Plans

Had a busy weekend.  We started on my new craft table.  Its almost done I just have a few things to finish up on it.   Ignore the wood laying on the table and the floor, its trim that Im going to use to frame a mirror. Here is what it looks like now.  Its on the other side of the finished basement  in the nonfinished area at this point cause its the only room that is off limits to the kids and the only room available.  We actually use all 4 bedrooms, 3 for us, and the 4th we use for guests and we have guests often.  The finished part of the basement is the playroom for the kids and has the wii in it so Ive been banished to the dungeon as I call it.  Actually its not so bad, its a great place to hide. 

 This is Trinitys room-changes are coming.  2 of her walls are pink and 2 are green.  The green walls are going to be repainted with a turquoise color.

 Here is the other side of her room.

The kids bathroom is also about to get upgraded as well with new paint.  Right now its a greenish color and has cat/dog decor.  Its hard to find a neutral decor when you have a boy and a girl that share the same bathroom.  Im thinking some of the turquoise paint may find its way into this room as well.

 
 Kids bathroom.

My blogging secret

My favorite button on blogging is post dating.  What does that mean?  It means that I can set my posts to show up on later dates.  I don't blog everyday, nor would I want to.  This gives me the choice to blog when I want and have it post when I want.  Sometimes I only blog one day a week however I set up enough blogs for the entire week.  This allows me time to finish current projects and spend time with the family without being on the computer each day.  I know its kind of cheating but its a wonderful thing for bloggers.  Too bad life doesn't have a post dating option!  Enjoy your week-I will be knee high in turquoise paint.

Eating Right Rule

EAT RIGHT RULE:    If your food can go bad, it's good for you. If it can't go bad, it's bad for you.

Tooth 2 came out tonight and this time we didnt lose it down the drain.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall

 This is what my hallway upstairs looks like, well sord of,  its showing as a funky color in the picture and it has bad lighting all over it.  We are using the energy saving squiggly lightbulbs in the house for everything non lamp related and I must say I hate the color of lighting they set off in a room.  Ok back to my point.  See that wooden thing in the middle of the wall, its the laundry chute and its ugly but it comes in handy and the kids love using it.  Its perfect for dropping transformers, legos, babydolls, etc. down.   We have even had a head stuck in it once or twice.    I thought it needed something so I added mirrors to help light it up a bit since the hallway gets dark and I was trying to take the attention away from the chute.

I picked up several different shapes of mirrors from the dollar tree.  Not all of the frames were black so I just spray painted them.  Take that ugly laundry chute.

 To make things easier I just popped out the mirrors to spray paint the frames so that I wouldn't have to tape the mirror off.  The mirrors were just held in place by little metal pegs that are bendable.

 I think the mirrors alone look cute as well.  For a girls room you could attach some white ribbon and hang several different shapes and sizes of mirror on the wall or spray paint the frames white.

3rd times a charm

You remember this super easy wreath I made out of coffee filters for Christmas.
Here's what it looked like at Christmas with christmas colors.

 Then for Valentines all I did was recover the wooden B with valentine paper and add some more valentine stuff.

Now because Spring cant come soon enough this is what the wreath looks like.  I covered the B in scrapbook paper that has green grass design on it and added some plastic carrots that the kids got last year at Easter filled with candy or something.  Im loving how easy it is to keep this wreath going throughout the seasons.

To cut or not to cut.....

I go back and forth on cutting my hair.  I see a cute haircut and I think I want it.
This is my hair almost 4 years ago, it was right above my shoulders. 

 This is my hair now. 

This is the cute hair cut that I keep thinking I want. 

I find my hair everywhere.  I could make a wig with all the hair that I find in the house.  I always get this way when spring and summer arrive and I think I cant take another hot summer with long hair.  Maybe its time for a change.  Oh the dilemma of being a girl.

My favorite store bought glass cleaner.

If your going to buy cleaning products this is one of my all time favorite glass cleaners.  No streaks, perfect for windows, mirrors, and microwave.  In the paper on Sunday there was a coupon for $1 off this product.  Its my favorite and can be found at Walmart and other grocery stores.   Perfect for little hand prints, dog slobber on the windows, greasy buttery hands prints on the microwave, toothpaste on the mirror...you get the picture.

Make your own household cleaners

If your looking to save money dont forget that you can also make your own cleaning products at home that are safer for your family as well as will save you money.  These are from BHG. (Better Home and Garden)

 All Purpose Cleaners

Formula No 1
1/2 Cup of Vinegar
1/4 Cup of Baking Soda {or 2 teaspoons of Borax}
1/2 Gallon of Water

Formula No 2
1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
2 teaspoons of Borax
1/2 Teaspoon of Liquid Soap or Detergent
2 Cups of Hot Water

Formula No 3
Fill Spray Bottle half way with White Vinegar
Fill the rest with Water
Optional - Add 10-20 Drops of Essential Oils

Tip: Microfiber Cloths
lift dirt, dust and grease without the need of cleaners. They are naturally formulated to penetrate and trap dirt.

Disinfectants

Formula No 1
2 Cups of Water
1/4 Cup of Lemon Juice
2 Teaspoons of Borax

Formula No 2
2 Teaspoons of Borax
4 Tablespoons of Vinegar
3 Cups of Hot Water

Formula No 3
1/4 Cup Vinegar
1 Teaspoon of Scent Free Plain Liquid Dish Detergent
20 Drops of Tea Tree Oil

Formula No 4
2 Teaspoons of Borax4 Teaspoons of Vinegar
3 Cups of Hot Water
1/4 Teaspoon of Castile Soap

Window Cleaners

Formula No 1
2 Teaspoons of White Vinegar
1 Quart of Warm Water

Formula No 2
1 Cup of Rubbing Alcohol
1 Cup of Water
1 Teaspoon of Vinegar
Tips:
Wash one side of the window with horizontal strokes and the other with vertical so you can pinpoint which side may have streaks.

Don't clean windows when the sun is shining directly on them or if they are warm - the heat dries the cleaning solution prior to having time to polish the windows correctly.

Eliminate tiny scratches in glass by polishing them with toothpaste

To give an extra shine to windows polish with newspapers or a clean cotton cloth. Rub a blackboard eraser over cleaned windows for a diamond bright shine.

Kitchen Cleaner

Garbage Disposal
Grind the skins of lemons, oranges and limes in the disposal along with ice cubes.

{The ice will sharpen the blades}

Dishwasher Soap
1 Cup of Borax
1 Cup of Washing Soda1/2 Cup Citric Acid Powder
1/2 Cup Kosher Salt

Dishwasher Rinsing Agent
Fill with Plain White Vinegar

Scouring Powder
Baking Soda or Table Salt can be used as an alternative to chlorine scouring powders. Sprinkle on sponge or surface and scour.

Floor Cleaners

Vinyl and Linoleum
1 Cup of Vinegar
Few Drops of Baby Oil
1 Gallon of Warm Water

Brick and Stone Tiles
1 Cup of White Vinegar
1 Gallon of Water
Rinse with clear water

Carpet Stain Cleaner
Mix 1/4 Cup of Salt, 1/4 Cup of Borax, 1/4 Cup of Vinegar
Rub into carpet - leave for a few hours - vacuum

Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle Baking Soda on carpets and let sit one hour prior to vacuuming

 Metal Cleaners/polishers

Silver
Line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Immerse silver and poilsh with a soft cloth.

Stainless Steel
Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar

Chrome
Polish with baby oil or vinegar

Aluminum
Clean with a solution of Cream of Tarter and Water using a soft cloth

Copper
Apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots

Gold
Clean with Toothpaste or a paste mix of salt, vinegar and flour

Brass or Bronze
Polish with a soft cloth dipped in equal parts of lemon juice and baking soda or Apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots

Laundry

Fels-Naptha Soap, Grated
1/2 Cup of Washing Soda1/2 Cup of Borax
Stain Remover
1 Cup of Water
1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
1/2 Cup of Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix and store in spray bottle. Spray on stain and let sit overnight.

Grass Stain Remover
Wet the Stain with water and cover with salt. Let sit one hour and wash as usual.

Mothballs
Cedar Chips in a cheesecloth square or Cedar oil in an absorbent cloth.

Homemade Moth repelling sachets can be made from Lavender, Rosemary, Vetiver, and Rose Petals.

Dried Lemon Peels are also a moth deterrent.

Misc.
Furniture Polish
Mix 2 Teaspoons of Olive Oil and 2 Teaspoons of Lemon Juice -Apply with a soft cloth

Varnished Wood Polish
Add a few drops of Lemon Oil to 1/2 Cup of Warm Water. Spray onto soft cloth - wipe and finish by wiping with a soft dry cotton cloth.

Water Rings on Wood
Apply toothpaste or mayonnaise with a soft damp cloth and rub into ring.

Rust Remover
Sprinkle rust spot with salt and squeeze a lime on top until salt is well soaked. Leave mixture sit for 2-3 hours then scrub residue with the lime rind.

Oil and Grease Spots in Garage
For small spots on garage floor, sprinkle with baking soda and scrub with a wet brush.

Bathrooms
Bath Mold or Mildew
Mix One Part Hydrogen Peroxide with Two Parts Water
Spray on - Wait one hour before rinsing

Tub and Tile Cleaner
Make a paste of baking soda and water
Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Mix 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda and 1 Cup of Vinegar
Pour into basin and let sit - scrub with a brush and rinse

Showerheads
Please 1/2 cup of undiluted vinegar into a food storage bag and secure to the showerhead with a rubber band - let sit over night, rinse.

Shower caddy to storage idea

This is a great idea-Wall-mount a shower caddy for a gift-wrapping center. Store cards and stationery on the shelves. Attach ribbon to a any type of container and hang it from one of the hooks to store pens and pencils. Rest wrapping paper on the bottom shelf and hang scissors from a hook.

Great idea

Favorite side dish-Yummy!

Our all time favorite side dish.  Thanks to my sister for sharing this with me a while back.

Ranch potatoes

• Several red potatoes
• Olive oil
• Ranch seasoning mix

Depending upon family size cut up several red potatoes into small squares, put into large ziplock bag, add about 1/4 cup olive oil-enough to coat them, add in Ranch seasoning mix and shake bag.  Pour potatoes from bag into baking dish that you have sprayed a bit with Pam.  I bake at 450 until I can get a fork into potatoes-usually 40-45 minutes. 

A lot of people have plates just like this one.  I got mine on clearance at  HB for $6 a while back.  At Christmas time I had Christmas ribbon and I cut out Christmas ornaments on vinyl with my cricut,  at valentines I had red ribbon and heart vinyls and the word love on it.  Now because Im ready for spring I put lime green ribbon  and this cute saying.  I love that I can get so many different looks from 1 plate. 

14 ways to save money on groceries

This is from an article on yahoo not to long ago about stretching your dollar.

1. Line the bottom of your refrigerator’s crisper drawer with paper towels. They’ll absorb the excess moisture that causes vegetables to rot.

2. To keep herbs tasting fresh for up to a month, store whole bunches, washed and sealed in plastic bags, in the freezer. When you need them, they’ll be easier to chop, and they’ll defrost the minute they hit a hot pan.

3. A bay leaf slipped into a container of flour, pasta, or rice will help repel bugs.

4. Stop cheese from drying out by spreading butter or margarine on the cut sides to seal in moisture. This is most effective with hard cheeses sealed in wax.

5. When radishes, celery, or carrots have lost their crunch, simply pop them in a bowl of iced water along with a slice of raw potato and watch the limp vegetables freshen up right before your eyes.

6. Avoid separating bananas until you plan to eat them – they spoil less quickly in a bunch.

7. Put rice in your saltshaker to stop the salt from hardening. The rice absorbs condensation that can cause clumps.

8. Stock up on butter when it’s on sale – you can store it in the freezer for up to six months. Pack the butter in an airtight container, so it doesn’t take on the flavor of whatever else you’re freezing.

9. In order to make cottage cheese or sour cream last longer, place the container upside down in the fridge. Inverting the tub creates a vacuum that inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes food to spoil.

10. Believe it or not, honey is the only nonperishable food substance, so don’t get rid of the stuff if it crystallizes or becomes cloudy. Microwave on medium heat, in 30-second increments, to make honey clear again.

11. Prevent extra cooked pasta from hardening by stashing it in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, throw the pasta in boiling water for a few seconds to heat and restore moisture.

12. Keeping brown sugar in the freezer will stop it from hardening. But if you already have hardened sugar on your shelf, soften it by sealing in a bag with a slice of bread – or by microwaving on high for 30 seconds.

13. If you only need a few drops of lemon juice, avoid cutting the lemon in half – it will dry out quickly. Instead, puncture the fruit with a metal skewer and squeeze out exactly what you require.

14. If you’re unsure of an egg’s freshness, see how it behaves in a cup of water: Fresh eggs sink; bad ones float

Our Valentines night we made pizza.  We started with round pizza then Preston and I cut the pizza to make a heart shape. 

 Hubby sent me for some pampering for Valentines so I came back with shiny metallic orange toenails.  Thanks hubby!

It was a good Valentines day according to my tummy, heart and feet.

Happy Valentines Day everyone, may your day be filled with flowers and love.

 

Happy Valentines Day love

 Dear Husband, I'm so glad that you had enough nerve to go up to the red headed girl and make her yours.

Animal kingdom in CW

Jazz our dog was going crazy this morning at the back door so when I went to see what was driving him nuts I was shocked to see 2 coyotes on the other side of the road behind our house.  They were stepping off Gender Rd and toward the field which means that they were leaving from somewhere and based upon the direction they were heading they were leaving the area of our backyard.  My neighbor saw one as well but at a different time this morning and it was a different size so that's 3 coyote sightings.  Normally this wouldn't bother me I mean I did grow up in the sticks but for those that don't know where I live...I live in a subdivision in city limits of our town and have a busy road behind my house so we are not in the sticks.  I called the city about it and we are not the only ones in the subdivision with sightings.  Just how many of these things are in this subdivision was my first question and he said that there have been 4 sightings lately and seem to be different coyote packs.  They informed me that they realize its becoming a problem and are going to set up traps.  First it was deer, then wild turkey and now coyotes, what is going on here.

The I love you hand

Cute hand-made valentine cards for you to give away or for the kiddos to make. 

Some of you may know that this is the sign language symbol for I LOVE YOU

 To make a cute valentine card for anyone or have your kids make them for someone special all you have to do is trace their hand.  You can use paper, cardboard, foam paper, anything.  I  use foam paper, I think it works best.   

 Now trace the hand-this is Prestons

 Cut out the hand that you traced.

 Glue the 2 fingers that you will be putting down.  The middle and ring fingers are the ones that you want to place a small bead of glue on the tip of them.

 Now just push those down so that they stick to the palm area.

 At this point you could write whatever you want or decorate.  If your doing a little girls hand how cute would it be to decorate the fingernails.

Fun fact.....did you know that the I love you hand sign is all 3 of the sign language signs for I, L, and Y combined.