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Decorating/ FUN/DIY/ HOME/ Homemaking

My Must-Do Home Decor Projects

Fall is coming.

I have to admit, as much fun as summer has been, when I think of fall I get a bit giddy.  I love a schedule.  I love order.  I love a picked up & clean house.  Fall brings those things.  My home is full of so many sweet young ones all summer long that it certainly does not stay in order.

Home decor and projects for sure take the back burner in the summer.  Another reason to look forward to fall.  I’m feeling the itch to update some things around here.  Paint a few rooms, do a few decor projects.

Here are a few from my Home Decor Pinterest Board that I would LOVE to do:

I must find a wall to paint black. The white frames lighten it up & pop!
Another dark wall.  Love how clean and simple everything is. I’d like to copy that framed ‘love.’

This site is said to have great prices on area rugs.  I just swapped my upstairs furniture with my downstairs furniture, and I really like it, but now I need a pop of color in my living room.  A new area rug would be the perfect solution.
We have a desk in our upstairs landing area that is unused.  I bet if I jarred up all our fun art supplies and made an art station, it would no longer be lonely.  I might top it with a piece of glass, though, as that would be much easier to clean than stained wood.

Source: vi.sualize.us via New on Pinterest

I like that vase of limbs.  That would be an inexpensive way to add some texture, height and interest to a room & to fill in a blank area.

You could easily change out the pictures, add children’s art, add color, inspirational quotes, scripture verses etc.  Not diggin’ the curtains, though!

Source: hgtv.com via New on Pinterest

Hurricanes and dollar store pillars.  I love candles in the fall and winter.  I love large scale decorative items.  I love cheap and simple.  I love this!

Those numbers are rad.  So is that door handle. The idea of planting grass in a planter and cutting it back in the fall for fall color, texture and beauty is brilliant!  

The size and layout of this bathroom reminds me of mine, but mine has white beadboard and the paint color above it is awful baby poo green.  Sorry, there is just no other way to describe it.  I don’t know why I chose that color over 5 years ago, but it must GO!  My bathroom is dark, so the idea of shutters that still let in light but gives privacy is really appealing.  I don’t think I could do the white shower curtain, maybe big grey and white stripes?

Ahhh… graphic pillows.  I want one that says ‘Rest.’

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Looking back on all of these, it is clear I am wanting more shades of white, grey and black.  I love color, but I especially love bringing in pops of color to a more neutral background. 
I sure hope I am feeling this motivated come fall!  I’m itchin’ to get at some of these home decor projects!
How about you?  Got any home project plans coming up in the fall?

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HOME/ Homemaking/ Organizing/ Simplifying

Mess to Less-My Home Office

Recently, I got a new Macbook Pro.  I have loved every minute I have spent with it, whether it is at a coffee shop or in my bed, I love the convenience of being able to write somewhere other than at a desk!
Something a bit strange started happening as I spent less and less time in our home office.  It started collecting things and became one HUGE “hotspot.”  It became the dumping ground for anything that didn’t have a specific home.  The desk top became a clutter collector as I was not sitting at it to write anymore.  Before, I would always clear the desktop so I could actually breath while I wrote.
Oh, boy!

Even the closet was starting to become a bit of a mess!  I have decluttered this home office in the past and even wrote about it, which really actually helped the process of doing it again.  I noticed the closet was so much easier to get back in order, and most of our desk drawers were still doing well in the organization area, too!  Progress…
This was midway through organizing. Here is what I used:
~A trash bag
~A bin for ‘giveaway to charity’
~A bin (or two!) for paper work that needs attention
~An area for ‘things that need a home’ (my dining room table)
~A broom
~A duster
~Spotify! For good music while I clean
This is ridiculous.  I have been ignoring paperwork.  It was super helpful to put it all into a bin to just get it out of the way, instead of trying to deal with it at that moment and get distracted from the rest of the office.  I knew I could gradually work on it in the coming days, and I knew my organized office would motivate me to do just that!  I am eager to get a better filing system going around here to help with this paper problem!
Here is the ‘giveaway bin.’  I love getting rid of stuff we don’t love.  THIS IS KEY to making our spaces more organized.  GET RID OF STUFF.  Less stuff = less mess.  One of my favorite sayings is “you can’t organize clutter!” 

Here is what my table looked like midway through.  This is stuff that was cluttering up our office that really belongs elsewhere.
And here is the finished product!  Ahhh..so much better.  We have yet to decorate in here how I envision it, but clutter free is beautiful!
Clutter free closet.  Yay!
This is my donation station.  I got the idea on Pinterest, but theirs is much cuter. Mine is lacking in the cuteness factor,  but has been REALLY useful. I have been looking around for canvas type boxes with lids.  I found some at Target that I love…they were black with white zigzag stripes.  I’m waiting for them to go on sale!  I will then make a small tag to label each bin so we know what goes where.  

In the time it took me to grab my camera for an “after” shot, my daughter had discovered the newly cleaned study and actually wanted to use it for the first time in weeks.  Funny how clear and clutter free areas attract people!  
Ahhh, so much better.  I have stacked paper holders, one for each family member.  It has helped keep the papers that would usually build up on the desk at bay.  I also cleared our bulletin board which also helps for those important little slips of paper.  This whole process only took me about 1 1/2 hours.  Not bad at all! We have ALL used the office much more often now that it went from mess to less. Why or why do I procrastinate?
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Frugal/ HEALTH/ HOME/ Homemaking/ Natural Products/ Simplifying

Awesome Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

If you read my post on Easy Homemade Glass Cleaner That Smells Awesome, you will know that I am on a Make-Your-Own kick when it comes to cleaners.  I am amazed at how easy, healthful, and inexpensive it is to make my own cleaners, and this Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner is my favorite so far.  I really feel like it has cleaning power, but I love that when I spray it I don’t have to hold my breath!  If anything it is the opposite.  It uses lemon essential oil that smells so fresh and clean that it almost makes me WANT to clean….almost.

I chose Lemon essential oil as my scent.  I LOVE any citrus scent.  I got mine at my local health food store, but next time I will be ordering it from Organic Mountain Rose Herbs, where the price is much better!

All Purpose Cleaner
1/2 tsp. washing soda
1/2 tsp. castille soap (I use Dr. Bronners)
2 cups hot water
20 drops essential oil of your choice
_____________
Combine and put into a spray bottle.

Why am I passionate about making my own cleaners?

~it is inexpensive
~they don’t contain harsh chemicals
~it is easy
~my daughters asthma instantly got better when we switched to organic cleaners
~I have history of cancer, twice, so the less chemicals my in my body the better
~it is eco friendly
~the ingredients used in one product can often be used in other products which makes it cost effective

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HOME/ Homemaking/ Organizing/ Simplifying

Simplifying My Morning Routine


I have posted my morning routine before, but as life changes, so do routines, and I thought it was time for an update.  I have felt it change, morphing on its own into a more simple routine as I have learned to be more efficient with my time in the mornings.


Here is my new Morning Routine list:

{In My Room-7:15}
~Give Day To God
~Make Bed

~Read 1 Chapter of the Proverbs
~Get Dressed/Hair/Makeup/Teeth

{In Kitchen}
~Make Girls Lunches
~Empty/Fill Dishwasher
~Make Coffee
~Make Lemon Water
~What’s For Dinner?
~Supervise Girls Breakfast & Vitamins 

{Oldest Daughter Leaves, 7:45, I’m usually still in the Kitchen}

{Whole House}
~Reboot Laundry
~House Pick Up
~Wipe Glass Tables
~Wipe Bathrooms

{Kiss 2 Younger Girls Goodbye As They Leave For School-8:45}

{In Office}
~Breakfast/Vitamins/Coffee (yes, I eat at my desk)
~Go Through Email
~Check Calendar


{Whole House}
~Clean Mama Daily Cleaning Goal
~5 Minute Hot Spot
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Here are some additional thoughts on each item on my list:

Make Bed
I do this right when I get out of it!  

{my prayer bench is now at the end of my bed, which leaves no room for the workout mat–oh darn.}


Give Day To God
This is a quick acknowledgement at my prayer bench, a prayer that God would use me how He sees fit, and that I would be mindful of Him throughout the day.

{prayer bench.  Curious?  Read more here.}

One Chapter Of Proverbs
This is also done at my prayer bench. My Grandpa did this everyday.  There are 31 Chapters in Proverbs, so whatever day of the month it was, that was the chapter he would read.  I now do the same.  Proverbs is such a great instructional guide to living.  I love the small reminders, and pray that it will help me grown in wisdom.

Get Dressed/Hair/Makeup
Sometimes I even shower…lol. {Actually, most days I shower at the gym}

Make Girls Lunches 
My girls are very independent and responsible thanks to their age (12, 11 & 9),  and their own charts and morning routine, so the only thing I have to do for them in the mornings is make their lunches and occasionally help them with their hair.

Empty/Fill Dishwasher
Gotta start the day with a clean kitchen.  This is the only way I can motivate myself to cook.  No cooking means no eating healthy, so kitchen must start out clean at the beginning of the day!

{I’ve been making Iced Lattes lately. Love this one- 3 ingredient Mocha Almond Iced Latte}

Make Coffee
My favorite.  I get giddy about this.  Mmmm..the smell!

Make Lemon Water
While coffee is brewing, I make a quick glass of lemon water.  I won’t let myself drink coffee until I have had a full 8 ounce glass of lemon water.  A great way to start the morning.


Supervise Girls Breakfast & Vitamins
There is something about us all in the kitchen together in the morning that is positive.  I like knowing what each girl chose to eat for breakfast, making sure they got at least one fruit.  I also have them tell me when they are taking their vitamins so I know they get them into their little bodies each day!

What’s For Dinner?
It is good for me to think about this at the beginning of my day.  Especially when thawing meat is involved or if I want to use the crock pot.  It eliminates last-minute-before-dinner trips to the store because I check to make sure I have all I need at the beginning of the day. 


Reboot Laundry
A load a day keeps the smellies away!  I am working hard on this one.  It really is doable if I just make myself think about it, which is why it is on the list.  I make sure I set the timer in the kitchen when I come back upstairs to remind me to go switch loads.

This one is super easy and a habit.  I just go into each room and make sure there is nothing in there that does not belong, a quick pick up.  Of course, I ignore the growing “Hot Spots” those will be taken care of later.  It is only easy because part of my girls morning and evening charts is “pick up personals,” which means they go into each room of the house and get anything they have left out and put it away, leaving very little left for me to pick up.

 Wipe Glass Tables 
I have a kitchen table and dining room table that both are glass.  They need wiped numerous times a day, especially after my girls have had breakfast at them. 

Wipe Bathrooms

I use Flylady’s “Swish & Swipe” system.  Basically, you keep toilet bowl cleaner in the container of the toilet brush, so everyday you just grab it and do a quick swish (not a good idea if you have small kids, unless your cleaner is non-toxic).  I also take a paper towel and vinegar spray to quick swipe the mirror and sink area.  “Swish & Swipe” keeps the bathroom company ready with just seconds a day. (I do deeper bathroom cleaning once a week, this just keeps it shining throughout the week).  

{my go to breakfast–Overnight Chia Oat Pudding}

Breakfast/Vitamins
Pretty self explanatory.  I need a good breakfast and to remember to take my vitamins.  I love this time of day, sitting down at my desk with coffee and breakfast, checking in on my social media and chatting with some of YOU!

Go Through Email
If I don’t do this daily, my inbox becomes a mess.  Still learning this one… MY INBOX IS CRAZY right now.


Check Calendar
I do this as part of my evening routine, but a quick peek in the morning is always good, too.  I use iCal on my Mac. 


{Clean Mama Has a Free To Do List Printable, which is very fitting for this post!}



Clean Mama Daily Cleaning Goal

After sitting at the computer for awhile, and before doing any time consuming photo editing or post writing, I get back up and get my body moving again.  I have been using Clean Mama’s Cleaning Routine and I have loved it.  If you like her on Facebook, her fun symbols will come through on your news feed each day, which is a great visual reminder of what to do each day!  Check out her Etsy shop for more amazing free printables, and for a discount, look to the left in my sidebar and you will see her offer of 20% off for New Nostalgia customers.  Love me some Clean Mama!

 5 Minute Hot Spot
Also part of the Flylady System, a “hot spot” is any spot in your home that erupts into clutter easily.  For me, it is our study closet, our desk, our stairs, my trunk, certain drawers, an area that collects clothes in my bedroom…I could go on and on.  Spending 5 minutes a day in a hotspot keeps these areas under control.  I am amazed at how well this one works.  Again, the key is stopping after 5 minutes and knowing you will have 5 more tomorrow..  


________________

There are a lot of things on the list that we all do everyday. Seeing them listed makes it seem like a lot, but really, it is not.  Many of them only take a minute or 2.  This is what works for me, it is not for everyone, and it would look different if I had to leave for work every day. It really, really makes a difference in my day when I do these things regularly and purposefully. This list keeps me on track and helps things run smoothly around here!



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Frugal/ HEALTH/ HOME/ Homemaking/ Natural Products

My Daughter’s Homemade Laundry Detergent Science Project

 

IMG_00061
Store Bought Vs. Homemade Laundry Detergent
 
My 5th Grade Science Experiment
 
{From Amy’s 5th Grade Daughter}
IMG_00161
Question:
Does Homemade laundry detergent work better than store-bought laundry detergent?
Hypotheses:
My Hypothesis is that the home made laundry detergent will work better than the store bought laundry detergent.
IMG_00181
Experiment
To Make Homemade Laundry Detergent:
1. I grated 1 bar of soap.
2. Then I brought 1 gallon of water to boil in a large pot.
3. Then, I put the grated soap into the pot, and stirred until dissolved.
4. I added once cup of Borax Powder and 1 cup of Washing Soda into the pot.
5. I turned the heat down and stirred until combined.
6. Once cooled, I stirred it again and put into containers.
 Materials
A large spoon, large pot, measuring cups, grater, containers to store detergent, labels, water, borax, powder, washing soda, bar of soap.
Constants:
1. Both shirts were stained with 3 stains.  Strawberry jelly, BBQ Sauce, and Spaghetti Sauce.
2. Both shirts were washed in hot water on the same washing cycle.
Variable:
The second shirt stain set longer, due to the amount of time the first shirt took to wash.
I washed the 2nd shirt in ‘All’ Clothes Detergent.
IMG_0038
Research:
According to Why Not Sew, the estimated cost is $6.00 for 576 loads.  That is quite the savings!
“Using a bar of Ivory soap makes our cloth diapers come out so white!  You’d think I’d bleached them.  They have no odors, no dinginess, just super bright whites.”–Pinterest Reader Who Used This Recipe
Conclusion
My hypothesis was wrong.  Store bought laundry detergent works just slightly better than homemade laundry detergent, at least on the stains.  Homemade laundry detergent seemed to make the shirt as a whole whiter, though.  My mom and I decided that due to the savings, and how easy it was to make, that we would continue to make our own homemade laundry detergent!
_____________

Recipe For Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent
from Why Not Sew {click through for step by step pics}

1 bar of soap (any kind you want, I used Ivory)
1 cup of Borax
1 cup of washing soda
a big pot (that holds more than 2 gallons)
2 empty gallon jugs/containers

Grate your bar of soap into your pot.  Fill one gallon jug and pour water into pot with grated soap. Cook until the grated soap dissolves. Add the Borax and washing soda. Bring to a boil. It will coagulate. Turn off the heat. Add 1 gallon of cold water. Stir well. Pour 1 gallon of your detergent into each container.


Now you have 2 gallons of homemade laundry detergent. I use 1/2 cup per load. With the prices of detergent being outrageous, I feel really happy every time I make a batch of this.


This won’t make many, if any, suds. Suds don’t equal clean. It took a while to get that into my head. This detergent cleans wonderfully!


Hints From Why Not Sew:


* I now just keep my detergent in the pot I cook it in with the lid on. When I run out I make up a new batch in that pot and it’s ready to go. I like saving the step of transferring into the jugs.

*if the detergent becoming too thick, try using 1/2 of a bar of soap instead.


*the detergent should thicken / coagulate when it cools. Usually within 24 hours!  

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HOME/ Homemaking/ Simplifying

Have A Friend Over For A Simple Breakfast

One of my favorite things to do recently is have a friend over for breakfast. Why?  Well, I love to be home, especially on these cold winter days, and I love spending time with my dear friends, just one on one.  My kids are all out of the house for school by 9, so that is the perfect time to have someone over, and it also leaves time in the day for writing, housework and exercise.

I have long given up the idea that everything has to be perfect when I entertain.  I am all about simple.  I find that breakfast is a great way to keep things simple.

Here are a few things I do to keep it simple, but still special:

{that is not a Christmas tree.  I call it my “winter tree” with white lights.  I was not ready to give up the twinkle of white lights, so it stays out until winter is over!}
1. Serve what I would normally eat for breakfast.  

I eat oatmeal, toast and fruit almost every morning for breakfast, so that is what my friends get, too.  I always make sure to ask if they like oatmeal, and I have found that they are appreciative of a hearty and healthy breakfast.  I usually make my Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Oatmeal.

2. Keep the beverages simple but fun.  

I always serve my lemon water in mason jars, of course.  I also always serve coffee, unless they prefer hot tea or hot chocolate.  For my more adventuresome friend, I will serve Turmeric Chai Tea, a Green Smoothie.  I even have been known to stick a few apples and a couple handfuls of fresh cranberries in the juicer for freshly juiced Cran-Apple refresher.  Delish!

3. Realize you don’t need fancy dishes.

The black coffee cups?  I only have 2.  I liked them, but could not afford a whole set. They are the mugs I use when I have just one friend over.  Same with the square, colored plates.  I only have 2 of them.  Most of my serving dishes are white, so they go with just about anything.  I use mason jars as serving dishes and drinking glasses.  Don’t stress if what you have does not match perfectly..I didn’t like that my napkins clashed a bit with everything else, but it is what I had and in the end look just fine.

4. Light candles
Candles are just a little extra touch that add atmosphere and scent.  Coffee is another way to add a great scent to your home.  One friend came into my home and said, “MMMmm..it smells like a coffee shop in here!” It was my butterscotch candle mixed with the aroma of coffee.

5. Fake clean
Make sure the area you will be spending the most time in is picked up, then just shut the doors of the rooms that are not up to par.  Put all dirty dishes into one sink if you don’t have time to wash them.  It looks so much better than strewn all over the counter top.  Spot clean the kitchen floor if you don’t have time to mop–I did that this morning.  Give the bathroom a quick spray and wipe, making sure there are no globs of toothpaste to greet your friend in the sink.  Light a candle in there, too.  See that brown rug?  I did the ultimate fake clean seconds before my friend rang the doorbell today.  I gave it a quick shake right there onto the floor, then covered the mess up with the rug itself.  Oh yes I did!!  Thursdays are “wash floors” days for me, so I knew I would get to it later.  Fake cleaning rocks!

6. Get things ready ahead of time.

I always almost always prepare so that the only thing I have to do is pop the toast down and add oatmeal to the boiling water.  In less than 5 minutes, we have breakfast!  I make sure coffee is made, table is set, beverages ready, fruit prepared and house in order before my guest arrives.  Honestly, it all really only takes minutes!

7. Music
I always have some type of music playing when we have company.  It adds great atmosphere.  I choose the music based on whomever is coming over and their tastes.  Today I played Whisperings: The Best of David Nevue piano music, so chill and lovely.  Another time I played Some Kind Of Trouble by James Blunt. Sometimes Viva la Vida by Coldplay.  Whatever your heart desires.

8. Feed their souls. 
Depending on the personality of your guest, this may or may not be a good idea.  I love to pray for our food before we eat, and it is a great opportunity to pray for my friend who is there visiting, thanking the Lord for their friendship and being.  I also like to grab one of my favorite devotionals Jesus Calling or the Bible and read a little encouraging blurb out of one of those.  It seems to always bless not just my visitor, but me, too!

9. Be yourself.  
In the past I would get so into the details of entertaining and making sure that everything was perfect, that I felt like I would miss really being present with my peeps!  Not anymore.  My year with cancer taught me just how dear and precious moments with those I love are.  I am striving to be present in them, no matter what.  A fun example of this is I was running late one morning, and I knew my friend would be here any minute.  I was still in my pajama pants.  I made the best of it.  I texted her to warn her of my wardrobe, and we laughed about it when she got here.  I DID get my teeth brushed and deodorant on, I’m sure she appreciated that.  It seemed to set a fun, casual mood as we ended up on my couch, each lounging with a warm blanket and having great “girl talk.”  Love making memories like that!

What are ways you simplify entertaining?

5
HOME/ Homemaking/ Organizing/ Simplifying

26 Tips and Tricks To Simplify Life

I have been collecting all kinds of clever tips to make life just a little bit more simple.  Here are some of my favs!

1. Cord organization tips.  I am SO doing this. {link}


2. Marshmallows in brown sugar to keep it soft. {link}


3. Reuse salt pour spout with mason jars. {link}


4. Hash browns in the waffle maker.  Makes them nice a crispy! {link}


5. The secret to an easy to peel, boiled egg.  {link}


6. Use an old glue tip to draw or write with acrylic paint.  {link}


7. DIY picture hanger.  Smart!  I had a friend try this and she said it worked great!  {link}


8. Clean that screen!  {link}


9. Slip proof your rug with acrylic caulk.  Apply a line every six inches, and let dry.  Brilliant!  {link}

 

10. No brown apples for lunch.  I used this tip and it worked great.  My youngest came home from school and said, “Mom, why was there a rubber band around my apple?” {link}


11. Use a rubber band to remove a stripped screw. {link}


12. Did you know a Parmesan cheese lid fits a regular lid canning jar? {link}


13. Hanger chip clip. {link}


14. Magnetic strip inside a medicine cabinet to hold metal hairpins. Genius. {link}


15. For neighborhood kids during homework and chore time. {link}


16. Dry up grease stains with chalk.  Rub on stain as a laundry pre-treat. {link}


17. Take your favorite liquid fabric softener and soak an old hand towel or flour cloth completely with it. Wring it out and let it dry completely, then throw it in with your next load. This mega-fabric softener sheet should be good for at least 40 loads of laundry WHAT A GREAT IDEA!! {link}


18. Great idea for corraling meals for road trips. {link}

19. Spray vinegar on windshield before a winter storm & car windows will not frost over.  Click on link for more winter car tips. {link}


20. Soak old paintbrushes in vinegar for 30 minutes.  Good as new! {link}


21. Makes an old sweater look new. {link}


22. Grow green onions on your window sill. {link}


23. More cord tips! {link}


24. Since I  now cringe to take the time to make anything with sugar in it, I may keep it simple this  Christmas morning and make these!  Cinnamon roll waffles!  Throw on a pot of coffee, serve with fruit and voila’ –a simple, easy Christmas breakfast.  Imagine how your house is going to smell!! {link}

……………..
 
Simple Lemon water.  Simple fruit infused water. Check out this ZingAnything Aqua Zinger. Infuse drinks with fruit and herbs, keep lemons in your water bottle. Get yours here . Read about how I use mine daily here.
 
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