This Homemade Life

The Everyday Skirt

2011-07-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

Perfect for everyday wear!

Collect your supplies!

1. 1/2 yard of fabric

2. 1 yard trim

3. elastic (I used 3/8)

4. coordinating thread

5. scissors

6. sewing machine

This skirt is very simple and practical for the girl who loves skirts and dresses but also loves to run, play and get dirty! Warning: I started off taking step by step photos, and then got wrapped up in sewing and stopped. If you already know the basics of sewing, this is going to be no problem to follow, if not...my apologies.

1. Cut your fabric to size. I had a 1/2 yard of fabric and decided to just even it up and use the majority of it. My daughter wears a 3T-4T and the amount made a full skirt without being overwhelming. Next, you are going to start making a pocket to put your elastic. Start by folding over about 1/4 inch and sewing. Then fold over again, this time about an inch and sew this down. Make sure to leave a little opening to pull your elastic through.

2. Attach a safety pin to your elastic and run it through the pocket you made. Measure your girl's waist. Clip off elastic at desired amount and sew together. Then sew up the opening you had left.

3. Next, cut your skirt to the desired length. Make sure to account for the length of the trim. (I ended up cutting off about 8 inches from the skirt.) Attach your trim. Make sure your trim is evenly pinned onto your skirt, you don't want your skirt gathering at the bottom.

4. Sew on the trim. I also went back and top stitched the bottom of the trim, just because I wanted to. I also ran out of pink thread and couldn't find my white (who can't find their white thread?!) and I didn't want to drag the kids to Hobby Lobby, so I used yellow instead. I like it.

5. Trim off all extra thread and TA-DAH! You have an easy, cute little skirt.

If your trying this and you're confused, my apologies. You can always leave a comment and I will answer as best I can! Happy sewing!

Things I'm Making Today

2011-07-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with the "sewing bug!" Which was great becuase my great friend's the Kuntzs' just had their second little boy and I was wanting to make little Graham a present. I am also overly excited about some new additions to my family (arriving in February!) and decided to make them a little "I can't wait to meet you" gift! I'll post some photos when everything is finished, and I am working on a tutorial for a little "Everyday Skirt" I made for the Crazy girl, but for now, here's some of my inspiration...


Buy the pattern here to try for yourself (or find one online for free!)


Find the Tutorial here

You can buy this hat here

Who Has Two Thumbs and Got Intern of The Year?

2011-07-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

This Guy!

Ok, so it's just one thumb, and the Doc is seriously going to KILL me for posting this (and he's a Doctor, so he knows how to do that sort of thing), but how awesome is this picture? We are seriously proud of the Doc! He worked his buns off this year (seriously, he like lost 10 pounds) and received the very cool award of "Intern of the Year." YAY Hubs!

Just Some Pics For The Peeps

2011-07-05T07:24:00.000-07:00


Love that Sweet Boy's hands are in his pockets

1st family photo in about a year!

2nd family photo....now we have Christmas Card options

My Crazy Girl

Two Sweet Boys

My Hot Doc

Harper smiling, Luke pouting. Awesome.

They really so love each other, although I think Crazy is smothering Sweet in this picture!

NEVER take pictures, but it was pretty and my kids looked cute, and I felt like should, blah, blah, blah.

Grampy and kids checking out some goats

It was a long day

First of all, I have no idea why that first picture is off to the side, but I was tired of trying to fix it, so there it stays!

We we were able to go to our good friend Adam's wedding this last month. It was in BEAUTIFUL Colorado at the most amazing site! We took (well, my camera ready Mother-in-law took) lots of pictures that I thought I should share, since I am pretty bad at posting family photos and I know like 85% of you are family that really just want to see pictures of my kids...so this is for you family! Enjoy!

Shut Your Mouth Oatmeal Recipe!

2011-07-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

In my life, I work on things slowly (you can see this first hand in the amount of laundry that I have each week!)I like to know all my options, have all the information and then ease into commitment. I'm a little commitment shy. In fact I have multiple items of clothing that still have the tags on them. Oh, I wear these things, I just tuck the tag in. I actually rarely take anything back, I just have this weird thing about wanting the "option" to take it back. Well now that my secret shame is revealed, let's move on. I have had an ongoing quest to find the right diet. Not like, a weight loss diet, (although I do believe that there should be a way to eat well and maintain a healthy weight) but rather a way to eat and feed my family that is nutritious and enjoyable. There is an unfortunate amount of information out there. And for a person like me, who needs to know all this information before I make a decision, it usually leads to frustration and no commitment. I believe God gave us food and I believe in His grace he gave us good food, healthful food that tastes amazing. So what is it? I could go through the array of information that I have found, but instead I'll just talk about what is making sense to me these days. Whole Foods. Organic Foods. Unprocessed Foods. I'm not just talking about fruits and vegetables, I am also talking about meat and dairy and fat. That's right. Good old fashioned saturated fat, found in beef and milk and eggs and BUTTER (isn't it liberating to say? BUTTER!) Now, before you think I'm crazy or decide never to read this blog again, let me clarify a few things. These foods that I am talking about are not the same ones that you may find in your grocery store, instead I am talking about eating grass-fed beef, eggs from free range, organic hens. Drinking low (or no) pasteurized, non-homogenized whole milk, butter, cheese and yogurt. Eliminating foods with preservatives, artificial flavors, hormones, partially hydrogenated oils, processed sugar etc,etc. Now, this post is getting away from me a bit, because I realize there is so much information I could share with you to support what I am writing about, but we don't have that kind of time people! My kids don't nap that long and I have a P90x workout to get to! So I am going to post more information soon, until then go here and read some articles. Also, we are a work in process in my family. I have bought Organic produce, dairy and pantry items for awhile now (HEB is a great place for inexpensive Organic Products, they carry the Whole Foods Brand "Central Market"), we just bought our first gallon of grass-fed, unprocessed whole milk (delicious, by the way!) and are searching for the best organic meat options! Anyway, here's the dang recipe!

Shut Your Mouth Oatmeal!
Soak 2 cups Old Fashioned Oats (not quick oats) in 2 cups water and 2 tablespoons organic (or raw) yogurt (cover and let soak overnight, this is going to help with digestibility)
In the morning bring 1 cup water and 1 cup WHOLE organic *coconut milk to a boil (do yourself a favor and when you open your can of coconut milk spoon off the cream on the top and put it in your coffee. To. Die. For.)
Add your Oatmeal, bring back to boil and then reduce heat for 10-20 minutes until finished
Now add some organic (or raw) butter, fruit, organic honey, Cinnamon, whatever your kids like. You can even add 1-2 **eggs and let them cook in (you won't be able to see them or taste them).

It is the most amazing oatmeal you will ever eat. But better yet, is that it is wholesome, good for you and your beautiful kids! And because they are filled up on a hearty breakfast they won't ask you in 30 minutes for a "snack."

*Coconut Oil and Milk is made up of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT)
MCT are easily digested, absorbed, and put to use nourishing the body. Unlike other fats, they put little strain on the digestive system and provide a quick source of energy necessary to promote healing. (Find more on this subject here)
**Free range, Organic Eggs
Besides providing all eight essential protein building amino acids, a large whole, fresh egg offers about six to seven grams of protein and five grams of fat (with about 1.5 grams of it saturated), which comes in handy to help in the absorption of all the egg’s fat-soluble vitamins. One egg also serves up around 200 milligrams of brain-loving cholesterol and contains the valuable vitamins A, K, E, D, B-complex and minerals iron, phosphorus, potassium and calcium.¹⁰ Choline, another egg-nutrient, is a fatty substance found in every living cell and is a major component of our brain. Additionally, choline helps break up cholesterol deposits by preventing fat and cholesterol from sticking to the arteries.^10,14 So the bottom line is, don’t be chicken about eating eggs, especially the cholesterol-rich yolks! (Find the article here.http://www.westonaprice.org/childrens-health/1537-eat-eggs-and-have-chicken-too)

I'll post some more stuff soon! Until then...EAT UP!

"Summer, Summer, Summertime. Summertime."

2011-05-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, raise your hand if you and your sister ever made up a dance to DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince's "Summertime." Am I the only one with my hand up? Gosh, I love that song. I admit it. And I love summertime! Now, we have lived in many parts of the country and have experienced summer in may different places. A cool ocean breeze in California, a morning sweater in the mountains of Colorado, an evening baseball game in Missouri and long nights in the Dominican Republic, but a "Texas Summer" has only one description: Sweaty. It is hot and it is humid and you find yourself just trying to get from "air conditioning to air conditioning." A pool is a must. An indoor playground is a definite. And good friends to sip a Mocha Coconut Frap with is essential! So here are a few of our favorites for a Texas summer!

Old Navy

I am lucky enough to have good friends to go swimming with every week! Playing with kids, wanting to model modesty for my daughter and being around other young kids, led me to buy a new one piece (something I hadn't worn since Junior High summer camp). I bought this one at Old Navy (except mine is bright pink with white polka dots...cute!)

Buy it on Amazon

In order to feel good about yourself in that bathing suit you might need a little help from our good friend Jillian. I'm a BIG fan of a Jillian workout. She will kick your butt and she'll do it in about 25 mins! "Ripped in 30" is a progressive boot camp style workout program. You do one workout for a week and then move on to the next level. It's hard core and you may want to literally punch Jillian Michael's in the face, but just mute her and keep going, it's worth it!

Mocha Coconut Frap at Starbucks

Do you like my progression of items? Bathing suit, workout video, sugary and fattening drink, next I'm going to post a bacon burger with cheese! But in all seriousness (or as serious as you can be about a coffee drink) this drink is amazing! It is like summer in a cup, and if you need to feel better about it (like I do) order it "light" with no whip cream. Some would argue that defeats the point of having this amazing creation, but others are so thankful I just gave them this option...you know who you are.

Hippo Pool at Target

My in-laws were just in town and they graciously bought this pool for my kids. They are now obsessed with being in the backyard and playing in the water! They jump and slide and rarely run into each other or yell that someone is in their way (I said "rarely" not "never"). And the best part is; I can sit in the privacy of my backyard, in my non mom bathing suit and get a tan, while my kids are completely entertained!

And on a good summer day, this happens...

Happy (Texas) Summer!

Weekly Featured Favorite Etsy Seller

2011-04-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

Starting a tradition, right here, right now, my friends! How excited are you to be a part of this? Every Monday I am going to feature a new Etsy seller that I have found and have been drooling over all week. Those of you that know me are thinking "no way will she consistently post something every Monday!" Well to that I have to say, "shame on you for not believing a person can change!" (and you're probably right) But we're gonna give it a big college try here people!

So, the first Weekly Featured Favorite Etsy Seller is... A.E. Wilder! You can see her beautiful and special work above! Her items are perfect for a baby shower gift or your own kid. I stumbled upon this store while creating a Treasury (find it here), my search words were "fun, colorful and special." Those words are depicted perfectly in A.E. Wilder's shop!

Please visit her shop and buy one of these beautiful items today!

Firsts

2011-04-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

I had a few "firsts" this weekend. Now if your here just to see pictures of my kids, you might want to just skip this post, because they might not mentioned again...maybe.

I finally completed and posted my first pattern to the Etsy shop! (applause, applause). It is something that I have been wanting to do for awhile and just....haven't. The Hot Doc has been ~~badgering~~ encouraging me to write down my patterns for sometime and I think he was pretty proud that I actually did it.

Find the Bear Hat pattern here!

I was also featured in two fellow Etsy seller's Treasuries, which was really flattering! A Treasury is a collection of items of other sellers that usually fits a certain theme. Find the Treasuries here and here!

Okay, for those of you that held on until the end, here they are in all their ~~craziness~~ glory!

They have fun together.

This Is How We Do...

2011-04-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Playtime. In my house I am not a good enough mom to teach my kids how to pick up after themselves. Or how to get something out and then when they're done put it all away. I know I should. I know I will regret it very soon. But right now, the difference between my kids "picking up" their toys, and me just picking them up, is about 45 mins. So here is a very typical day in our house.

Toys dragged out of playroom into entry way

Crayons, markers and paper scattered everywhere

Art table a mess

Dirty kitchen (they get this from their mother)

At least they like each other...

and play together (pretty) well

Somehow I Missed This

2011-04-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I posted about our fun times at the Houston Rodeo. Well I had forgotten my camera (not out of the ordinary) so my great friend, Angie, had taken some pictures of my kids (also not out of the ordinary). Ang had sent me the photos, but somehow I missed this one, which might be the cutest one! The Allen boys are some of our FAVS!

B-Ball (Brady), Harper, Big Luke, Little Luke

The Best (and easiest) Question I've Ever Asked My Husband, My Daughter's Fashion Sense and Etsy Stuff

2011-04-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, I could of split this post into three separate days of writing, but decided I would include all of; I like to have a little bit for everyone, you know?

First. I have said before that the Hot Doc and I are totally opposite! Sometimes being opposite doesn't matter. Like, he is the best person to hang out with! He cracks me up, he'll always offer to let me watch a girly movie (but I always decline, mainly because while I'm crying at Julia Roberts in My Best Friend's Wedding, when she's at the wedding and has to give the "best woman" toast, but just the day before she was telling the groom how much she loves him, and you know that even though she means everything she is saying in her speech, it's still completely breaking her heart, you know that scene right? Well Jeff would be making fun of her or me the entire time, kind of ruins the moment), he says "thank you" for everything, and reminds our kids to do the same, and even though he leaves for work at 5 am, he still takes the trash out on "trash days." But in other things, being opposite does matter. And in our house, cleaning is one of those things. So a couple weeks ago, I asked the Doc to tell me some of his top things around the house that he would like me to make sure to pay attention to. This is what he said: keep our room and bathroom clean, manage the laundry (I loathe laundry!) and make sure the kids' trash cans are emptied regularly (because let's be honest, pee diapers can really start to stink!) So easy right?! So when I can't keep on top of my daily schedule, I just make sure that the Doc's three things are finished. It's awesome! I love that he notices when things are clean and he appreciates that I am taking the time to make him happy (because let's be honest, I don't really care if the bed is unmade...but he does.)

Next. I've been documenting a couple of Crazy Girl's outfits. From a VERY young age, she has insisted on dressing herself. Sometimes I put up a fight, but other times, I just flat don't care. She thinks she looks great, and if you know Harper, it's really difficult to change her mind...about anything...ever.

Heart sweatshirt, over flower dress, over white skirt, over striped leggings

Prom picture

Blue flower shirt, over purple shirt, jean shorts, over striped tights

Drooly dinosaur shirt on Sweet Boy

As you can see, she likes the layered look.

Last. I started a facebook page for New Millie (go here, check it out, write a comment, click the "like" button!) I also have a few new items for sale on Etsy, here are a few...

Spring Time Hat

Sweet Baby Hat

Charlotte's Headband

Also, coming soon is the first of many COUPONS! What! What! (That just felt right). Discounts are coming everyone! So become a fan of New Millie on Facebook, check out the etsy page, be a fan of this blog and go find more beautiful photos like these at katielittlephotography.com! Man, I am bossy today!

Happy Wednesday!

New Items on Etsy!

2011-03-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

I've been inspired to get New Millie back up and running! So, I started by listing some items that I have had FOREVER! Please check them out HERE! And thank you to my sweet friends Angie and Katie who allow me to make things for their kids and their photo shoots!

Bomber Hat

Newborn Sling

Twin Earflap Hats

Real Life (and some other stuff)

2011-03-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

So we live in Texas and the Rodeo is kinda a big deal. And by kinda, I mean it's totally a big deal! This year the Rodeo ran from March 1-20th and every single day there were two hours of Rodeo events followed by a concert. The concerts were performers like, Rascal Flats, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Lady Antabelum, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw and many many more. It's kind of ridiculous. Besides the rodeo and concerts there was also an entire carnival complete with roller coasters, a ferris wheel and an endless amount of (over priced) games and an extremely cool Livestock show. Jeff and I left the kids one evening and caught the Rodeo and the Gary Alan concert, which was great. And the kids and I met up with our good friends, the Allens, and headed over to the livestock show. The kids did the petting zoo, which Harper hated (so much of our dreams of her Mutten Busted), but Luke LOVED! We also visited the chick hatching station (so cool), we looked at cows and sheep and huge pigs, the kids ran and rolled down a hill (for like 20 mins) and then we grabbed a lemonade and went home!

Houston Rodeo!

Sweet Boy and his new friend

Lookin' at some Longhorns

I did not bring my camera, so my wonderful and picture obsessed friend, Angie caught a few of my kids (there were a few more, but either Harper or I had our eyes half shut. I thought I would spare you.)

Now on to "other stuff"

If you have boys, then you know it is hard to find unique clothes (on a budget) and if you sew, it's hard to find creative patterns and tutorials. HOWEVER, I have found two great blogs that have some great stuff! The first I Am Momma Hear Me Roar and the second is MADE. They are both wonderful and have full sections devoted to "The Boy"

I was going to make Luke a bow tie to wear on Easter (because, what else am I supposed to make), but then I found this great tutorial on I Am Momma Hear Me Roar...super excited! (Check it out! I would have posted a picture, but it is of her son, and I didn't feel right about using it without asking!)

Happy Tuesday!!

Love Me Some FREE Tutorials

2011-03-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share with you some free tutorials I found!

Find this on Simply Modern Mom

This is going to be Harper's Easter dress! I bought the fabric earlier this week. This dress is actually made from a pillow case, but I couldn't just keep it that simple, so I bought three different fabrics to make this cute little number! So excited! I am also going to make Sweet Boy a bow tie from one of the leftover fabrics, I'll post pictures when it's done...well, maybe...I'm so bad at that!

Go to Noodlehead to make this little beauty

I LOVE this little gathered clutch! I have used this tutorial and it is awesome! The finished product is terribly cute and makes a great little gift. Even if your new to sewing, this tutorial is extremely easy to follow and a great introduction to sewing with zippers!

Okay, go get crafty! Talk to you soon!

Such a Cliche

2011-03-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

So pregnancy is my horrible excuse for still not being down to the weight I would like to be. It's "horrible" because my son is only 3 months away from his second birthday (yeah, I said "second" judge me.) Before Harper was born I worked out about 5-6 days a week...in a gym...with my husband! It was amazing. Of course I didn't realize how amazing it was until I was fitting in workouts during naps, or in between feedings or not at all. I gained 51 pounds with the Crazy girl (gulp) and lost 56 pounds by the time I was (surprisingly) pregnant with my sweet boy (only 9 months later). And I WORKED that weight off! Some very lucky women seem to do nothing, just eat and breastfeed and miraculously their pregnancy weight just falls off of them. Not me. I was not blessed with those genes. After Harper was born I was very vigilant in exercising and eating right, and the weight came off. Then came baby number two. I gained only half of the amount of weight with Luke, mainly because I really watched what I ate and I worked out almost the entire pregnancy (I did p90x with the Hot Doc until I was 31 weeks; it was ridiculous!) I thought it would be so easy to get the rest of this little boy off of me. WRONG. When you have less time and less energy, working out kind of gets pushed to the back of the list. I could bore you with a list of workout programs I have done and not stuck to since Luke came into this world, but I won't. I have made a commitment to get this weight off before my Sweet boy turns two! This is what I have been doing:

1. Going to bed by 11pm each night (except Friday).
If you're a mom of small kids then you know that time alone is precious. I had been taking advantage of as much time alone as I could by staying up WAY too late. It was not uncommon for me to be up until 1-2 am. However, there is an extreme negative consequence to this when your kids get up by 7 am everyday; exhaustion. I was consuming copious amounts of coffee, and by the time nap time came I wanted nothing to with working out. (Also, there are many studies out there linking lack of sleep to weight gain/the inability to lose weight.)

2. Getting up before my kids to work out.
Say what?! Yes, that's right, for the last 9 days I have set the alarm, gotten up and worked out before my kids get up. The first few days were hard (well everyday is hard) but I have seen the benefits already of getting this done and out of the way, as well as getting some time alone before the two crazies get up.
I have been trading off doing this:

and this:

Both videos have different levels. The first one has three levels and the second one has two, so there are many different options between these two videos. AND (best of all) they are only 20-30 minutes each. However, those 20-30 minutes will kick your little bootie (or big bootie, whatever you have). Before these workouts I was doing Turbo Fire, which is an intense cardio workout. Most of the workouts are 45 mins to an hour long and I was just as sweaty and winded at the end of them, that I am after these! (I know, I know I told you I wouldn't bore with what workouts I have done.)

3. Eating

I have always had to watch what I eat in order to lose weight/not gain weight (we ALL have those people in our lives that eat just crap and still have this cute little body). After Harper was born I used the first South Beach diet book to help lose all that extra weight. I had half heartedly tried it after Luke was born, but was not committed. Now I am. If you don't know the South Beach diet, let me break it down very basically:

There are three phases. In Phase 1 you remove all sugar from your diet. That is sugar in all forms, so no dairy, no fruit, nothing processed at all. You fill your diet with lean protein, low GI vegetables (so no root vegetables and no corn) and healthy fat (olive oil, avocados, nuts). It can sound boring and daunting, and it can be if you're not prepared, but if the fridge is stocked with a wide variety of food then it's actually easy. This is where you will experience the biggest amount of weight loss. The first time I did South Beach I lost 7 pounds the first two weeks. This time around I have lost 3 pounds since starting on Wednesday (tomorrow will be a full week).

Phase 2 of the diet you begin to start to reintroduce dairy, fruit and whole grain products into your diet. The idea is to continue to lose weight, so you start slowly; integrating a piece of fruit here or a bowl of oatmeal there. If you get through a week and didn't lose any weight then you have added too much and you back it off a bit.

Phase 3 is the maintenance phase. Once you have lost all the weight you would like, you eat to not gain weight. I like the "Supercharged" version because it has a focus on eating "whole" foods; getting rid of the processed and prepackaged.

4. My head and heart
If you know me personally you know I have struggled with weight in many capacities. I have struggled with being overweight and losing weight and then being obsessed with working out and what I was eating, etc, etc. Neither end of the spectrum is good. It's not okay to disrespect my body in either way. What's the solution to this problem? Lean into Jesus my friends! I ask my Lord for discipline, for energy, for patience, for perspective, for eyes to see myself the way he sees me. I ask Him to show me how to not look at what the world says is beautiful, but what HE thinks is beautiful. And I totally suck at this, but luckily He knows that, and He is just so stinkin' kind to me!

So there it is folks, my very cliche moment. Two years later I still have baby weight. But in three months, I won't!

If you have any questions about the workouts or the diet please ask!

Coolness

2011-02-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share two really cool websites I have been stalking lately! (My wonderful friend Angie told me about both of them. We like to call her "Martha" as in Martha Stewart and try to listen to what she tells us.)

The first is A Bowl Full of Lemons:

This site is dedicated to cleaning and organizing, and it is awesome! Toni, the author of the blog, has a whole section devoted to making a "Home Management Binder," which is not a new concept, however I could not get over how incredibly CUTE her pages were! She uses this free printable for her weekly calendar and is fortunate enough to be friends with the creator of Clean Mama Printable (check out her etsy shop here!)

She has also just started some "Weekly Challenges" that you can take part in and has a 21 Day Organizing Challenge...it's awesome!

The other site is Knock Off Decor:

It has a TON of tutorials based on high end decor like, Ballard, Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel, etc.

My FAVS so far are...

This one

Burlap Mr. and Mrs. Pillows

and this one

Antique Book Bundles

LOVE this one

Sunburst Mirror

Check these out and ENJOY! Happy Monday!

Crazy Girl Gets a New (well, updated) Room

2011-02-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

So here, as promised, are the "after" pictures of The Crazy Girl's room. We still have a few things to do, which I will tell you about along the way, but this is what we have so far!

Also, let me say this re-do was a desperate attempt to get my extremely headstrong girl to stay in her room and LEVE ME ALONE in the middle of the night and early morning. Apparently, however, she can not be bribed, and continues to wake me up. Boo.

So, let's just remind ourselves of the before. And, yes, I did leave the bed unmade on purpose!

Harper's bed before was really high (another failed attempt to get her to stay in the bed.) I took off the box spring, so the bed sits much lower and you can really see her pretty bed frame (which is from IKEA by the way.)

I had this "Harper" banner I had made left over from her birthday party and decided to tie it to the headboard. It was either that or Harper was going to have a butterfly and flower birthday party for the next five years so I could re-use that banner! It took a long time.

The frames above her bed I got from Target on clearance. They were $1.74 each! Go Target! I had some leftover fabric from who knows what (I am kind of addicted to buying fabric for projects that I will probably not do and then later use that fabric for something totally different.) I simply used some photo spray adhesive to the glass and then stretched the fabric over. Super easy. I thought about crocheting some flowers to glue on but decided I liked them without anything.

This bookshelf was just plain white until I mod podged some bright pink tissue paper to the back. (I'll post that tutorial later, although I pretty much just explained everything you would need to do.) The "H" was just a chipboard letter I also mod podged tissue paper to and then hot glued it to an 8x10 canvas I covered in fabric. Harper wanted me to tell you that the owls' names are Penny and Joy and she loves them.

I loved the canopy Harper had over her bed before (another IKEA buy), so I decided to keep it in the same place and make it into a little reading corner. Crazy Girl LOVES to read!

The canopy was just a sheer, so I hot glued some turquoise flower and butterfly ribbon I had bought for Harper's birthday party and then never used. (I got it out of Michael's $1 bin.)

Can you see my Sweet Boy crying in the mirror? His sister wouldn't let him sit in her new reading spot.

Crazy Girl got this sweet bow holder from her favorite Sunday School teacher, Miss Dee! It works perfectly in her room!

I made these photo frames for Harper's last room. It was simply square pieces of cork that I bought at CVS in a four pack (yes, I said CVS) and then layered with scrapbook paper and a black and white photo (which needs to be updated) and then two button sewn on with twine.

So here is where some updating needs to happen. I am going to change out the knobs on the Dresser and I would like to paint and antique the mirror...I am thinking a green or aqua color. I would like to do the same thing with the dresser but it's a pretty cheaply made piece and I'm not sure what it could handle.

The letters were Hobby Lobby and I just hot glued some buttons on them (I love me some hot glue!)

LOVE this sign! Found it at Hobby Lobby in there 66% off aisle (I also love me some Hobby Lobby!)

This cabinet is actually from the Hot Doc's college apartment. I hated the glass front so I backed it with some fabric (hides a mess well!) The butterflies were more leftovers from Harper's birthday party that I tacked on the wall.

I love the flower's hanging in the corner, one of my favorite parts.

So, there has been big debate in my house over the paint color of this room. I was wanting to keep it kind of gender neutral, since when we have another baby (no, we are not pregnant, and we probably won't be pregnant soon...well not too soon, but we hope to be blessed with at least one more baby while living in this house and) I would like Harper and Luke to share a room. However, some very persistent girl has decided she wants pink and one head over heels daddy has said to "give her what she wants," so...

I love the idea of these wide horizontal stripes. Do you think all the way around the room would be too much? Maybe just on the "headboard wall"? I kind of love the idea of breaking up the pink...

This is Martha Stewart "Carnation." We have used Martha in the other painted rooms in our house and love how it turns out. If we decided to do stripes I think this is the color we would use...maybe...

Here is my dream room for Harper! LOVE the lamps! Enlarge the picture if you can't see them well, they are so cute! I also adore this pink. I think if we do the ENTIRE room one shade this might be it, although I have no idea what color this is...

They made me take this picture. What you can't hear is both of them saying "cheeeeeeeeese!" And why Crazy is holding Sweet's head like that, I have no idea. They literally make me laugh out loud everyday.

Hope you enjoyed the "progress" pictures. I'll post again once the room is painted, which will be soon...I promise! Anyone have an opinion; stripes or one all over color? What to do?

Just a Little "Appe-teaser"

2011-02-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

A lot of projects are in the works over here! Here is a little of what's going on, and a couple "before" shots to keep you on your cute little toes!

First, check out new items (like the one below) on the New Millie page.

Flower Headband with Lace and Fabric

Go to The (Almost) Organized Life page to get your complete weekly cleaning schedule. And not to get too crazy, but get ready for the ZONE cleaning schedule coming soon...Look out!

Okay, get ready for some tempting "before" pictures comin' at you!

Harper's Room Re-do

Bookcase Makeover

Antique Store Buy meets Chalkboard Paint

And, what has made this little man so dirty and happy?

Come back soon to check out the "afters." Like really soon. Like maybe tomorrow.

Cleaning Schmeaning: A Confession

2011-02-01T22:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, so who did their Monday cleaning? I DID! Holla! (Just kidding. I don't really say "holla.") But I will admit it was with a bit of tweaking. Something you should know about me, or already know about me, or don't care to know about me, but you're reading this so you're going to find out anyway; I am not a perfectionist. Okay, wait. I take part of that back. I am perfectionist when it comes to crocheting or sewing or crafting. I will take something apart in a second if I don't feel like it is "just right." But most anything else, I can let things go. So on Monday that's just what I did. I did manage to do all of the actual "Monday cleaning," but slacked a bit on the "Daily Cleaning." Beds were not made, toys were not picked up before nap and no laundry was done. But weirdly, my house seemed (and still does) "feel" cleaner. Which is really a change from how I normally do things because, like stated in the previous post, usually things are picked up and wiped down, but good old fashioned cleaning isn't always consistent.

Today, however, my "Tuesday Cleaning" was not done. It was cold and rainy this morning which led to cuddling and coffee drinking on the couch. Since my kids are little and we don't "have" to get to school or other things (except on Bible Study morning) I'll let them snuggle with me as long as they want. Sometimes, there is no snuggling; they wake up and are right to playing, but some days, like this morning, we get a fire going and get under daddy's big blanket and watch "Sid The Science Kid" or "Mickey Mouse Club" or "Super Why," or Harper brings me book after book and we read and read and read. It's lovely. So with a leisurely morning, came running late errands, having a late lunch, and so on and so on, and no cleaning. So I will do "Tuesday's Cleaning" tomorrow. The upside about the schedule is that there are only 5 days of cleaning, so if you need to (or want to) skip a day, you can always push it back.

I'm going to go ahead a post all the chores for the rest of the days of the week, just in case you wanted them. I know you all just jumped for joy, "Yay! She's posting a whole list of cleaning chores! This blog is so exciting! What exhilarating thing will she think of next?!" I promise I do more than clean, or think about cleaning, or write about cleaning (well, sometimes).

But before we do that, we would just like to say...

There are A LOT of January birthdays in our family! Also, Happy Birthday Auntie Cheri, Dana and Papa! This is the part where most of are thinking, "but, it's February." Why, yes it is smarty pants reader, but something else you should know about me...total PROCRASTINATOR, that's just how I roll (I'm kidding again. I don't really say that either.)

Okay, back to the "un-fun"

Monday's Schedule

Tuesday- Living Room and Playroom

Dust

Vacuum

Wash any frequently used blankets

Wash pillows (as needed)

Organize toy buckets (Throw away broken toys/add to "give away" box)

Clean mirrors and TV

Sweep and Mop entry tile

Wednesday- Master Bedroom and Bath

Dust

Vacuum

Sweep and Mop bathroom

Wash and change sheets

Wash bathroom Rugs

Wipe down counters

Clean toilet

Clean shower and tub

Tidy up closet (which really means, "stop throwing your clothes on the ground or laying them over the hamper and actually put them on a hanger"

Thursday- Kids' Rooms and Office/Craft Room

Wash and change sheets

Dust

Vacuum (including upstairs landing)

Organize craft items and desk

Take out trash

Friday- Upstairs and Downstairs Bath

Wipe down counters

Clean toilet

Clean tub

Sweep and mop

Wash Rugs (if needed. Barely anyone uses my downstairs bathroom)

Clean mirrors

Take out trash

Good Luck! I'll keep you updated!

Let's Talk Some Dirt

2011-01-31T06:51:00.000-08:00

I hate cleaning. I love a clean house, but I hate cleaning. No, wait, I hate cleaning with two toddlers who are jumping on the bed I just made, and walking in the crumb pile I just swept, and pulling down all the clothes in my closet during an exhilarating game of "hide-and-seek." Most days my house is kept "picked up," but on a weekly basis I never get all the "cleaning" done I would like. This doesn't always bother me, but sometimes it does. And usually ever few weeks on a Sunday evening (I like to start new things on Monday) I plan a whole weekly cleaning schedule that I will never accomplish.

But the Word says, "She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness" Proverbs 31:27, so here I am, ready to try again.

Let me say also that this guy (see below) hearts a clean house big time. If the house was clean and the laundry was done (did I say I hate cleaning? I really meant, I hate laundry!) he would be the happiest, hottest doc in all of Texas. Gotta love a guy in some waders and a hat!

So, what's the plan? Great question. I have in the past subscribed to FlyLady.com, and she is great, but despite her best effort she overwhelms me a bit and she will BLOW up your email! Seriously, she sends 10-15 emails a day, it's crazy. I have also, in the past done a "Monday-vacuum, Tuesday-dusting" etc., etc. But this week I am going to try something different (for me). I found the original schedule here and just tweaked it to fit my house/life.

Daily:
Make bed (Harper makes her own bed)
Clean up kitchen after all meals
Pick up toys (with kids) before nap and bedtime
One load of laundry (Monday-Friday)

Weekly:
Monday- Kitchen and Laundry Room
Tuesday- Living Room and Playroom
Wednesday- Master Bedroom and Bath
Thursday- Kids' rooms and office
Friday- Upstairs and downstairs bathrooms

So here's Monday's Schedule- Kitchen and Laundry Room:
Clean sink
Disinfect counters
Wipe down appliances
Clean out fridge
Dust table and chairs
wash high chair liner
Sweep and mop floor
Vacuum/wash rugs
De-clutter top of washer and dryer
Wipe down washer and dryer
Empty laundry of all non-laundry items (tends to be a "catch all")
Sweep and mop floors

I would love for this to take 30 minutes or less, but with my children constantly asking me for a snack, or to read a book or screaming and running the house, I am sure it will take three times that long. I'll let you know! And if all is well and I haven't quit yet, I'll post Tuesday's cleaning schedule tomorrow.

Also, please don't think that I think you care what my cleaning schedule is. However, I have spent a lot of time looking for someone to just "tell me what to do," or give me ideas of how to keep this toddler filled home clean, maybe you feel the same way...maybe this will help. Maybe you want to tell me what to do! Always open for suggestions!

Home Sweet Home

2011-01-30T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hi! Welcome to This Homemade Life! So excited you're here and reading this! (You can tell how excited I am by the over use of exclamation points!!!) If you want to find out more about us, or why this blog came to be please head over to "About This Homemade Life."

And, If you would like to see any items I have made or that I sell in my etsy shop please stop by the New Millie page.

Okay, okay, enough of that, let's start this thing! (More exclamation points)

I thought I would begin by showing a few pictures of our previous little house in St. Louis:

Cute right? Yeah, I got a little sentimental looking through the photos. This is the first house the Doc and I bought together. Both our kids came home from the hospital to this house. MANY projects were completed in this house. It had a lot of charm and about 85 years of character! While it was "neat" to have stained glass windows in the living and dining room, and beautiful refinished hardwood floors throughout, it also barely had any closet space and the bathroom was pink (no, no, not painted pink. It had pink tile, a pink bathtub, a pink sink and a pink TOLIET! it was upsetting.) There were leaks in the basement, it had virtually no insulation and if you set a ball at the beginning of the hallway it would roll all the way through the kitchen. Needless to say we were super excited when we moved to Pearland, Texas and had the opportunity to buy this:

A brand-new, never been used home! (Side note: please excuse the white interior door on the front and the trash can and no landscaping, this was before the house was finished.) However, now we have a new challenge (read: Steph has a new challenge) to make this builder beige house into something with charm and character. We have been here about 7 months, and while furniture is in and some things are hung up (granted not all frames have photos in them) it's still lacking some greatness, and every home NEEDS some greatness.

So, on a very tight budget I'm trying to make our house special. I started with crazy girl's room. I'll post those pictures and story soon. So get pumped and come on back to check it out!