *might* make it work, by rearranging their room, but I also am tempted to just switch them with our room.
We will be crowded in there, sure, but they are 2 young boys, and have a lot more STUFF than we do. This is going to cause a lot of work, and I am sure my husband won't like the thought of moving stuff around just because I feel like it. (not the way he likes to spend his days off) But our room is slightly bigger, and because they have 2 twin size beds, unless they are pushed together, they take up lots of space, leaving not much room to actually play.
So, unless I dig up some of my own ambition to do it myself, its not happening. I get bored easily, and as the kids get older, I feel like changes are always necessary. We live in small quarters of what is 'technically' 1300 square feet, most of it is closets, one of which is a utility closet holding the furnace and hot water heater so for 5 people, cramped is just the way of life, right?
I am still finishing up my pantry project I have been working on as well.. lots of half finished projects going on here. ;p It will all get done eventually.. I am actually pretty darn excited about the boys moving forward and having 2 big boy beds all to themselves. Its already been a HUGE accomplishment getting them BOTH out of OUR bed.. SUCCESS!!
Hopefully soon, I will have photos of a complete room makeover. Kind of excited. Now all I must do is convince the husband. Have a great weekend!
We will be crowded in there, sure, but they are 2 young boys, and have a lot more STUFF than we do. This is going to cause a lot of work, and I am sure my husband won't like the thought of moving stuff around just because I feel like it. (not the way he likes to spend his days off) But our room is slightly bigger, and because they have 2 twin size beds, unless they are pushed together, they take up lots of space, leaving not much room to actually play.
So, unless I dig up some of my own ambition to do it myself, its not happening. I get bored easily, and as the kids get older, I feel like changes are always necessary. We live in small quarters of what is 'technically' 1300 square feet, most of it is closets, one of which is a utility closet holding the furnace and hot water heater so for 5 people, cramped is just the way of life, right?
I am still finishing up my pantry project I have been working on as well.. lots of half finished projects going on here. ;p It will all get done eventually.. I am actually pretty darn excited about the boys moving forward and having 2 big boy beds all to themselves. Its already been a HUGE accomplishment getting them BOTH out of OUR bed.. SUCCESS!!
Hopefully soon, I will have photos of a complete room makeover. Kind of excited. Now all I must do is convince the husband. Have a great weekend!
09 January 2013
Pantry Project
Right now I am currently working on putting a pantry in our hall closet. We used to have a decent sized stockpile in our garage, on a cheap-o book shelf we put together ourselves.
I had recently asked my husband to bring it into our closet inside the house (the garage is not insulated, everything was just WAY too cold, and I wanted easier access to our food! lol) When he went to start moving the unit, it broke in half. *sigh* the bottom part got moist and the wood kind of rot out. If you want to call it wood. I think its particle board maybe? IDC, either way, I was bummed. I do not want to go out and buy another one.
SO... we had to make do with what we have. My husband started to take the unit apart, to throw it away and noticed it was only the bottom half that is ruined. Take that off, and the top part was still a solid piece. YAY! So, we still have a couple shelves for pantry purposes.
Right now I have a very mixed up closet, just random pieces of rescued furniture, re purposed for storage.
My mish mosh, not organized yet, pantry. If you see on the left, is the broken in half bookshelf, but hey, it works! In the far back is just an old plastic shelf we had around for quite a few years. It has been re-purposed several times. Up until yesterday, it was a DVD rack lol. On the right, is a broken dresser. Yep, I kept that too. I took the drawer fronts off, and laid them down, on the runners. (I think thats what they are called.. ) It works!
Sorry, I don't have any other pictures to show off today. I want to make it nice and organized first. I only started this yesterday. Stay tuned, next week I will have much prettier pictures. Some of the stuff in here needs a new home too. (games do not belong in here anymore ;p )
I had recently asked my husband to bring it into our closet inside the house (the garage is not insulated, everything was just WAY too cold, and I wanted easier access to our food! lol) When he went to start moving the unit, it broke in half. *sigh* the bottom part got moist and the wood kind of rot out. If you want to call it wood. I think its particle board maybe? IDC, either way, I was bummed. I do not want to go out and buy another one.
SO... we had to make do with what we have. My husband started to take the unit apart, to throw it away and noticed it was only the bottom half that is ruined. Take that off, and the top part was still a solid piece. YAY! So, we still have a couple shelves for pantry purposes.
Right now I have a very mixed up closet, just random pieces of rescued furniture, re purposed for storage.
My mish mosh, not organized yet, pantry. If you see on the left, is the broken in half bookshelf, but hey, it works! In the far back is just an old plastic shelf we had around for quite a few years. It has been re-purposed several times. Up until yesterday, it was a DVD rack lol. On the right, is a broken dresser. Yep, I kept that too. I took the drawer fronts off, and laid them down, on the runners. (I think thats what they are called.. ) It works!
Sorry, I don't have any other pictures to show off today. I want to make it nice and organized first. I only started this yesterday. Stay tuned, next week I will have much prettier pictures. Some of the stuff in here needs a new home too. (games do not belong in here anymore ;p )
07 January 2013
Family Game Night
One of my New Years Resolutions involved my entire family. Each week, we are to have the youngest (2) draw a name out of a bag (for right now, I will think up something else soon, lol)
The person's whose name is drawn, gets to pick the game, or games depending on how long it takes to play that night. That persons name will not be put back into the mix until all names have been drawn.
It works out too, as there are 4 of us who choose, since the 2 year old really doesn't care or understand, he just likes to sit and watch, and is generally on mommies team. ;)
Family Game night is done on Monday nights, as the husband is not working that night, so its something to look forward to each and every week.
This was the first week for game night. The 4 year old picked so we ended up playing a game with a gross title, Bed Bugs. Remember that game?
*note to self* Make sure you specify GAME when searching images on google. *gag*
We then proceeded to play Operation Buzz Lightyear edition.
It was fun, but not really for a 4 year old.. he enjoyed it but gets really frustrated with it at the same time. Its all about fun though right?
Its not just Mondays that hog all the fun though. Tuesdays are also daddy's day off, so we have a separate drawing for Movie Night.
As long as the movie is family appropriate, the person's name who was drawn can pick whatever they want and whether the rest of us like it or not, too bad. We are to sit as a family and enjoy the whole film.
Last week was week one for Movies. The movie chosen was The Avengers.
A couple of the kids were NOT interested at first (blasphemy!) But didn't move an inch the entire time. THEY LOVED IT. Not surprised. :)
I haven't really come up with dedicated things to do for the rest of the week, but the kids won't sit home bored.
Anyway, so far, we are really enjoying dedicated family time. It is something everyone can look forward too, and doing things together is proving to be a really great experience. We have spent time together before, but now that it is slated, its much more often. The kids are much happier, and in turn, so are we. :)
The person's whose name is drawn, gets to pick the game, or games depending on how long it takes to play that night. That persons name will not be put back into the mix until all names have been drawn.
It works out too, as there are 4 of us who choose, since the 2 year old really doesn't care or understand, he just likes to sit and watch, and is generally on mommies team. ;)
Family Game night is done on Monday nights, as the husband is not working that night, so its something to look forward to each and every week.
This was the first week for game night. The 4 year old picked so we ended up playing a game with a gross title, Bed Bugs. Remember that game?
*note to self* Make sure you specify GAME when searching images on google. *gag*
We then proceeded to play Operation Buzz Lightyear edition.
Its not just Mondays that hog all the fun though. Tuesdays are also daddy's day off, so we have a separate drawing for Movie Night.
As long as the movie is family appropriate, the person's name who was drawn can pick whatever they want and whether the rest of us like it or not, too bad. We are to sit as a family and enjoy the whole film.
Last week was week one for Movies. The movie chosen was The Avengers.
I haven't really come up with dedicated things to do for the rest of the week, but the kids won't sit home bored.
Anyway, so far, we are really enjoying dedicated family time. It is something everyone can look forward too, and doing things together is proving to be a really great experience. We have spent time together before, but now that it is slated, its much more often. The kids are much happier, and in turn, so are we. :)
06 January 2013
I added a poll
I recently asked for some suggestions, on what to title my posts for whatever book I am reading at the time of that post.
If you look on the top left of this page, you will see a little poll I put up with some options.
If you would like to vote for the title you like the most, It would be great! I could use any help in making my blog just a little more interesting. Thanks in advance!
If you look on the top left of this page, you will see a little poll I put up with some options.
If you would like to vote for the title you like the most, It would be great! I could use any help in making my blog just a little more interesting. Thanks in advance!
05 January 2013
A Pinteresting Find
Yesterday I logged onto Pinterest to find myself a dinner idea. I am SO BORED with boring and bland and have decided to try at least 1 new recipe per month.
I of course, forgot to photograph my food. I was hungry. No time for pictures. Sorry! But it looked much like the picture in the original post.
HERE is the link to the recipe I used.
Pinterest really is a wonderful thing. I am sure a lot of bloggers are very happy with the thought that their work can get more recognition because someone (or themselves) have "Pinned" their work. It really does bring in more traffic. I know, because I had a few page views on a post from 2011 just a couple days ago, directed from a pin!
Thanks to pinterest, now this recipe blog I found (with a YUMMY recipe) now has a new follower. ME.
Here is a picture from the original poster, of the really EASY and delicious meal.
I didn't have scallions, so I just used chopped onions. And Also.. no cilantro (BOO!) but it was still really good. I suggest this for a simple, light but filling dinner.
I of course, forgot to photograph my food. I was hungry. No time for pictures. Sorry! But it looked much like the picture in the original post.
HERE is the link to the recipe I used.
Pinterest really is a wonderful thing. I am sure a lot of bloggers are very happy with the thought that their work can get more recognition because someone (or themselves) have "Pinned" their work. It really does bring in more traffic. I know, because I had a few page views on a post from 2011 just a couple days ago, directed from a pin!
Thanks to pinterest, now this recipe blog I found (with a YUMMY recipe) now has a new follower. ME.
Here is a picture from the original poster, of the really EASY and delicious meal.
Santa Fe Chicken
I didn't have scallions, so I just used chopped onions. And Also.. no cilantro (BOO!) but it was still really good. I suggest this for a simple, light but filling dinner.
Currently Reading
I am trying to figure out a catchy title for the current books I am reading each time I update. (likely bi weekly) Any suggestions are welcome!
I am involved in an online book group, which is made up of a few of the mommies I met when I joined ivillage several years ago, when expecting my 4 (almost 5 *gasp*) year old son.
This week I am reading January's book of the month:
So far, I am only about 5% into it, according to my kindles little ticker. So far, I am really enjoying it, and hoping to get a good chunk of it read this afternoon, if the kids allow it. :)
HOPEFULLY I can get this book done by weeks end, so I can attempt my goal of at least 2 books per month. Once upon a time, I read much much more, but my kids keep me busy. Most of my books are children's books these days, which isn't so bad either. My kids love to be read to, and I hope their love for books carries on into their teen years. I HATED reading as a teen so I aim to keep them interested.
I am involved in an online book group, which is made up of a few of the mommies I met when I joined ivillage several years ago, when expecting my 4 (almost 5 *gasp*) year old son.
This week I am reading January's book of the month:
So far, I am only about 5% into it, according to my kindles little ticker. So far, I am really enjoying it, and hoping to get a good chunk of it read this afternoon, if the kids allow it. :)
HOPEFULLY I can get this book done by weeks end, so I can attempt my goal of at least 2 books per month. Once upon a time, I read much much more, but my kids keep me busy. Most of my books are children's books these days, which isn't so bad either. My kids love to be read to, and I hope their love for books carries on into their teen years. I HATED reading as a teen so I aim to keep them interested.
03 January 2013
New Year, New Look, New style
I have been on a very long hiatus, as I wasn't all to happy with my blog. I never know exactly what to share, and I feel like I am under too much pressure to actually DO stuff to show off on my blog. I read a TON of different blogs and they are all SO good that I feel mine is not really worth a second look. Maybe I set the bar way too high for myself. After a few weeks of pondering, I decided, what the heck. I will just start fresh for 2013. So, as one of my few New Year Resolutions I will try to make 3 posts per week my goal. If I do more, great. Less, no big deal. I won't only be doing 'crafts' anymore. That was one of the reasons I had a hard time actually coming up with posts. Felt like to much 'work' when blogging. To me, is supposed to be fun. So I have decided to make my posts more diverse. Some crafts when I feel like it. Other times, organizational tasks. Some recipes, and some DIY tips and tricks I might find in the world of Pinterest. I will also share whatever book I am currently reading and whether or not I am enjoying it. (another goal I failed last year was my goodreads 40 books read by end of year.. whoops) I will also share in some of my motherhood moments. In those motherhood moments, this year I will be going through potty training (fully) my 2 year old. That will start in the spring when its above freezing so he isn't always bundled up lol. There will be lots of boring housewife random posted this year. I want my blog to be more exciting, and not so restricted to just 1 thing in-particular. This is my life and I want to share it all. I hope you all had a wonderful start to 2013 so far.
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