Soothing Crochet

I have been SLOWLY crafting through my stash. I have a few reasons for this. One reason is to clear the clutter my crafting addictions have caused. Another reason is to have things to list in my (hopefully) soon-to-be etsy shop.

I hope that an etsy shop will help me be more productive and consistent in my crafting endeavors, and earn a little bit of money along the way. We'll see.

Anyways, enough dreaming, more doing.

I have been crocheting (one of my new found crafting loves). Yesterday I made an observation while crocheting. I have been using a yellow, green, and blue variegated cotton yarn (Lily Sugar 'n Cream) .

My mood changed as the colors changed. Not a full-on mood swing, more of just a twinge (which is good because the colors changed often). Yellow seemed to make me feel more energetic, green was a calm feeling, and blue was a happy feeling. Hmmm.

Does this happen to anybody else? Or should I be thinking about getting some help ;)

Have a lovely day!

No Vinyl, No Problem. DIY Puffy Paint Labels

One of my to-dos are canisters. I have this shelf space above the cupboards in our kitchen. I want my (bulky) baking stuff up there. Stuff like flours and sugars.

I found canisters that I like at Bed Bath and Beyond. I have bought three (with coupons of course) so far.

The problem? They are not labeled. Then use your fancy vinyl cutting thingamajig. Right?
Nope, I don't have one, and since I am trying to use what I have in order to clear space and save money- I am not about to buy one.

What's a girl to do? Put it on her do-it-later list? Wrong! Use what she has.

I came across a post about puffy paint. Remember that stuff? Nineties flashback! (I was a young, aspiring designer because of puffy paint.) At Doodle Craft they found that puffy paint can be used as window clings.

Hmmm. I think I can make this work...

Here's what you need:

• glass container
• image to trace
• tape
• Windex, paper towel
• puffy paint

1. Clean the area you are painting.
2. Tape image on inside of glass.

3. Trace image with puffy paint. *if you are a lefty, write from right to left (how do you think I figured that one out?)

4. Let Dry. *I had to put jar on its side (with paint on top), because the first try ran.

5. That's it! Enjoy your vinyl-less canisters.

Note- this stuff is just like a window cling when dry. So, it may not be a permanent solution, but it works for me.To wash, either peel off, or wash very gently. (The good news is that if you mess up, it peels right off!)

One more to-do done! Do you have a favorite vinyl alternative?

Two Year Anniversary

Two years ago today, my little brother walked me down the aisle, and gave me to this wonderful man. We promised God to love and cherish each other forever. We celebrated amongst family and friends. It was the most wonderful day of my life.

It seems like its been much longer. We sure did cram a lot into two years!

I love this man. I am so fortunate to be married to him. He is a wonderful hubby, and extraordinary father.

Here's to many more!

Weekly goals

Hubby is out of state for work this week. This is our first time truly spending time apart. This is also the first time hubby has been away from the boys. I have an awesome husband, and the kids have a wonderful father. He not only goes to work every day so I can stay home with the littles, but once he comes home he jumps right in to daddy/hubby mode. I am so fortunate to have a hubby that helps cook, changes diapers, helps with baths, maintains the yard, well- the list goes on. I have a feeling I will appreciate his presence so much more after this week!

What are my plans? Get stuff done!

Last week I didn't do that good with my goals, so I am starting from that list- and adding on. I have so many projects around here that are unfinished- and I just need to get em done.
This weeks goals (actually last weeks list, re-posted):

1. Work for 15 minutes a day in the computer room. Didn't do once last week.
2. Refine my own chore chart. Started working on morning and night routines, then the season changed.
3. Find 7-10 meals for 30 meal list. Did not do
4. Make journals for the men in my life (hubby and twins). Again, did not do.
5. Read to the boys everyday, take boys' reading chart to the library. Was much better at this. Still need to take chart to the library.
6. Continue to get up between 6:30 and 6:45. Yes! (although I really did not have much of a choice some days.)
7. Sew 2 headbands, 2 bibs, and 2 burp cloths. *Find dress to make. No sewing done.
8. Crochet 2 dishcloths. Done!
9. Work on etsy shop. Did minimally, so like all other goals staying on list.
10. Get resume together. Nada.

Whew. Lots to do. On top of that hefty list, I hope to finish the boatload of unfinished projects I have around here. This seems to be an ongoing theme in my life. Oh, well.

Off to the printer, maybe having my list posted will help. Keep you updated.

Routine with Twins?

Nap time!

I have been focusing on getting up earlier these last few weeks. Its been going great.

There are a few reasons I have been focusing on getting up earlier. One reason is so I can see hubby for a few minutes before he leaves for work. I make him an iced coffee, and get a big water jug ready for him while he throws his lunch together.

After hubby leaves I usually have an hour to hour and a half before the boys get up. I have been trying to use this time to get some housework done, clothes on the line, shower, and dressed for the day.

This past week, all week- the boys have been waking up between 6:30 and 6:45, even earlier a couple days. Now, this doesn't bother me one bit. It is actually nice because hubby gets a chance to see them before he leaves for work. The only problem is that my routine needs to change, again.

For me this is the toughest part of motherhood. I like to have a routine. For the last year, I feel I have established a routine, then the boys let me know its not right for this time in our life. Sometimes I feel like a hamster, spinning on my wheel and getting nowhere.

Don't get me wrong- we have been very fortunate so far. The boys have slept through the night most of their life. They go to bed fairly easy and early most of the time. They are calm, happy, healthy little boys. We have been lucky!

I just need to accept that things are ALWAYS going to be changing, and learn how to ride the wave. Does anyone else have a hard time dealing with a lack of a routine?

Weekly Goals and What We're Eating This Week

I like lists. I like the visual a list gives (things look achievable when written on a list). I also like crossing things off the list. But... no matter how long or short my lists are, I have a problem finishing them (and throwing it away). This is a habit I am committing myself to- Finishing.

This weeks goals:

1. Work for 15 minutes a day in the computer room.
2. Refine my own chore chart.
3. Find 7-10 meals for 30 meal list.
4. Make journals for the men in my life (hubby and twins).
5. Read to the boys everyday, take boys' reading chart to the library.
6. Continue to get up between 6:30 and 6:45.
7. Sew 2 headbands, 2 bibs, and 2 burp cloths. *Find dress to make.
8. Crochet 2 dishcloths.
9. Work on etsy shop.
10. Get resume together.

This weeks menu:
Sunday- pork steak
Monday- venison
Tuesday- leftovers
Wednesday- homemade mac and cheese
Thursday- chicken of some sort
Friday- ???
Saturday- Going out to eat

Does anyone else have a hard time focusing? Any tips on getting back on track?

Monthly Goals

Yes, I know, its almost the middle of the month. These goals are geared for my 30 by 30 list. Which starts the 11th of the month.

Anyways, here's what I plan on working on this month:

1. Work on purging computer room.
2. Focus on daily cleaning habits.
3. Make a 30 meal list.
4. Start journals.
5. Read to boys everyday.
6. Continue to get up early.
7. Sew, and crochet.
8. Start Etsy shop.
9. Make two Christmas presents.
10. Look for dress to make, start making.

It doesn't look so difficult when its broken down into smaller chunks. Lets see how I do this month.