4th of July [Pin it and Do it]

Fourth of July is next week and I thought I would share some of my favorite fourth of July pins.  You can find them all in my summer board.  I saw this free printable and loved it, so I took a few minutes printed it out and put it up in the house.  

Now all of the following images are not my own.  They are pictures of pins on my board and you can see what site they originated from by clicking on the link [and then the pin].  So onto the faves....

Maybe next year I can attempt to make something like this.

And maybe if I can find time this weekend I can make a garland for the house.  This one is just darling.

I am planning on making one festive treat.  Can't beat this strawberry, marsh mellow, blueberry flag.  I love it! 

And how absolutely fun are these ring pops?!?  

Ya'll feeling inspired yet??  Nothing like a few pins to get the wheels turning. 

How to Make the Best Burp Cloths

There are lots of babies coming our way this summer, three to be exact!  I love little itty bitty babies with their little toes, little fingers, and little everything.  It is hard to believe that Cindy was that itty bitty not too long ago.

When I was still preggo one of the gifts I got was burp cloths.  Not those thin ones that spit up soaks right through but burp cloths made from cloth diapers.  They are the best!  I would put one in her play pen, the couch, her crib and not have to worry about washing an entire sheet or cushion.  So I thought I would make some for the new babies.  Isn't it cute?  If you want to know how to dye the burp cloth see the tutorial HERE.

They are super easy to make and all you need are some cloth diapers and flannel [or fabric].  I like flannel because it is soft just be sure to use quilting flannel as opposed to the cheap stuff.  The cheap stuff is cheap for a reason it washes horrible.  If you can get a hold of it, try to use the cloth diapers made in the USA.  The quality is so much better than the ones made in China.  I wanted the cloths to have color so I did an experiment and fabric dyed them.  I will share more about this next week.

4th of July Ruffled Bum Onsie

Fourth of July kind of snuck up on me.  I can't believe it is already next week!  I just started working on Cindy's outfit but it is coming out really cute.  A little too thematic for me but she can pull it off.  The ruffled bum bum is my favorite part!

Battle of the Mind

Rememeber when I talked about wanting to get in shape [for life] about a month ago?  It hasn't been easy but I am serious about making excercising part of my lifestyle and not just a fad.  [And when I say excercise I mean the sweating, heart pounding, pushing my body kind of excercise.] 

 So, I set that first goal of ten minutes a week [my hubby and some of you might have scoffed] but I have stayed true to it.  I needed a goal that I could easily accomplish and the success really encouraged me to press on.  I realized that excercising is as much a battle of the mind as it is my body.  I have to mentally think that going for a run, putting on a 10 minute excercise video, or going to the gym is as important as doing the dishes, laundry, cooking, crafts.  Excercise needs time in my life.  I need to make it as much a priority as other things. 

One thing that has helped me is having a buddy.  One Sunday my hubby asked if we would like to go running with him.  I loathe running but Cindy and I went anyways. Yup, I put on my shoes and even though I could hardly run around the entire track once, I still tried.  The next Sunday we went by ourselves and I not only ran but he gave me a set of excercises to do [I hated the sit ups] that had me sore for days.

Now this Sunday I was on my own.  My workout buddy was busy and I had to decide whether I would go for a run and do my workout set alone.  Cindy was napping and it was my only chance.  I had a million excuses and other things to do.  Cleaning, crafts, napping.  It was a battle of the mind.  Deciding to go was harder to do than actually working out.  With some encouragement from my buddy, I ended up going and felt so good about it! 

I read that people who write their goals accomplish more than those who don't.  It's true.  I am pressing on my battle to making excercise part of my lifestyle by setting a new goal for the next few weeks.  Instead of 10 minutes a week, I am going to try to jog/walk 1 mile a week.  So, will you join me in setting a fitness goal?

Recipe: Frozen Hot Chocolate

I don't know anyone who loves milk more than I do.  We go through gallons a week and in the winter time even more because I love hot chocolate.  Seriously, I probably drink one every night once it starts to get cold.  When I was browsing pinterest and found this recipe and I just had to try it.  Why not have hot chocolate in the summer? 

When I first tried the recipe it wasn't sweet enough for us [or ice-y enough] so I altered the original recipe and added more chocolate chips and ice.  Below is the how to for two large glasses:

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons of sugar
1 package of hot cocoa mix [about 3 tbsp]
2 tbsp of butter
1 cup of chocolate chips
3/4 cup of white chocolate chips
12 ounces, fluid can evaporated milk divided
5 cups of ice
whip cream

Combine the sugar, cocoa mix, and butter in double boiler and stir often until melted and a smooth paste forms.  Add chocolate and white chocolate chips and stir.  When the chips begin to melt, slowly stir in 1/2 cup of the evaporated milk.  Stir until smooth and let it cool.

Place the chocolate-y goodness mixture, the rest of the evaporated milk, and ice in the blender and let it rip.  Blend until smooth, pour into glasses and top with a sky high pile of whip cream.

It is really good and it surprisingly tastes just like hot chocolate, except cold and sort of like a shake.  A recipe worth trying and one that is in our family cook book.

Paris, Munich, Bavarian Alps

I always have the hardest time recuperating from a vacation.  I am convinced that I am more exhausted coming back from vacation than before we left.  But I can't complain because I love traveling and seeing the world so it is well worth it!  Last week was jam packed and I don't really expect anything less when traveling with the hub.  He is an adventurer.

We kicked off the summer vacay in Paris.  My little sis really wanted to see Paris so we made it happen.  She and I went for the entire day... just the two of us, hopping on and off the subway to see the top four sights.  How awesome of the hubby to watch the little monster and I admit I really missed them.

For lunch, we stopped by this little bistro and couldn't resist getting desserts.  It was delicious and I am still thinking about that strawberry macaroon!

After a day of rest and packing we headed off to the Bavarian Alps.  Oh my word how beautiful it was!  I love being in the mountains surrounded by all the gorgeous trees.  One of my favorite places we went to was Lake Eibsee.  We walked 4.5 miles around the perimeter and it was stunning!  

What a Husband Needs Part 2

Back from our vacation and I am exhausted!  It was really beautiful though and I can't wait to share the pictures.  Anywhoo.... I am happy to say that I actually finished reading the book and this was the perfect book for this season in my life.

 Sometimes it is one sentence that resonates with me and in this book it was "A long time ago I realized two things that changed my life.  First, I need rest, and second, I can't do it all.  I can only do what God wants me to do".  So simple right?!  But I get in the gotta do everything mode and sleeping comes last.  Mostly I want to craft after taking care of everything but the reality is there is no time and sleep becomes obsolete.  Well, without sleep I am a stink butt and miserable.  Being rested has been a priority and it has done me well.

Secondly, I know I can't do everything but I don't live my life that way.  "You are not just a housekeeper or gardener; you're a manager.  As a manager you do not do everything yourself."  That was an aha moment for me.  I always try to do everything myself never wanting help and when I can't, I freak out and get really disappointed [tears follow].  But she is right, a manager doesn't do everything and I need to delegate.  Now, when the hub helps me sweep or pick up I don't get offended thinking he thinks the house is filthy and I am such a failure for not being able to keep the house clean.  Silly thought isn't it? When he helps, I just thank him, knowing that I need the help.

11 Random Things

I got tagged by lovely Joana from One Day at a Time to answer 11 random questions about me, myself, and I.  I thought it would be fun, but I am going to be a lame-o and not tag anyone else.  Feel free to join in on the fun though.

1.  At this point in your life, what is your biggest accomplishment?
Graduating college.

2.  What is a lifelong wish of yours?
Building my own house with a front porch.


3.  What would you do if you wont the lottery?
Set aside enough money to retire, for Cindy's college, her wedding, give some away, buy a house, a new car, go on a trip and put the rest in investments. 

4. What makes you happy?
A successful Monday... A spotless house, all the laundry done, and dinner on the table by 6:00pm with dessert. 


5.  What is your most favored article of clothing and why?
Dresses.  I love wearing dresses.  


6.  What advice do you have for the upcoming generation?
Live your life debt free and save for retirement. [Random?  I blame the book I am reading right now]


7.  What is your all time favorite song and current favorite song?
This Switchfoot song from the Hurricane album.  Right now I love rocking out to hey mama while cleaning.

8.  What are your plans for the summer?
To enjoy my family and get into shape.


9.  What is the best part of being a parent?
Laughing with my hubby at all the funny things the little one does.


10.  Have you found your calling? If so, what is it?
Chhaaaa. To be the best wife and mom I could possibly be.


11.  What is your favorite thing to do?
You thought I would say craft huh.  Well actually it is watching TV with the hubby. 


Now I am suppose to tell you 11 things random about me but I am going to cut it down to three.

First... yes, I am an introvert.  I have a handful of close friends, prefer small groups, and love being by myself.

Second.... I wear raggedly clothes all day.  Right before my hubby comes home, I change, do my hair and make up [my little sister thinks I am crazy].

Third... Every Sunday, I look forward to planning our weekly meals and going grocery shopping all by myself.  It's enjoy the little things.

Hair Inspiration [Pin it and Do it]

Ever get hairspired from Pinterest?  I love getting inspired pinning different outfits, nail designs, and of course hair.  Sometimes, they make it look so easy, and then I try it and it takes forever!  Well, one day when we were heading out, my sister and I did hair styles I got from Pinterst.

I am always looking for a fast up do especially on the days that I don't wash my hair. I leave yesterday's curls in and this hair style was perfect.  It is really easy and was a nice alternative to the regular pony I usually sport.  I got the idea for this style from this pin.  Hers came out much better so check out the how to.  I love the pins that come from this blog!  And don't you just love the dress I am going to have to steal from my sissy?

Of course the big trend now is the braid.  I wish I could do all those cool braided styles.  The only one I can successfully accomplish on myself is one plain regular french braid.  So, I had fun and did a side french braid for my sister sort of like this pin.

There are lots of fun fashiony things on Pinterest.  You can check out My Style board to see some of my faves.

Spray Painting Wicker Baskets

I confess that I love spray painting things.  I can't help myself.  It's an addiction.  When I was out the other day I saw this watermelon pink spray paint and the first thing that popped in my head was the old wicker basket in Boo Boo's room that holds her diapers.  During nap time, I headed to the garage [since it was raining], sprayed and got this.  Isn't it cute?

My mom bought me this white wicker basket when I first went off to college years and years ago.  It has miraculously survived even after getting candle wax spilled on it. It just looks so grungy and you can still see remnants of the wax on the bottom.  Ick right?  Ii think it looks so much better pink!

So, if you own one of these, don't throw it away!  Just buy a can of spray paint and bring it back to life.  Doesn't it look so cute?  Can you tell I love color?  That table is my first ever spray painting project and as you can see, it didn't go very well.  It use to be black and even with the imperfections I still love it.  

  I got so into the spray painting I even painted her diaper basket that is on our book shelf pink too!  Can't wait start painting my next project! 

Monogram Frames [Pin it and Do it]

Awhile ago I pinned these frames that were monogrammed and thought they would be perfect for my little Boo Bear's room.  Those were a bit too over the top for my simple taste so I made them to suit her room.  Aren't they darling [just ignore some of the pictures in the oval frame need to be reprinted]?

So I picked up some cheap old frames frames [for free!] from the airman's attic and spray painted them sun yellow.  This color is way too bright for my taste but it was the only yellow they had at the store.  I really need to just get over my fear and get some German spray paint. Note to self, painting when it is too cold causes crackling.  I am still learning how to paint.  

I punched the backs off of them to make it easier to hang and added some scrap book paper.

I cut the letters our with my slice, but they sort of started to blend into the background so I decided to give them a lift with some cardboard from a diaper box.  I traced and cut them the same shape as the letters.

I glued the letters on the paper and TADA simple monogrammed frames.  I really love this one that I hope to do in the future for our picture frame collage in the living room.  The collage currently only exists in my mind. 

Doesn't it look so cute hanging up in her room?  It is simple, cost me less than $5 to make.  Not too shabby. 

Recipe: Banana Bon Bon

I love eating those little ice cream bon bons.  Anything bite size is just cute and not to mention they are yum yum yummy.  So one night when thinking about what we were going to have for dessert, I thought I could make some banana bon bons.  So I did and they came out pretty yummy, especially those white chocolate craisin ones.

Busy Monday

It has been crazy busy in our neck of the woods and partly because my little sister arrived to spend part of her summer with us.  She is awesome.  It is also busy because today is what I think of as busy Monday.  I usually spend the entire day cleaning and seriously I mean no computer no nothin.  Just givin the house some lovin.  I have a love hate with Monday's.  I love getting all the major chores done in one day so I can have more free time during the week.... plus the hubby gets to come home to a spotless house on his first work day.  I just hate doing it I guess.

Well, speaking of busy Monday, my Apple Cakes were featured in A Pinch of Joy's Busy Monday Link Party!  Such an honor, thanks Charlene.  Be sure to check out that awesome link party.

And to end the randomness of this Monday post, here are the photos I completely failed to finish from this weeks photo challenge.

May 29:  A number.  I hate that she loves to pull her mats apart but I refuse to get rid of them.

May 31:  Something beautiful.  A ton of these gorgeous wild flowers are growing in our back patio.  Love it!

June 2:  Empty.  Made an Ikea trip last week and got some of these lovely jars both big and small.  They were only 2.99!  I love the lids.

June 3:  On your plate.  I cheated.  This was on my plate this morning.  By my sister's request we had spam, eggs, and rice for breakfast with banana ketchup.  It's what we use to eat when we were kids.

Hope you all are enjoying your Monday! 

Ideas for Baby Clothes Quilt

So this week I skipped pin it and do it Friday because my sister just came for a visit and we have been a little busy busy busy.  But, I have been working on stuff an here is what I have to share....

I finally got my act together and moved all of my crafty things out of Cindy's room.  It should have been a no brainer that I couldn't work while she was napping.  Since then, I have actually started one of them being her onsie quilt.

Most of the items I have saved are her really nice outfits and my favorites of her dresses [and all of the shoes of course].  I gave away most of her onesies but did keep some with the thought that one day I would make her a baby quilt with her baby clothes.  It's always been a dream of mine.  

Here are some of the baby clothes quilts that have inspired me.  I absolutely love this one from Wee Wonderfuls  I will probably use this pattern for the big one in the future.  [I love the white but I don't want to use it because it would get so dirty]:

I also love this one from Why Diss and this design is probably what I am going to attempt because this is my very first quilt. 

This one is from Lucy Locket: 

Because we might have another little girl in the future, I am not yet ready to chop up those dresses or cute outfits just yet so I decided I am only going to make a baby sized onesie quilt first [for pracitice] and later on in the future I will make a big twin sized one for her. I figure when she gets older she will have one for her and her little baby doll.  Going through the onsies and dresses already brings back so many memories!  I finished cutting and have started sewing.  WISH ME LUCK!  I hope it turns out okay...

want to have a quilt made from baby clothes but you don't know how to sew?  Be sure to check out etsy for a seamstress who can make it happen for you!