by Leave a Comment

From Clutter and Chaos to Lego Center Sanity!

If you are a parent, you have stepped on a Lego or cursed the piles of random pieces throughout your home at some point. Well, I decided I couldn't live one more minute with Legos all over my house! After my husband and I discussed a very vague plan, we packed the kids in the car and we were off to Ikea!  We were the last ones to drop off our three kids to the lovely staff at the ever so popular Kiddieland  before the wait time began. Phew, that was a close one.   Knowing we had limited … [Read more...]

by Leave a Comment

Post Holiday Blues

It is that time of year where I am torn between getting excited about the year ahead and fighting to get motivated through the gray winter of Chicago.   As I see the family calendar slowly filling up...even the summer months I can’t yet even identify with, I think I am stuck in what I can best describe as the post holiday blues. December packs a one-two punch in our home with 4 birthdays and the Christmas Holidays. And just like that --- it’s over. I believe a big factor contributing to my … [Read more...]

by Leave a Comment

Easy Lunchbox Napkins: with or without a serger

Back to school this year is just about as late as it can be-September 8th! This year, my daughter is in first grade, and since she eats about 4 things, I pack her lunches for her. I decided to go green ( and cheap) and use some scrap fabric to make her some lunchbox size napkins. I'll show you two ways to do it. ( with and without a serger) The first, fastest way: Step 1: Cut out some 7" squares of quilters cotton fabric. (You can make these the same on both sides, or mix it up a … [Read more...]

by Leave a Comment

Prom Already?! I Still Haven’t Finished Homecoming

By now, you may know I am a busy mom of 5 so even though I enjoy scrapbooking I don't necessarily keep up with it.  In preparing to order some photos I am enjoying revisiting my daughter's first homecoming dance and all the party preparations.  I must admit, as I sent my oldest child to high school a popular saying became my daily experience. "The days last forever but the years are gone in the blink of an eye." She is now attending the same school that both her dad and I went to which … [Read more...]

by Leave a Comment

The Pop-Up Party!

More often that not it seems that as our age increases, the enthusiasm or effort around birthday celebrations decrease.   I know in my circle of friends and family we tend to use a birthday as an excuse to go out for celebratory food and drinks -- YUM. But I am going to show you that it doesn’t mean you can’t get a little crafty and add some flair for extra fun! It was KerPop’s birthday and we thought we would surprise her with a little family outing. As any busy mother of three does on a … [Read more...]

by Leave a Comment

My Cups Runneth Over. A Lot.

With the number of kids running through my house at an all time high, (I can safely say it will never get higher 'cause this uterus is DONE) I needed to do something about the "I just need a sip of water" cup.  Which then becomes "Oh, I forgot my cup was just three inches away from me, I better get out two more." I was loading an entire top rack of the dishwasher with kid cups and my wine glass. (I keep one all day long. But that is a post for another day. :) ) "Ma-ommmmm - I just need a sip of … [Read more...]

by 1 Comment

Drunken Strawberries

Who doesn't enjoy a chocolate dipped strawberry?  And sure anyone can buy those, but why not spice it up for a little Valentine's fun! Here is a quick and easy way to have a little fun with very little effort! Supplies: Fresh Strawberries Your favorite dipping chocolate (Chocolate chips, candy melts or Dolci frutta) Bottle of Vodka (I have tried whipped cream and chocolate flavored vodka as the flavors take a little out of the alcohol bite.)   Instructions: First, rinse … [Read more...]

by 1 Comment

Craft Closet: Ideas are Springing!

My favorite thing about Winter is when it's OVER!! Don't get me wrong, there is so much about the season that I enjoy - but the moment I can shed all the layers and come out of hibernation, I'm bustin' out of that hole! Not to make too much of it, but it's kind of where I'm at with this Cloffice project. I know a beautiful space is hiding under all the layers of stuff, I just need the mess to melt away.When I sent Teri (from Closet Works ) a link to my new Cloffice posts, she sent me the very … [Read more...]

by Leave a Comment

Kissing Mickey & Minnie Shoes-See also customizing your Chucks, and vinyl layering

It's Mickey Monday again! So, you ever make something, and it turns out JUST how you envisioned it in your head, and you're all, "I AM A GOLDEN GODDESS OF CRAFTINESS JUST BOW BEFORE ME AND WEEP THAT YOU ARE NOT ME!!!"......or is that just me? No? ok, then where was I? Oh, so yeah, we're headed to The Most Magical Place On Earth very, very soon. Since the average person clocks 6-12 miles a day there, I figured Imma need some comfy shoes....enter my perfectly broken in signature footwear...Chucks. … [Read more...]

by Leave a Comment

Craft Closet: A journey of a thousand miles begins with Step One!

So, a few days after posting last week's introduction of my Cloffice, I had a bit of a freak out. I said to myself "now I actually have to get my act together!"  And my husband told me "Bold move." But honestly it was the kick in the pants to get going and set up something that truly brings joy and happiness to my life. I had all these grand plans to really dig in there and get all the stuff out of the closet and organize to my heart's content. Instead, I had to dig out my garage after we … [Read more...]