Buckeye by Marriage

so far so good

2012-01-29T12:20:00.001-05:00

The pregnancy is going so far so good I am 16 weeks along and really showing. I am a bit tired at times working full time, being a basketball coach for Prestons team, helping to run Relay for life and other volunteer events, but other than that its going well.
I am at the doctor every 2 weeks a month. They have me come in once a month to check on blood sugar levels because of my issues with carrying Preston and passing out several times due to low blood sugar as well as the fact that I have had a miscarriage. I am glad they are taking these precautions but I hate being in the high risk group. There seems to always be something to worry about or check on or to think about.
The other visit a month is to see the baby and hear a heartbeat. I still am in shock at times that we are having another baby and when Lowel told me he was ready for another one that really threw me for a loop but Im excited and cant wait to see the little peanut. We have picked out names and still trying to figure out middle names. I find out the sex of the baby on February 23rd and then it will be time to decorate a nursery.

see ya 2011

2011-12-31T15:09:00.000-05:00

Goodbye 2011-its been a pretty good year with only a few bumps and bruises along the way.
This year brought new responsibility with a job promotion, new vehicle, new peanut in the belly, we lost my mammy but she lived a great life. The kids are thriving in school, sports and have enjoyed spending time with friends. I love seeing all the kids jumping on the trampoline and giggling.

Vacation for 2011 was great and relaxing and we have already booked vaca for 2012. Lowel and I celebrated 7 yrs in marriage and spent a lot of time dating, renewing our marriage and falling in love all over again.....which is apparent with the peanut in the belly. We made some changes to the inside and out of the house and have really enjoyed being a family, spending time with family and putting our marriage and kids first.
My resolutions for 2012 is to take time to breathe, enjoy this moment and stop worrying about work and instead just be me and enjoy the journey that we are about to take even if that journey is a rollercoaster.

I'm prego

2011-12-27T18:29:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard by now we are expecting another baby. Due date is July but I already look 6 months pregnant......boy they aren't kidding when they say the 2nd time around your uterus pops right out there. I'm a few days away from my 4th month, 2nd trimester, and I'm looking forward to feeling like I have more energy. Working and pregnancy are working just fine together and I hope it continues. We are very excited, surprised and blessed. Can't wait to see you Baby Bolin!

2011-11-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

I knew a day would come when my blog postings would get less and less, and apparently this is that time. I hate it too cause I love blogging. Life just sometimes gets in the way. Life has been good to us lately and for that I feel very blessed.

What have we been up to lately....
Traveled to VA to visit my moms new house, spent Thanksgiving in TN, working, tore up carpet off steps, decorated for Christmas, doctors appt, Prestons half bday is coming up-I will not forget this year as I did last year at school-who knew they celebrated that, constant updating of the house, yardwork, events, changes are coming our way and every day life....thats what we have been up to.

Its been an emotional and busy year. I got a job and a promotion, we had major house repairs to do, Preston was diagnosed with asthma, stepfathers funeral, grandmothers funeral, celebrated 7 year anniversary and stay tuned....thats all I can say.

Yes we are alive

2011-10-11T13:40:00.000-04:00

I know its been forever since I have written on my blog. Work has kept me busy and I got a promotion to Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce so now Im even more busy if thats possible. Im amazed at moms who work, volunteer, cook, clean, have kids, sports, events, activities and Im pretty sure thats why Starbucks stays in business.

Football season came to an end this past weekend and its sad and happy times here in the Bolin house. We love football season but happy to see it come to an end when we are worn out from it. 3 days of practice a week, 1 game a week, being involved in everything football related, all the time and effort as a football mom, volunteering numerous amounts of time, hubby as football assistant coach and director this year, its nice to finally have a break. The boys did great with only losing 1 game the entire season. We are so proud of them!

We finally finished our house from the water damage. The outside has new siding and the hole in the house has been fixed. No more hole in the wall, no more water and new floors to boot!

I went and did it after I swore I wouldnt ever not ever ever....got a mini van. Yep thats right this gal is a minivan driver. I still have my xterra but drive the mini van as well. The kids love it. All of the seats fold into the floor so its like having a pickup truck inside the van. Lots of space,nice ride and will be great on trips.

Preston is loving school, he loves his teacher he has straight A's and really likes going....what a change from last year. Its his fresh start from all of the medical issues and personal issues we faced last year at school.

I will try and post pics soon of stuff we have been doing. Later Gater.

2011-08-17T09:02:00.000-04:00

Its hard to believe that in a week my little boy will be a first grader. I have so many different emotions going on about this and he does as well. His first question was how long am I going to be at school. My answer was that you will be home a little after lunch, and his response was well I guess I will see you for dinner before its bedtime. Thats his perception of school that if he isnt home for lunch then he must be home at dinner time. Trying to explain the logistics of school to a 6 year old is not easy its just something he will have to see for himself the first day.
The back to school supplies and clothes are bought and Preston and I
have been trying to do fun special things up until school time. We have had breakfast at Tim Hortons together, dinner at DQ after football with friends, movies, park, you name it we have been trying to squeeze it into my work schedule. I asked him what he would like to do most before going to school and he said bowling so the plan is to fit that in one day as well.
At first I was apprehensive about taking this job but now that Preston is going to be in school full time for the first year I think it will be good for me to get my mind off missing him. It will be hard not to have him here with me during the day, Im so used to hearing his laughter, fixing him lunch, playing with him ....getting chocked up now just writing this. I wish they could stay little forever. Im sure all mothers go through this but it doesnt make it any easier for this mom.
To my family as you say your prayers please remember Preston next week as he goes to school and that he will be the fine young man that we all know he is, that he will be excited, loving, amazing, and a good listener. That his fears and mommy's will be gone by the time the first bell rings for school.

2011-07-29T14:56:00.000-04:00

This is a gooey ooeyy love sick post about my husband. I will keep it short and sweet so you dont gag.

I love my marriage, I hope that each and every one of you married can say that and mean it. Being married isnt easy but when you find someone who makes you laugh, smile and happy then it makes it all worth it. I feel that I am blessed to be married to a man I can talk to about anything, we laugh together all the time, we enjoy our time together, we hold hands and we talk to one another over the phone or instant message throughout the day, it is nice after all this time after all that we have been through to still be so in love.

Lowel brought me home roses on Wednesday and then again on Thursday just because and its not the roses that make me love him.....its the just because!!!

2011-07-29T07:44:00.002-04:00

To match the newly painted front door and shutters I also painted the mailbox and used my cricut to jazz it up a bit.

Sometimes storm damage doesnt suck after all

2011-07-28T16:41:00.000-04:00

During a recent storm our house suffered some damage so we were able to get the house resided.

Here is the before pics

Here is what is looks like now with darker siding and black shutters. We also removed the large bushes in front of the windows. We are looking at possibly putting on a front porch.

Front door house numbers using cricut

2011-07-23T16:59:00.000-04:00

We had new siding put on our house while away for vacation (it was necessary there was storm damage). Anyways, when I returned home I started painting the front door, mailbox and shutters to go along with our new siding color. My old door was sage green with black lettering that said welcome but this time around I changed it up a bit. Since my door is now black I used my cricut to cut out beige numbers and put the house number on the front. I love how it looks and we have had so many people drive by and stop to say they love the colors of the house. More pics of the house to come after we get the shutters back up.

I am still using my coffee filter wreath that I made last year, I just change the accent decor to match the season or holiday. I still have up 4th of July stuff but soon it will change to football stuff since we are right around the corner from football season.

Working hard for the money, so hard for it daddy.

2011-07-16T21:08:00.000-04:00

We don't always give the kids allowance, in fact we only give it to them when they ask. They know that asking for their allowance means that they must do the work that we tell them to do and it's not easy jobs, which is why they don't ask often in fact we have gone months without being asked. Today both kids asked for their $5.oo and then waited to hear what they had to do to earn it, sometimes it's inside jobs such as vacuuming, dusting, cleaning windows etc. Today was outside work cleaning up pine cones and other stuff from the yard that I had pulled from the flower beds. After about an hour both come up to us and asked if they can stop now and get something to drink....whoops we totally forgot that they were still working, we were busy mowing, cleaning out flower beds. The yard looks good thanks to the kids and I'm glad that they know they have to earn their money. Now if they could just ask for indoor work next time cause that makes for one happy momma when I don't have to clean windows.

2011-07-11T20:33:00.001-04:00

Right before we left for vacation we got sad news that my 97 year old Grandmother had passed away. She went very peaceful with my mom by her side. She prayed that God would take her and I believe her faith in God was so strong that he did, right then and there. She was an amazing Mammy to all of us and Great Mammy to the great grandkids. Im so glad that Preston got to know her and he will always remember her.
Here she is at Thanksgiving of 2010 with 3 of her great grandkids.

Here is her obituary . Normally I wouldnt attach this however I want to take this moment to brag about her, she was a very accomplished woman and spent her life teaching others in school and church and was honored on many occasions for her work. If you want to know what a Godly woman is like then here she is........http://www.springhillfh.com/obituary/user/show/template?id=46162

2011-07-11T20:27:00.000-04:00

We have been out of town for the past 10 days so today has been catch up day...catch up on life, work, cleaning the house, stocking the house with groceries, washing clothes and sleep. We had a wonderful time at Cape San Blas Florida, the beaches were beautiful white sand, the water was crystal clear, the pool and the house were amazing. Here are more than just a few of the pics from our vacation.

Here are both grandmothers with the kids

We went to Gulf World one day in Panama City

Preston with Flipper

Trinity with Flipper

Mammy with her grandkids

Lynda with Tara and Katie

We woke up one day after a storm and this had been washed up on beach just a few houses down from us. Its a hammer head shark. It was already dead so we let the kids touch it....come on when are you ever going to get to say I touched a hammer head shark. If the kids could of lifted this bad boy up we would of took a picture of them holding it as if they caught it themselves and none of you would of been the wiser.

2011-06-24T18:10:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make.....I pick up furniture off the side of the road for garbage and bring it home. There I said it. And let me be the first to clarify I never pick up stuff with stuffing, pillows or anything with material cause ewww thats gross. I picked this console table up the other day that someone was throwing away. It had a lose leg but hubby fixed that with his man tools then I spray painted it. Im also convinced that spray paint was invented by a woman cause what man could come up with something that glorious. Total cost of new console in my office $2 for the spray paint.

Fathers Day

2011-06-19T20:23:00.000-04:00

Happy Fathers day to my wonderful Husband who is the best dad to our children,

To my Dad who has always made me laugh and has always cheered me on,

to my father in law who is always there when we need him,

To my brother who is experiencing his first year of father hood,

To my stepdad who is in heaven but is always with me and my family, who dressed up as Santa this past Thanksgiving for the family.

To all of these men in my life I am thankful to have you, to know you and to love you! Happy Fathers Day to each and everyone of you.

Happy Fathers Day!!!

2011-06-18T09:17:00.000-04:00

Happy Fathers Day to a wonderful daddy to the kids and dog and a great husband to me.

2011-06-17T21:25:00.002-04:00

Amen!

It's A Dad's Life

2011-06-16T21:38:00.001-04:00

With Fathers Day coming up I thought this was cute

Our day at COSI

2011-06-14T10:23:00.001-04:00

Our day at COSI. It was Dinosaur month and Big Machines week at COSI so Preston and I headed there this week when it was too cool to be at the pool. We had a blast. Here is your warning if you are not a family member....this post will contain a million pictures of my little man...you have been warned if you chose to move forward with the post and all the pictures.

Below is Preston trying to walk with dinosaur feet on

Climbing the wall

Digging for dinosaur bones

Dinosaur puzzle wall-make your own dinosaur

This dinosaur moved and roared-it was very life like

Big Machines.

Hanging from the crane

They allowed the kids to actually play with the equipment. Preston moved dirt with a backhoe and made the bucket on the bulldozer go up and down.

Big Lego time

The not so innocent face after knocking down the legos.

It was a great day which ended with a visit to daddy's office since we were already downtown.

Prestons 6th bday

2011-06-08T09:44:00.009-04:00

Prestons 6th Bday party with family. It was Thor themed he got lots of Thor toys, lego batman wii game, star war legos, ipod, new star wars beach chair for our trip to the beach in a few weeks, he even had a Thor cake.

Happy Birthday my 6 year old boy!

Last day of kindergarten

2011-06-03T21:47:00.001-04:00

Thursday was Preston's last day as a kindergartner. It was bittersweet for me and just sweet for him. He had field day and it was nothing like my field days used to be like. His field day included big slides, water, dunk tank, laughter, and much more. I was glad that I got to share some of his excitement on his last day with him at school and then we went and had ice cream with a ton of his friends. Thursday night he spent the night with his friend Joseph. It was the first time that he had ever spent the night away from us EVER in almost 6 yrs. I think I was more nervous than he was. He did great and had so much fun. It helped that the house that he went to is like his 2nd home. He is all grown I guess. Thursday was filled with so much excitement, first times, and new beginnings. We couldn't be prouder of him.

Congratulations Preston-we love you. Your family and those in heaven are so proud of you!!

2011-06-01T07:26:00.000-04:00

I picked up this cute little chalkboard the other day at Lakeshore Learning store while shopping for Preston's end of school year gift for his teacher. The chalkboard was on clearance for $1.99. I wasn't sure what to do with it yet so I added this saying for now with my chalkboard pens-I'm not a huge fan of chalk, I don't like the feel of it. I smile every time I look at it since it sits above my kitchen sink , some of my friends know why this saying is humor to me and will get a kick out of it as well. Cheers to all my friends in small houses!!!

Which are you down or up?

2011-05-27T17:16:00.001-04:00

Are you a downstairs friend or upstairs friend?

If you are like me when we have friends over I rush around on the main level, pick up clothes, toys, shoes, socks, pillows, teddy bears, and anything else and I rush them upstairs and throw them into a pile on the floor into the rooms. I don't bother putting them away cause who is going to go up there anyways....right? Which is why I ask this question...downstairs friend or upstairs? A downstairs friend is someone who has never been to their friends second level in their house. An upstairs friend is one who has been upstairs faced the mess, and loves you anyways. I think most of my friends have been to my upstairs and thank goodness they somehow want to return...mess and all.

2011-05-24T17:18:00.000-04:00

Conversation between my 5 yr old son and me today.

Preston-mom can I have a new toy from the store.
Me-No not today wait till your birthday.
Preston-I will just ask dad since he is the boss of me.
Me-Go right ahead but he will say no and by the way Im totally the boss
Preston-oh yeah what makes you the boss.
Me-Stretch marks, painful hips, and droopy boobs thats what.

2011-05-23T08:11:00.000-04:00

Its going to be a busy next few weeks but there is a lot to look forward to.

T-ball Games
Last day of school on June 2 and field day
Prestons Birthday party the weekend of June 4-5
Prestons 6th Birthday June 8
Relay for life June 10-11
My sister coming into town June 24 then we are going to the Kenny Chesney concert on 25th.

Hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Its Tball time

2011-05-22T19:38:00.002-04:00

Tball season has officially started at the Bolin house. Somehow my name got put down as 1 of the assistance coach, not sure how that happened but I have my suspicions. I made Lowel go out and assist the first day knowing that I would have to do it sooner or later and that sooner is Monday night. Prestons scrimmage is at 6, Lowel doesnt get home from work till 6 which means I will have to assist until Lowel can get there after coming home and changing clothes. No biggie-I gave birth, surely I can do this. Here are some pics of Preston, his team this year is the Cubs.

Below is a picture of Preston rounding 3rd with Lowel chasing him to see which one can get home first and Prestons friend Joseph on 3rd base ( according to Joseph we are his step parents-so sweet!!!) Joseph is the one that spent the night at our house the other night. He and Preston are really close friends, they are in the same class, they played football together last year, now they are playing tball together and if we have anything to do with it they will play football this fall together again. How is that possible for them to always be on the same team....oh his mom and I have connections. Thats all Im saying.

Prestons 1st sleepover friend

2011-05-21T10:58:00.000-04:00

Preston had his first sleepover last night. We went to eat at Skyline, took the boys to Art in the Park where they saw a walking statue guy, got balloon swords, played with friends, listened to music and could see a police car, swat van, etc. Afterwards they came home watched some cartoons and passed out from exhaustion. According to Preston it was cool and he wants to do it again. Up next in a few weeks we will see if Preston will spend the night at his friends house.....its worth a try.

2011-05-18T17:24:00.000-04:00

45 days and counting till my feet are here on this exact porch over looking the ocean in Florida.

45 days can not come fast enough for me!

Where I spend my free time

2011-05-14T08:34:00.000-04:00

When I have a little free time I love working in my yard. If its a nice weekend you will find me outside working in my flower beds. All 4 sides of our house is landscaped and at first it was a bit overwhelming but now I really enjoy it.

Here is the walkway in front of the house.

This is the side of the house.

Here is the other side of the house

Front yard again.

This is what you see right off the garage as you pull into driveway. My friend gave me the hanging basket for mothers day and I love the color of it.

Did you see the color of the siding of our house, hopefully very very soon that will all change. We are about to do some major changes to the house. We had some damage from the hail and wind and we are keeping our fingers crossed that all works out.

Superwoman complex

2011-05-11T18:09:00.000-04:00

Do you ever wish you were Superwoman? I think most moms wish they could be her at some point in life and I don't mean the actual superhero I mean the woman who somehow manages to get it all done. I must admit I struggle with my non superwoman existence at times and push myself to the limit cause I want to do it all.

I want to do it all and be all, I want the career, to be on 3 committees in town, to keep the house clean, to cook every night, to volunteer in Prestons class once a week, to be the stay at home mom, to run Preston around from swim lessons twice a week and then to tball and eventually football, to spend time with my friends, family and yet sometimes I fall flat on my face and then I'm the one that is disappointed, no one else is but me. Why? Cause I'm not superwoman and no one expects me to be but me.

Character Day at school

2011-05-09T07:43:00.000-04:00

Friday at school was character day. The kids could dress up as their favorite book characters and then march in the parade inside school. All of the classrooms sat in the hallway and one by one each classroom marched down the hallway for their parade. Preston and his friend dressed up as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss.

2 teachers in the school dressed up as well so we had to get a picture of all of them together-cute!!

It was a fun day for all.

Mothers Day

2011-05-08T18:04:00.000-04:00

This has been a wonderful Mothers Day. Coffee in bed, sweet rolls waiting for me when I got up this morning, new purse, new running shoes, chocolate, a poem from Preston about what he likes about mom, went to see a movie with my 2 guys, and we stopped and looked at getting me an IPad but they didnt have any in stock....bummer oh well they will get more in stock another day. Its been a great day with lots of hugs and kisses and Im enjoying every minute of it. Hope everyone has a great Mothers Day!

American Cancer Society

2011-05-04T07:27:00.000-04:00

As most of you know I am very involved in the American Cancer Society. This is my 3rd year as a volunteer, Im on team, and Im on the Committee where I serve as chairman of teams. My job is to help recruit new teams and assist the teams that have been involved in the pasts so that they will continue with Relay for life. My personal goal this year is for me alone to raise $500. Im almost there at $395, Im so close which is why Im posting this in hopes that you will want to donate money toward the American Cancer Society. Did you know that 1 in 4 people will be effected by cancer at some time in their life. We all know of loved ones, neighbors, friends, someone that has been effected. Please take a moment to click the link below that will go to my American Cancer Society page and donate for a good cause. Even the littlest bit helps toward a cure. Thank you,

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11OH?px=11416135&pg=personal&fr_id=31398

2011-04-29T07:47:00.000-04:00

I have some of the cutest neighbors. Today Im going to tell you about the ones that live directly across from me-Mike and Marci.
Mike works from home and Marci works out of the house. The reason I think they are cute is that every single morning and I mean EVERY morning Mike walks Marci to her car, holds her coffee for her, helps her in the car, hands her the coffee and then they kiss. As she drives away he stands and waves at her as she goes down the road. Its really cute to watch. No Im not stalking them but we have large windows in the front of the house and I can totally see them. Its also about the same time the dog decides he must go out for his morning watching of the cars drive out of the subdivision. Its a cute sight to see, the neighbors not the dog. I have shared this in the past but Im gonna say again I love our street.

2011-04-28T07:39:00.000-04:00

I had to go in front of the Chamber Board on Tuesday of this week and basically present myself to them, tell them a bit about me, give them a copy of my resume and wait....for the vote. I was waiting for a vote to take me from contract work to hiring me on. And I got a YES, I am now an employee with Southeastern Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Its official now Im a working girl.

2011-04-26T06:02:00.000-04:00

New subway art for the house.

This one is hanging on my kitchen wall. I love what it says.

The Love one is in my office.

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T07:47:00.004-04:00

We had a great Easter, we spent it with hubbys family.

The kids got Easter baskets at their house as well. The Easter bunny hid their baskets and the kids had to play hot or cold game to find them. Prestons favorite thing out of his basket was this lego starwars-with 454 pieces...good lucky daddy putting that together.

Katie got a Moxie girl styling head.

Trinity got a lalaloopsy doll and teacup piglets.

Here is Trinity and Katie finding eggs in the fish pond.

Preston looking for eggs, did the girls leave any in the fish pond for me?

It was a nice Easter, the kids got a lot of clothes for our upcoming summer vacation. The Easter Bunny left baskets at our house too. Preston got a new baseball glove, more legos, and candy. Trinity got more clothes, makeup, squinkies bracelet and candy. The Easter bunny was good this year to the kids. Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter .

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T07:48:00.000-04:00

Thank you Easter Bunny Bock Bock!

Happy Easter to my family and friends-you are loved!

David Garibaldi Portrait of Jesus Christ Pretty Cool! Happy Easter!

2011-04-22T18:28:00.000-04:00

Peep Smores

2011-04-21T12:18:00.001-04:00

Cute rendition of smores only instead of the marshmallow you use Peeps. Who doesn't love a sugared covered peep and chocolate between graham crackers where you can bite the Bunny's head off. Kids will love this!

2011-04-20T07:50:00.001-04:00

I look forward to summer food- You know fresh corn on the cob, fresh fruit that is cheaper cause its in season, yummy salads where I grow my own lettuce, lighter meals, a glass of half sweet tea and half lemonade on hot days, watermelon, ok I am officially hungry now. Come on farmers market.

2011-04-19T07:36:00.014-04:00

Do you ever feel like this.....I do.

And if I drank 2 cups of coffee along with that coke....watch out world cause then Id be a kidney hurting, hyper southern girl, who has to pee a lot but could definitely rule the world. Thats the mood Im in today-RULER maybe not of the world but I will settle for the Bolin house.

Hydrogen Peroxide tips

2011-04-18T07:06:00.000-04:00

Things you can do with Hydrogen Peroxide....

For example did you know?

Peroxide makes a great mouth rinse? It even says so right on the bottle. Just mix one capful of peroxide with one capful of water, swish or gargle for a minute or two and there you go. It's cheaper than mouthwash and it helps prevent canker sores!
Soak your toothbrush in a cup of peroxide to keep it free of germs (this is great if you haven't been feeling well and haven't found the time to buy a new toothbrush).
Clean your countertops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a clean smell. Just dab onto a damp washcloth and wipe away.
After rinsing off your cutting board pour some peroxide on it to help kill salmonella and other bacteria.
You can add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to help whiten them. If there is blood on your clothing pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it set for a minute or so, rub it, and rinse with cold water (then repeat if necessary).

2011-04-15T07:02:00.000-04:00

42 Items You Should Be Buying From the Dollar Store from Thrifty and Frugal blog.

You all know my love for a great bargain and the love for a dollar store. Not everything in a dollar store is worth your dollar (nor do all things in there cost a dollar these days), but there are many items you can grab for a buck or two that will serve you just as well as the pricey versions from the grocery or super stores.

Food to Buy at Dollar Stores
Many dollar stores have a wide array of pre-packaged and prepared snacks and food. Here are the ones to buy that will be the same as the food found in your supermarket.

Soups.

Bulk candy.

Crackers.

Fruit juices.

Soda.

TV dinners.

Gum.

Noodles.

Stock.

Pickles.

Tuna fish.

Extra virgin olive oil.

Cashews and almonds.

Sugar.

Eggs.

Dollar Store Items for Around the House
There are items you use every single day that can come from the dollar store. Remember that the quality of products offered vary from store to store, so if you’re in a new area with a dollar store, it may be worth visiting to see if they have better brands than what’s stocked at your usual store.

Cleaning products.

Toilet bowl cleaner.

Baking soda.

Vinegar.

Paper towels.

Toilet paper.

Zip top plastic bags.

Plastic containers.

Air freshner.

Tea towels.

Pot holders.

Batteries.

Bath soap.

Shaving cream.

Tape.

More Items to Buy at the Dollar Store
What else can you snap up for a buck? Here’s a look at a few more items worth exploring the next time you’re at your local dollar store.

Gift wrapping paper.

Party decorations.

Kid’s party supplies.

Holiday decorations.

Hair accessories.

Kitchen supplies.

Dishes.

Kettle.

Beach toys.

Coloring books.

Art supplies.

School supplies.

Outlet covers

2011-04-14T07:32:00.000-04:00

Outlet Covers Tutorial

Supplies:
*E600--You don't want to do this with anything less than industrial strength craft glue
*Plastic outlet covers
*Cute painted wood shapes -you can find these at Joann, Michaels and Walmart for around $0.50-$2.00

1. Simply glue the outlet cover to the back of the wood shape. Follow the glue's directions and wait the appropriate time before using them.

New opportunities

2011-04-13T08:18:00.000-04:00

I havent really talked in details about my new job. Mostly because its still not 100% yet but getting closer everyday. Several months ago a job opportunity was introduced to me and without hesitation I knew it was the perfect job for me. Its with the Southeast Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. I have been a volunteer for a while to the Executive Director and now Im in job training. Im being contracted right now as an assistant but will be taking over the Executive Director position in a few months. The nice thing is that I can run the Chamber out of my home which means I can still be home with Preston during the summers. Most of the events, there are several a month, are done during the school year. Only a few events are held during the summer. Which is why last week we set me up an office in the dining room. I am very excited about this new job, about working with the public, I feel like this is the perfect job for me and my family at this time and Im loving the fact that I can still be home with Preston and enjoy our pool time this summer. To those that have known about this position thank you so much for your support and for the help along the way.

Cute sign

2011-04-13T07:48:00.004-04:00

Cute sign I saw that Im going to try and copy. Subway art is very popular now, I see it everywhere.

2011-04-12T07:32:00.001-04:00

Do you know what this pedal does?

Its a foot pedal that controls the water at the kitchen sink. Im just going to assume that whoever invented this little pedal doesnt have kids that would get a kick out of just pushing it to see what happens a hundred times a day. Dont get me wrong it probably would be easy for kids to wash their hands with since most can reach the water but can not reach the faucet handle. I as a mother like to have control, even if that control is over the water faucet handle. As soon as I saw this picture I could see my son standing on that pedal for hours at a time, putting a truck over the top of it or trying to build some contraption out of his legos to see if that would hold the pedal down.

P.S. are those snake skin leggings that this lady is wearing? Where do you even find leggings like that.

What have we been up to lately?

2011-04-11T07:28:00.003-04:00

Its been a busy 2 months in the Bolin house. Here are some of the highlights of whats been going on here.

1st up was that we built a craft table for me, the picture doesn't show just how big the top of it is but its larger than a piece of plywood. It holds my crafts,

sewing machine, scrapbooking stuff, cricut, and tons more. I used to keep my stuff on the dining room table so its nice to have a spot for EVERYTHING craft related.

2nd up was the kids bathroom it went from this.....

To this...

I finished the curtains last week for the kids bathroom

This is what the dining room used to look like...

This is what it looks like now...we changed it into my office. The dining room table and hutch are now in the living room (front room that we used as living room/office-barely used) pics of that to come soon but first we have some repairs and paint to do in that room.

The master bathroom was a sage green color....

Its now a robin blue color...

I couldnt find a recent picture of the front of our house but see those large bushes in front....

Those are now gone. New landscaping will take place after some painting, repairs to the outside, etc. I actually like them gone and they were a pain to maintain during the summer they needed constant cutting to maintain their shape.

I still have lots of projects to do such as paint the red kitchen a new color, the old living room that is now the dining room is getting new paint as well as the entry way, stairwell and hallway upstairs.

2011-04-10T17:48:00.001-04:00

How to make a faux necklace shirt

2011-04-07T07:46:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine made these and shared on her blog and it was too cute not to share with you.

What you need:

Plain shirt

Fabric Paint ( can be purchased at Walmart in their craft dept)

Anything that will make a round stamp {you can use dowels of different sizes, and I also used a hot glue stick. But pens, the eraser side of a pencil...anything like that would work}

Cardboard for the inside of the shirt to keep the paint from leaking though

Then you just take whatever you are using for your stamp, dip it in the paint, and start stamping

Just stamp out any pattern you want. I chose to do four necklaces- two of each color. And each one is a different size circle. Afterwards you could add a flower. You could make this out of extra material you may have at your house or buy the flower already made I have seen some at the dollar tree.

2 hints if you are adding a flower. 1-If your making it you can burn the edges of your flower, see pic below. It will give it a crisp rolled up look that will keep its shape better. All you need to do is hold each flower petal at a distance to a candle, lighter, match whatever you have on hand very very lightly, you dont want it to go up in flames. 2-you could hot glue this flower to your shirt but your better off adding a pin to the back so that you can remove it for washing purposes. The pins are the closed clasp kind that you would find on the back of a broach and can be found at walmart or the dollar tree. See pin pic below.

Here is a picture of the pin.

2011-04-06T14:15:00.000-04:00

No post today, I'm in recovery mode, remodel mode, paint mode, sew mode, Relay for life mode, work mode, work mode, work mode. I plan on posting pics of whats been going on here at the house soon ......p.s.-my new work desk has been purchased that means that 2 rooms are about to change places (living room and dining room are swapping rooms).

3 year itch

2011-04-04T08:25:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I have so many projects going on in my head that it gets a bit overwhelming. It was a great spring break but I came back wanting to make changes in my house. I get an itch about every 1-3 years to make changes so this is the 3 year itch for me.

Paint over the red in the kitchen
Put up new curtains in kitchen
Paint hallway, stairwell, living room
Finish curtains for kids bathroom
Paint master bathroom

Did I also mention that I might have a new job-its not official yet but it sounds like they picked me since they are transferring info and files to my computer. Once its official I will be able to say more.
What projects do you have planned? Maybe my next project will be to sit my butt on the couch and not move for a week.

TN pictures

2011-04-02T18:09:00.000-04:00

Highlights of our week in TN.

Preston painting pottery

Painting pottery with my sister

Our finished product. Preston 2 pigs, my B plate and Jennifers jewerly holder (before firing, they had to keep it several days to heat so I havent seen the finished product yet)

My nephew with Mark

My mom with my cousins little girl

Preston with his great grandmother

My husbands favorite restaurant to eat at when we are in TN

Fishing

My brother and his little boy

My sister in law with her son

I live for vacation

2011-03-25T07:58:00.002-04:00

Its Spring Break for us, well it officially isn't until next week, but we got an early start so I will be taking a few days away from my blog to travel. Warmer weather, southern accents and country ham and biscuits here I come. Have a great week!

After Spring break I will be counting down till summer vacation begins cause here is where I will be this summer.

This is a picture off the deck from the house that we booked for summer vacation at Cape San Blas island in Florida. Ahh I can almost hear the waves and feel the sand beween my toes or is that the toilet flushing that I hear and dog hair that I feel under my feet.

Dear Glue gun I will miss you while I am gone and cant wait to get back to crafting and having hot glue burns on my fingers. Rest up while I am away this week cause your gonna need it.

Yogurt Blueberry Pancakes

2011-03-24T17:15:00.001-04:00

Betty Crocker Yogurt Blueberry Pancakes

Ingredients2 cups Bisquick Original baking mix
2 eggs
1/2 cups milk
1 cup plain Greek yogurt( like stonyfield)
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup fresh blueberries

1. Stir first five ingredients together with a whisk until well blended. Fold in blueberries. The batter will be thick.
2. Pour spoonfuls of batter onto hot, greased griddle, spread lightly.
3. Cook until edges are dry. Turn, cook until golden brown. Serve with your favorite syrup. Enjoy

2011-03-24T08:03:00.001-04:00

This is the most annoying cartoon since Barney...... You have been warned if your child has not been introduced to Fish Hooks.

Homemade fruit roll ups.

2011-03-23T07:49:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite blogs is Pioneer Woman. With Spring here and summer just around the corner you know what that means.....fresh fruit will be more available and the pool will be open. Here is a great recipe for making your own version and much healthier fruit roll ups (or fruit leather as some call it).
http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen-blog/2011/03/step-by-step-homemade-fruit-leather/
These are the only ingredients needed. It calls for some sugar but you can make this sugar free and if your strawberries are really sweet then the less sugar you would need.
Click on link above to be directed to Pioneer Womans recipe and step by step pictures and instructions.

2011-03-22T07:07:00.002-04:00

Another spring cleaning tip:

Here's a fun little tip that I read about and have tried it myself it's super easy and you'll be amazed at the results!

Do you hate how your grout lines get dirty and grungy?

Did you know that you can use a bleach pen to clean them does wonders. What I do is run the pen along the grout lines, let it set for 5 minutes and then wipe it clean.

You will be amazed at the results. Happy cleaning!

What does your hubby say?

2011-03-21T07:40:00.001-04:00

Does your husband agree with your decor ideas for your house? I have had this question asked of me on more than one occasion and my answer is always a "what, you mean I should ask him first"?

In this house when hubby is away the wifey will paint. I almost always just go ahead and do my house decor changes without even telling hubby and if he notices when he gets home from work then great and if not then Im not about to tell him what I did.
I wonder if he leaves the house wondering what wifey is going to do while he is away. Sometimes he stops at the door upon entering the house and takes a few seconds to look around as if he is trying to figure out if this is the correct house or not.
To help him feel needed in the decor decisions of our house if I feel like I want his input on paint colors then here is what I do. I first get the sample color of the paint I like, I then pick out 2 more colors that are hideous and then lay all 3 color samples in front and ask his opinion. Only once has this backfired.
I am a bargain shopper as well and I reuse items in the house. I never throw away a good piece of wood, we took down a wall once and kept all of the trim which is now the chair molding in the kids bathroom. I move furniture around the house and just paint it. I picked up a dresser at a yard sale 2 yrs ago for $10 and it has been in 2 different rooms and 2 different colors and now sits in my entry way. I search craigslist, yard sales, goodwill, my mom and sisters house for stuff when they are done with it and want to get rid of it. One mans trash is another mans treasure.
With all of this being said it also helps that either hubby is used to my changes, is oblivious to my changes or is to tired to say anything....either way it works for me.

Happy Spring!

2011-03-20T13:11:00.001-04:00

Moss covered frame

2011-03-18T07:24:00.000-04:00

This black frame originally had a mirror in it. It came from the dollar tree store but I removed the mirror for another project and held on to the frame. Never throw away frames there is so much you can do with them...such as this.

Remember the moss I covered my letter B with, here is the other bag of it from the dollar tree.

I cut my moss into strips wide enough to cover the frame.

I then hot glued the strips to my frame.

I added some silk flowers left over from another project but the dollar tree has tons of silk flowers.

All I did was to hot glue some silk flowers to one corner of my moss frame.

I then hung it up in my downstairs guest bathroom. This could be hung on a door as well.

Here is another idea for frames. Hot glue some ribbon to the back of the frame and then attach your girls hair bows via the clip to the ribbon. You could even put some cute fabric to the back of this as well with the ribbon laying on top of the fabric.

Heloise's 40 lemon tips

2011-03-17T07:50:00.001-04:00

Ask Heloise Handy Household tip book has provided 40 things we can do with lemons. With Spring around the corner I thought this was the perfect time to share.

1. Hair – For extra shine, dilute 1 tsp lemon juice in a cup of water, and use to rinse your hair after shampooing.
2. Hands – Remove smells and stains with a rub of lemon juice.
3. Nails – Whiten fingernails with a rub from a wedge of lemon.
4. Rough elbows - Hold your elbow in half a lemon for a few mins, then rinse.
5. Spots – Wet a paper towel with lemon juice and apply to help treat spots and blackheads.
6. Hand wash – Make your own liquid handwash
7. Exfoliating body scrub - Mix chopped lemon peel, half a cup of sugar and olive oil into a paste. Use to exfoliate rough areas of skin such as feet.
8. Minor wounds - Dab with lemon juice to disinfect scratches and scrapes. It might sting a bit!
9. Travel sickness – Suck on a slice of lemon to help you stop feeling nauseous.
10. Laxative – Mix 2 tbsp of lemon juice and warm water, then drink.
11. Sore throat & coughs - Mix 2 tsp of lemon juice with half a tsp of honey and drink. Or mix juice and honey with hot tea.
12. Wasp stings - apply lemon juice for relief.
13. Dandruff - Mix 2 tbsp lemon juice in 2 cups of water and rinse after shampooing

Cleaning

14. Stained plastic - Rub plastic containers or tupperware with lemon juice to help shift food stains.
15. Stains – Remove stains from wooden chopping boards and cloths. Mix lemon juice with water, apply and rinse.
16. Mirrors – Mix 2 tbsp lemon juice with half a gallon of water for an effective mirror cleaner.
17. Grease – Straight lemon juice acts as a general degreaser.
18. Stains – Clean copper and brass with salt and lemon juice (three parts salt to one juice).
19. Microwave - Add lemon slice to small bowl of water, then microwave for 5 minutes and wipe clean.
20. Grater - Remove dried food from your grater by rubbing with the pulp side of a cut lemon.
21. Polish – Make furniture polish from 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts cooking oil.
22. All-purpose cleaner – mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
23. Taps - Cut lemon into slices and leave on limescale stains around taps for 10 mins (or as long as overnight). Scrub with old toothbrush and rinse.
24. Toilet – Use lemon juice to help clean dirty toilets.
25. Windows - Make your own eco friendly window cleaner.
26. Dishes – Instead of washing up liquid, try soaking a cloth / sponge in lemon juice, give them a scrub, then rinse in warm water.

Laundry

27. Mildew - Rub stained clothes with a lemon and leave in the sun for 12 hours or more.
28. Rust – Remove stains from clothes by applying lemon juice and dry under a hot sun.
29. Whiter whites - Mix lemon juice with water to whiten whites.
30. Fresh smell - A tsp of lemon juice added to your wash will make clothes smell fresher.

Aromas

31. Firelighters - After cooking, use residual oven heat to bake discarded orange or lemon peels until they darken. These create natural, fragrant firelighters.
32. Pot pourri - Dry peels to add to your pot pourri.
33. Fridge – Cut lemon in half and let it absorb fridge smells.
34. Bins - Throw lemon peel in the bin from time to time to keep it smelling fresh.
35. Odour – Neutralise the smell of vinegar-based cleaning products with a small amount of juice.

Food and drink

36. Cut waste #1 - Waste less of your lemon by cutting into quarters / slices, and freeze until you need them.
37. Cut waste #2 - ‘Massage’ your lemon or roll it in your hands before you squeeze it to get more juice out.
38. Make food last longer – Add a squeeze of lemon to cut fruit, home made juice and salads to help them stay fresh longer.
39. Salad - For a simple, cheap and healthy dressing, blend lemon juice and olive oil.
40. Lemonade - Put juice from 3 lemons and water in blender and liquidise. Add sugar to taste. Strain, add ice and serve

Last but not least.......one last thing....tequila

The red tomatoey stuff overrunning my fridge

2011-03-16T17:44:00.000-04:00

The "Bolin" way. What does the Bolin way mean....apparently it means that at any given time you will have Heinz ketchup in your house and that you will have 3 opened bottles of said ketchup in your fridge. Im not talking about the little rinky dink bottles either. I'm talking the big kahuna 40 oz....3 of them.....all open and used...in your fridge at one time.....something is definitely wrong with this and considering I'm not a ketchup fan I am not pointing my finger at me.

2011-03-16T07:25:00.002-04:00

Moss covered letters are all over the place now. I see them in decorating magazines, and decorating blogs. I decided to make my own using a wooden letter that I purchased for $1.99 at Joanna fabrics and sheets of moss from the dollar tree store. Who knew you could even purchase sheets of moss?

Here are the moss sheets from the dollar tree. I only needed 1 of the bags, the other one is for a different project at another time.

This is what the underside of the moss sheet to give you an idea of how it all stays in place and how easy it is to cut since its on this mesh backing.

I first started off by adding hot glue to the front of my letter.

I then placed my letter on the back side of the moss sheet. Remember I want the front of B to have the moss so you have to flip your letter and be sure to use the back of the moss.

Gluing the moss to the letter beforehand keeps it from moving as I begin trimming the moss.

Its a bit of a messy project so you have been warned. See the moss clippings on my counter, that totally looks like something I have seen in a baggie while in college...just saying.

Here is my moss covered letter B. It looks cute just where it is perched upon a window but I have seen these on mantels for Spring decor, used on wreaths or just by itself hanging from a mirror or door with ribbon.

I have no idea who's house this is but I love the moss covered "S" hanging from the door and Im jealous of their porch. So cute....and no watering required.

Booster seat from ugly to awesome

2011-03-15T07:24:00.002-04:00

In the state of OH children have to be in a booster seat till they are of age 8 or 57 inches tall. Since Preston is only 5 and 46 inches tall unless he hits a major growth spurt he will be in the booster for quite some time.
Here is what his booster seat looked like before----and this is after the cushion has been washed many times. It still looks gross.

After taking the cushion off the base I laid it out flat upside down. The material I used was from Walmart and its called creative cuts fat quarter single. It sounds like something that you would order from a drive thru but its basically a 18x22 precut piece of fabric. You can find the fat quarter singles pretty much anywhere that has a craft dept or fabric dept. It will run you anywhere from $1-3. This piece was $1.27.

After turning over the cushion I then started to wrap the fabric around it making cuts here and there in corners to get a tighter fit. All I did was hot glue it as I went around. It was like wrapping a box almost.

Be sure in the corners that you leave the elastic strings out. They are what you will attach back to the base to keep the cushion in place.

Here is what the underside of the cushion looks like wrapped in the new fabric.

I didnt do anything with the holes on the side so that his drink cups could still be usable. I just placed my fabric on top of the drink holes and continued around. I felt like if I had wrapped fabric around the drink cup holder hole that it would of been hard for Preston to pull the holder in and out because it would of been too tight.

Drink cup still slides in and out as it always did and you cant even see the bottom where I didnt wrap any fabric.

Here is the finished product. I can still clean it as usual by either removing the cushion and cleaning or spot cleaning it.

Not bad for $1.27

Hair today...gone tomorrow

2011-03-14T07:58:00.000-04:00

As most of you know Relay for Life through the American Cancer Society is near and dear to my heart for many reasons. Whether that reason be in memory of my grandparents, in honor of my dad and uncle or in memory of my friends family. I made the decision to get my long hair cut and to donate that hair to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths that provides wigs through the American Cancer Society for cancer patients. So here are some pictures, I'm so glad I did this and I hope someone enjoys this feisty strawberry blond hair.

Here is the morning of......

The donation process was a bit strict and the amount of donation had to be more than 8 inches along with several other requirements. I was able to cut off more than 9 inches and still get to the length I wanted.

Here is the after with donated hair in bag and my cutie patootie hairdresser.

To recipient they say Redheads are unforgettable.... now go out and prove them right.

Funny quotes about redheads.

"Gentlemen may prefer blondes, but it takes a real man to handle a redhead." - Unknown

"Blondes are noticed but redheads are never forgotten." - Unknown

2011-03-11T07:53:00.000-05:00

Funny Church signs. God is probably laughing at these too.

Awkward and Awesome

2011-03-10T07:14:00.000-05:00

Awkward

Putting on shirts and almost strangling myself with that ribbon they put across to keep it on the hanger
When you're in a public bathroom with a WHOLE LONG ROW of empty stalls and someone comes and goes in the stall RIGHT NEXT TO YOU. I'm potty shy, ok!! Why did you have to pick the one right next to me??? There are so many others open.
How bad I am at those twisted text spam verifiers on comments. It takes me like 12 times to get it right. Ok, maybe more like 2. Still more than necessary.
Not remembering someones name after you have been introduced to them on many occasions...Im bad with names. Cant we all just wear nametags.
Trying to look cute and wearing low cut jeans in public and then bending over to discover that you shouldn't bend over in jeans like that. Not so cute.
Dropping food in your cleavage while at a restaurant.
Running on a treadmill next to someone who is listening to music who decides to sing out of loud and not in tune.

Awesome

Coming home and finding my favorite magazine in the mailbox waiting for me.
Finding a great item at a thrift store or yard sale
Anything chocolate
Laughing so hard you cry
Getting to spend time with friends.
Listening to my son read his books while in our pjs and cuddled up.
Getting an unexpected surprise gift just because.
Finding money in your coat from last season.
My keurig coffee maker
First sign of Spring.

Relay Team in the newspaper for American Cancer Society

2011-03-09T15:49:00.003-05:00

http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/canalwinchester/stories/2011/03/09/team-hopes-flocking-will-raise-money.html?sid=104

Click on link to see article....
p.s could I look any more pasty in color---next time I should get some sun before a picture is taken.

Interview your kids

2011-03-09T07:54:00.004-05:00

Sometimes life happens and we forget to take the time to get to know our kids each day. As we all know they grow up so fast and in an instant your child can go from diapers to Iron Man. Today I'm going to interview (get to know) this blue eyed cuteness in my life.

This project is from Mommy and Me site-you can print this off and the goal is to ask these questions to your child every 6 months-1 year or so and see how time changes your child. At the end the child even writes their name so you can see how their handwriting changes as well. When I saw this project online one Mommy had a book of these and now that her child is in college she looks back and can see how he went from being a child to a young man. Cute idea especially for those that cant get into the whole scrap booking thing. You could print this off and do this every 6 months and attach a picture to the page each time.

Prestons answers:

Favorite color-blue

Who is your best friend-Joseph and Dimitri

Favorite animal-Dog

What do you want to be when you grow up-Fireman

What is your favorite movie-Star Wars

What is your favorite book-Mickey Mouse Truck book

What makes you happy-playing games What makes you sad-not getting to play games

What is your favorite food to eat-cheeseburgers

What is your favorite to sing-Dynamite by Taio Cruz

What games do you like play-Memory, Sorry, Hulk on Wii

My kind of front door

2011-03-08T07:31:00.000-05:00

I love this front door it says Unless you sell Thin Mints...No Solicitin

Decor Do's for 2011

2011-03-07T07:22:00.000-05:00

This is Style at Home Magazine 25 Decor Do list for 2011

1 Do use pattern in your home and use it often. Pattern is the antithesis of stuffy and boring - use it to enliven and invigorate your space.

2 Do mix colour and pattern together. "This creates a unique and individual look. Long gone are the bland 'hotel' generic looks of the last decade," says Lisa Nicholl, CEO of inVU Drapery Co.

3 Do layer different patterns. "Mix as many as you like, keeping in mind that varying scale is the key. Patterns like animal skins and geometrics are considered neutral to stripes and florals," says Lisa.

4 Do use wallpaper. If you haven't used wallpaper already, 2011 is the time to try.

5 Do use a patterned rug. Graphic floor coverings are so modern and fresh.

6 Do use brass. It is a metal that is making a big comeback. "Polished, antiqued, hammered - you name it, we're doing it," says Meredith Heron, Principal Designer of Meredith Heron Designs.

7 Do use gold. It's another metal making a strong comeback in 2011.

8 Do use layers upon layers. "Spaces that look like they have evolved over decades vs. styled and contrived in the moment are very 2011," says Meredith.

9 Do collect vintage. "Purchase items such as lamps, mirrors, prints and ornamental pieces to look as if they were collected or handed down, rather than purchased at a big box store all at the same time," says Lisa.

10 Do use anything patina. This worn look on metals gives items a story and history.

11 Do mix and match collectibles. "They do not necessarily all match in colour or style but somehow work harmoniously in a room because they were purchased with love and inspiration rather than desperation," says Lisa.

12 Do use vintage chairs. "Get rid of your faux leather brown Parsons dining chair and think about introducing vintage or mid-century second hand dining chairs," says Yanic Simard, Principal Designer of Toronto Interior Design Group.

13 Do up-cycle. "2011 is about re-using, recycling and up-cycling," says Yanic.

14 Do think pink. "We're doing it in a fresh way in 2011," says Meredith. Honeysuckle, Pantone's colour of the year is sweet, optimistic and lively.

15 Do be bold and individual with your colour choices.

16 Do use muted colours. Benjamin Moore's colour of the year, Vintage Wine, is deep and moody. Paired with other muted tones, it lends itself to a sophisticated, upscale palette.

17 Do use Travertine. "Popular in the '80s, travertine - to my great delight - is making a huge comeback," says Yanic. "It looks stunning, is less expensive than marble and it is a renewable material."

18 Do use geometric shaped tiles in your backsplash or bathroom. Hexagonal, herringbone or stylized floral patterns bring glamour and drama.

19 Do spend money on statement light fixtures. "They may seem expensive but you use them every day," say Juli Daoust and John Baker of the shop Mjölk. Invest in a cluster of clear glass globes or a sculptural pendant.

20 Do use coloured lampshades. Swap the classic white drum for a custom shade in an unexpected colour. Use a neon or saturated colour to add a fashion pop.

21 Do layer with lighting. "A lamp is no longer just a practical element. A lighting source can easily become a decor statement - combine various fixtures to create different moods, from lively to ambient," says Sebastien Fauteux, General Merchandising Manager for Urban Barn.

22 Do declutter with style. "But be sure to keep everything accessible with decorative hooks, stylish storage boxes, intricate jewelry trees and countertop organizers," says Sebastien.

23 Do reflect your personality. "Let your home be a reflection of your tastes, inspirations and aspirations. Pull your decor style from places you've traveled, your hobbies, interests or values," says Sebastien.

24 Do redefine value. "Value doesn't mean quantity. It means buying things for the home that you enjoy looking at and using," say Juli and John.

25 Do set your own course. Be individual and curate your home with inspired patience.

2011-03-05T16:50:00.001-05:00

This weekend I finished Trinitys bedroom and we also hung 2 ceiling fans with lights in the kids room. Lowels dad had to come up and run the electricity for us since neither of their rooms had above lights. Here is her bedroom before.

And after....

I spraypainted a frame black and hung her guitar from it. I also added paisley wall stickers that came from the dollar tree.

Coffee date Friday

2011-03-04T07:15:00.002-05:00

I love Friday morning coffee dates with hubby. Its our time to go out, get some great coffee , kid free and just enjoy spending time with one another.

Too much of a good thing

2011-03-03T15:41:00.001-05:00

You know you have spray painted too much when you blow your nose and that color comes out.

Before and after

2011-03-03T07:23:00.000-05:00

Kids bathroom before and after.
Here is the before.....

And now after. I painted the top turquoise and the bottom white. I added a chair rail as well with leftover trim that we had here in the house. That's what I was using the mitor saw and brad nailer from....and I still have all 10 fingers!!!

I added Wash Floss Brush Flush with vinyl that I cut out with my cricut. I also painted the light above the mirror when we moved in it was gold, I spray painted it silver.

I added some hooks to the molding for towels.

To finish it off I added 2 simple shelves.

I plan on raiding my moms sewing room to find some material that I can make a curtain for the window. My mother in law thought I was nuts to paint the bottom half of the walls white but when you have a boy its not what you can see that's the problem its what you cant see.

Burner Covers to project

2011-03-02T07:21:00.000-05:00

The possibilities are endless for this next craft project. This one can be used for yourself or for your kids.

All you need to make this magnetic/chalk board is

burner covers -you can get a 2 pack at the dollar tree
chalkboard paint-I had some left over from another project but don't worry if you don't have any. You can cover this in fabric, or scrapbook paper as well and use it as a magnetic board only.
Magnets-You probably have tons of magnets but none of mine were decorative. All of mine had my doctor or dentist phone number on them or the local pizza place. I purchased some glass gems at Dollar Tree and some magnetic buttons to attach to the gems to make some decorative magnets.

Total cost of project by using leftover chalkboard paint and making my own decorative magnets=$4.00 made me 2 boards.

If you used your own magnets and covered the board in paper or fabric that you already have then cost to make 2 boards is $1.00

Here are the burner covers from dollar tree (2 in pack)

Here are the glass gems that I purchased from Dollar Tree to make some magnets

Magnetic buttons from Walmart that I attached to the back of the gems to make decorative magnets.

I painted the burner cover with chalkboard paint.

Here is what it looks like after 1 coat of chalkboard paint.

Here is what it looks like after the 2nd application of chalkboard paint. Now its all ready to use.

I attached a ribbon to the back of the burner to hang or so that the kids can carry it around.

Extra magnets can be stored on the back of the burners.

If you decided to put fabric or scrapbook then this is what it could look like.

Preston loves spelling his sight words on the board and can even take it in the car.

Boring T-shirt to Project Runway T-shirt

2011-03-01T07:35:00.001-05:00

Wanna update a boring T- shirt? Add some trim to it.

I found trim at Walmart in their craft section. This is project runway trim and they had lots to chose from, including sequin. It was $2.97 for this ruffle trim.

I played around with it to get the trim exactly where I wanted and then pinned it along the way. Once I had it pinned I carefully tried the shirt on to make sure everything was where I wanted it to be. Boobs have a tendency to change things around-just saying. . Be careful not to get poked.

Once I had it pinned I tried sewing it on my sewing machine but there were too many twist and turns so I instead hand sewed it and this is the results.

Cost of project using a tshirt I already had was only $2.97

You can even see here where Martha Stewart took some project runway sequin trim and made sequin cuff bracelets. http://www.marthastewart.com/article/sequin-cuff-bracelet

Plans

2011-02-28T07:26:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-27T18:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-02-26T11:02:00.000-05:00

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.

2011-02-25T16:24:00.000-05:00

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

Mirror, Mirror on the wall

2011-02-25T07:02:00.001-05:00

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

2011-02-24T07:30:00.010-05:00

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.....

2011-02-23T07:58:00.002-05:00

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.

2011-02-22T07:22:00.001-05:00

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

2011-02-21T17:18:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-19T07:42:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-02-18T07:20:00.003-05:00

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.

2011-02-17T07:14:00.000-05:00

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

2011-02-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

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

2011-02-15T08:25:00.004-05:00

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.

2011-02-14T07:37:00.001-05:00

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

Happy Valentines Day love

2011-02-14T07:32:00.006-05:00

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

2011-02-10T16:11:00.000-05:00

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

2011-02-09T07:06:00.001-05:00

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.

Valentine card for him

2011-02-08T07:45:00.002-05:00

Wouldnt your hubby love a handmade Valentine from his awesome, gifted, beautiful wife. Not sure what to write? How about using this quote from below. Not the type to make your own card? How about writing this on his side of the bathroom mirror with lipstick, put a note on his windshield so he will see it as he gets into his car in the morning, text him, anything. Its simple and yet will put a big smile on his face.

Cupids Arrow

2011-02-07T07:34:00.002-05:00

Easy Valentine Treats.
First start with these 2 items. One bag of any kind of pretzel sticks and jelly hearts.

Each cupid arrow uses 1 pretzel stick and 2 jelly hearts.

Gently push the pretzel stick through the heart like the picture below

Now on the other end put another heart only this one should be facing the opposite direction of the first. This one should have the pretzel stick at the pointy end of the heart.

To make the end of the bow (split heart look) get your kitchen scissors and just cut a slit in the heart like so. Thats all you have to do and is easy for kids to do as well. Dont worry about breaking a pretzel stick just eat it right away to get rid of the evidence and grab another one of the 3oo pretzel sticks that are in the bag.

Now put your cupids arrow in a valentine bag, or in a Ziploc bag and add the following tags to it and give to a friend/loved one/teacher . Feel free to copy/paste/print the tags below.

How cute are these!

Gotta watch this great commercial

2011-02-05T12:41:00.000-05:00

This commercial is so my son!

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/8729284/24080174