Something to think about....

While exploring Pinterest the other day I came across this great pin. If only this message could reach every child.

"A teacher in New York was teaching her class about bullying and gave them the following exercise to perform. She had the children take a piece of paper and told them to crumple it up, stamp on it and really mess it up but do not rip it. Then she had them unfold the paper, smooth it out and look at how scarred and dirty is was. She then told them to tell it they’re sorry. Now even though they said they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind. And that those scars will never go away no matter how hard they tried to fix it. That is what happens when a child bully’s another child, they may say they’re sorry but the scars are there forever. The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home. Pass it on or better yet, if you're a parent or a teacher, do it with your child/children."

~ Music Note Wall Art ~

So last week my darling husband was in the mood for painting and we decided on our living room/dining room wall, which has been a dark green for a couple years now. Now, I have learned the hard way that I have to accompany my husband to the paint store when a paint colour is being chosen. I'll say no more.

So off we go to the paint store, children in tow to find a colour that we both agree on. Well, I like greens, and he does not. So  I gave in to we compromised on Blue Niche by CIL.

Blue Niche

After a couple of coats of paint, our wall is done and I think it looks ok. Nothing fabulous (I'd prefer a shade of green) but it's fine. We took the mirrors down off of the wall above the fireplace and I cast my vote that they didn't go back up.

Now, I needed something to hang above our fireplace and I remembered a rolled paper wreath that I saw somewhere on the Internet but I can't seem to find it now .

I had purchased two books of sheet music a while back to make a bracelet and other various craft projects. I still had a ton of the papers left so I decided to use them. Who doesn't love music!

First I needed to find something to use for the back. Out to my recycling bin I went and came in with this cardboard from a pizza. I don't know if it's gross or not with the grease stains and all but it worked great!

I pulled all the pages of music out of the book binding and used my cutter to cut the titles and torn edges off the music sheets.


Next I rolled the paper and glued them around the outside of the circle.

I continued going around the outside until all the spaces were filled, then I started the next row, placing the rolled papers in between the cracks of the row underneath. I also brought them in a bit so you could see the first row.

Finally, I was done going around and around, rolling and gluing. I had to figure out how to hang this on the wall. I remembered something I saw on Pinterest the other day.

Tada!! A tab off a drink can. I hot glued that sucker in place and it works great. I do suggest that if you make this, to glue this tab on first before you glue your papers on. My rolled papers got a bit squished and it was really awkward to hold and glue this all at the same time. But it worked and I think it looks great. I also think the back looks pretty neat. Check it out below.

Makes a pretty flower, doesn't it.

Now here's a closeup of the finished product.

And the finished product hanging in place ..........

Sorry for the terrible lighting..I had to take this picture at night.

Here is where I need your help. I don't know what else to put up on the mantle. It needs something, but I can't decide. I would love if you could help me with this. I need some inspiration!!

** Update **

I am so excited to tell you all that this project was featured on not one but TWO!! awesome sites. Please be sure to go and check them out!!

This week I'm linking up to these great parties...

TatertotsandJello   Craft-O-Maniac

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent & Rinse Aid

I'm so excited!! While poking around the blogisphere I came across a post for a natural alternative for JetDry. JetDry is so expensive and it seems that you have to add it constantly. Are you excited to find out what it is? I sure was. So instead of using JetDry, just add vinegar into that compartment of your dishwasher. Yeah, just vinegar. I've been doing this for a few months now, and I can tell you it works great. I haven't had any spots on my glasses, or complaints from my husband, so it must be working!

I found a recipe for Homemade Dishwasher Detergent the other day too. It's super easy, and I had 2 of the three ingredients on hand after making my first batch of Homemade Laundry Soap.

So here is the recipe.

1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing (NOT baking) soda
2 tablespoons citric acid

Simply put the ingredients in a jar and shake well to mix. I am still trying to figure out how much to use, but I think two tablespoons should work. I will update this when I find the perfect amount.

I did have a bit of a problem finding the citric acid.  It said in the post I read that it can be found in the canning section at a grocery store, but I couldn't find it there. And then a lady at customer service said they keep it behind the counter at the pharmacy, but the pharmacy was closed.  I ended up finding it at my local Bulk Barn for $4.59. So you don't have to wander around the store aimlessly like I did, this is what it looks like.

I haven't been using it for very long so I don't know if I like it or not. If you try this, I'd love to know what you think.

Finally!!!

So I have been waiting for today for quite some time. I started my blog back in May to document our trip to Ireland. Once we got back it quickly evolved into a craft / DIY blog, which I am having a lot of fun with.

Now after I figured out what this blogging stuff is about I realized that I wanted people to care about what I have to say, to actually want to read my blog. And in blogland the way to do this is to become a follower of your blog.

Every day I checked and nope :(. And then TODAY it happened!!!

Vicky from Mess for Less left a comment on my post for the Weekly Menu Board that I made. Vicky, Vicky, VICKY!!! Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!! You made my day!!

You should all go over to Vicky's site and check out her awesome blog. It's full of great ideas to do with your children like her -  Colorful Dancing Milk or her Color Drop Game.

Go check her out! But wait before you leave ---- see over there on the right hand side, the little googlelike button that says Join this Site....Go click it and follow me!

Now go check out Mess for Less! 

Thanks again Vicky :)

      

~ Weekly Menu Board ~

I came across this awesome Menu board at Made by Meech a while ago and knew that I had to make one.

I had been looking for a way to make myself more organized when it came to meals. This was perfect.  Of course I had to change it up a bit.


I bought an old picture frame from from the thrift store for $3.99.  It was that standard old brown frame but the size was perfect. With a few coats of spray paint, my trusty Cricut machine, some scissors, glue and scrapbook paper I had kicking around I came up with this.

If you take a good look at that picture you will find a crafting disaster. When I was nailing the cardboard backing into place I must have obviously hit it a bit too hard. I didn't notice until I flipped it over but I cracked the glass. I tell you, I'm glad the kids weren't around because there were some terrible words coming out of my mouth. I've been on the lookout to find another piece of glass that will fit into this frame but haven't found anything so far.

I use a dry erase marker on the glass and it works wonderfully. On the left hand side I have made a space for each day of the week. This is where I write in what we're having for supper. I'm wishing now I would have made the letters darker so you can see them, but I like the subtlety of them. On the right hand side there is a space for a grocery list.

  

My husband and I have iPhone's, so before we head out grocery shopping we just snap a picture of the list instead of writing it out on paper. It works great.

On the bottom right hand side there is a section for important dates coming up. Birthday's, picture day at school, you get the idea.

This menu board has saved me time, money, and a little bit of my sanity. Now instead of asking me what's for dinner, the kids know where to look.

As always, I look forward to and appreciate all the comments that you leave for me.

I will be linking up to the following awesome sites!

Homemade Laundry Soap

While poking around Pinterest today I came across an awesome tutorial on how to make homemade laundry soap. Hmmm......interesting, I thought. How could I not try this?! After reading all the comments after her tutorial I went down to Superstore and picked up a box of Borax and a box of Washing Soda....seriously I have never heard of Washing Soda before but yeah it's there in the laundry aisle.

To make this home made laundry soap you'll need the following

• 1 cup Borax
• 1 cup Washing Soda
• 1 bar of soap (I used Ivory)
• 4 litres hot water
• 4 litres cold water
• big pot
• funnel
• big pail (or something that will hold 8 litres of water)
• Containers to store the finish product in (2 - Milk Jugs should fit it)

This is how I did it:

1. Put 4 litres of hot water into pot on stove, set on high.
2. Grate your bar of soap and add it to your pot of hot water

3. Once the soap has melted, add 1 cup Borax and 1 cup Washing Soda and bring to a boil.  This took about 5 minutes or so.

4. After it's come to a boil, carefully pour it into a bigger container and add 4 litres of cold water and stir.

5. When slightly cooled pour into containers. A funnel helps with this part.

Once this cools it will coagulate!! It gets thick like gelatin. That is ok.

This is how much I got out of one batch. 

When using it in your washing machine you only need 1/2 cup. I have a front load washer...which takes "special" detergent. Apparently because it does not bubble it is safe for front load washing machines. If I do find a problem I will be sure to update.

I am so amazed right now.  So my son (who would kill me if he was older and could read) soaks through his pull-ups at night and it takes about 2 rounds in the washer before the smell comes out of his sheets. I just went to throw the first load of clothes I washed with this in the dryer and had to check if his sheet still smelled. Nopa..nothing...no pee smell at all!! And only one wash!! YAHOOO!! (Sorry for some reason I thought I had to share that!)

This is going to end up saving us a ton of money.  The laundry soap we usually buy is $8.99 for 64 loads. 

The Borax cost $5.99 and the Washing Soda was $5.69 and the bar of soap...lets say $1.00. That's it. I'll round up the numbers, so $13.00 for I don't even know how many loads of laundry...over 600 for sure. Wahoo!!  I would love to hear your comments on this.

Thanks again to Erin @ Why Not Sew for posting this great tutorial!!


Up Next.......Homemade Fabric Softener!!!

Things I've Learned - 75 Reminders for Tough Times

While stumbling the other day I came across this site - Marc and Angel Hacklife. It is full of amazing articles on improving your life. I especially liked this one. (I hope I don't get in trouble for posting it!!)

75 Reminders for Tough Times. We all need reminders some times.


When life gets stressful, we often forget the things we should remember, and remember the things we should forget. Here are 75 reminders to help motivate you when you need it most.

Tough times never last, but tough people do.
- Robert H. Schuller

1. You never know how strong you really are until being strong is the only choice you have.
2. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
3. You cannot change what you refuse to confront.
4. Nobody is perfect, and nobody deserves to be perfect. Nobody has it easy. You never know what people are going through. Every one of us has issues. So don’t belittle yourself or anyone else. Everybody is fighting their own unique war.
5. Crying doesn’t indicate that you’re weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you’re alive and full of potential.
6. No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying. (Read Unstoppable.)
7. Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
8. Grudges are a waste of perfect happiness. Let it go.
9. Making one person smile can change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. Start small. Start now. (I love this one...it's part of my 30 things to do while I'm 30)
10. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.
11. Never let success get to your head, and never let failure get to your heart.
12. You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life.
13. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
14. You can learn great things from your mistakes when you aren’t busy denying them.
15. Give up worrying about what others think of you. What they think isn’t important. What is important is how you feel about yourself.
16. When you stop chasing the wrong things you give the right things a chance to catch you.
17. When other people treat you poorly, keep being you. Don’t ever let someone else’s bitterness change the person you are. (You are great, don't let anyone else's attitude change that)
18. You have to accept that some things will never be yours, and learn to appreciate the things that are only yours.
19. Sometimes it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one in the world who’s struggling, who’s frustrated, or unsatisfied, or barely getting by. But that feeling is a lie. And if you just hold on, someone will find you and help make it better. Because we all need a little help sometimes – someone to help us hear the music in our world. To remind us that it won’t always be this way. That someone is out there right now.
20. Don’t be afraid to move out of your comfort zone. Some of your best life experiences and opportunities will transpire only after you dare to lose.
21. Sometimes we accidentally allow small problems to escalate and dominate our lives. If we get overcharged a few cents, it is irritating, but don’t let it ruin your day. There will always be small issues that irritate us; the secret is to be able to give them the miniscule level of importance they deserve.
22. Giving up doesn’t always mean you’re weak, sometimes it means you are strong enough and smart enough to let go. (Read The Dip.)
23. Ask yourself whether each of your relationships drags you down or lifts you up. Surrounding yourself with positive, loving people is half the battle of living a happy, successful life.
24. Spend more time with those who make you smile and less time with those who you feel pressured to impress.
25. There are few joys in life that equal a good conversation, a good read, a good walk, a good hug, a good smile, or a good friend.
26. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future for too long. Right now is life. Live it. (Eckhart Tolle wrote a great book on this exact topic called The Power of Now. This book sits in my bookshelf and is read at least once a year. I highly suggest it.)
27. No matter how cautiously you choose your words, someone will always twist them around and misinterpret what you say. So just say what you need to say.
28. In order to be creative, we must lose our fear of being wrong.
29. Not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of good luck.
30. To be great does not mean you have to dominate others. It means you have to dominate your own potential.
31. If you are passionate about something, pursue it, no matter what anyone else thinks. That’s how dreams are achieved.
32. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.
33. Forgiveness is one of the primary keys to happiness.
34. The best revenge is happiness, because nothing drives your adversaries more insane than seeing you smile. (This goes along with #17. Smile and piss them off!)
35. Stay positive when negativity surrounds you. Smile when others frown. It’s an easy way to make a difference.
36. If a person wants to be a part of your life, they will make an obvious effort to do so. Don’t bother reserving a space in your heart for people who do not make an effort to stay. (I think this is easier said than done.)
37. Don’t regret intimate relationships that don’t work out. Because they will only help you find the right partner for you, and better appreciate them for everything they do and everything they are.
38. What lies before us and behind us are tiny matters when compared to what lies within us.
39. The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists. It rewards people who get things done. And the only way to get things done is to be imperfect 99% of the time.
40. Never lie – not even a white lie! When you steer away from the truth, you steer away from your soul. Be honest, be real and tell the truth. This awareness forces you to make better choices and be a stronger person.
41. Feelings, good and bad, always come and go.
42. Don’t get caught up in wasted potential from years past. Potential is all we ever have.
43. We are not alone. No matter how bizarre or embarrassed or pathetic we feel about our own situation, there will be others out there experiencing the same emotions. When you hear yourself say “I am all alone,” it is your mind trying to sell you a lie so you will continue to feel sorry for yourself.
44. It is okay to be angry. It is never okay to be cruel.
45. Don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines.
46. Mistakes teach you important lessons. Every time you make one, you’re one step closer to your goal. The only mistake that can truly hurt you is choosing to do nothing simply because you’re too scared to make a mistake.
47. Money is a renewable resource. If you lose some money, don’t sweat it. You can always make more. However, if you spend valuable time stressing over money, or lost opportunity, you’ll never get that time back. Time is more valuable than money – time is the greatest constituent of life.
48. Never let people know that they got to you. Ignore them. Hold your head up high and pretend all their negative remarks don’t even phase you, and someday they actually won’t.
49. There is nothing to hold you back except you. And there is only one question to ask yourself: “What would you do if you were not afraid?” Think about it. (Love this quote - "What would you achieve if you believed it was impossible to fail?)"
50. Life is way more enjoyable when you stop trying to be cool and simply focus on being yourself.
51. It’s often hard to tell just how close you are to success.
52. When you spend time worrying, you’re simply using your imagination to create things you don’t want.
53. No matter how it turns out, it always ends up just the way it should be. Either you succeed or you learn something. Win-Win.
54. You must see things how they are instead of how you hoped, wished, or expected them to be.
55. Even when you feel like you have nothing, someone else likely has far less. Find them and help them. You’ll see why.
56. Laughter is the best medicine for stress. Laugh at yourself often. Find the humor in whatever situation you’re in.
57. If you want to feel rich, just count all the great things you have that money can’t buy.
58. Forgiving yourself is far more important than getting others to forgive you.
59. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.
60. You can press forward long after you can’t. It’s just a matter of wanting it bad enough.
61. It’s not about getting a chance, it’s about taking a chance. You’ll rarely be 100% sure it will work. But you can always be 100% sure doing nothing won’t work. Sometimes you just have to go for it!
62. If it were easy everyone would do it. This is why get rich quick schemes will never be true. If it was so quick and easy then everyone would be millionaires. Accomplishing great things is hard work, but well worth it.
63. Notice and cherish life’s surprises. Just because it’s not what you were expecting, doesn’t mean it’s not everything you’ve been waiting for.
64. Be vulnerable. Allow yourself to feel, to be open and authentic. Tear down any emotional brick walls you have built around you and feel every exquisite emotion, both good and bad. This is real life. This is how you welcome new opportunities.
65. You must create and look for opportunities. Opportunities rarely ever come knocking on the door of someone who’s not seeking them. You have to create and seek opportunities for yourself. You have to take the initiative to get the ball rolling and the doors opening.
66. If it’s out of your control, why fret about it? Concentrating on things you can control is how you make good things happen.
67. Saying “no” to right people gives you the time and resources required to say “yes” to right opportunities. (Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.)
68. No matter how much progress you make there will always be the people who insist that whatever you’re trying to do is impossible. Or they may incessantly suggest that the idea or dream as a whole is utterly ridiculous because nobody really cares. When you come across these people, don’t try to reason with them. Instead, forget that they exist. They will only waste your time and energy.
69. If you spend 80% of your time focusing on the problem and only 20% on the solution, what do you think is going to happen?
70. No matter how badly you think your life may be going, or how messed up you think you are, there is at least one thing you are doing right in your life or you wouldn’t be alive reading this.
71. A problem is a chance for you to learn.
72. The greatest struggle is to be something different from what the average man is.
73. In times of great stress, it’s always wise to keep busy, to plow your anger and frustration into something positive.
74. One thing is for sure: Regardless of the situation, life goes on. (Isn't that the truth!)
75. Everyone wants a perfect ending. But over the years I’ve learned that some of the best poems don’t rhyme, and many great stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, or end. Life is about not knowing, embracing change, and taking a moment and making the best of it without knowing what’s going to happen next.

Oh, and…
You wanna know who’s awesome? Read the first word of this line again.



Aren't these great. I sure hope you enjoyed.

Things I love....Homemade Iced Coffee

While on Pinterest the other day I came across a pin to a "what looks to be delicious" homemade iced coffee recipe. Let me tell you it's delicious!

Now I loooove my coffee, but with these crazy hot temperatures we've been having, I've had to curb my coffee drinking a bit. This recipe is the perfect replacement.  You can find the recipe at here at Craving Comfort. She has very clear instructions to get you through the process. It does take a while to make, as you have to cold brew the coffee for 12 hours, but trust me it's worth it.

picture from Craving Comfort

I have to admit that while my coffee was cold-brewing, I was very impatient and I did use some cold coffee from my coffee pot with the sweet cream from the recipe and it was great!

For an extra fancy schmancy drink, stick everything in the blender for an instant frappacino! Delich!

If you try out this recipe, I'd love to know what you think! 

30 Things

On July 24th, 2011 something happened. Something I've been dreading for years. Something that is totally unavoidable and that has caused me a great deal of conflict in my mind.

I turned 30. Yup I said it, I'm telling the world. I am no longer a twenty something wife, mother,blogger, homeowner, crafter, fire performer, concert goer,  etc. I'm all that and I'm 30. Do I have to grow up? Do I have to act my age? How exactly is a 30 year old supposed to act? Everyone keeps saying...Ah you're still so young, just wait til you hit 40. That one really hurts. Well I don't want to grow up. I just want to stay me. The girl with all the hobbies.  I can still do that can't I? I don't have to change just because I had a birthday that sent me into a different decade. (ugh). Nope I'm not going to. I've decided to create a list of 30 things I want to do while I'm 30. Some of these are fun, some will not be fun at the time but will be satisfying in the end and I'm sure some of them will force me out of my comfort zone, causing me to grow. Some will not really be measurable but i think they still have a place on my list. Hopefully by the end of my 30th year I will be able to look back and see how far I've come. 

30 Things To Do When I'm 30

1. Take a photography course
2. Go on a family vacation somewhere we've never been before
3. Master the Behind the Back Weave
4. Read 50 books. (I was going to put 30 to make it fitting, but that surely isn't enough. The date listed is the date I finished the book)                    
                     1.  The Happiness Project July 26, 2011. (Dan gave this to me for my birthday. It's 
                   great. I'll be doing a post about this book real soon)
               2. Life's too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets. July 31, 2011 (A book packed full of tips to make housework easier. One being - 10 Things you have to clean, in order, if company is coming in 30 minutes.)
               3. Orchid Blues by Stuart Woods - August 2, 2011
               4. Orchid Beach by Stuart Woods - August 6, 2011 (Just a note - If you read Orchid Blues and Orchid Beach, read Orchid Beach first. I read them in the wrong order.)
               5. Five Days in Paris by Danielle Steel - Aug 7, 2011
5. Exercise Regularly. At least 3 days a week.
6. Quit Smoking

7. Clean out my closets

8. Take a tour of the Mint. (Aren't you interested in how they make money.)

9. Take Pole Dancing Lessons. (I bought my groupon for this and I saved $580. Yahoo. Only $20 for 20 lessons. Now I just have to go.)

10. Make at least 52 crafts/projects, etc. (One a week. I know I won't do one a week, but if they average to that in a year I'll be happy.)

11. Smile at one stranger a day (at least).

12. Create a family tree.

13. Help someone in need.

14. Print the kagillion of pictures on our computer and organize into albums

15. Complete a 5K run

16. Start Photography Project 365

17. Ride in a hot air balloon

18. Go on a real roller coaster. (The only rollercoaster I've ever been on is the one at Tinkertown. I want to go on a huge, crazy scary roller coaster.)

19. Acquire a Serger

20. Start an Africa Saving Account

21. Eye Doctors Appointment

22. Annual check up

23. Be Happy!

24. Volunteer somewhere

25. Create a time capsule with each child to be opened at their wedding.

26. Learn to throw a boomerang

27. Give Blood

28. Open an Etsy Store

29. Write a Novel

30. Have Fun! (I want to remember to have fun where ever I am, whatever I'm doing. Life is way more enjoyable that way.)

Whenever I complete a task I will cross it off my list with the date and hopefully a little explanation of each task.

I just have to add that when I showed my husband this list his response was "Looks like you're gonna be busy". Yes I will be, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be worth it.

If you have a list of things that you want to do this year, I'd love to hear what you have planned.

Some Front Yard Fire Poi

I haven't posted a video of my favorite hobby yet, so today is the day.  Now it's not the best video or performance but I just wanted to get something on here for ya'll to see. I'll try to get a few more video's this summer for you. Here is me and my fire poi. I hope you enjoy it.

Things I've Learned - Dear 16 Year old me.

I came across this video today and thought it was very fitting to share, especially to those who live here with me in Manitoba.  It is soo cold here for most of the year (like snowy winter from October to April, sometime getting below -40C.), so when it does warm up the majority of us bare most of our skin to get that glowing tan.  Please be careful. One bad sunburn before your 18th birthday doubles your chances of getting melanoma. Not really worth it if you ask me.

Take a look at the video and pass it along.

Vintage Candle Holder Re-Newed

A few weeks ago I was browsing through my local thrift store when I came across an old mirror. All the different ideas on what I could do with it were running through my mind but decided against buying it. It would have been nice if there were a pair of them.

Well, as I was standing in line to pay, it kept calling my name. "Sarah, come on Sarah, take me home". So I did.

Before

Doesn't it remind you of something you would have seen in your grandma's house years and years ago.

The first thing I did was tape the mirror off. I didn't want to get any of the spray paint on the mirror.

all taped up

 Next it was time to spray paint.  I did 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of gloss white.

Don't forget to spray paint your lawn so when people ask what happened you then have a reason to show your project!

After the paint was dry (well actually it sat for a few weeks, until I got around to it again) I glued a small candle holder onto the newly painted candle holder. I first tried my hot glue gun, but that didn't work. So I got out my Amazing Goop!! This is the best glue ever (well it's worked for any test I've put it through). This is what I used to get my Garden Markers to stay on the sticks.

I hung my Re-Newed Candle Holder in my dining room. This is how it turned out.

After

I'd love to know what you think. Leave a comment below.

Thanks for reading!!

I'm linking up to these awesome parties! Check em' out!