June To Do List

I'm sharing my June To Do List with you in order to keep myself accountable to actually do what is on the list. I always feel better when I can write it down and see it. Somehow, it feels like an accomplishment by just putting it on paper!

These things are just few of the things that I'm aiming to do this month. They range from getting Scripture more visible in my home to being purposeful to build relationships with each of my girls. I also am hoping to get some time out of the house alone during the week to just be quiet, write and think. And, I am looking around my very neglected home to see what projects need to be accomplished first in the downstairs area and then July I will move to the upstairs.

What about you? What is on your June To Do List?

Have a great weekend,

Change One Thing

Growing up, my mom had a saying, "Poor people have poor ways." This was just her way of saying, use what you have and don't spend a bunch of money. She was green before green was cool! Who knew?!

I have been dreaming about redecorating my master bedroom. I have a plan, and I am on the lookout for inexpensive items to help me achieve this particular style. But in the mean time, I've been trying to use what I have and be creative.

So last week, I had a crazy idea to flip over the quilt on my bed. I thought this may give me a fresh new look, that would buy me some time why I dream & shop! So here is the before:




And here is the after:



And here is the cutest little pillow I found at Kohls for $8.50. It was originally $49.00. (Seriously, who would pay $49.00 for a decorative pillow?)


So I guess that was really two things. Still, it only cost about $8.50! And to be honest, I love it. Change is good. Especially, when it is cheap!


Looking forward,
Stacey

P.S. Be sure to check back tomorrow! I will be asking you to share an answer to one of the Friday Five Questions!

Welcoming Fall

Welcome friends from Emma Calls Me Mama Holdiay Blog Party! I am all about fall right now, so here is my link up to the holiday party! I hope you enjoy it!

Around our house, we don't have falling leaves or cool temperatures to usher in fall. But we do have a few recipes that we pull out in October that let us know that fall has arrived. I thought I would share a couple with you that you might enjoy.



Mike's Favorite Chili

2 lbs of ground beef
1 Onion chopped
1 can of diced tomatoes (Pureed in blender)
1 can of Bush's Chili Beans in Mild sauce (Also Pureed in blender - the kids have no idea!)
Chili powder to taste (your desired hotness!)
***2 small cans of tomato sauce (I never put this in, we like our chili really thick)
---1. Brown ground beef & onion, drain
2. Puree in blender diced tomatoes.
3. Puree in blender chili beans
4. Combine meat mixture, 2 purees, and heat through
5. Season with chili powder to your desired taste

***This easy recipe was from a friend of mine who lovingly brought me dinner right after the birth of my first child. I had been trying out chili recipes for my husband and after tasting this one he said, "I think we found it!" I have made it for the past 10 years!

Pumpkin Muffins

1 package of spice cake mix
1 can Libby 100% pumpkin (15 oz)
3 large eggs
1/3 cup of oil
1/3 cup of water

---1. Blend all ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes
2. Pour batter into greased or paper lined muffin cups (about 24 muffins)
3. Bake at 350 for about 16-21 minutes
4. You can add a vanilla or cream cheese icing if you like.

***I always serve these muffins with the chili as part of the main course. I never add the icing because they are just as good without them. My kids devour them! As a side note, I heard a rumor that there was a shortage of pumpkin this year and that canned pumpkin may be hard to come by.

Looking Forward,
Stacey


P.S. For instructions on how to make these fabulous crafts and others, go to BHG.Com.
You can find these two crafts under Fall Welcome Message and Fall Pumpkin Centerpieces.

Fall Inspiration

Happy October 1st!
Fall is in the air!

Pumpkin Spice Lattes...
Falling Leaves....
Cozy Sweaters....

Well at least in some part of the country! We had a blast of fall weather in the Southeast and it felt great. It must have dipped down into the 80's yesterday! So nice for this very pregnant girl. Plus, it was my oldest daughter's 10th birthday and we had a great time on a little boat ride viewing the gorgeous sunset. A perfect day!

I love to drive down to Polk County this time of year and visit The Barn. It is a great antique and seasonal store that is also a nice place to grab lunch with the girls. It is only open from October - May. The first weekend in October brings out huge crowds. I just love it. This year though, I am not feeling up to the excursion so I found some great fall inspirations on some of my favorite blogs! I think you will enjoy them to and they are just a click away.



Kim at Twice Remembered posted this yummy fall potpourri recipe that you can actually eat!

Sarah Mae at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee has some really cute fall clothing from Down East Basics up for grabs! These look really fun and are very affordable!

And over at Art Project for Kids you can do this beautiful fall inspired water color for a lazy afternoon project. Thanks Kathy!


I hope you have a fabulous fall day!

Looking Forward,
Stacey


P.S. I am also linking up with Southern Hospitality's "It's Fall, Y'all!"

Design Girl Wannabe In The Kitchen

I have been taking small steps to transform my kitchen into a place that brings me joy. Since I spend a vast majority of my day in it, I decided to start here on my Design Girl Wannabe adventure.

This spot is the place I start and end my day. I can't tell you how a few feet of counter space has quite simply brought me such happiness! First, let's start with the obvious. I love my red coffee pot. It is the second one we have purchased because we killed the first red coffee pot. When we went to look for a replacement, I just could not envision any other faithful friend sitting there...so we bought another. Red is a color that I love and it has to be in my kitchen!

Second, my stainless canisters are filled with sweetener & my favorite coffee, Komodo Dragon from Starbucks. Pricey? Yes, but oh so worth the splurge when you are talking 6AM!!! Love this coffee. Must have it. Enough said.

Next, I have to tell you about the "Coffee Light" as my husband calls it. I purchased this small light at Walmart last fall from the Better Homes & Garden line. I have moved it all around my home and finally found the perfect spot. It is gorgeous at night when I switch it on and turn off the overhead lights. The best part is that it only cost about $10!

The picture is an absolute favorite of me walking with my girls. My husband has a gift with photography so I am truly blessed. It is a visual reminder of Deuteronomy 6:6-7 that says to diligently teach your children all that you remember as you sit in your house and as you walk along the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up. (paraphrased). I put it here because I need to be reminded of this precious mission.

The paper towel holder is practical and honestly not the prettiest item. But, it was one of the first things I spray painted this summer. It had been white, and I decided to change it to black. This inspires me to see that little changes can make a huge impact.

I hope that I can encourage you to start small, gather a few things you love and begin an adventure of your own! Now, I have to go get the coffee ready for another day.

Looking forward,
Stacey

Design Girl Wannabe

I have been on some sort of Design Girl Wannabe journey for about a year now. You see, in the past 7 years we have lived in 3 houses and during that time added 2 children and we have one on the way! I think all these things have contributed to the lack of decor and design in my home.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I have been truly inspired by some awesome design blogs and the ability of these women to be creative on a budget. I have also realized that I have a deep need to be creative and reflect that creativity in my home. My children have played a part as well. Last January, we were taking down our Christmas decorations and my oldest said, "Mommy, why do we only decorate for Christmas? The house looks so sad the rest of the year." This eye opening conversation helped me to see that it is their home too.

Now, I'm not too much of a theme decor girl, but I do have a beautiful antique library table that sits near my entrance. I decided to decorate it according to the seasons. It is simple, easy and inexpensive to focus on such a small space. My best find was the clear glass jar that sits in the center. I picked it up at Goodwill for about $1.99. This summer I filled it with seashells from our favorite beach. Currently, I have a Back to School thing going on. I really love the new little slate chalkboard and bright red apples. My goal is to reflect the season without being too over the top.

I also now keep a list of projects, paint jobs, and items I am always on the lookout for at Goodwill, TJ Max or clearance sales. My next project is drop cloth curtains in my kitchen! Go to "The Lettered Cottage" on my favorite blog list, and search for 'Drop Cloth Curtains'. They are so cool, especially for those of us who are sewing challenged!

Looking forward,
Stacey
http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/2009/08/make-your-monday-week-five-add-your.html