You’re a Better Mom Because of Social Media

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I've seen many discussions on how social media can be a vice, but I was thinking today about how social media has made me a better person. More specifically, a better mom. Instead of a cute project or idea for Mother's Day (I've got nothing, sorry folks), I'm going to tell you why you're a better mom. Happy Mother's Day! 1.) You have to get them dressed. If there's a chance we're doing something fun I don't want to commit the ultimate social media faux pas and have them in pjs, or worse, … [Read more...]

How To Be Crabby and Have a Bad Day

how to be crabby, make yourself feel like crap, and have a bad day. Wait, what?!

Sometimes I feel crabby. Sometimes I don't want to smile. Sometimes I don't want to talk to little people or get 8 different snacks in a day or stop what I'm doing over and over again to take someone potty (as he grabs my hand away from the keyboard so I can take him potty).   And then I feel guilty about it. Super guilty. I take a shower and drink some coffee and throw in a load of laundry. I start thinking about all the little sayings that I've pinned on how to be proactive and … [Read more...]

A Lot More Doing

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I’ve said it before, but whenever I feel like my life involves a lot of “doing”, it involves less talking and thinking about doing. Recently I found out I was accepted to Creating with the Stars over at East Coast Creative and...  WHOA. Me? How the..? Huh?! Are you sure that says my name?! Uhhh... YAY!!! I was blown away by the entries, blown away with the other bloggers, and kinda sorta freaking out (in a good way). What a whirlwind the last week of creating has been! This … [Read more...]

Non-Stuff Things to Organize

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With our 40 BAGS IN 40 DAYS decluttering challenge this year, I’ve been thinking a lot about decluttering the areas of life that aren’t stuff-ish. The stuff that nags on you like emails or your cleaning schedule that NEED to be organized and worked out.   For me, having a flexible schedule and check off lists helps me stay in check. Once I get away from that, I get overwhelmed and unmotivated. Short-term “baby steps” goals are better than looking at the big picture, and rewards … [Read more...]

Why I’m Boycotting Spray Paint

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I didn’t know how quite how to say this, but I’ve been thinking about it about lately and I need to get it off my chest. I’ve decided I’m going to boycott spray paint.   Yep, you heard that right. I’ve loved using spray paint here or there for the last few years. It’s quick, simple, cheap, they have great colors, and I get an excuse to go outside in order to do it. One might say that I was addicted to it. Not the paint fumes, but the instant satisfaction of grabbing an … [Read more...]

Real Life Still Life

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I think deep down many of us are trying to keep it “real”. So much of what you see on Pinterest and blogs and social media seems perfect, and sometimes it’s hard to remember that everyone has a real life too. I know I do it. When I picture my blogger friends, I don’t picture yoga pants and disheveled hair, I picture the icon where they are smiling and cute and dressed to kill. I don’t picture piles of crap on the counter, I picture their perfectly polished after pictures from … [Read more...]

How to Tackle a Project When You Have Kids

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Recently we tackled a huge painting project around here that took two weeks and involved almost half of our house. We have three kids (3.5, 2.5, and 1) but try not to let that stop us from tackling home projects. I’ve been asked by several people how we can did it with them around. It’s tricky and not how I would want to live life on a normal basis! But if you space your projects out and don’t head from one thing to the next, knocking a project out in a weekend or three, or in a month, … [Read more...]

We Painted Our Trim White

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There’s a project I’ve been wanting to tackle for the three years that we’ve lived here, and it’s finally done. Well, almost. Two weeks ago we dove into the project and didn’t look back. We primed all of the trim in the living room, dining room, and hallway (here’s a house tour with the rooms). It took a whole week. This past weekend we gave the trim the first coat of paint (Valspar Bistro White), the second, painted the living room walls (Valspar Stillness), and took off all of … [Read more...]

Not Happy with Instagram? Here’s What to Do.

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I love Instagram. You’ve heard me say this before, and if you’re following me on twitter, facebook, or instagram you’ve seen the pictures to prove it. Fun fact, the main reason I wanted an iPhone was so I would *finally* have instagram. (a week later, it went to Androids) I’ve shared 1100+ photos, I’ve made so many good friends. There’s a different sort of connection, a more personal one, made over photos. I’ve made blog friends over the years, but we developed our friendship … [Read more...]

Reacting

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Last week I wasn’t feeling well and took a break from the computer. Friday, I was feeling better and almost wished I wouldn’t have logged on. Post after post, status after status about the day’s unthinkable events. The kids were in other room and I turned on the news to see a fourth grader describing the events, broke down crying, and turned it off. All I could do was pray. Get myself together and pray. The kids helped me make a big Italian dinner, and we spent the weekend together as a … [Read more...]

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