What I'm Reading...

Reinterpreting Disney Princess Costumes Through a Historical Lens. (Flavorwire)

The Supernatural Power of Kisses. (Offbeat Mama)

Six Ways to Cool Down - Without Cranking the A/C, Getting in the Pool, or Turning on the Fan. (Offbeat Home)

Encouraging Creativity in Your Children. (Money Saving Mom)

Mothering Through the Storm. (Life Your Way)

You Can Compost More Than You Might Think. (Proverbs 31 Living)

Cheap Ingredients, Unhealthy Returns. This is why I've pretty much stopped using coupons for grocery shopping (except for cereal and pasta), and limit them to toiletries. (Life Your Way)

Pinterest and Crafty Link Up (A Day Late)

As I mentioned Tuesday, yesterday was our anniversary, so I enjoyed a date instead of a blog post. Can you blame me?

For the past week or so, I've been playing around with Pinterest, and I'm hooked. For anyone who might not know, Pinterest is a site where you can save pictures and links that you like. In categories that you set up yourself. And then you can find other people who like the same things, and find even more good stuff to look at. Trust me. It's fun.

So...here is my first Pinterest Crafty Link Up. These are from my "Organizing" board.

Awhile back, I was looking for ideas for a jewelry organizer that would display my jewelry, and I never really came up with anything.
How about drawer pulls? Or a rake? Or a grater? Or a spoon rack? Or a cutlery tray? Or this is just pretty. I still have to decide which one I want to do for my jewelry.

This birthday board idea is so awesome. Jesse agreed with me. We will be making one at some point, because this is much better than a printed out list on the side of the fridge.

And finally, smart ideas for storing extra towels in the bathroom. How about a wine rack? Paint cans? Over the door shelf?

Remember, this is what I've found THIS WEEK. There are more ideas than I would ever be able to do, and that's okay, because this helps me save the best ones. If you'd like to follow me, I'm peachykeen817. Or, if you'd like to see the rest of my Organizing board, click here.

P.S. This isn't a sponsored post - I just really love this site.

I Made a Card!

Tomorrow is Jesse's and my fourth anniversary. You probably know that each anniversary has a traditional category for gifts. I am terrible at keeping with those categories. Jesse always does really well at both the modern and the traditional. Our first anniversary he got me a beautiful journal (paper) and a lovely clock (clocks) for my bedside table. He got even more creative for the second, and got me flowers that came with a little stuffed lamb (made of cotton, in China). That made me smile.

So. The fourth anniversary is fruit/flowers and appliances. We talked about getting a juicer. We may still get a juicer. But other than that, I could not think of anything that fit any of those categories to get for Jesse. So I decided I would get creative with my packaging, and just get him something I knew he wanted.

Enter the flowerpot card. I drew the flowerpot and flowers freehand, with crayons, during naptime. Yep. They're not perfect, but I kind of think they're better that way. I wrote "I", "Love", and "You" on the centers of the flowers. Also in crayon. You would only do this if you had kids in the house.

Then for the actual present holder, I took a rectangle of paper and cut some flaps. I put two slits in the flowerpot, tucked the flaps through, and taped them on the back. Make sense? I hope so. I also taped a little piece of paper in the bottom so the present wouldn't fall all the way through. The insert is big enough that the present fits nicely but still has wiggle room.

See? It slides right out.

Then I wrote "I picked you because you're the best flower in the whole bunch!" because we both make fun of cheesy cards, and that is definitely cheesy.

Since I made this freehand, it turned out a lot bigger than I had envisioned it. Like almost a foot long, when all is said and done. But I still really like it. It's big and over the top, and who doesn't like a little bit of over the top when you're telling your husband you love him?

Menu Plan Monday

Lunches:

• BBQ Black Bean Tortilla Pizzas (I didn't end up having these last week, since we had extra leftovers)
• Turkey Sandwiches, Veggies
• PB&J, Apples
• Egg Salad, Veggies
• English Muffin Pizzas
• Leftovers
• Leftovers

Dinners:

Monday: Taco Salads
Tuesday/Wednesday: Slow Cooker Jamaican Red Bean Stew *
Thursday: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Friday/Saturday: Lime Chicken, Rice, Veggies
Sunday: Stir Fry (I've given up on the Farmers' Market for this for right now, because it's still too early for there to be a ton of stuff there)

*This calls for coconut milk. I was having the hardest time finding a small can of coconut milk, but then I remembered that Cub Foods sells that. How would I know that, you might ask? Back during my sophomore year of college, a few friends and I were up late at night. We wanted something to do, and not many places were open. We decided to make a game out of one that was - the grocery store.

We picked random aisle numbers, number of steps, and shelves up from the bottom. So, for example, Aisle 3, 20 steps in, 2nd shelf on the right. And then we grabbed whatever item was there. We ended up with baby utensils, oranges, peanut butter, and coconut milk, among other things.

What I'm Reading...

Dreaming of a Home Where... While I still hold to certain modern conveniences, there are a lot of ideas in this post that I really like too. (Proverbs 31 Living)

Couponing 101: Getting Started the Right Way. I made all the mistakes listed. But I know a lot better now. (Life Your Way)

Parenting Beyond Fear. (The Happiest Mom)

Crafty Link-Up

Lotus Blossom Pomander Ball from Wax Paper. (Carolyn's Homework via Dollar Store Crafts)

Wire and Yarn Word Art. (Family Chic via Dollar Store Crafts)

Bendy Straw and Paper Rockets. Kids would love these. (Dollar Store Crafts)

No Sew Table Runner. (Crissy's Crafts)

Make a Rose Stamp with Celery. So much cooler than potato or apple stamping. (Maureen Cracknell Handmade via Dollar Store Crafts)

Make Easy Polka Dot Greeting Cards. I sort of want to go buy office supply stickers to try these. (Dollar Store Crafts)

Classy Jell-O Shots. It's been quite awhile since I've had a jell-o shot, and they were certainly not this pretty. (Offbeat Home)

Make Harry Potter Wands. In honor of 7.2. (Your Life Uncommon via Dollar Store Crafts)

Menu Plan Monday and My Go-To Waffle/Pancake Recipe

Breakfasts:
- Chocolate Chip Waffles
- Cereal/Oatmeal x3
- Eggs/ Toast x2
- Banana Bread

Lunches:
- Turkey Sandwiches, Raisins, Veggies
- BBQ Black Bean Tortilla Pizzas (I made these last week and they were heavenly. Jonah didn't like them as much, so he'll just get beans, cheese, pineapple, and tortillas and be a happy camper)
- PB&J, Apples
- Pierogies (got for free with a coupon last week)
- Macaroni and Cheese, Hot Dogs, Peas
- Leftovers x2


Dinners:
Monday: Corn Dog Muffins, Baked Beans
Tuesday: Shepherd's Pie
Wednesday: Breakfast for Dinner - Sausage, Eggs, and Waffles
Thursday: Imitation Chipotle Burritos (I'm going to attempt to make this up, with black beans, cilantro rice, and other toppings)
Friday: Toscana Soup (this is our favorite at Olive Garden, and I've wanted to make it for awhile)
Saturday: Noodle Salad with Peanut Mmmm Sauce, or Farmers' Market Stir Fry (this got bumped last week since we ended up going out to dinner with friends instead)
Sunday: Chicken Pasta (Rachael Ray)

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Waffles or Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups milk
• 4 Tbsp. melted butter
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips
  

Directions:
In large microwave safe bowl, melt butter. Add remaining ingredients (except chocolate chips) and stir until combined. Mix in chocolate chips. I always eyeball the chocolate chips, and probably add more than 1/3 cup. It's okay.

For 4 inch waffles, which is what my wafflemaker makes, scoop by the 1/4 cupful and cook for just over 4 minutes.

For pancakes, scoop by the 1/4 cupful and cook as you normally cook pancakes. I, sadly, fail at making pancakes every time I try, but I do occasionally mix this batter up for Jesse to make them.

What I'm Reading...

Start Your Day by Eating a Frog. (Simple Mom)

10 Fascinating Facts about Phone Numbers. (Mashable via Northern Cheapskate)

10 Reasons to Cancel Your Credit Cards. (Money Saving Mom)

5 Secrets to Being a Super Fun Mom. (Life Your Way)

8 Inexpensive Family Outings. (The Simple Dollar)

Getting Past a "Mom Funk". (The Happiest Mom)

9 Smart Ideas for Your Home and Your Life. (Life Your Way)

Cash for Trash: 6 Things You Can Resell. (Pocket Your Dollars)

Apparently I liked posts with numbers this week...

What I've Been Up To Lately...

Here's a bit of what I've been up to lately. I haven't had a ton of time for craft projects, but I did manage to FINALLY finish this for real. I had to add a few rows to the top so it would fill the frame. I can tell the difference, and you probably can too if you look closely, but it's much better than before. Jesse is happy - now he can take it to his office.


I was looking for a good storage solution for bath toys, and someone in my momma's group suggested a colander. We had this huge one in the kitchen that I never used, so ta-da! Bath toy storage. It sits in the tub most of the time, and we just take it out when we shower.


I've been doing a bit of baking. These are sweet potato muffins. Yum!


I do lots of hanging out with this guy, who was just finishing a lunch of these and a brownie. You should have that for lunch too. Trust me.


And when he decides to wake up, I hang out with this guy too.


And I change lots and lots of these. They look so nice stacked like this, I think.

That's life lately. What are you up to these days?

Crafty Link-Up

Wiggly Watermelon. I love food that looks like other food. (Gourmet Mom on the Go via Life Your Way)

Un-Blahhing a Blah Spice Rack to Organize Beads. I have this. And I no longer use it for spices. I was going to donate it, but...(Offbeat Home)

Food Science Camp: Ice Cream in a Bag. (Life Your Way)

Monster Cake with Cake Pop Eyes. I may have to try this for one of my kids' upcoming birthdays. Aside from not having the frosting tips or the recipe, and having never tried to make cake pops before. Still totally worth a shot though. (Bakerella via not martha)

Wedding Items for Sale! And many could be used for crafty things, not just weddings. (friends Michael and Jana)

Make Anthropologie Inspired Paper Rolled Bead Earrings. (Dollar Store Crafts)

Make a Cocktail Umbrella Lantern. (Dollar Store Crafts)

Repurposed Coffee Sleeve Crafts. (Life Your Way)

Craft Room Design and Storage Inspiration. I like #3. (Life Your Way)

Menu Plan Monday

We've started to fall back into either going out to eat for lunch, or being stuck in the rut of PB&J-Turkey Sandwich-Leftovers-Repeat. Not that those are bad...I'd just like a little more variety, and to make sure we're getting balanced meals over the course of the day. So...

Breakfasts (in no particular order):
- Sweet Potato Muffins
- Oat, Apple, & Raisin Muffins (Gooseberry Patch Recipe Booklet)
- Cereal/Oatmeal
- Cereal/Oatmeal
- Cereal/Oatmeal
- Eggs & Toast
- Eggs & Toast

Lunches (in no particular order):
- BBQ Black Bean Pita Pizzas (probably with tortillas)
- Egg Salad Sandwiches
- Turkey Sandwiches, Cheese, Peas
- PB&J Sandwiches, Apples
- Cheese Quesadillas
- Leftovers
- Leftovers

Dinners:
Monday: Taco Calzones (leftover from last week, since we ended up having enough Stuffed Shells for two dinners)
Tuesday: Apple Chicken and Rice
Wednesday: Breakfast Burritos (similar to this recipe, but probably not 20 of them)
Thursday: Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
Friday: Easy Mexican Chicken and Beans
Saturday: Noodle Salad with Peanut Mmmm Sauce, or whatever we find at the Farmer's Market for stir fry
Sunday: Thank You Soup

Snacks:
Homemade Wheat Thins
Extra Muffins
Fruit - Bananas, Apples, Canned Peaches and Pears
Popcorn
Homemade Tortilla Chips and Hummus

What I'm Reading...

8 Benefits of Reading (or Ways Reading Makes You Better at Life). (LiveDev via The Simple Dollar)

Want Stress-Free Outings with the Kids? Don't Overthink the Details. (The Happiest Mom)

6 Ways to Make Sure a Deal Is Really a Deal. (Northern Cheapskate)

Superhero Themed Wedding Ideas. (Bridal Musings)

Avoid Decluttering by Keeping the Clutter Out Altogether. (Life Your Way)

Crafty Link-Up

DIY Taco Seasoning. (Money Saving Mom)

Make a Yogurt Cup Lamp. (Dollar Store Crafts)

Printing on Tissue Paper. (Full of Great Ideas)

DIY: Homemade Paint with Water Pages. (Money Saving Mom)

Adorable T-Shirt Flowers and T-Shirt Bunny. (Life Your Way)

Cross Stitch for Nerds. (Kuriositas via Offbeat Home)

Joshua 24:15 Cross Stitch

I made this wall hanging for my sister Rachel and her new husband Nate for their wedding present. It fit perfectly in an 8x10 frame. I've gotten lucky so far, but I really should start figuring out these measurements beforehand.

I procrastinated and finished this (barely) the night before we left. I want to make one for our house, but I'll have to decide on a verse first. I was thinking the twenty-third Psalm, but that will be quite a bit longer, so I'll have to plan it out a lot more first. I think for now, though, my craft projects are going to move away from cross stitch, at least for a little while.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Spaghetti/Veggies and Noodles for Jonah
Tuesday: Bacon, Eggs, and Waffles
Wednesday: Homemade Pizza - Chicken Bacon Ranch
Thursday: Macaroni and Hot Dogs
Friday: Stuffed Shells
Saturday: Taco Calzones
Sunday: Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli and Mushrooms

What I'm Reading...

Frugal Classroom Tips. (Money Saving Mom)

Looking for Cold Lunch Ideas. (Home Ec 101)

Applying the HALT Method: A Checklist for Proactive Parenting. (Simple Mom)

How to "Go Green" When Eating Out. (Simple Organic via Life Your Way)