My greatest yard sale find last year...

I learned so much at last week's Creative and Efficient Life conference. Don't worry if you missed it. On February 6th you can purchase the MP3s for just &$9.95. It was sooooo good. I can't wait to share it all with you. I have so many posts spinning in my head and drafted in reserve that it sets my mind racing... almost as much as LOST does. I mean, what in the world is happening on the island or off? Who is dead and who is alive? Who is the non-John Locke? Oh I must stop before my brain melts.

Anyway, my point was that I heard a good bit at the conference about shopping yard sales. I am a big fan of yard sales and shared with everyone that while on a yard sailing adventure with my mom-in-love I purchased this set of barstools for only $10! Yes, $10 for the set.

They had a bit of paint on the bottom of one of them that I was able to remove fairly easily with some nail polish remover. I'm guessing that is why she sold them so cheap although I can't imagine why no one else scooped them up. They are in perfect condition.. sturdy and contemporary looking. What more could I ask for?

What is your best yard sale find?

Another bedroom makeover….

This is Gevan and Brennan’s room makeover. I don’t have a before picture because, well, let’s just say it was too horrible to even consider capturing those images for years to come. Okay so the real reason is that I forgot to take the pictures but I don’t want you to know that so I’ll keep the “it was too messy” excuse. :)  I’m pretty certain that carpet probably survived the flood with Noah and landed here in Baton Rouge, LA. I’m sure the first owners of the home found it to be a real blessing but by the time it was passed down to us it was beyond stained and dirty. I think it was alive too but that’s just me. Anyway, Gevan had a grand ol’ time pulling up Noah’s carpet.  He called it “man work” and according to Gevan and my husband, women shouldn’t do “man work”. So I did what any mom would do in this situation; nothing. Well nothing except for grabbing the camera and demanding that they pose photos while doing said “man work”. This, of course, set his ego ablaze and he was happy to oblige.

After the room was stripped bare; cleaned extensively; new carpet put down; and walls redone, we went to town and shopped around for the absolute best priced, most sturdy, and nicest looking bunk beds that we could find. It didn’t take long before we decided on these. I LOVE that it has steps and not a ladder. It also has a desk so they can draw, do school work, read, write, or whatever else one might do at a desk. Brennan uses it for collecting things. Gevan uses the desk drawers for putting away Brennan’s collections. They are balanced that way.

The beds are only twin size but I slept in a twin bed until I was 20 so they’ll live. I’ll let you guess who got the top bunk. The next photo might give it away since some people are camera hogs. (uh hmmm… Gevan) You’ll also see our good buddy Mikey there on the bottom bunk. Only one kid requires his company. 

 

 

Overall I am very happy with the beds. They are very sturdy unlike the metal ones we had a couple of years back. I think it took the boys less than four months to topple those over. I threatened them this time. If they break these beds then they have to sleep with the dog. We haven’t had a problem yet.

Now… if I could only get them to go to bed on time. That will be the day. 

 

btw.. for those participating in project 365 these are photos 31-34 of my 365.

My Favorite Spaces: Room Makeover Edition

We recently purchased carpet for the back bedrooms. The carpet was like 30 something years old y’all. You don’t want to know what was under it. Let’s just say one gallon of bleach and two sore knees later I was finally convinced that it was clean, or at least clean enough to put padding and carpet down on top of it. So, me and those four strong, strapping young men of mine moved out all of the furniture and let those carpet installers at it. They were quick and thorough. I was eager to get the furniture back in and get Jacob’s room all setup. After all, he would finally have his own room.

Prior to moving Jacob into this room Gevan stayed in it with all of my scrapbook stuff, boxes that I still had packed, and all of the other stuff that we had no room for. This was pretty much Ryan’s miscellaneous room before we got married so all of his odds and ends stuff was in there too. You will recognize the desk from this post: My Favorite Space Part II. The scrapbooks stuff went elsewhere in the house. I’ll post on those room makeovers later. Let’s just say the last few months of “moving in” have been great. I’m finally feeling some peace. It’s about time after almost two years wouldn’t you say?

Here are the before pictures:

This is after we got everything out and when the carpet was being put in:

I must say that my boy is proud of his room. We went and picked out some posters, a fan, and some great sheets so he could make it his own. I moved the curtains from our bedroom into his room and I also gave him our old bed set. He carefully put all of his clothes, toys, and books in the baskets on the shelf and I showed him how to properly make his bed. We never bothered with making the beds before because with two big boys sleeping in there, one was always at the head and one was always at the foot of the bed. He has actually kept it clean every day for the last week. He is so excited. We also gave him our old CD player so he would have some music to listen to. He put all of his art supplies away in his desk and filled the closet with his other stuff.

Here is the after:

I am one proud and happy mama, folks. Wait till you see the rest of the rooms!

Lessons, design, and other fun stuff!

I am completely excited about the April Edition of the magazine over at Heart of the Matter Online. I've been taking some additional lessons in design layout and let's just say I've used this as homework! Please go check out the flipbook version and let me know what you think!

While you are there you can read my latest article: Notebooking or Lapbooking.

I'm off to get some sleep. We have another exciting day at A Woman Inspired!

My Favorite Spaces Part 2

This is probably my most favorite place in the house. This old desk was discovered by my mom-in-love some time ago and it has been treasured for many years. Fortunately for us, she left it here when she moved and I talked Ryan into moving it into the bedroom so that we would have a quiet and serene little place to study.

Every morning I grab my coffee, light a candle, and start my day with Him... right here.

A bible of every kind can be found on the top left shelf but my favorite, the one that contains all my most precious thoughts and revelations, sits on the desktop. Devotionals take up the bottom left shelf and the top center shelf is full of my prayer books. Stormie Omartian anyone? I have all of them and I use them often to find just the right scripture based prayer for the occasion.

On the top right shelf rests our previous journals and notebooks. Those are the ones we've collected since we've been married. On the shelf underneath that one you'll find every kind of bible study book you might need. Concordances, bible dictionary, bible encyclopedia, bible artifacts guide, and others. You'll also notice all the photos of family and friends. I keep everything that is close to my heart, close to this desk. Then, when I begin praying, I don't forget anyone.



I also like to keep a laptop nearby in case I want to look something up for additional sources. Blue Letter Bible is my favorite go to place when I'm looking for true biblical context of scriptures.

Tissue, post its, pens, colored pencils, bookmarks, paperclips, and all of the others necessities are always withing a arms reach. The drawers of this desk are full of CDs from Beth Moore, Joyce Meyer, Christine Caine, Lisa Bevere, and lots of others. Everything I need is right here although sometimes I have to look for it underneath Ryan's not-yet-dirty clothes. If you know what I mean. {BIG smile}


I also line the back of the desktop with photos of those I am praying for. Most of them are people that God has laid on my heart and I want to remember to pray for them daily. I also mix them up every so often so that the scenery doesn't become "familiar" and therefore glossed over. Mixing them up also stirs up the prayers.

You can see all of my grandmas in here too. I love me some Mamaw Grant, Grandma Bayliss (yum, yum, kringla!), and Grandma Ripke (sweetest little farm gal). Grandma Bayliss lives in Washington state and we were able to see her in January of 07. We went to Grandma Ripke's farm in Iowa in June of last year (08). I miss them so much but having their pics here at least brings us some comfort.

Mom-in-love & Pop-in-love Bayliss, and Sam (Ryan's brother) are all in Washington state too. We miss them so much too. Mom sends us great packages though. It's better than getting a cracker jack prize. You never know what is inside!


So there you have it. One of my most favorite spaces, my spiritual space. Have you ever posted about yours? If so leave me a comment and let me know. I'd love to check it out. If not then just leave me a comment and tell me about it. I'm always looking for inspiration!

Check out "My Favorite Spaces" part 1.

10 Minute Dishwasher Maintenance & More!

Does your dishwasher get grimy like mine? Well, here is a one cycle solution for you.

1. Remove the utensil holder and wipe down to free it of any stuck on particles.
   
2. Using a few paper towels, carefully wipe the bottom of the dishwasher out to remove any loose bits of debris that may be camping out there.
3. Put two cups of vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher.
4. Start the Energy or Low Wash cycle and stop the cycle midway to let the vinegar soak the bottom for about 20 minutes and it will work it's magic. Then, finish the cycle.
5. Wipe out the dishwasher and step back to admire you hard work.
   

Ahhh... feels good doesn't it?

Do you have any good tips when it comes to the dishwasher?

Here are more of my dishwasher tips:

• Never place sharp knives with the blade pointed upward. Secure it blade side down in the utensils basket to prevent cuts when emptying the dishwasher.
• Don't limit your dishwasher to dishes. Use it to clean your candle holders, pencil cups, plastic storage bins, Legos, dustpan, Crocs, hairbrush and more!
• Make sure spoons and forks aren't nestled together.
• Instead of using the heat dry just open up the dishwasher and let them air dry.
  

Would You Like Some Of My Books For Free?

Paperback Swap is the coolest site on the planet! It is a place to swap books of all kinds: paperback, hardback and audio. All that is required is that you sign up and list some books that you currently own and would like to swap out. You are given one credit upon signing up and an additional credit for each book you mail to someone who has requested it from you. Yes, you do pay postage to ship the books you send but you pay nothing to request books of other members. The most I have every paid for shipping was $2.78 and that is $1.22 cheaper than $0.01 books on Amazon when you include their $3.99 charge for shipping. You cannot beat what you get at Paperback Swap for the price. Plus, instead of just tossing your old books into the garbage or taking them to a Goodwill store, you can earn books that you do want by listing them on Paperback Swap!

I have an account there and I have already received dozens of books for free! You can sign up by using the button below. That will also give me some credits to get more books for free!

Once you sign up you can look at what I have available. My username is ipop31. Let me know if you sign up. I might be requesting a book from you!

Gardening in the Winter

Fresh vegetables are one of those luxuries that I miss during the winter months. Today’s travel technology has made it possible for fruit and vegetables to be shipped all around the globe any time of the year, but those aren’t the same as fresh from the garden (and they cost so much more).

Last year was the first year I experimented with an expanded season. I had read about year round gardening in a book I checked out of the library. Basically it involves using vegetables that flourish in cooler weather, along with removable greenhouses to help make it possible to grow vegetables all year long.

That first year was not a roaring success, but it was definitely different. Weeds were not as much of a hassle and working in the garden did not require me dodging fire ants and yellow jackets – so those traits were nice. But it is hard to remember to water a garden when all you really want to do is curl up by the roaring fire because it is cold outside. It was nice being able to serve my own salad for Christmas dinner though.

Not everything can be grown in the cold weather but there are a number of vegetables and herbs that will flourish with just a little care.

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Beets
• Globe Onions
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Kohlrabi
• Turnip
• Leek
• Chives
• Radishes

Lengthening the Growing Season

There are a number of different things that can be done for little cost that can make your growing season longer. A little planning and re-arranging of your planting area can help you extend your growing season to the full year.

Windbreaks

Use existing walls to break the wind off your plants and you will help to increase the temperature where your garden sits (sometimes up to 15 degrees) and also reduce the drying out caused by the wind.

Portable Greenhouses

These can consist of a frame with glass or heavy plastic or individual clear plastic containers. They will use the solar energy to warm the ground and the plant. Be sure to remember to remove them or ventilate them on bright sunny (or warm) days.

Cold Frames

Cold frames are permanent structures that are used for planting fall and winter crops. These are better in regions where the growing seasons are the shortest. The cold frames protect against temperatures, winds and even frost. Almost anything can be used to construct a cold frame (old windows or glass doors) or you can purchase kits if you are uncomfortable creating your own design.


Kathryn Lang is a freelance writer, wife of Keith and mother of three active boys. The family recently began the process of starting a flower nursery. She and the boys enjoy hybridizing daylilies and iris and discovering new wildflowers around the property. You can read more about their adventures at Garden Blooms. Kathryn also writes a guide for mothers and women who are struggling to be all that they can be at Proverbs 31 Living .

The Ultimate Art Gallery

If you are anything like me then you truly treasure the artwork of kids, whether it be your children, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren, we all love to brag now don't we? On top of that, the children love for us to brag! The problem is in where to put it and how to display it.

I found a few solutions for that problem. One is this really cute idea where you use pants hangers to hang them on the wall. I particularly prefer this idea since my children are in art class and I can easily - notice the word "easily"- change them out each week.

To display them, I simply used some wall hooks (these are little hooks with a screw on the end). I spread them out in sporadic places within an area because the kids' drawings are never the same size and it would have looked awkward if I had made all of the hangers uniform within the area

Each week I simply remove the old drawing and place it in a box and then replace it with the new piece of art!.

For the entire project it cost me $4.86 for the three hangers and hooks.

Here are some other great samples of how to display your children's art:

Andrea shows us how to display several pieces using identical and inexpensive, black & white frames. I love the way the colors just pop from the pages because of the black frame against the neutral wall color. She has many more great photos available at her blog: The Honest Woman.

Another great place to find ideas for a child's art gallery is at Kelli Crowe's blog. Here is a video she did for Heart of the Matter Online a few months ago. In the video she goes through several ways to display and preserve these sentimental pieces.

Enjoy!




Comments are located at the top of the post.

Home - Room Makeovers brought to you by BooMama

I have been wanting to makeover a couple of rooms in my home but I procrastinate. There I said it. I do. So anyways, BooMama's Challenge is the swift kick in the rear that I need to push forward. So here is what I hope to accomplish:

A Bedroom Makeover:

Before my husband and I got married he kept his room like this, which is fine for a bachelor. Not.so.much for a newlywed couple. Now I cheated a bit and have already started on this project but it is still going to take a bit more work to complete. I can't wait for the reveal!

The Prayer/Scrap/ Closet Makeover

After we got married and I moved in, this is the room that I chose to store my scrapbook supplies, bible study materials, clothes, you know... all the good stuff! Well I recently got an idea to make it a real closet - for everyone! Think of it: After clothes folding I would only have to bring the baskets to one room to put them away! And.. no more clothes left all over the house! AND.. with the bible study materials in there it would be a REAL PRAYER CLOSET! I can't wait to get this one done. Here are the before pictures. I'll be back on July 25th for the big reveal!

The Dumping Ground

Lysa TerKeurst is hosting Swap & Hop over at her blog again today. This week she asks us to posts our organizational challenges. Huh... I have on for ya!

My countertops are a dumping ground. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, puts whatever is in their hands at the time on the countertops. I can find any number of things on this counter at any given time. Today, we have flashlights, fruits, candles, bible, hot pads, candy, paper, pens, mail, and numerous other things that don't belong there. How do I keep this from becoming a dumping ground?

And the Walls Come Up!

So this weekend we continued our shed project with the help of my brother and Tori, his significant other. It was a long exhausting day and much man, and woman, strength was involved but we succeeded in getting all of the walls up. Now all that is left is the roof! Whew!

What home projects are you currently working on?

Where Do You Homeschool?

We homeschool everywhere: the dining room table, the backyard, the front yard, the sofa, you get the picture. We don't have a designated school room so we store everything in what should be our pantry. This little room right off of the kitchen...

We keep all of our curriculum, project and craft supplies, manipulatives, and all of that other fun stuff in here.

I make do with whatever is available. I always use crates to create more storage. You should see my closet! :o)

I organize all of our things by subject vs. type. For example: Instead of grouping all of the felt stuff together, I group all of the history stuff together. This makes it much easier to find for me and the boys.

I find lots of great stuff for school from the Dollar Tree and on sale at our local teacher supply store. We use them as activities in our workboxes. I also like that the Sue's workbox system makes it so easy to organize our Sonlight day. Gevan likes it too because he can see what he has left to do and how far he has come.

This is Gevan's favorite school spot. This is the corner of our kitchen. He sits on a stool and writes in the chait. Why? I have no idea. He has a desk and he has a table but he prefers to do it this way.

Let me know if you posted about your school room. I'd love to see it!

My Favorite Spaces.... part 1

UPDATE: This post was done more than two years ago before Ryan and I were married. I've since moved all of this into our new home but it looks much the same.

*original post*

I have given alot of thought lately to the fact that in a couple short months, I will no longer live in my current home. I have also realized that there are a few things that I have grown quite fond of here. In an effort to always remember our time in this house I have decided to blog about the spaces that I like the most. I am starting with my bedroom because it is where I spend the most time.

I have managed to separate my bedroom into three distinct areas: a Scrap / Ebay storage space, an Office Space, and of course, my bedroom space. I have a few pics shown but the rest can be viewed by clicking on the links. There are alot more pictures there.

Scrapbook / Ebay Storage Space

I organize by them and not by product. What I mean by that is I put all of my "flower" themed stuff together or all of my "boyish" stuff together instead of putting all stickers together and all die-cuts together. When I am doing a school page then I just take down the container marked
"school" and go for it!

Office Space

Bedroom Space