Takin' Time to Smell the Flowers

I ♥ Pinterest!

2012-01-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

Have you ever sat at your kitchen table, looked around you and felt "BLAH" about your decor? I definitely have! In fact, I'm doin' it right now! Sure, there are certain areas of my home that I thing are OK, but I just feel like there's something missing here and there. Part of it is, I've been "SIMPLIFYING" (Read about it here), so things are looking a little sparse! hehe!

When I was little I used to look through catalogs and virtually decorate my house. Now I have PINTEREST! We can all act like designers with Pinterest, creating our very own "design boards." So, if your feeling unmotivated, or uninspired, take a few minutes (if only a "few" minutes were possible on Pinterest!) and browse Pinterest for some inspiration!

Here are some items from my "Shopping List" board I've been working on...Things I want for my home♥

Source: wayfair.com via April on Pinterest

Source: potterybarn.com via April on Pinterest

What do you love about Pinterest?

Message Board Makeover

2012-01-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

I fixed up this ol' gal yesterday....

She was old, outdated and tired...

So I grabbed one of my favorite tools,

This Ryobi staple gun ROCKS! (Thank you very much Home Depot!)

Burlap + Twine + Upholstery Tacks =

My sweet girls and I, being big dorks...As usual!

My handsome Hubby in his Navy days♥

My handsome, sweet boy♥

We are dorks! Blue Steel Much?

Well, wha-do-ya think?

"Not Me" Monday

2012-01-22T21:52:00.000-08:00

I am so completely excited that MckMamma is still doing Not Me Monday! One of my favorite linky parties EVA! Click the link above to join the fun!! In case you missed any of my "Not me" Monday's I wanted to share my favorite past posts: Two Dogs and a Coon(NOTE: This post was written before Michael Jackson passed away)While sitting on the couch winding down one evening last week, I did not look over at Marley the cat because he was making a weird gagging sound. I then did not quickly realize he was going to up-chuck. I then did not throw a pillow at him to get him off the couch, and I did not hit him at the exact moment the up-chuck was up-chucking out of his mouth. This did not cause the nasty puke to fly, in slow motion I might add, all over the wall, the couch and lastly the floor...(Read More) Big Bootied RedneckI did not leave dirty dinner dishes on the counter almost every night this week. I would at least put them in the sink!

I do not have Christmas lights, live garland which is probably really not alive by now, and stars hanging from my porch railing. Hello! I'm not a Redneck, not even a little. Not me!...(Read More) Spiders, Cats and a Beauty College DisasterI did not have a spider crawl out on the arm of our couch and almost make me...scared the...scream and scream and my knight in shining armour saved me, and then took this picture of his victim. I'm not afraid of spiders, what kind of girl would I be? And I've certainly never thought of getting a gun to shoot a spider before out of sheer fear! Never, not me...(Read More) I love re-reading these, I remember all of these situations like it was yesterday. In my everyday life, I find myself saying, "SERIOUSLY?" or "Are you kidding me!?" or, "For Real!?" all too often! But I always find the humor in it all, what's life without laughter...especially at yourself! Happy Monday everyone! What have you NOT done lately?

5 Uses for Drop Cloth

2012-01-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Drop Cloth is definitely one of the fabrics I use the most. I always try to have some on hand. Here's why:

I ♥ the texture and color of it.
It's very inexpensive.
You can buy it @ The Home Depot
It has a plethora of uses (BIG word ALERT)!
& Finally because, I'm cool like that...

What can you do with drop cloth you may ask...Oh let me count the ways...Let's look at just 5 ideas that use drop cloth:

1. Reupholster furniture with it

(littlemisspennywenny.blogspot.com via Pinterest)

2. Curtains

Love the stencil!

(creativeoutletsofathriftymindedmomma.blogspot.com ((say that three times!)) via Pinterest)

3. Gorgeous, Shabby Bed skirt!

(Pinterest)

4. Pillows!

(ballarddesigns.com)

5. Print & Frame It!

(thelittlebrownhouse.us via Pinterest)

This is just a few of the gazillions of ideas for using Drop Cloth...What have you used drop cloth for?

If I write DROP CLOTH one more time I might choke myself!

{P.S. I'll be announcing the winner of the Valentine's Giveaway later today on Takin' Time's Facebook page...So if you don't follow that page, you better get to it! I will also email the winner♥}

Valentine Subway Art Giveaway

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION: If you haven't already signed the petition to STOP SOPA, please go here:
>>Simply Stacie<<
Simply Stacie gives a great explanation and link for you to sign the petition now...

This past weekend, I gave you a couple ideas for a {weekend DIY project}, I ended up working on some items for my booth and Etsy shop♥

These are adorable little 3 x 5 x 1.5 Subway Art Blocks with the scripture from 1 Corinthians 13 "Love is patient...". I made them in Red and Pink...

I then I made this sweet little Valentine's Day burlap garland...

I sell these blocks and the garland like crazy in my booth...

I thought you might like them too! So I wanted to give you a chance to win one of these Valentine's Day blocks with the garland!

Here are the rules:

Don't forget to let me know in a comment, on twitter, or facebook. I want to make sure to count all of your entries! I will randomly select the winner on Friday (1/20) Good Luck friends♥

{This giveaway is now closed..}

My Word of the Year

2012-01-15T19:59:00.000-08:00

Layla from the LETTERED COTTAGE is having a word-of-the-year party, so I'm stoppin' in♥

There are so many things I want to accomplish this year, in my home, my family, this blog, my business...I know without a shadow of a doubt that I cannot do any of these things without God and His leading, and so above all else I want His best for my/our lives & everything in it.

With that said, I've gotta think of my word...

{RENEW}

My word of the year is RENEW! Itcouldn't be more perfect♥

RE-NEW: to restore, or replenish. To make, say or do again. to revive; reestablish. to be restored to a former state; become new or as if new again.

I love this word! It represents what I desire, and what I love to do...and I am going to let it shine!

What's your word-of-the-year?

Join Me on

Sunday Snow

2012-01-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning to light dust of snow on the ground, and fat fluffy snowflakes coming down! I ♥ snow! Then I remembered a sweet blogger, Lorrie, I met (in a bloggy way:) last night, and our conversations...

Her post is titled "Winter Wonderland of Junk"

**NOTE: we were both each other's 111th followers♥**

I left this comment: "It must be fate, I just became your 111th follower, as you were mine! Thank you! We haven't had any snow, but I"m still hopeful! I know how you feel though, we are from Bend, Oregon where we got snow every year, and I remember feeling like winter would never end!"

She replied: "Thanks, hope you get some snow soon, and that it dosen't last long~ 111 must be our luck number!"

Well guess what Lorrie...Its snowing here this morning!!

"The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord receives my prayer."

Psalms 6: 9

Have a wonderful day friends♥

Weekend DIY Projects

2012-01-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

Get a pen and paper so you can write down the supplies you'll need from THE HOME DEPOT, because you're going to want to do at least one of these DIY projects and all the supplies you'll need are there, duh!

Magazine Rack or Mail Sorter

{CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO GO TO THE ORIGINAL SIGHT FOR FULL INSTRUCTIONS}

This next idea is genius! I love it!

It's brought to you by, Salvage Dior:

Doormat Wall Art

This is a rubber doormat people! I. LOVE. THIS idea! Buy your mat and then pick out the spray paint color you want, spray paint and hang! The bonus on this project, you'll still have your entire weekend, cause this is Easy-Peasy!

There is a GREAT forum I just discovered on Home Depot's website check it out!

Have a great weekend everyone!

The Chalk Paint Project

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

I bought this farmhouse chair for $2. It sat in my ~~garage~~ work shop for a while♥

I was browsing Pinterest not too long ago, and I came across a great recipe for chalk paint. So I called my sweet Hubby (the manager of our Home Depot) and asked if he could pick me up the one ingredient I didn't have before he came home from work...I was giddy when he walked in with it, and I went straight to work!

Isn't she pretty!? I took her to my Takin' Time booth at The Mercantile last week.

Oh I"ll bet you wish you had this chalk paint recipe...Ok, here it is.

Ya'll come back now♥

This project is linked up with

2012 Home Goals

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'm linking up with The Nester and sharing my 2012 Home Goals!

I'd like to start out by saying my No. 1 goal is to change the colors of my house & furniture altogether!

These colors are more along the lines of what I'd really like to go with...Beautiful!

Welcome to my home! This is the "entry way" if you would even call it that. There isn't much room. I did have a desk here, but currently this stuff sits in its place. I'm not happy with any of this really. Probably 6 years ago, I had my father-in-law put a couple chairs together for me to make this bench, & I love it! It is in desperate need of an update! Goal No. 2, I would like to make much better use of this space altogether.

This is our main living space, where big TV is, where my hubby and Bubba eat chips and salsa (I swear I need to buy stock in Santitas and Pace!),and its where we are most of the time...The arrows point to all the things I want to change. No. 3

I'm done with Brown people! At least at this scale:)

My No. 4 goal for my home is

FOCUS. My problem over the years has been deciding how far to go with a certain look, and which look to go with?

Because I been over thinking this, it has overwhelmed me. Well, until now! Remember, for me this is the year to "Simplify."

No. 5 This is our other living room, the one I've told you about...The neglected room.

I'm thinking of keeping this couch & table. The remedy, a slipcover and paint!
The old door stays, because I love it!

{This is directly across from the red couch.}

I would love to put a simple mantle piece and change the entire thing up a bit.
I brought the urns in from outside this winter, I think they would look pretty with topiaries? I may paint them? I haven't decided...

Lastly, No. 6 our bedroom...

This bed is beautiful but it is too darn small! I'm ready for a King sized bed!
I want to add some window treatments, some matching side tables, and create a peaceful,gorgeous space for us♥

Overall

Love it or throw it out!
Use the colors I love
Make our home usable & beautiful!
FOCUS, and take my time. I'm notorious for having an "I want it done now" attitude. I know that this will take time, please Lord give me patience♥
Simplify
Know that my house is a HOME because of the people who live & LOVE here, not because of the "things" that surround us...

Those are my home goals in a bundle...Do you have any?

Leave it in a comment! I love to hear from everyone♥

Linked up with The Nester

A Peak Inside

2012-01-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to take you over to meet my Mama...again!

I've written about her before, you ~~can~~ must read those posts below:

Our San Francisco Trip

A Mother's Day tribute
One of my all time favorite Mother's Day Posts

But I've never taken you to her home♥

My mom is one of my greatest inspirations. She has inspired, and continues to inspire, me in so many ways. She agreed to be a guest here at Takin' Time, and with that we are all privileged to get a peak inside her home...sort of! (hehe!) So everyone go grab a cup of coffee, sit down and stay a while...

This is the front of her home in July♥ My mom has an amazing gift when it comes to gardening.

I asked Mom how she would describe her decorating style:
"I would say Traditional Home Decorating with a little bit of Shabby Chic thrown in."
(Great example below)

Gorgeous!

Mom, what inspires you?

"Going to Barnes and Noble, grabbing an arm full of decorating magazines, a sugar free hazelnut latte, and a comfortable seat! "

Me too! I miss doing that with you!

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you and your decorating style?

"I love, love, love Candice Olson of HGTV’s Divine Design!"

What are some of your favorite items in your home?

"That's easy! All of the sweet little birds I've received as gifts, (some of them I purchased myself) would have to be my favorite items. They make me happy! "

{I got this one for her♥ Isn't he adorable?!}

Can you take us to your favorite room in your home?

"My favorite room would have be my living room. I love to sit on my sofa, which faces the fireplace, wrapped up in a warm, soft blanket with a good book (or magazine) and a hot cup of tea on a cold winters night! "

Mom...Did you use the watercolor effect on this picture? (Note: My mom LOVES the watercolor effect!) hehe!

Your dining room is beautiful too! I especially love the built in espresso machine back there♥ hehe! I'm always thinking of coffee!

Thank you so much for having us take a peak inside your amazing, beautiful home. Is there anything else you would like to add?

"If one could reside in a home, that inspires, welcomes, and evokes a sense of warmth, love, and friendship then you have accomplished much!"

I love you Mom, you are my inspiration!

*NOTE: My youngest daughter, Meme while watching me post this says, "Grandma is good at decorating, she should be on the Nate Show." Love that girl♥

I hope all of you enjoyed this llittle peak inside my Mama's home. Don't forget to join Takin' Time & stay tuned, tomorrow I'm linking up with The Nester and sharing my 2012 HOME Goals!

Takin' Time to Set Goals

2012-01-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

Takin' Time's 2012 Resolutions♥

"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you" Luke 11:9

Here at Takin' Time to Smell the Flowers, my goals are to:

Create laughter and inspiration.
Grow and expand my business into something amazing.
Be consistent and true to who I am and what I stand for.
Not be afraid to push forward, by second-guessing, or doubting my abilities and strengths.
Tum my "I want's" into "I am's"
Never give up on achieving these goals, knowing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

I can't wait for you all to join me in my 2012 blog adventure!

Do you have any bloggy goals or just resolutions in general? Share them @ The Blog Guidebook

Life is Good

2012-01-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

As I sit here at the bar...(in my kitchen people!) my husband and his friend are in one room watching football, my girls are in another playing Skylanders on the Xbox, and my son is in one of the fields (after moving the horses of course) having an airsoft war with a couple of his buddies. Life is good♥

I skipped church today because my honey was at work and I didn't feel like going without him. I have three orders for signs that I need to fill, so in between laundry, cleaning, and blogging, I'm a-workin' on those.
I wanted to be sure to welcome my newest friends, I am so thankful for each and every one of you old and new♥ I also love when I hear from you, so leave a comment and keep 'em comin'!

♥♥Have a wonderful Sunday♥♥

Be Simple

2012-01-07T20:35:00.000-08:00

You all may know my mentor The Nester. Okay, so she doesn't exactly know that she's my mentor but it's either that or I'm stalking her, and in that case I may need some help! The Nester (formally known as The Nesting Place) was one of the first blogs I followed when I first started blogging in 2008. I think she's actually my sister from another mister. If nothing else we are definitely kindred spirits! When I read her blog I think to myself, "Hey! That's how I feel!" or "Hey! I say that!" or "Hey! That's my living room..." Okay-Okay, not the last one but you get the point. What I'm trying to say is I'm thankful I stumbled upon her blog way back when, because over the years, and especially lately, she inspires me! And being inspired is one of my favorite things to be!

Since I started blogging I haven't been as consistent as I wish I could have been. Like so many other mom's out there I am always juggling one too many things. I'm determined to make this year different. For me, this is the year of simplifying, and already it feels so good. When we simplify our lives by purging, knowing when enough is enough, and learning when to say "no," we make room for a more successful life. Not just success in business, but in our spiritual walk, in marriage, as parents, & life in general.

"What does not satisfy when we find it, was not the thing we were desiring." C.S. Lewis

I found this sweet blog on Pinterest, she gives some great tips! Check her out♥

{Here are some great tips and tricks to help SIMPLIFY your life at home brought to you by New Nostalgia}

Before and After

2012-01-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

First I want to apologize for the picture quality, again I have a major camera gone bad problem in need of fixin'!

This is an armoire I have had for years. I painted it once before, then a year or two later added the black stripes, *sarcastic "ooh!"* LOL!

It sits in the living room off the kitchen where the kids usually watch tv. Better known as, the ~~majorly~~ neglected room...

Here is the after. I made some chalk paint out of Glidden Shell White from The Home Depot.

I love how it turned out! I need window coverings somethin' fierce, hence the angelic light coming through the not-so-clean windows:) Along with simplifying, this new year I am determined to fill our home with only the things we love. For me that means the colors I love, the style I love, and of course, most importantly, the people that I love♥

Simplifying Life

2012-01-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

As I sit here blogging, when I should be making dinner, or cleaning up the mess that fills my table and kitchen, I realize...I have way too many pots on the fire! (Except the pots filled with dinner of course! And BTW is "pots on the fire" even a saying? I think I'm saying it wrong? ) All these "activities" are swallowing me like on that HOARDERS show!

Hold on a second I really need to put something on the stove for dinner, let me swim through my crafting supplies and shop inventory and make my way to the kitchen...

(10 minutes later...)

Back to my mess. Maybe it is as the Nester says, "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." One of my New Year resolutions every year is to GET ORGANIZED. This year I don't want to organize, I want to SIMPLIFY!

So, yesterday I conquered to Master Bathroom... I threw away 2 small grocery bags full of expired medicine, old make-up, & finger nail polish gone bad. Not to mention the 5 different make-up bags that my HOARDER-IN-TRAINING daughter has collected.

(Pictures were taken with my iPhone, not perfect, but not too shabby♥ and it doesn't have to be perfect to be...okay:)

This was our cupboards in the bathroom before...unorganized and untidy!

I used baskets and chalkboard labels, organized bliss for our standards anyway:) Looking at this picture makes me want to go re-fold my towels...YIKES!

All in all, it feels awesome to get rid of junk (not the good kind of course)! Some wise people, not sure who they are, have said many times, "If you don't love it..." well I'm not sure exactly what they say, but its something like, if you don't love it get rid of it! And so I am and it feels Oh-So-Good!

Hope this first week of the New Year is going well for you all!

♥

DIY Cake Pan Tier

2011-12-31T11:53:00.000-08:00

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DIY Cake Pan tin Tier

These are the ingredients! Please excuse my presentation of a Home Depot box being used as a drop cloth!

Ingredients include:

2 Candlesticks (the same size works best in my opinion)
1 curtain tie back (or finial topper)
1 tube of E-6000
Paint

Directions:

I ended up not using the smaller candlestick in the picture above, as it was too small and looked funny. So, I used two candlesticks of the same size, which gives you more room in between to store crafty items, or fruit or whatever your little heart desires!

After you have all your items together, paint the candlesticks and finial topper whatever color, or colors, you would like. I chose black on all three...

After the paint dries, lightly sand the bottom of No.1 candlestick and put a dab of glue, center it on the first cake pan. Do the No. 2 candlestick the same way. I waited until the glue was somewhat dry to put the cake pans on top of the candlesticks, and then top it off with the finial (which is really a curtain tie back:)

You can use this adorable piece to store or display almost anything! Fruit, craft supplies, cookies, in the bathroom for make-up...I could go on and on! Now go get your JUNK on! Happy New Year everyone♥ {Cheers to 2012}

Linked up to the following:

Love Jesus, Sing & Dance♥

2011-12-30T02:47:00.000-08:00

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I hope every one's Christmas was wonderful! Ours definitely was♥ We're already planning on going on a cruise next Christmas which is so exciting, and a great inspiration to continue working out!

I've finally caught up on my rest and I've been a busy bee! Working on projects for my booth, mean while neglecting my Etsy shop, but all in good time! {Time Management is not my strong suit}

I love this blue chair, I wanted to keep her:( But she was intended to sell, so sell she will! People love these coffee filter wreaths! I actually really enjoy making them, it takes a ton of coffee filters but the result is so pretty!

This is my second month in my booth, and it's going so well! My mind is constantly reeling with ideas and projects that I can't wait to start. This past week I've been making these signs, which I love! I just took two down to the booth today...

I'll be posting a tutorial on how to make a 3 Tiered Cake Pan Organizer (Phew that's a mouth full!), so stay tuned and tell your friends♥

Linked up with:

Favorite Christmas Goody Recipes

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

SIDE NOTE: Can I just tell you that I am holding my arms against my body (my BAD) so it looks like my arms are HUGE-MON-GUS! Can you say MAN arms! HOLY COW-O-LY! Well, anyway I though you might enjoy this picture of Steve and I in the photo booth at his company Christmas party♥ We had a blast!

Oh my goodness! Only 8 days until Christmas! I can hardly believe it:) I am making some Christmas goody baskets for my hubby's assistant managers, and I thought I would share some of the recipes I used to make these sinful wonders...
The first one I have been making for years and years. My mom passed it on to me, but it's not an uncommon recipe.

Peanut Butter Bon-Bons (click for link to recipe)

I warn you, these puppies are AMAZ-ING!

This year I also made some Chocolate Covered Almonds, a Martha Stewart recipe♥

I also bagged up some hot cocoa...

I just bought a big tub of hot cocoa and measured it out into each bag, then topped them off with marshmallows! Easy-peasy!

I then had to add some candy-canes for them to stir their delicious cup of hot cocoa with♥

and then to finish it all off with some amazing Snickerdoodles (click for recipe I use):

These are one of my favorite cookies to make. This particular recipe is my favorite, although it doesn't make that many cookies, so doubling it might be a good idea if you want a lot of cookies!

I love making little goody baskets for friends, neighbors, & relatives♥

Merry Christmas friends!

15 Days Until Christmas!

2011-12-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it! Just 15 days until Christmas, the day we chose to celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace♥

Its been almost two months since I've posted, sheesh!

I made this sweet little {NO SEW}Ruffled tree skirt earlier this week! I got the idea from the one and only Miss Mustard Seed, she is simply amazing!

So, I stopped at one ruffle because it was a little more time consuming than I had anticipated and needed to get my tree set up! LOL! Next year I will finish with the ruffles!

I found some ice skates at a thrift store a couple months ago, with the intention of using them for the center of a Christmas wreath...Here's out she turned out & I love it!

I'm a little ahead of the game, compared to usual, as far as Christmas shopping goes and I'm almost done!

Brown paper packages all tied up with string...literally!

Hunter's safety course paper^

When wrapping presents, I love using music sheets, and brown paper, and for my sweet boy-I used pieces of his old Hunter's Safety Course book, because music sheets are just a little too girly for him:) HAHA!

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend filled with lots of laughter and maybe a little chocolate?

Just sayin'!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Tis the Season to Be Crafty

2011-10-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

I've been gettin' my craft on lately, busy getting ready to put Christmas items in my Etsy shop. There is so much inspiration out there! I made a coffee filter wreath a couple days ago! I L♥VE how it turned out!!

Then I had a special request from my friend over at Pretty in Paint for some pretty tacks. Here's what I came up with! I ♥ them so much I'm going to make some for myself. I think I'll make some magnets too!

I'm working on some ornaments & I can't wait to share how they turn out...Only 2 months until Christmas! I can almost here the sleigh bells!! Ya'll come back now!

Day 22: I Must Confess

2011-10-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Day 22: Organizing starts within:

I was reading some of my old posts last night, and I have to say it wasn't the proudest moment for me. Basically what it showed me was how often I say that I'm going to do something, and, for a while at least, I do it. Then I end up quitting. Am I a quitter!? What!? No! I can't stand when I see people quit something they've started. I teach my kids not to ever quit once they've committed to finishing something!

Quitting is not a virtue that I desire to possess! I lack self-control. This is not an easy thing for me to admit...Maybe the goals I set for myself are too drastic? I'm the "I want it now!" type of girl, which is not a good thing. Patience is a virtue♥ When I want to lose weight, I don't want to lose just 1 pound a week, I want to lose 7 pounds in three days:) I don't want to organize one closet at a time, I want to get the whole house done today! I have to face the fact that the goals I set just aren't realistic, they overwhelm me and then I quit. Let me tell ya, I'm sick of it! I really am, and I'm ashamed of myself.
I realize that to find success overall, I need to focus on healing myself spiritually, mentally and physically. I don't want to be a quitter, that's not how I see myself at all! I need to pray for patience, dedication endurance and self-control...In Jesus name.

Galatians 5:22,23

^"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Day 20 & 21: The Show Must Go On & an Etsy Coupon

2011-10-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here's the deal...I have to admit, I'm bored with the organizing subject! My A.D.D has kicked in, and I've forgot to post once again! GRRR!

I'm sorry, I don't want to fail! Let's face it, I pretty much have failed the rules of the actual 31 day challenge...Failure may not be an option, but it's a reality for me at this point.

But, the show must go on!

I found some great Etsy items for organizing and thought I'd share them with you♥

Click on the pictures and they will take you directly to their listing on Etsy!

The first three are from my Etsy shop (shameless, I know!):

These are great little shabby tin canisters, topped off with a glass knob. Perfect for organizing in virtually any room!

These chalkboard labels are wonderful! I use them on everything. Canisters, jars, boxes, any smooth surface. They are removable, so if you change your mind on the placement, no biggy!

Clothespins are great for so many things! I use them to hold bills, paperwork, pictures, & so much more! Glue a little magnet to the back and use them on the fridge too!

Right now the above three items are 20% off for you:

~~~

I think this is so cute! Having a central place for keys, mail and a jar to hold flowers or pens and pencils! L♥ve!

There you have it! There are so many options when we organize! The sky's the limit♥

Take care my sweet friends! Ya'll come back now...

Failure is Not an Option!

2011-10-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Days 17-18-19!

Okay, so I failed the 30 day challenge. No, this isn't the first time during this challenge that I didn't post a day, but three whole days! That is just ridiculous!

I thought I would be fine, but we were hunting and didn't end up getting home until last night, so really, it isn't my fault!

"Failures are like finger posts on the road to achievement" C.S. Lewis

Day 17:

I hope all of you have been inspired so far...There are so many organizing tips n' tricks out there it can be a bit overwhelming really.

The important thing is to find what works for you and your family and go with it.
Once you find that "thing" that works, start creating a habit out of it.
To keep up on the clutter, I try not to leave a room without something in my hand to put away, i.e. a dish, a pair of shoes, dirty clothes, etc.
For most of us, there is that certain room in the house that gives you a sense of accomplishment when its clean. If its clean, the whole house feels clean. That room for me is the kitchen. If its clean, I just feel less stressed♥
Make your bed everyday. I don't know about you but, if I go in my room during the day and the beds not made, it makes me feel sort of depressed. Making the bed gives me a sense of accomplishment. It's one of the first things I do to kick start my day, then I drink coffee for a while *wink*!

Day 18: Meal Planning

Planning meals is something I did when I wasn't as busy as I am these days. Which really doesn't make a lick of sense! Hello!? Planning weekly meals makes a huge difference, there is nothing worse than when around 5pm & your family is starting to get hungry, you go in the kitchen and think, "I have no idea what I'm going to make!"

The Hillbilly Housewife is a great website to use in getting started with Menu Planning! She also offers great recipe ideas, and tons of menu's according to your budget! I ♥ the Hillbilly Housewife!

I found an adorable website, The Tip Chik, and she offers some great advice about menu planning...Definitely check it out!

Jenny, from So You Think You're Crafty, created this adorable MENU board, I ♥ it!

Happy Menu Planning!

Day 19:Kids Rooms

We used to sing the song,

♫ Clean up ♪ Clean up♫ Every-body♪♫ Every-where♫ Clean up, clean up♫ Every-body do your share!♫

Well, as my kids got older, they no longer got excited when I started singing this song, and quite frankly, they really didn't want to hear me sing it! However, they are still little messers, varmints even!

Kids need to know how to organize too, and it's important to start them out young.

Here are 10 great "kids" organizing ideas!

Organize their toys, book, and things from the ground up. The things they use the most should go on the bottom shelves, and drawers. This makes it easier for them to get it, and keeps the more fragile, and important things out of reach.

Label their storage bins. A great idea might be to have them draw a small picture of the items in the basket and use the picture as the label:) Teaching moments are everywhere!
There are plenty of creative storage ideas for kids rooms: vintage soda crates on casters, old drawers for under the bed, baby wipes containers...The list goes on & on!
Multi-pocket organizers on closet or bedroom doors to store just about anything little! (I'm going to do this one for sure, my girls have tons of little trinkets that need a home♥)
If they have room, school aged children love having their own little office space with all their craft, and homework supplies on hand:)
Use any space you can for storage: under the bed, desk, closet, a bench with under the seat storage...Most parents know that you can't have too much storage for kids and their "stuff!" Especially if you have siblings sharing a room.
Clear containers are best for kids, so they aren't getting into everything looking for that special toy...
Using curtains on bookcases is a good way to hide unsightly storage♥
An over-the-door or wall mounted coat rack is also a great way to store things!
String wire or string from wall to wall to display kids artwork, they are always so proud♥

(Pictures borrowed from Marthastewart.com & Realsimple.com)

"Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket." Proverbs 25:11

Day 16: I'm tired

2011-10-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Day 16: A day of rest♥

Sunday is a day of rest, so relax, spend time with your family, spend time alone, spend time with the Lord. Be still and feast your eyes on the organized beauty that follows:

Have a wonderful Sunday friends♥