Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Cribs

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Once the littles have flown their coop, so to speak, and you know there will be no future additions, what can be done with your sweet crib that holds so many memories? Here's a few ideas that just blew me away. Man o man, people are soooo creative!

craft center

signage

bench

daybed

Kinda wishin' you hadn't sold yours huh? xo

Foam Magnets

Remember me showing you my boys playing with these awesome foam magnets at the DMA? Well, I made some of my own, because those suckers are expensive!

I found some foam shapes at the Dollar Spot in Target. That's right...$1.00 per bag. Then I got some adhesive photo magnets at Hobby Lobby for $2.99 a pack. With my handy scissors and pencil I traced the shapes, snip-snipped and BAM! - foam magnets for $5.00.

 (I only used one packet and had left-overs)

Granted they're not as great as the DMA's magnets, but they're a heck of a lot cheaper. We'll see if they're a success once my kiddos get home from school. Fingers crossed! xo

Around the House: Playroom Perfected

 Finding the perfect layout for our boys' playroom has been quite the challenge. It has seen many variations and lots of different furniture over the past four years. But I think I have finally found a winner.  I moved the Ikea bookshelf out of their bedroom and into the playroom, giving us more storage for toys and books. I also moved the position of the TV and couch. This little change up gave me space to put their "teeny table" over by the big desk as well as the legos and craft materials. Oh happy happy day.

 (please ignore the hole above our micro in the kitchen - repairs in progress!)

 (this view really lets you see all the paint on the table and rice on the floor - nice. I need to vacuum)

 i also rearranged the bookshelf above the desk giving the boys a shelf of their own

 the animal cracker jugs are perfect for storing toys!

 recently found these little vintage chalkboards at a thrift store for 66 cents!

My youngest keeps saying, "I love our new house." I think that means this change-up is a big success! Kid tested. Kid approved. Happy Happy Monday. xo

Weekly Challenge: Date God

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It's said that the more you know Him, the more you will trust Him, love Him and believe Him. So I thought, "hmmm... how do you get to know someone?" You go grab coffee and ask questions. Right?

Here are some of the questions I jotted down to ask God:

What are some things You love?

What are some things You hate?

How would others describe You/ Your personality?

When You feel distant, where do You go?

And this is what I discovered. When you make plans, they often get derailed. Don't be defeated. After one early morning date that was interrupted by my oldest (hello 6:30 am) I went into a complete tailspin. Then came the lightbulb. When your friends have to cancel, you just reschedule. So morning dates got changed to lunch dates and late night conversations. It hasn't been perfect, I don't have all the answers I'd like - I mean I think I know, but I need to really know. Ya know? So the dates will continue and I will not be so hard on myself, rigid or legalistic.  Funny, it's not really what I planned, but I'm learning and growing in Him. Isn't that what matters most? Besides, I know God will never break-up with me. That gives me great joy. Happy Weekend. xo

PS - GO Rangers!

Holy Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

Anything I can do to limit my time in the kitchen is a good thing. In fact, I often skip lunch or grab just a handful of almonds. So you can imagine my delight when I found yet another delicious vitamin packed smoothie to supplement lunch (or breakfast).  It's quick, easy and oh baby is it delish!

Pumpkin Smoothie

1/4 cup canned pumpkin

2 heaping spoonfuls of vanilla yogurt

1 banana

1 spoonful of peanut butter (I do heaping...I'm an addict)

1 handful of ice cubes

milk to thin as desired

Blend in blender or with hand-blender and enjoy!

If you really want to go all out, add whipped cream and cinnamon on top. Thank you, thank you Better Homes and Gardens for a fantabulous Fall smoothie that keeps my hunger monsters at bay and me out of the kitchen! xo

Reduce, Recuse, Recycle: Halloween Edition

painted jar luminaries

As promised, here's a look at some really fun things you can do for Halloween using everyday items. I've thrown in a adult crafts as well. The kids shouldn't be the only ones having all the fun!

tp roll bat

old book pages or newspaper decoupage

dryer vent pumpkin

pantyhose covered pumpkin

haunting terrariums

spooky rocks

Back to the Littles:

paper plate (we've made pumpkins with plates too!)

egg carton spiders (we've made these - so easy and fun)

tissue box monster feet

One of the reasons I love Halloween is that it's far from serious and real life. There's nothing like a holiday full of fun and silliness to bring out your inner child. BOO! xo

(ps - i'll show you that owl "art" another time. you won't believe how it got started.)

My Go To Outfit

My sweet friend Hayley over at Tiny Twig is doing an awesome 31 day series called The No Brainer Wardrobe. Wanna see my "go to outfit" and get some tips on how to build that wardrobe of yours? Head over to the Tiny Twig! xo

Problem Solved.

Upon moving into our house four years ago, I found the above ghastly problem. The previous owners had removed the super cool vintage heater and replaced it with these ugly brown tiles. This went unnoticed in our house tour because they had covered it up with a standing towel rack. Uggh! I have pondered about what to do ever since. 

While in Round Top,  I set my eyes upon a little $10.00 wire bookrack and I knew I had the "perfect" solution. Then came problem number two...not enough weight and the books were falling between the wire slits. Frustrating on a whole new level. I knew if I ever stumbled across just the right old wooden boxes, I could fit them on the shelves and my problems would be solved. Well, thank goodness for estate sales. I scored some awesome vintage wood boxes for $1.25 each, this past weekend. Now look!

The unsightly brown square is not completely concealed, but it'll do. Best of all, my kids have something to read during their 20 minute bathroom breaks! (Why it takes them so long, I'll never know. Guy thing I guess.) xo

Around the House: Halloween Decorations

My boys love Halloween. What's not to love? There's candy till you puke, dressing up and staying up late. If you're under 12, it's like a dream come true. Here's what I don't like... all the scary things associated with Halloween that are mystical: vampires, witches, ghosts, zombies, etc. So, I try to stick to decorating with things that are real and kinda scary: jack-o-lanterns, spiders, snakes, bats, crows and owls.

Outside:

Entryway:

Halloween is so much fun. I hope you're having as much fun decorating as we are. On wednesday I'll show you how I made the owl "art" using things around the house, as well as some other crafty ideas using stuff from your recycle bin. xo