While the husband's away....

we're playing!  Ok, well I am during nap times.  Look at what I made!

I felt the office chair needed a bright pop of color.  Plus, I needed a pillow to cushion my bum as I am spending hours and hours on this new banner for my blog, reading other peoples' blogs, doing research for the When You Wish Co., and lots of other stuff. 

The fabric, I got at Hobby Lobby.  It's made by Brother Sister Design Studio.  I don't know what line it's from. I've been holding onto it for awhile to make something for the studio, so I don't know if it's still in stores.  Maybe on clearance now?  Just in case you were wondering.

I'll probably make another one to put in my shop.  I will be sure and let you all know as soon as it opens on http://www.etsy.com/!  Aiming for October, so I need to get my butt in gear!

Also, I was a geek yesterday and washed the bedding AND ironed my sheets.  I thought I was crazy at first, but once I climbed into bed last night, those crisp, clean sheets carried me to la-la land.  Brilliant!  I don't know if I'll be ironing them on a regular basis, but it's a nice treat.  Just a little thing you can do for yourself. 

Mark Your Calendars!!!

HOLY HAPPY DAY!!  Randomly, I went to http://www.hulu.com/ to check for new movies coming out and look what I found!!!



Walt Disney and Tim Burton!?  That was my first reaction, but I shouldn't have thought for one minute this wouldn't be amazing.  Johnny Depp is the Mad Hatter.  First, he was creepy as Willy Wonka, so I know he's going to give the little children a few complexes with this one.  Second, I love that this movie is coming to life.  To actually be able to see Wonderland through Tim Burton's eyes is going to be fabulous.  I am beside myself and cannot wait until March 5, 2010.  It's going to be a long winter.  haha

And on a side note, check out Tim Burton's website.  I'm a Tim Burton lover.  He's brilliant.

OOOH Goodness!

I've got the bug to switch up my blog again.  As you can see, the background is different.  I'm trying to work on a new banner, and still have no idea what I'm doing.  {If anyone who does know what they're doing wants to help, please let me know!}  I see cute blogs all over, and mine, I feel, isn't up to par.  Also, the husband and I are taking this weekend to work on LOTS of projects.  We better get a lot done!  So, I'm going to leave you with a happy blog to look at. 

http://www.megduerksen.typepad.com/  She's fabulous, from Kansas, and a mom of FIVE!  Love her!

Everyone, have a fabulous weekend. 

The winner is... and my chili recipe!

KU WON!!! YAY!  It was kind of a blow-out, but it always takes me back to Lawrence just watching the games.  So, as promised, here is my chili recipe.  All the ingredients are in yellow for easy reference, plus I can't remember how to make it unless I run through the process in my head.  Scary, I know.

1 lb ground hamburger, 1 green bell pepper, 1/2 a white onion - chop those veggies up and throw them in with the hamburger to brown everything.  Add salt, pepper, garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped), chipotle Tabasco, chili powder, onion powder.  The seasoning are all by taste and it's pretty much, if you love it, throw it in!
Drain the grease from the hamburger and veggies, or if you use really lean hamburger you can skip that part because some fat in the chili really tastes nice.  Take all that stuff and throw it into a giant stew pot.  Then add the large can of tomato sauce, large can of diced tomatoes (drain the juice off if you want it really chunky, which is what I prefer).  Also, add a can of dark kidney beans, and drain the juice stuff before you do.  If you like "runny" chili, add another small can of tomato sauce.
This is best when you let everything simmer together for at least 30 minutes.  It saves really great in the fridge for about a week, or in the freezer for about a month.  Goes great on top of Fritos, hot dogs, nachos... anything you'd put chili on.  I love to eat mine with a TON of sharp cheddar cheese.  Others love it with sour cream and green onions on top.  It's all up to you!  Great for Sunday football!

And the winner of the wish jar is.....   Elaine Crenshaw!!   I only had 6 entries, and she had 2 in there.  So, ma send me a message of what you want your jar to look like, or we can design it together when you come out here.  Congrats!! 

My love for KU sports runs deep.

{Photo via KU Athletics}

I guess you all will know what I'm doing on Sept. 5 at 5 pm my time.  The opening page for KU Athletics even says "History Awaits".  How can I deny that? 

It's fall - it's time for football and chili!  I might even post my secret, super-amazing recipe for you all later on.  If KU wins on Saturday, I will post it.  Deal?

{Are you a fan of the Jayhawks?  Scroll down to the bottom of my blog.  Click on songs 62-65 and get
in the Jayhawk spirit!  ROCK CHALK! WOOT WOOT!}

September = FALL!!

This is my favorite time of the year.  "I die!" (as said too often by Rachel Zoe).  I'm incredibly inspired right now.  Feeling a bit of a "growing" period for me.  Not growth spurt as much as emotional/spiritual/Mother Theresa-ish.  Yay for fall!

If I were going back to school, I would need this look.

{via J. Crew here}

If you haven't shopped J.Crew, please do.  Pricey, for some (me included), but a great investment.

I can't wait to try this recipe!!

Look how yummy it is!!

{Photo via Food Network}

Most importantly, I can't wait to spend Labor Day weekend with these people!!

Kind of blurry, but it was on my phone.  And we were laughing... a LOT.

That's all I can think of for now.  I'll be back with more happy fall things this week!  YAY FALL!

Laughing Lilly line for When You Wish Co.

I've just finished the first Laughing Lilly jar.  This is going to be one of the "un-customized" jars from When You Wish Co.  I didn't necessarily love the color of the glitter or the paint on the lid, but it leaves room for improvement!  Check it out!

I tried for a really really long time to not have a glare, but that's what I get for using jars.  I'll have to find some photography tips on photographing glass stuff.  If you have tips let me know.  I digress.  The Laughing Lilly line is a little more girlie, but that's what girl's love.  This just gives you an idea of what I can and am willing to do with jar customization. 

The giveaway is still open!  Leave your comments under the 'Step 1: Acceptance' post, or on the bottom of this one.  Hope you enjoy your weekend!

Jagged Little Pill

Let's hop in my time machine and travel back to the fall of 1995.  I was in 5th grade and hanging out with one of my favorite friends, Ms. Nicole H.  We thought we were so cool because our parents let us buy "Jagged Little Pill" by Alanis Morissette on cassette, none-the-less.  Nicole and I were planning on going to the high school football game (maybe it was basketball and I'm all messed up?) to support the "Purple, gray and white!"  We made it to the game, but all we did was sit in the cafeteria and listen to Alanis belt out "I've got one hand in my pocket and the other one is giving a peace sign". 

Since that day, I have been a long time Alanis lover.  She's so gorgeous, natural, real, powerful, outspoken, soft but hard when needed.  I can go on forever! Look at her!  Another girl crush (and she happens to be on Weeds-bonus!).

     

{Photo via Alanis' myspace}     

What's even cooler, is Ms. Alanis is keeping me singing and motivated.  I've actually been working on a new jar that I want to get posted up so you can see more of what I'm trying to do for the When You Wish Co.  But, I wanted to leave you a quote that was actually on the top of Alanis' website.

"Full awakening comes when you sincerely look at yourself, deeper than you've imagined, and question everything." --Adyashanti

That's deep and I'm going to have to sit and spend some time with myself on that thought.  I'm ready for a growing period in my life. 

Have a fabulous day!

for the love of music

Does anybody want free music?  Check out Pandora.com.  It's a website that does all the work for you and it's free.  What do I mean it does all the work for you?  I mean, you type in the name of an artist you like, or the title of the song you love.  From there, Pandora compiles a playlist based on your preferences.  You can listen to all the music you want!  My current favorite is the Dave Matthews Band station.  So fun, so random, so free!

Step 1: Acceptance (and MY first Giveaway!)

I had set myself up BIG TIME with a Month of Martha. I really worked hard for the month before trying to print recipes, do meal plans, grocery lists, coupon cutting, scheduling days and activities and trying to be something I'm not. To all of you mothers who actually carry through with the whole "Martha" image, I commend you. It is not an easy task. While I do appreciate some of the information I've learned and changes I've seen in myself, I know this isn't for me.

My days are jam packed with Dylan, the hubs, army, "projects"... (what else do I do??), I think it's important for all of us to step back from the "ideal image of mothering" and focus on what really matters to each of us. It is always different. Your image may be safe-sided, daring, or just plain interesting. Take time to embrace those things that make you and yours unique. Don't try to change because you think others want this from you. Do it for you!

Here's my "Do it for me" thingy.

I know you can't really see all the detail and what it is, or what's going on - that's the point. Sorry. But this here lil do-dad is my latest creation/project. This is the Wish Jar from my new company "When You Wish." Inside is tiny origami stars. Each one is tedious work in itself, but makes a stunning collection. This Wish Jar shown is just my little first experiment, so it's not complete, nor is it the final idea. I'm posting this fabulous treat to generate a little buzz. Also, I want feedback.

This jar isn't you-get-what-you-see kind of thing. I can randomize patterns/colors for stars. I'm making little signs to hang on the inside. The "uncustomized" Wish Jars will have a sign hanging on the inside that says "Wish" followed by the dangly stars. If you choose to customize your Wish Jar, I will make a banner for your wish. Your wish could be directed towards a child about your dreams for them, or can be as silly as "I wish you would quit picking your nose" for one of your friends. HA. It's all whatever your brain can "wish" for. (Sorry, I had to). The lid of the jar can be customized with colors, glitter, stickers, whatever co-ordinates with your theme, as well as being left plain. I'm also coming up with holiday themed jars, baby shower jars, graduation jars.. yes, the possibilities are endless.

Here's the deal - From now (August 26 2009) until September 4 (2009) at 8p.m. (Mountain Time), I want your comments, suggestions, hopes and dreams (for Wish Jar critiques) to come spilling in. I said I was going to do a giveaway, so here's your chance for a one-of-a-kind freebie! If you are randomly selected as a winner of the Wish Jar, I will design a piece just for you. These bad boys are not going to go on sale until October (maybe even later). I will be sure to let you know all the details of the When You Wish shop opening. I can't wait to hear what you all think about it.

*BONUS* If you become a follower of the blog (which is posted on the left side), you get an additional entry in the drawing. If you subscribe to my blog (also posted on the left side), please send me an e-mail (click the contact me letter on the left side) and let me know you subscribe and you will also receive another entry. That's a total of THREE entries per person. Take advantage of it!

I CAN'T get enough of this...

To get the full effect, go to the bottom of my page. Let the music player load up and start listening to "Little Boxes" which is song 47 or something close to that. (It's the theme song to my favorite show. Can you guess it?) All the songs after that are from the show too.

How hot is Mary-Louise Parker!? Come on now. I want to be Nancy Botwin. Well not necessarily selling weed and getting mixed up with Mexican drug lords, but she's just amazing. I love her wit, her style, ummm everything. Can someone hook me up? ha. Ok, I have a girl crush. Don't tell the hubs, it might make him get the wrong idea. Seriously, who else is with me?

So, with my birthday money, I want to get all the seasons. This is one show that I can watch over and over and never get tired. Major props to Jenji Kohan, the creator. Love it!

Oh yeah, last Thursday was my birthday. The big 24, a quarter of my life is over (apparently I'm going to live to be 100 or something close to that). I have pictures, but they all look ridiculous. I was having a good time and yeah. I'll tell more stories later. Just wanted everyone to know that I'm alive!

Month of Martha Mondays

{Photo via DarthLen's flickr}

This is going to be the first week I'm really into blogging. I woke up this morning refreshed, motivated, and excited for the first time in a long time. I have a new perspective on Month of Martha and I'm ready to bring it to ya!

Mondays are my laundry days. It seems easier to do it all in one day rather than drag it out to every day and just whenever I feel like it. Plus, who wants to do much of anything on Mondays. I just want to share some of my laundry tips with you all. If you guys have anything that works for you, feel free to leave a comment!

First thing, everyone knows to sort stuff. Lights, darks, heavy/light fabric, yadda yadda. Enough said on that topic.


Did you know that when pulling your clothes out of the washer, you're supposed to kind of shake out each piece so that it won't wrinkle in the dryer? It also shakes (flicks? whips it? can't find the right word for it) out some of the water that's sitting on the clothes. By doing this, it will save your drying time and also your energy bill. Also, consider starting your laundry early in the morning or later at night when it's not so hot. The machines running will heat up your house. Good for the winter time, but not so fabulous in the summer.

Now for the stains, I have found that the OxiClean Spray works wonders on the stains my little guy leaves. My big guy also leaves sweat stains. How the heck do you get those out? Enter Men's Flair with the answer. Click on this to check out their suggestions on treating, washing and even drying. AMAZING!


Another amazing wonder is borax. You thought it was just for your grandmother's laundry? No way! I think it works better than the OxiClean powder and an extra bonus is borax is much cheaper. Plus borax has a ton of other uses. You can find the uses on the box or click here. My favorite use for borax (other than laundry purposes) is to make slime!! Check out this recipe from Joey Green's Mad Scientist.

{Photo via Niekbokker's flickr}

Oooh and if you're lucky enough to have a space to hang your clothes outside, do it! The fresh smell is amazing and save a bundle on drying expenses. If you're worried about hanging your clothes outside, just do your bedding. Nothing embarrassing about that.. maybe.


I'm sure I have a ton of other ideas, but I'm at a loss for them right now. Next week, I'll bring in some other tips or anything exciting that comes up! Happy laundry day!

Thrown Off My High Horse

Finally, I had a chance to sit down and write for A Month of Martha. I was sitting here at my computer about to type up what I had, and then skipped my blog and went looking on other blogs because I get distracted easily. Go figure. I came across SimpleMom.Net, which started doing Back to Basics.... same as my Month of Martha. But, they have a whole staff contributing to publish stuff every day. {Make me feel like poo...and I'm not getting paid for this} Anyways, I was reading it all, and it was the SAME things that I was just about to post. Did they hijack my brain? Grr.. Ok, so I do give them props, because I think we are all feeling the pinch from the economy/growing families/growing expenses/LIFE. I think the point is we do just need to get back to the basics of how we live life. We are all feeling something.

After I took a two minute angry/feel-sorry-for-me/what do I do now slump, I came to the realization, that I need to just invest more in what I want to do. I know I'm not the ultimate housewife, after trying my Month of Martha hardcore schedules, and cooking, and cleaning... blah. It's not for me. BUT, what is for me is being crafty, artsy-fartsy. I love making things. So, I'm going to share my projects that I've been doing for the last... well for quite awhile. Tonight, I'm going to round up my pictures from this rocking chair I revamped. It's happy.

Just had to update you on this Month of Martha fiasco. If you want, I'll post some stuff from what I've learned... which I think I should do anyways. Thanks for sticking with me through my move and craziness!! I'm here and I'm trying so hard!

It was a glorious Tuesday..

and we went to the library! (A day late on the posting, but that's my life right now!)

Tuesdays are our new library day. An added bonus is the Farmer's Market is right next door if we go in the afternoon! YAYs all around!

This was Dylan's first visit to the library, and it was so funny to watch him run to the books! I didn't get a picture of that, but the toys were a mere minute behind the haphazard snatching up of 3 books.

I felt bad I had to make him stop exploring to set up our library cards. But, Dylan ran right back to the puzzles. He was having such a blast.

What's even better than puzzles are the walls of windows. There has to be 3 full walls of full length windows. It doesn't even feel like you're traped inside on a rainy or cold day. Our library is so glorious! There are also cute paintings of characters on the glass. The wonderful library staff even has bird feeders outside the windows. Perfect for my little bird chaser!

Once Dylan helped me with the self check-out, he got to put his books in his library bag and carry them home. Isn't the library bag awesome? I got it at Target in the dollar bins, which I actually think it was $2.50, but what the heck! You can't really see a good view of the front, but it's Dr. Suess's One Fish Two Fish. Not bad for that price!

As you can imagine, I was fighting back tears watching him be such a big boy. My baby loves the library, I'm so proud! I remember going to the library my whole life. It was always exciting to explore and discover new adventures in books and storytimes. This was a really special adventure of our own and I'm so glad I got to share it with you, Pickle.

A serious burning question!

It has be ultra important for me to get the house put together, for my sanity and to get my family back in their routine. But, since we're a family of 3 and I have FOUR bedrooms, I totally get a studio. YAY!!! This is the ONE thing that I have been waiting for since I was a little kiddo. In my earlier years, my mom, being the creative one she is, turned an empty space in our laundry room into a craft room. I loved going in there, just to sit and watch wood turn into dolls or watch my blankie being mended for the hundredth time. It was always such a happy place. Now that I have the room to do it, nothing else has been as exciting as getting this space, my studio, pulled together. It's still not quite done, but here's an update.

Before

Everything thrown on the floor, trying to envision it in my head.

The computer area, which I don't mind sharing space with. It gives me a chance to do "blog research." What a rough job that is! But it pretty much looked the same before and after.

After

My main work wall. I have shelves all over and happy light blue jars. I have a thing for those babies. They kind of clash against the powder blue wall, but we rent here.. some things I'll live with. I have my inspiration board waiting to be filled. And I still have to find a table. Not bad for one day of work!

And now my burning question...

As I was starting to organize my tools and get everything in easy accessibility, my scissors and glues always end up getting paired together. What's the dilema, you may ask? I have always thought as scissors and glue to be rivals. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the scissors (although they may aid in creating a beautiful masterpiece) are the destructive, maybe evil of the two. Poor glue is always trying to put things back together, hold the bond tight. Now tell me, what is a girl to do?

I'm baaaaack

Wow, it's been way too long since I've been able to get online. Last week, I was packing the old house, doing walk throughs for the new house, moving to the new house, unpacking the new house and a storage unit (which we're still moving), and organizing and cleaning and AHHHH! It's been crazy! Besides a new, AMAZING house, 'all I got was a lousy inflamed back.' (Can't you just see that on a t-shirt? ha)

I wish I had pictures, but the hubs packed the camera. It's in a mystery box that wasn't labeled. Shocking. Me, I love paper, pens and all office supplies in general. I love to organize and label things. I wish you could've seen me packing boxes, I was Queen 'O Moving. I even had a sharpie hooked onto my shorts. Yes, I got made fun of.

Anyways, everyone is doing good around here. It's just a mad dash to get our lives put back together and settled. I wish I could multi-task and be super-blogger, but that won't happen until August. Ok, so maybe.. I just saw it was only 2 days away. BUT it is going to start Month of Martha. I've set myself up to publish to the world about my adventure. This move hit me harder than I thought, so keep in mind that I'm trying and I will find my camera. I know I have anxious family and friends wanting to see the new house!

Let me know what you all are up to! Leave comments and suggestions for what you want to see for A Month of Martha!!

My Magical Multipurpose Wonder Solution

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap - this stuff is AMAZING! There are 8 different scents, all amazing smells (minus the baby mild, which is well, unscented). There are hundreds of uses. You can do a search online for uses of castile soap. I use it as a shaving cream, face wash, floor cleaner, stain remover, all purpose spray, bath tub and tile cleaner... you can even use it to brush your teeth, and wash laundry. Like I said, AMAZING!

For the all purpose spray, I just put a dash of this soap into a clean squirting water bottle thing (what are they really called?), and then fill with water. You can also use the Tea Tree liquid soap for antibacterial/sanitizing spray. The tea tree has natural antibacterial properties. Who doesn't love all natural? These soaps are all organic and non-toxic, another bonus!

Seriously, check it out! I noticed they now carry Dr. Bronner's at Target and as usual at many health food stores. If you aren't near any of those places, order online. I feel this soap has changed my life and saved me a bucket of money along the way!

P.S. Sorry, I thought this posted yesterday. It was on a scheduled post and I never got on to check. I have got to figure this out. lol

Photo via Dr. Bronner's

More... and more and a freebie!

I thought I was going to be better at time management... not so much. Sigh.

How is your meal planning coming? Me, it's still stuck on my computer. I need to print it all out. I have total execution issues. I will post my meal planner for week 1 next week. If you guys have any recipes you'd like to share, please post them in my comments. I'm looking for great lunch and breakfast recipes. Ones that are easy, healthy and cheap! That's the whole idea of "A Month of Martha."

To get you through the weekend, I have another assignment. Make your own organic cleaning products! If you still have chemically products, go ahead and use them up until August. If you run out before hand, try making organic ones. First off, most of the items you already have in your home. Secondly, it's going to save you beaucoup bucks! Third-ly (not really a word, but it's for my entertainment), the organics clean just as good, if not better than the chemicals, plus the toxins are eliminated.

Why I'm cleaning organically? Saving money, I can clean more without get overloaded with the chemicals, and it's fun to play a scientist and make your own super cleaning potions! Where do I find recipes? Click here. You can also do a web search. The link I posted has options for everything! I've tried several, but it's all about Trials and Triumphs!

Now, I'm going to let you in on a little goodie. Miss B from LeBlagh created this awesome vintage notecard. I feel they are PERFECT-O for writing down recipes for your cleaning products. Don't forget your manners and leave Miss B a comment thanking her for the awesome freebie!

On Monday, I'm going to let you in on my wonder product. This does EVERYTHING!! So, check back in. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I'm taking off early!

I have to pack

Today, the hubs has off work. This means I have an extra set of hands to start doing the things that I really don't want to, but HAVE to do. We've got to clean out this house and start packing. Only 18 more days until we move and it seems like we have some time to get everything done, but my family accumulates things like its the apocalypse. I will post tomorrow, but for today, have a good one!

Happy 4th!

Yesterday, our military post put on a family 4th of July celebration. It was mainly food, a beer garden and lots of people. Ok, so that's all I saw. No, I didn't get to enjoy the beer garden... this is where I stood for 2 hours. Take a look at the line. It goes allllll the way back to that middle tree, so the line had to be a good 50 ft long, at least.

We were all waiting for this.

Not really the Curry Wurst, but the smoked turkey legs. Wow. As soon as we got to the event, the hubs was starving and couldn't leave without a leg. I didn't even want a leg, but guess who waited in line for him. (I am nice.) I stood through 2 seperate rain showers, talked to people around me, and don't forget I held Dylan for most of the 2 hours. Once I got to the front of the line, I felt I had reached the Holy Grail. I looked inside and wasn't disappointed. I found a REAL German cooking up the Schnitzels and turkey legs. He wanted me to take a picture of the line because his German friends didn't believe people actually waited in line for his cooking. Haha. It was worth the wait just to talk to the guy inside!

Hubs didn't really get to eat the leg until it was dark out, but what a great snack to watch the fireworks with!

That's Dylan (my child) on the left and his best buddy Cole. They were playing in dirt. That's all they wanted to do. Boys.

The fireworks were pretty awesome. Our post brought in the local Philharmonics, retro bands, and other local talents to perform before and during the big light show. It was pretty cool.
Dylan sat on my lap and he held his hands over my hands, which were over his ears. We sat like that for an hour, my butt was numb. I was so proud of my little man. He didn't cry or scream, he just watched in amazement. I'm so happy we went! Such a great time to spend with my family and friends!