Love your Kitchen Week

This picture of my kitchen was taken last November. It looks pretty much the same right now, except dirtier.

I am declaring this week LOVE YOUR KITCHEN WEEK. My kitchen is in desperate need for love. I'm not talking about doing the dishes or wiping down the counters, although that might be a good place to start. I am talking about cleaning out the fridge, taking things out of the cupboards and wiping them down (I might even replace the 80's contact paper), and maybe even cleaning my oven. GASP! Okay I will probably not clean my oven because I refuse. But if you would like to join me please do. I'm starting today and will be done by Friday. Because I don't want to clean on the weekend.

***Update: Last Tuesday I cleaned out my fridge. It looked better than ever. On Wednesday I looked in there and a root beer bottle on the top shelf got to close to where the cold air comes out and broke open. Root beer is on every single shelf and pooled at the bottom of the fridge. I felt so discouraged that I was going to have to take everything out and clean it all again that I actually made NO progress in my kitchen last week. So I guess I should get on it this week.

Little House Photo Wall

Today I finished the photo wall for the little house. Only one more wall to go! The photos will hang inside the house when it is finished. When I hung it up to take pictures the kids went crazy. They were crawling underneath it and checking out all the photos. It was impossible to get pictures without the kiddies in them.

Please ignore Lily's sunscreen, swimming, bed head.I made 4 frames with some scrap baby fabric. There are two boy frames and two girl frames. I used some leftover vinyl from the window to make the "glass" for the frames.

I printed off 9 photos of family and friends and laminated them for safe keeping. The pictures slide in and out of the frames so the kids can change the pictures whenever their little hearts desire.

This photo was not staged the kids were loving it. It gives me hope that they will like the final product.

Sunflowers

Little House Door

I finally finished the door and mailbox for my little house today. One of my friends asked me how I was holding up the walls for the pictures. I am just temporarily holding them up with masking tape for the pictures. Once I finish each side I plan to sew them all to the roof piece. The house will hang over our card table, just like the fort on Make it and Love it. I have not finished the bottoms of the walls because I am not sure how I am going to finish them yet.



I have had these postcards since I was 13 years old. I wrote little notes to the kids and laminated them so that they will last more than one day of play. I received a Xyron 510 years ago for my birthday. I got it for all my scrapbooking but had never used it because I stopped scrapbooking shortly after receiving it. Today was the first time I used it. I bought a laminating cartridge so I could laminate the postcards. It was amazing. I can't believe I have never used it. I want to laminate everything now.

You are welcome to send the kiddies a postcard and I will laminate it and put it in their little house mail box.

I was trying to find an inexpensive way to finish the door and window without buying premade bias tape (I don't know how to make my own). I found this twill ribbon (I don't know what it is really called) sold by the yard at Beverly's. All I did was iron it in half and use it like bias tape. I love how it looks. It turns out it is not all that much cheaper than the pre-made packaged bias tape but I think I prefer it for this project anyway.

Little House Curtains

I finished the curtains for my little house. I was surprised how fast and easy they were to make and the thought came to me "Why have I never made curtains for my own house?" Then I remember how we move almost every single year.

When I decided to make curtains these are the ones that I envisioned in my head. I love how they turned out. I hung them using a dowel. I put the curtains on the dowel and then sewed the curtains to the "wall". I then added a ribbon in the middle to add a little more support. I love that the kids will be able to open and close the curtains.

Next: The Door... maybe.

Twilight in the Park

Livin' it up in San Diego: Twilight in the Park

I have lived in San Diego now for a little over 3 years. I feel like I have a good feel of fun things to do around town, especially with kids. This city has so many fun things to offer. I decided I would begin posting some of my favorite things to do around town to help out the new San Diegan or the vacationer.Twilight in the Park is a free summer concert series in Balboa Park's Spreckels Organ Pavilion. It runs in the summer from June 16 to August 27. Concerts are every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:15-7:15. All are welcome, including children. Bring a picnic, sit back and enjoy the music. For more information go to Twilight in the Park Summer Concert Series.
Lily eating her free microphone.

Azure Sky Creations

My very good friend, Kim, just opened an etsy shop called Azure Sky Creations. She makes and sells the cutest hair accessories. I have been shopping with Kim when she is buying materials, and let me tell you, she is very picky. She only uses the best quality materials to create her hair things. She is very careful and meticulous when making them. She makes them perfect. And the best part is she is selling they are SUPER inexpensive.

Today she is hosting a giveaway at Give Away Today. So go enter to win and if not just go to her shop and buys some bows.

P.S. Kim did not ask me to mention her on my blog. I just really like her product. Not that my blog is all that popular.

Little House Window

I had been wanting a little house/tent for my kiddies. Then I saw this ONE on Make it and Love it and decided to make my own. I have lots of plans for my little house. I'm going to keep you updated as I go along. Because lets be honest, this project is going to take me awhile. Today I made the wall with the window. This was my first time sewing plastic. Luckily when I made the chalkboard placemats my friend Chantal told me that if I had any trouble sewing with oilcloth to use tissue paper. I did not have problems with the oilcloth but did with the plastic. I just put the tissue paper on top and sewed it all together. When I was done I tore the tissue paper off. Genius.

Tomorrow: Curtains

Card Factory

If you are in my family, you know how bad I am on birthdays. I never send cards, I rarely call. Sometimes I even remember it is someone's birthday, or I will think about them ALL day, but never pick up the phone to wish them a happy birthday. Last year I made a new years resolution to send a card to everyone (meaning family, sorry friends) on their birthday. I didn't even do the January birthdays.

I decided it was time to get organized. First, I wrote down all the cards I needed for the next year. Second, I pulled out all of my scrapbook supplies that has been sitting unused for years. Third, I started a Card Factory. This is the first time I have really ever made cards. So here are a few. If you are family, beware you might see a card coming your way, if you want it to be a surprise, close your eyes. Cards for the November babies.

I made almost 20 of these. They are simple and it was really easy to replicate, over and over and over.

I only made a few present cards and two unique birdie cards. I did the birdies at midnight when my brain was fried.

These are my absolute favorite. I was inspired by Meg at whatever's designs for the shirts she makes. Let me tell you, something about making these flowers is super therapeutic. I had the biggest smile on my face the whole time I was making the flower cards. I only wish I had a stash of pretty fabric like my stash of pretty scrapbook paper.

Flower Pots

Before:

I painted these flower pots for my daughters first birthday party. The colors were great for the party but not so much for the everyday.

After:

I wanted something bright and cheerful. The name of this paint was True Blue. I told Justin I am just getting ready for BYU football.

Lemon Cake

Every year my husband requests Lemon Cake on his birthday. Last year I found this super yummy recipe from Martha. I made it again this year and I am sure I will make it every year on his birthday until I die. Find Ligurian Lemon Cake recipe here. Seriously, it is really good.

The Truth about Potty Training

I think there are some parents in the world who just have it figured out, at least about potty training. I was not one of those people. I knew that I had NO idea what I was doing. A couple of months ago I tried to teach my son how to use the potty. We tried everything and nothing was working. I started asking everyone what worked for them. I found a lot of advice on using positive encouragement, and no pressure. But nothing was working. We tried sticker charts, m&ms, setting a timer, bribery, begging, and unfortunately punishment. Can I just say that Tanner filled up a whole sticker chart and he still didn't tell me when he needed to use the potty. So we stopped potty training for a couple of months. I know I needed a break.

But I knew it was time to try again. I was embarrassed that he was still wearing diapers at 3. I know that it is generally acceptable. But I always had the belief that kids could be taught a lot younger than that. I just didn't know how to teach him.

So last Tuesday it was official, Tanner was a big boy and we started training again. Halfway into the day we were right where we left off. Frustrated, Annoyed, Depressed, and Discouraged. I know I just expected it to happen in one day. Like magic. Like all those people who blog about it just taking their kids hours. Out of desperation I turned to the internet. Not for how to potty train but to see if I could pay someone to come in and do it. At that moment I was willing to give anything to just have it over with. I know some might be thinking "Its not that bad" well I thought it was.

I couldn't find anyone to pay to actually do it, but I found several "Potty train you kid in 3 days" programs. I figured I was desperate. As far as I could tell all the programs looked pretty much the same. Except one said that it trained the most stubborn of children, I decided that one was for us. I purchased the program off of 3 Day Potty Training by Lora Jensen. I am kind of embarrassed to admit that I bought it and that I needed help.

When I bought the program I downloaded an ebook. I read all 40 pages and felt a new determination that we could do it. The program is not rocket science. After reading it I thought ,"That's it, I should have thought of that, it is so simple."

So do you want to know if it really only took 3 days? It pretty much did. By day 4 he would pee a few drops and then tell us he had to go. A week after training begun Tanner has had NO accidents. He is able to hold it while we are out. I do have a potty in the back of my van for when public toilets are too scary for him. He has only used it once. We were having a harder time at night, so Justin started taking him to the bathroom when he wakes up at 5:30am. Tanner goes to the bathroom and goes right back down to sleep. Tanner is actually sleeping in later because he doesn't have to wake up to go to the bathroom.

The program suggest the earliest to start potty training is at 22 months. I am anxious for Lily to turn 22 months to try it out on her.

We are really happy with the results. If you are feeling desperate or confused like I was just go buy a program. I am not getting paid to tell you all this (I wish I was). I just am passing this along to help any desperate mothers like I was.

Articles of Faith

In our ward (church congregation) when the primary children memorize all 13 of the Articles of Faith they get a certificate presented to them in our sacrament meeting (Sunday service). On Sunday I was impressed with a little boy in our ward who received his certificate. He seemed so young. Then I got to thinking, if Tanner (3 years old) can memorize the Pledge of Allegiance, and all of his books then he could learn his Articles of Faith. So I made a goal that as a family we would memorize our Articles of Faith. One a month, until they get too long then we might take two months. I hung this in our entry to remind us to go over it every day. I thought having pictures would help Tanner, because he can't read.

Lily's Apron

Wow! Have you missed me? I have been out of town for 4.5 out of the last 7 weeks. I got home a week ago but have been recovering from being gone for so long. I feel like I will never get things back in order.

We are having a major cleanse at our house. We are getting rid of all of our junk, and all the things we have been holding on to for years now. I'll let you know when we are finally done.

I started this apron for Lily last summer at a church activity. I didn't finish it until December. Luckily it is just starting to fit her. For the straps I used pink grosgrain ribbon. I was a little nervous at the beginning because it was one of my first sewing projects. But it turned out to be really easy. I also made a boy version for Tanner, but he was not willing to be a model. I will have to try to get it on him another day.

Blogging in Bulk

If you read my family blog you know that when I post I usually post multiple posts in one day. I have a strong desire to keep things in chronological order. Luckily I don't suffer from the same problem with this blog. I usually get way behind and catch up in about a day or two. Here is my secret: I blog in bulk (on my family blog not on this blog, maybe I should start). I find that when I blog in bulk I get it done a lot faster. The only problem is I wish that I blogged more regurlarly about the day to day which doesn't happen when I do it in bulk. I will share with you my secrets.

How to Blog in Bulk

1. Download all pictures on your computer.
2. Sit down and in one sitting write down the pictures you want to use for all of your posts.
3. While you are doing other things, like cleaning, playing with kids, or other projects download 5 pictures at a time. I just check back every couple of minutes. That way I am not sitting around waiting for pictures to download.
4. When you are done downloading one post's pictures hit "save now" and then hit "create" to start working on the next post.
5. Then I sit down whenever I have a couple of minutes and jot down my commentary on all the pictures I downloaded.
6. Publish posts.

Super Easy.

Did you know that under post options you can schedule your postings? I love that feature. I hope that helps all who "get behind" on their blog like I do.

Totes Bags

I am still playing catch up for all the projects that I have finished in the past 6 months that I wanted to post on the blog. I made these bags for the kiddies. They are used for everything, library bags, church bags, vacation bags and Tanner takes his to preschool. I knew that I wanted to do a dinosaur on Tanner's bag and his name. I was looking around Etsy for ideas on what the dinosaur should look like. I found one on etsy and pretty much copied her dinosaur.

Lily's bird design was copied off of one of her t-shirts. I purchased these already made totes in a pack of 3 at Joannes. Then I used fusible webbing to iron on the fabric. I then hand-stiched around the edges. I love how they turned out and we really do use them for everything. I think I need to make one for myself.

Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day

You might remember from this post that I saw this book on Stardust Shoes blog and had to get it. I checked it out from the library and loved it. The whole idea of "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day" is to make a big batch and save it in the fridge, taking some out every day to make a loaf of bread. At first I was skeptical about it only taking 5 minutes because I had to make the big batch. It really was super easy to make the large batch. Minimal Effort. Then I would take a chunk of dough out, work with it for 30 seconds, let is rise for 40 minutes, bake for 30 minutes and ta da...

This was my first loaf. It was kind of doughy in the middle because I didn't let it cook long enough. The other loaves turned out perfect. The only problem is that the bread seriously disappears in a couple of hours. It is just too delicious to resist.

The book recommends that you become accustomed to the "Master Recipe" before trying out the different kinds of bread. I only got to try the "Master Recipe" before I had to return my book to the library. But I am asking for it for my upcoming birthday, because I can't wait to try out more recipes.

I also wanted to note that the book recommends using a baking stone for the ultimate flavor and texture. I don't have one and just used a cookie sheet, it still turned out great. It has lots of great tips to making bread and troubleshooting techniques. You should go and check it out from your library and try it out. Or just go ahead and buy it. I loved it and I am recommending this book, because who doesn't like bread?

Flag Day

Did you know that Flag day is on Sunday? I like to dress my kids for the occasion. I figure they can wear the same flag shirt for Flag Day, the 4th of July and Pioneer Day (if you are a Utahn, which we are not). Last year I made this onesie for my daughter, Lily. I cut red fabric into strips. Then I ironed them on with fusible webbing. I then secured them down with a zig zag stitch and added 3 star buttons, purchased at Joannes.

I have not made the kids' shirts for this year yet. I don't think they will be done by Flag Day, but at least by the 4th. I figured this year I will make it simple by using red ribbon or ric rack for the stripes. As for the star I am planning on appliqueing a big blue one.

My Hubby and Lily, Flag Day 2008

Hilary's Chalkboard Placemats

Wow, I start a blog and then I ignore it for a month. Sorry. I hope I still have a couple of readers. Forgive me, please.

When I saw this tutorial for chalkboard placemats on Little Birdie Secrets I almost died. I wanted them right away. I have a secret love for writing on chalkboards. But I was having a hard time finding cute oilcloth. I finally went to Beverly's and found the same cute oilcloth they used on the tutorial. So I bought enough to make six. FYI: I got my chalkboard fabric from fabric.com.

(Side note: Beverly's is a fabric/craft store that melts my heart. I love it. They carry my favorite lines of fabric like Amy Bulter and Michael Miller. They have everything cute and crafty. But it is all so expensive that I can't bring myself to buy anything. I am just too cheap. But oh how I love that store.)

I have only made two so far. I sent them off to be with Hilary. Justin's awesome cousin that also won my gift giveaway. A lot of people have asked me how it was working with oilcloth. This was the first time I have used it and I didn't have any problems. Remember I am totally new at sewing so if I can do it you can too. I had some problems with finishing the corners, I think I finally figured out the right way to do it after I was done. Sorry Hilary you got the ones I was learning on.

I am not a Reader

Have you missed me? I went out of town for two weeks so the kiddies could soak up some Grandparent love. I have been home for a couple of days now but can't get back into the swing of things. And I will tell you why, but I am going to start at the beginning.

I am not a reader. That does not mean that I don't know how to read it just means I am not one to always be reading a book. But I will confess to be an avid blog reader. There are many reason as to why I am not a reader and the list could go on and on but I will share with you the main reason.

I get ADDICTED!

When I pick up a book and like it, it immediately becomes impossible for me to put it down. I stay up late, I ignore my husband, children, the house. I put everything off until the book is finished. It becomes quite the inconvenience. I try to lead a normal life while reading a book but I think it is impossible for me. So once I finish a book I usually take a couple of months off to give the family, house, etc the love and attention they need.

Right now I am reading Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe. It is the second book in a series about Josephine Bonaparte. It is fiction, written in diary format by Sandra Gulland, very interesting. I read the first book The Many lives and Sorrows of Josephine B while on vacation. I loved it, so as soon as I got home I rushed to the library to get the sequel. There is one more book in the series so my family should not expect me to come out of my reading stupor until the end of the week. I do have to say that I hate recommending books because everyone has different taste. So I am not officially recommending this book, I am just saying that this is what I am reading and I am enjoying it.

So there you have it. Now you know why I am not a reader. I get addicted.