Getting Organized ~ The Pretty Way

I've been thinking it's about time to redo the downstairs bathroom. 

My youngest was notorious for using the wall behind the door for creative expression.  She would sneak in, lock the door and let loose with these little tiny circles and squiggles.  She's  four now and has since figured out that the bathroom is not the right place for artwork (removing the lock helped!), and so I think it might be safe for a new coat of paint, and while we're at it, new fixtures and maybe some bead board? 

For weeks I've been looking at paint samples and tearing pages out of magazines as inspiration.  I've even got a pile of sticky notes and restaurant napkins (you just never know when an idea will strike).  They're everywhere!  It gave me an idea for a little book with lots of pockets...one place to keep all these little bits of paper where they won't get lost. 

The Project Organizer.

I had quite a few manila folders hanging around (another one of my Dollar Store finds) and created this little book out of just one.  I honestly can't take credit for this ingenious idea...I found it on the Internet a while ago, but unfortunately I can't remember where.  It is a simple idea and for me served a great purpose...in a pretty way!

Pages 1 & 2 with a double-sided tag

Just about everything that was used for this project came from Scarlet Lime's July Frugal Fab kit.  I've been a happy kit club member with Scarlet Lime for about a year now, and this month they've debuted their Frugal Fab kit...a way to stay on a budget and still get gorgeous products.  Their Frugal Fab kits are a steal with $40.00 worth of products at only $19.95 (plus shipping & handling) for a monthly subscription or $21.95 (plus shipping & handling) for a one-time purchase.  You really can't lose!  Skip on over to Scarlet Lime and sign up for one (or both) of their kit clubs...I promise you'll be over-the-top thrilled with all the new and exclusive goodness they pack into each package every single month!  Tell Christy that I sent you!  ;)

Pages 3 & 4 with another double-sided tag

I even added a calendar for planning out those large projects.

You can purchase one of these Project Organizers at my Etsy shop!  I'm adding new items every day!!  And while you're at it, hop on over to Scarlet Lime and become a member!

Have a great day and remember to laugh at least once!

M.

Love Over Ice Cream

My daughter's, Molly and Madison, meeting their nephew, Jaxon, over ice cream.  This was the first time they've met him and their older sister, Ashleigh.  She's lived in another state most of her life, and made the decision to venture to Maine to connect with her father and meet the rest of her siblings.  Family is everything and this was a special day for everyone!

Thank you, Ashleigh!

M.

It's a Sign of Peace

Moxie Fab World is at it again...throwing down challenges... that I can't refuse!  For this week's challenge they're asking for a project that "incorporates a peace sign in an innovative way".

Dare I say it?  I remember the days of peace and love, so this was something I could do.  BUT...there is really no possible way of doing groovy in the shabby & vintage style that I love so much, so I found myself pacing a bit...and thinking.  What to do and how?

My oldest daughter actually gave me the idea of doing a notebook.  I think she has a hidden agenda because she asked if she could have it for school once I was done.  ;o)

This is what I came up with...

A little groovy paper from DCWV, a hand cut peace sign that was distressed using a little Tim Holtz Distress Powder in Antique Linen, hand cut alphas, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Black Soot, duct tape for that vinyl look and a bit of leather and beads.  Totally fab!

Great fun and quite the challenge!  So, head on over to  Moxie Fab World and challenge yourself.  Deadline for submissions is August 16th at midnight MDT.

Peace out,
M.

My sweet sidekick

With three children I never really have time to myself, and I'm honestly okay with that. I get to go to the store every once in a blue moon all alone, but for the most part I have all three or at least one of my daughters with me all the time. ALL the time. I know I'm not alone in my lack of privacy even in the bathroom.

I cherish every single moment with them because I realize that in a blink of an eye they'll be grown women with children of their own, and if I'm lucky, they won't have privacy in the bathroom either. ;o)

What I love the most is the way my youngest, sweet Kenzie, will come into my office every so often and just kiss me on my arm (it happens to be at the right level when I'm sitting at my desk). She does it so randomly and without provocation. Just beyond sweet, right? She will also ask for me to take her picture. I, of course, oblige and now have quite a collection of her standing next to my desk with some sort of prop.Here she is with a flower she picked on our afternoon walk. She added the hand knit necklace that her sister gave her because she thought it added to the whole "hula girl" thing. NOTE: Please don't think I paid for that haircut. She decided that she was going to do it herself, and explained while I was having a breakdown, that it wasn't her fault...she just went crazy.
This one was taken not in December when you'd expect to see Santa, but just a few short weeks ago. She noticed it in a box in the basement while she was helping me move things around and HAD to have it. It sings a silly song that was cute at first but soon became annoying.
And this picture has to be one of my favorites. She has an old large beaded necklace from my costume jewelry box on her head. She just thought it made her look like a princess, and so did I for that matter.
My sweet Kenzie, makes me feel so loved with her impromptu kisses, and she reminds me to treasure every single moment...every single day.

Remember to take a picture today!
M.