2009 April — We are THAT Family

BreathTaking

11:00 am Bykristen

On. Your. Mark.

Get. Set.

Go.

Am I the only one who finds it ironic that my three kiddos can pile into sleeping bags, race down the stairs over and over and declare it the best day ever, without getting hurt?

But these same children cannot walk into the kitchen without slipping on a drop of water and end up in the Emergency Room in a Cat Scan tube with a concussion?

They take my breath away.

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Bed Head

8:36 pm Bykristen

I’ve got beds on the brain.

And unfortunately, it has nothing to do with me getting into one.

(Although I do have an excuse with a killer sinus infection.) Okay, I did type this from bed, so there’s that.

Anyway, here’s the 411. I’ve always wanted to say that:

My toddler is 29 months old. She is fully potty trained (even at night!) and busy.

And she is still in her crib.

She’s climbed out twice, but I put the fear of God into her, plus she thinks alligators will eat her toes if she does it again.

Her room is the largest room upstairs because it’s a remodeled game room. We don’t have a guest room and I want to replace the crib with a full size bed.

Follow me, this is where it gets confusing.

My oldest child has been begging for the larger room with a big bed her entire life (dramatic emphasis, all hers). I promised when her baby sister moved to a big girl bed, I’d switch the rooms.

So, basically, the two year old gets the yellow and pink room with the white twin bed and the 9 year old gets the old toddler nursery.

Whew!

Got it?

More info: Bedroom furniture is expensive, but I’ve been piecing together some marvelous pieces (we’re going black shabby chic) and my garage is my current workspace.

I’ve just got this piece to paint black, the bed:

The dilemma: I’m unmotivated to finish said bed because I don’t know when to make the switch to a big bed and a new room. And I don’t know how to do it without disturbing my toddler’s sleeping/potty-trained cycle.

What do y’all think?

I’m afraid.

P.S. I’m linking this to The Inspired Room’s Procrastination Party because I need accountability.

And painters and movers.

Ahem.

*******************************

UPDATE

I finished the bed! And I’ve spent the last two days moving furniture around.

But I love the results!

Remember the before (my garage sale find):

And the after:

And tonight, my two year old will be sleeping in her big girl bed (in her sister’s old room).

I’d appreciate you sending happy {sleepy} thoughts her way!

P.S. I’ll be sharing more details of this room makeover in the next couple of weeks in my DIYP series!

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WFMW-Favorite Blogging Tools

7:00 am Bykristen

I’m seriously not the person to answer your blogging questions.

The few people who’ve asked me technical questions have had low expectations, I’m sure.

They might be beating their heads against the wall right now.

The technical side of blogging has been a slow learning process for me. I think this simple pie chart explains it well:

(That’s also the ratio of women to men who read my blog based on a recent poll I conducted. Hey dudes!)

But there are a few free tools I love using. You’ve probably heard of most of them, but I thought I’d pass the tips along in case your pie chart looks like mine:

Google Alerts Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic.I like to use Google Alerts to see where my blog name and personal name show up. I keep the names of my children private, so I’m alerted if their names are ever published on the Web.

Google Docs I’m pretty new to Google Docs, but I used their form for my poll and I thought it was very easy and user friendly.

Pingdom Tools My favorite feature in Pingdom Tools is a full page test. If my blog is running slow or {panic attack} not loading at all, I can enter my URL and it tells me what widget, picture, etc. is slowing down my blog. Seriously, love this tool!

Website Grader This is a really cool site that evaluates your blog and grades it accordingly. It details problematic areas. I don’t like tools that compare my blog with others, but I like Website Grader because it offers helpful ideas based on improving your site. (Of course, I don’t know how to make some of the changes it suggests!)

What are some of your favorite tools?

Please make sure you mark calendar for WFMW: Frugal Edition NEXT WEDNESDAY, May 6, the first Wednesday of May. (During these economic times, I thought it would be helpful to share a frugal/money saving tip for any area of your life!)

{Thank you for joining me for WFMW! You can read the guidelines here.}

Have a Works-For-Me Wednesday tip you’d like to share? I’d love for you to join us! Please note that the links will close at 8 pm CST tonight, in order to keep away the spammers!

Was your link deleted? Click here.

Links are now closed. Please join us next week!

Works for Me Wednesday Participants

1. It Feels Like Chaos (rid of pests)
2. Living With Lindsay (Got Grimy Grout?)
3. 5intow (using white boards
4. Cents to Get Debt Free (Healthy Snacks)
5. Real Life (Spring Cleaning for the Car)
6. Erin @ Closing Time (fun kids activity)
7. the BLAH BLAH BLAHger (shipping large items for less)
8. Raise Them Up (Gardening Tip)
9. Homemaker Barbi (Protect Against Blog Negativity)
10. Amy @ Finer Things (teacher appreciation week)
11. Katie @ Clean and Classic Interiors(Remedy Binder)
12. Saving Cents with Sense (Buzz Agent!)
13. The Diaper Diaries (Headache help)
14. Many Little Blessings (Repurpose a Ruined Cake)
15. Raising Olives (Better Scheduling)
16. Denise @ Full Nest (fighting Ants)
17. Christy Klein (Sugar & Salt Uses)
18. Kate @ Which Proverbs 14:1 Woman? (Vacuum Bag)
19. Brianna @Heart(h) Management (Yet Another Time Management Tool)
20. the southern mama-FAUX-REAL
21. Upstatemomof3 (sticking by my team)
22. Sunnymama (cocktail stick snacks)
23. Sunnymama (dandelion bouquets)
24. Frugal Girls! {Organizing my Coupons in a Cute Basket!}
25. Lisa@ Elbows (A Sip, A Slurp, A Suit, A Sentiment)
26. Heather @ JustDoingMyBest (Ideas for Leftovers)
27. Mommy\’s Idea Book (Vacation Budgeting)
28. My Frugal Adventures: Quick organization tips- shoes, toys and donations
29. Home School Dad (3 Things This Thursday)
30. Kirsty@Momedy: Make Procrastination Work For You
31. Mrs. Petrie: Fresh Greens
32. A Simple Walk
33. Daiquiri (gingersnaps & dealing with a bully)
34. Smockity Frocks (“How Do You Do It?”: Homeschooling Many)
35. Cooking During Stolen Moments (Creamy Peanut Butter Pie)
36. NerdFamily (water tip)
37. The Happy Housewife ~ No Sibling Rivalry
38. ElizabethG (simplifying birthdays)
39. Chief Family Officer (best high chair mat ever)
40. momstheword (staying connected)
41. Anita (My home is my office)
42. CamianAcademy (Leap Frog Letter Factory)
43. In…Fence (40 Uses For Lemons)
44. Weird, Unsocialized HS\’ers (Cleaning Mini-Blinds)
45. Niki @ Free 2 Be Frugal (earning swagbucks from others\’ searches)
46. Green Baby Guide (Organize your freezer)
47. Penny Raine – Twitter
48. Health Begins With Mom (Avocados!)
49. Lana (Shortcuts)
50. mombrud (wish I\’d done this years ago)
51. Effortless Savings (Garage Sale Success)
52. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places (Getting ready for Baby!)
53. Scribble Ink Cafe (Old Is Cute, that works for me!)
54. Innkeeper Seely (glass baking pans)
55. Rachel (Simple, happy, frugal– my list)
56. What is it NOW!!! (Memory Foam Mattess Topper)
57. Monica @ DailyDwelling (after dinner help)
58. Tasha @ Hectic Calm (3-D Artwork, cheap)
59. Lisa @ Moore Minutes (Summertime Panini Sandwiches!)
60. The Prudent Homemaker (One dish family dinner for under $2)
61. Julie (Less Fat Cookies, YUM)
62. Beautiful Calling (Rainy Day \’Treats\’)
63. FishMama@LifeasMOM
64. Laryssa @Heaven In The Home (Favorite Books For Chilren)
65. Laryssa @Heaven In The Home (Favorite Books For Children)
66. afamiliarpath
67. Sara @ Learning the Frugal Life (Starting Them Early)
68. Mrs. Querido:: Not Brushing My Kids Teeth
69. Amyswandering (Free Blog Bling)
70. Lori- Simple Life at Home (4 Week Menu Planning, tons of recipes)
71. Abel – Family Travel Tips and Your Best Tips
72. Maren – Target Popcorn
73. momsfrugal (31 Scoop Ice Cream at Bask.Rob)
74. A Beach Cottage Budget Wine Box Table Tutorial
75. Molly Green (guitar storage)
76. Mary Ann (simple recipe holder)
77. exhale. return to center. (bugs garden gloves)
78. Cardamoms Pod (Thrifty Salad Spinner)
79. Cardamoms Pod (Thrifty Salad Spinner)
80. *Michelle* (Chico Bag Giveaway and more Free stuff!)
81. Tracey @ Girls to Grow (Picky Eater)
82. Common Cents Mom (Menu Planning 101)
83. Girls in White Dresses (happiness scavenger hunt)
84. Life with Three (organization for moms)
85. Kate\’s Kitchen: Iced Tea
86. steadymom.com (social justice & children)
87. Pink Licorice:Life (Conditioning Body Wash Use)
88. Becky (photo collage)
89. BusyMom (finding blogging help for the non programmer)
90. se7en (Poetry Resources for Kids)
91. Nicole @ The Graves\’ House
92. Jolanthe (Emergency Binder: Medical Information Sheet)
93. Herb Of Grace (Rainy Day Idea)
94. Multi-Tasking Mommy (frozen relief for teething)
95. Beautiful Calling (SOAPNUTS & a giveaway)
96. The Shabby Chic Cottage (yard sale scores)
97. MC (easy centerpiece ideas)
98. Jen @ What\’s Shakin\’? (displaying kids artwork)
99. Bake at 350 (Royal Icing 101)
100. Sarah Mae (8 Ways To Share Your Opinion Effectively)
101. Beverly (learning something new)
102. Lori (cleaning window blinds)
103. Bailey\’s Leaf (Egg Tips)
104. charlotte (fresh food)
105. charlotte (sex ed)
106. Angela @ Simply Practical – (Starting with baby steps)
107. Stockpiling/Storage in small spaces
108. Stephanie Babetz
109. Simply Practical (Double Duty in the Car)
110. Donna @ Another New Season (This doesn\’t work for me)
111. Stephanie (Talking Spatula)
112. Corrie @ “Cents”able Momma (How to Shop at Rite Aid)
113. Lisa @ JoyousFrugalFamily (yard sell season)
114. Hoosier Homemade(Offie SupplyCanisters)
115. Kari (three little tips)
116. Carol ~ Deoderant, it\’s just a suggestion
117. Lori (drinking water)
118. Christy @ Mercy Every Morning (Easy Homemade Bread)
119. Joyful Johnsons (writing)
120. Melissa @ Frugal Creativity (pizza sauce)
121. QAMOM (Teaching letter recognition)
122. Buffie (tub toy storage)
123. Melonie K. (boxed lunches)
124. PapuaGirl (Cheap Books Online!)
125. Elisa (blogging tools)
126. The Thrifty Mommy (A Unique Way to Display Them)
127. Nancy (Making your own lashing tool)
128. Julie From Inmates (Great Lotion)
129. Fly Away Family (Saving Money on your wedding)

130. Aunt LoLo (Make A Cheap Stamp)
131. Elisa (recycled diaper boxes)
132. First Fridays (Blogger Networking)
133. Kitchen Stewardship (Heathy Meals at Aldi or Sav-A-Lot?)
134. Katie
135. Moneywise Moms (Grocery List Template)
136. Sheila ~ To Love, Honor and Vacuum (unfinished craft projects!)
137. Scott@ Honey I Fed the Kids (Cantaloupe Dump Cake)
138. Bloom Where You\’re Planted! (fabric dilemma)
139. Lazy Mom Amanda
140. LFinn(Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars)
141. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (the CREAMIEST Mac and Cheese!)
142. Jennifer (combining sales w/coupons)
143. Jenn
144. Lynn (gardening)
145. Thrifty Jinxy (Frozen Waffle Tip)
146. Organizing Mommy (hospitality)
147. Carol @SheLives (Seam Ripper Tip)
148. ET @ Titus2:3-5 (time management)
149. Michelle(Organized kid\’s stuff!)
150. FamilyMakesCents (planting potatoes)
151. Rookie Mo
m 101 (Pregnancy Comments)
152. Liz @ Frugally Blonde (Rolling over Target Deals)
153. Sharon @ Because I Must (recipe site)
154. BeyondJustMom (Enriched by Motherhood)
155. Lauren (New Recipe)
156. Joy(Refrigerator dough from mashed potatoes!)
157. Amy @ muddy boots (get your 2 year old CLEANING)
158. Stacey (cheap, easy, and good salsa. Try for Cinco do Mayo!
159. Laura @ Bloggin\’ Mama (toddler bedtime)
160. Beth–Online Chores System
161. Lizzie (25 Ideas for Frugal Fun)
162. Sonja (texting)
163. Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing (Otoscope for Home Use)
164. Julie
165. Jeni (Keep track of baby socks!)
166. Elena@My Domestic Church Birthworks
167. pennypinchinmomma(responsible children)
168. Kristen (many recipes from one)
169. This Side of Eternity (Stamp Out Hunger)
170. care-in (fun date night idea)
171. Donielle @ Raising Peanuts (Nursing a Newborn)
172. DarcyLee (Greek Yogurt)
173. Jerri @ Jerri\’s Journey (Kitchen Essentials – Appliances)
174. Kirstin: Electric toothbrush with timer
175. Terri @ Funny Farm (almost Free Family Fun!)
176. Amy @ Tiny Blessings (useful freebies, not clutter)
177. Newlyweds (5th Gen Rice Farmers)
178. kartho (Salad Bar Dinner, first one!)
179. Jendi (TP tip)
180. Rona – Couple Shopping
181. Making This Home
182. Lindsay @ Passionate Homemaking (natural frugal stain & cleaning agent!)
183. Nichole (first chores)
184. Kristin (sorting laundry quickly)
185. Lazy Mom Leslie (jeans)
186. Rina Mama Bear Martha Stewarts BEST THINGS
187. Thoughts by Kim (Skin Care)
188. missy @ missysthrifty (uses for clothes pins)
189. Judy @ Frugal at Home (Coupon Organization)
190. Trixie (Ideas for Bloggers to Earn SwagBucks Referral)
191. Lauren @ Team Giles {Running}
192. Kristin -The Goat (Creative Envelope Labels)
193. Thia (degreasing bacon)
194. Our Nifty Notebook (Singing & Learning)
195. MemeGRL (StubHub)
196. TV Watching Mama (Ticking Nursery Clock)
197. Pam (reeses cup pie)
198. Melissa (hodge-podge)
199. Heather (Simple daily nag reducer)
200. Christine (kid getting sassy?)
201. Better is Little ~ Outside boot storage
202. bahama shores mama (library)
203. Kathryn
204. Melanie (freezer storage)
205. Christine @ becomingp31 (Mocha Meringues)
206. Courtney (how making a grocery list works for me)
207. BRC Banter (Make your own baking stone)
208. tutu (forward tips)
209. Meghan (detangle spray)
210. The Simple Life of the Boreings (Under the Sink Solution!)
211. Angie @ Annies Home (hand sanitizer)
212. Sarah@VintageChicHome(coupon organizing)
213. Heather (7th gr. Science)
214. Jessica @ Who Left The Light On? (Uses for Vinegar)
215. In…Fence (Keeping It Real)
216. Heather Kay (hummingbirds)
217. warillever (staying offline)
218. Michelle
219. Moms by Heart (FUN SUMMER AT HOME IDEAS)
220. Michelle (trying to conceive, part 3)
221. Christy @ One Little Word She Knew (dicing an onion)
222. Lisa @ The Owl\’s Nest (how to never forget birthday cards ever again)
223. mary
224. Shannon (Food Roots: where does your food come from?)
225. GROCERY CART CHALLENGE (homemade PB for $.98)
226. Penny @A Day in the Life at Our House(bloggy stuff)
227. Tanya (easy eggs)
228. cool dad (cool reusable shopping bags)
229. Keeping the Castle – toy organization
230. Kisses of Sunshine: Quick Stain Remover
231. Chic Critique (Choosing a Sunscreen)
232. Kelly @ Fruit of the Womb (teaching 3 yr old to read)
233. Adventures in Mommydom (assign a color)
234. Heather@Journey of Faith (paperback swap)
235. \’Becca (best sippy cups)
236. The 6 O\’Clock Stitch (Indoor Sandbox)
237. Condo Blues (burst water pipe)
238. Colleen – Mommy Always Wins (SEO tips)
239. Sharon-orange marmalade recipe
240. Holly @ A Mommy\’s Blessings (outdoor vinegar uses)
241. Diana @Be Home Happy
242. Em. @ GSF (Back Up Box)
243. Catherine @ Adventures in Domesticity (weighed bookmark)
244. Eden (dry skin remedy)
245. Overwhelmed Working Mom (Easy hot crab dip recipe)
246. angelina
247. Simply Sweet Home (giveaway)
248. Sandra @ A Lot of Savings (Snack Bag)
249. mom2fur (giftie box stuff)
250. Stephanie (Training My Daughters)
251. Wani ($170 giftcards for $13.50!)
252. Linda @ Ramblings of a Southern Belle (Shopping w/ 5 children)
253. Brittani\’s Holding Little Hands (creative birthday gifts)
254. All Things Cherished (new uses for toothpaste)
255. Tara @ Feels like Home (babysitting)
256. BandSP
257. Cheerios Underfoot-Make your own feltboards
258. Saving in Greenville ($1.95 for a $25 TARGET Gift Card!!)

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Setting the Tone of Your Home

7:00 am Bykristen

Our home is a busy place.

It’s noisy and bustling, sometimes dirty, always lived-in.

It’s not cold, chaotic or controlled.

It’s warm and welcoming and imperfect.

My hubby and I work very hard to set the tone of our home. We have made conscious choices to create a healthy atmosphere for our family.

The other night before bed, we were reading Moments With You: Daily Connections for Couples together. In it, Donna Otto, founder of Homemakers by Choice, writes, “parents are not called to be the thermometers in the home, but the thermostats…Thermostats don’t just read the temperature, they guide. They determine how warm or cool the home environment will be.”

It’s so true! We’ve found when there is tension in our marriage or when we are grumpy and discontent, so are our children. They are taking their cues from us.

We want our home to have purpose and direction. It has been six months since we took back control of the time we spent in our home. I was stressed about our hectic after-school schedule and TV and video games ruled our home.

I cannot tell you how much the tone has changed! The temperature is just right (disclaimer: we do have a 2 year old, so please take that into account).

How we changed the tone of our home:

Minimized TV and video games-We cut off the Cable (in the Family Room. Hubby and I still have basic cable in our bedroom) and we limit ALL screen time (TV, Wii, DS, etc.) to 30 minutes a day during the week. This was tough for my kids at first. But they acclimatized to the temperature after awhile and we have seen a complete turn around in their attitudes and even desire to watch TV.
Significantly reduced extracurricular activities-My kids are involved in Boy/Girl Scouts monthly and that’s it! We don’t do any sports or lessons, at all! I’m not opposed to these, but for us, it was just too much. Not only was it very expensive, we were constantly rushing from one activity to another after school. We reserve sports for the summer, where my kids can ‘try out’ a sport for six weeks through the YMCA. Around here, we are definitely in the minority since my kids haven’t found their sport (with private lessons), but they are 9 and nearly 7. The have plenty of time to pursue sports they really love in junior high and high school.
Family meals-We eat approximately six nights a week around our table, together. We cook and clean and talk, together. I love this time. A couple of nights a week, we use some conversation starters to make sure we’re communicating with our kids about issues they may be having (Here’s a great Character Building book) .
Utilize our time-Without the distractions of TV and activities, we have a lot of time on our hands. We spend much of it in our backyard, in our new garden, riding bikes, and taking walks. Baking and crafting have become family affairs. We love family movie night with popcorn and blankets. Without the expense of extracurricular activities, we set money aside to have special family nights at my kid’s favorite spots, monthly.
Using a Family calendar-We have a family calendar displayed in a central location. We keep track of our schedule as a whole and we pencil in family nights. This has really helped to alleviate confusion and prevented cramming too much into our schedules. When I see the calendar begin to fill up, I know when we need to say yes or no. A crazy schedule leads to chaos for our family!
Encouraging reading-My kids love to read. I love seeing them read. I secretly love catching them reading after hours under their covers with a flashlight. During this time of limited TV, I have seen an amazing love of books come alive in my kids. I’m going to be sharing more about this one in the next few weeks.
Enforcing a bedtime routine-One or both of us pray with our kids at bedtime. We snuggle and talk and whisper. We are also consistent with bedtime on weeknights.
Flexibility- All of these guidelines just become rules if we don’t have flexibility. We don’t want our home to be controlled and we don’t want to stifle our children’s energy. Everything we do is coupled with a spirit of flexibility. My kids have brightened at unplanned spontaneity and blossomed when we gave them a chance to voice their opinions.

We are not perfect and sometimes even our best laid plans go array. In those moments of chaos, I take a deep breath, think through how we got to that place and try to adjust the temperature in our home.

Because sometimes it’s too hot, other times it’s too cold. And every once in awhile, it’s just right.

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Snippets of My Day: 5:00 PM

5:00 pm Bykristen

7:00 AM

10:00 AM

2:00 PM

5:00 PM: This is how I get dinner ready….

I hook my toddler up…..

with a kitchen stool,
a dripping faucet,

a paintbrush,

and a little hiney showing (for my entertainment).

And yes, that is the third set of clothes she’s had on today.

I really don’t want to talk about it.

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Snippets of My Day: 2:00 PM

2:00 pm Bykristen

7:00 AM

10:00 AM

2:00 PM: Sharing Chapstick with her pet horse, the wall, and the back of my leg.

And generally, horsin’ around.

(Nap time only lasted an hour today!)

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Snippets of My Day: 10:00 AM

10:00 am Bykristen

7:00 AM Snippet

2:00 PM Snippet

I respect Dora, friend to toddlers. (Although just between us, she does seem a little young for a bra, but I can’t knock her modesty).

Hang in there girl. Nap time is coming!

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Snippets of My Day: 7:00 AM

7:00 am Bykristen

For your viewing pleasure, I thought I’d share some snippets of an ordinary day with the two year old in my life.

7:00 AM : Showing Momma how to apply eye makeup.

10:00 AM Snippet

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Garage Sale Meal

3:00 pm Bykristen

In an effort to buy more used instead of more new (and just so you know, I’ve failed at this more than I’ve succeeded in the past two weeks, but I am trying!), I’ve been shopping from some garages.

I’ve had a lot of fun and I’ve had some great kitchen finds. Here’s our favorite meal of the week!

New loaf pans for meatloaf to replace my old rusty ones: $.50 cents each:

An antique french fry cutter for a new family experiment: $1.50:

Experiment: successful!

A basket for my Artisan loaves of bread: $.50 cents

(Let me just say, thank you to all those who told me about this easy Artisan 5 minutes a day recipe on this post. I can’t wait to try all the other recipes!)

A White Mountain Electric Ice Cream Maker, $7:

(Retail $199!)

Homemade Butterfinger ice cream? Worth it’s weight in gold.

Go see what everyone else found this weekend at Rhoda’s !

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THAT Family Tree Society-Issue 39

7:00 am Bykristen

Pictures of the Week:

The Week in Review: Our oldest got a form of braces (to deal with a tongue thrusting problem) this week and so I took before and after pictures. My other kids wanted before pictures too. So, I snapped a before breakfast photo of my son and a before temper tantrum photo of my toddler.

Introduction into The Society: Please help me welcome Team Kollar to the Family Tree this week!

1. Tell us a little about your blog (name/reason why you blog):

My blog is titled Team Kollar…the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in everyday life. It’s called Team Kollar because when I started I didn’t know enough to not put my name right out there to tempt identity thieves. The subtitle refers to the daily fluctuation I experience between joy and defeat as a mom. I started our blog to journal our international adoption, but it has become a way to process my life.

2. How long have you blogging?

I started blogging in May of ’08. Before that I was on the computer twice a week. That’s changed just a little…

3. How would you define THAT family?

THAT family doesn’t get invited over to many homes for dinner. You hear them coming before you see them. And they leave a trail of Cheetos, laughter and ER bills behind them. They live in a perpetual state of chaos. They have a name for that chaos, they call it “fun”. One great thing about THAT family is they are really no different in private than they are in public, which accounts for all the embarrassing moments.

4. When did you discover you were a part of THAT family?

It’s hard to say. Maybe it was the stares from strangers in the grocery store. Or all the moms who would say to me when I told them about something my kids had said or done “Oh, that makes me feel so much better.” Could it have been when my son dictated a preschool paper about our family that said, “My mom likes to make macaroni and cheese. She talks on the phone. She likes to sleep a lot in the daytime”? One clue came when my child spit his quarter out of his mouth into the offering plate. Another clue, the time my toddler snapped a picture of me taking a shower. Add to all that the dog that greets visitors by nudging them in the crotch and I have undeniable evidence that we are THAT family. I should have known even before I had kids. The girl who snorts when she laughs and squirts in her pants when she laughs really hard was bound to have something interesting come from procreation. I am THAT mom so it’s no wonder I am the matriarch of THAT family.

5. Where can we find your blog?

http://teamkollar.blogspot.com

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DIYP #42 Dollar Store Bird Houses & Custom Dinnerware

7:00 am Bykristen

Spring passes quickly around these Southern parts, but I hold on for as long as I can. We go from cool to very hot overnight.

I leave my nests and birds up until the first of June.

Idea #1

I discovered small, unfinished little birdhouses at The Dollar Tree. There were a couple of different versions.

I also bought one package of pretty tissue paper:

I took advantage of my daughter’s favorite question, “Mom, can we do a craft?” And I had her cut the pink floral tissue into small squares.

I mixed ordinary Elmer’s white glue with a little water and grabbed a small paint brush.

The key to decoupage is using small pieces of paper and overlapping.

We also used a lot of glue since it dries clear.

My daughter made one and I made the other:

Idea #2

I saw this idea in my Better Homes & Garden 100 Decorating Ideas magazine and I knew I had to try it!

Buy (or use what you have) clear glass dinnerware from the Dollar Store.

I found a cute bird on a limb stencil at Wal Mart for $1.47.

The article suggests using glass paint. It can be found at most craft stores. (Since I was only using the plates for decorative purposes, I used the black acrylic paint I already had).

I taped the stencil to the back of the plate and painted.

Wouldn’t this be adorable with a Monogram?

I love the way this looks!!

Next week, I’m going to put my Dollar Store Ideas on hold and show you how this turned out:

I’m hooked on The Dollar Store and making my life beautiful with my crafty daughter!

Find some more Frugal Finds on this lovely Friday here!

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Filthy Rags

7:00 am Bykristen

My baby has a special blanket.

(It’s hard to find a photo without her holding it. I am happy to report that in the last two weeks the pacifier has been successfully banished for bedtime use only. Hallelujah).

The blanket was a gift from her Grandma when she was born. (My Mom has since sewn it into a small blanket because she constantly tripped, carrying it around the house).

The little blanket is her security.

And her constant companion. She carries it everywhere. She reaches for it in new situations. When she’s afraid or being corrected, she asks for it. It accompanies her to Sunday School and it helped her through her uncertainty in potty training.

Well. She’s two years old. So is her blankie.

And there’s just so much Tide can do.

I’ve laid hands on my dryer and prayed it would dry hotter and faster because we both needed her to have her blanket back during brief washing spells!

(Yes, I realize we have issues, but that’s not what this post is about).

I washed it with color safe bleach the other day and was proud of the results. It was still a little tattered, but it was clean and white again.

My Mom delivered a gift a few days later. She found a brand new blanket on Ebay, the same discontinued one my toddler loved.

And suddenly, her beloved blanket looked old and dirty, like a filthy rag.

It amazed me how white the new one looked in comparison:

My little girl’s reaction to her new blanket was precious. She looked at it closely, rubbed it to her face, dropped the old one and asked to take a nap!

She recognized the difference and she wanted the pristine blanket.

And I recognized that sometimes my heart looks like the old blanket. I try on my own to clean it up and make it new again. But when I compare it to God, it is shabby.

My own efforts of good works and deeds are fine, but they cannot clean my heart. They make me feel secure and I cling to them, but they do not transform me.

Only the Creator can make me new again when the hardships of this life fray my soul and unravel my resolve.

Only God. And when I compare the two of us, I crave the pristine.

Create in me a clean heart O, God.

Psalm 51:7 Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean, scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don’t look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails!

I believe in forgiveness. Do you?

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WFMW-Gift Stockpile

7:00 am Bykristen

I have a box in my closet. It’s stuffed full of toys and trinkets, baby gifts and gifts bags.

All the items have one thing in common: a clearance tag. This is my gift stockpile. Whenever I see deeply discounted (75% or more) items, I snatch them up and stockpile them.

Just this month, we have 7 birthday’s on the calendar, from cousins to teachers to best friends.

I love being able to grab gift bag fillers and on-the-spot presents, especially when the budget is tight. After holidays like Valentine’s Day and Easter, I like to pick up the tiny toys for party favors or little gifts for my own kids.

Having a gift stockpile works for me! Please make sure you mark calendar for WFMW: Frugal Edition two weeks from today, May 6, the first Wednesday of May. (During these economic times, I thought it would be helpful to share a frugal/money saving tip for any area of your life!)

{Thank you for joining me for WFMW! You can read the guidelines here.}

Have a Works-For-Me Wednesday tip you’d like to share? I’d love for you to join us! Please note that the links will close at 8 pm CST tonight, in order to keep away the spammers!

Was your link deleted? Click here.

Also: May 6th is a THEMED edition of WFMW: Please share your best FRUGAL tip!

Links have now closed. Please join us again next week!

Works for Me Wednesday Participants

1. It Feels Like Chaos (speed cleaning)
2. Kirsty@Momedy: Give yourself some CREDIT already!
3. Brianna @Heart(h) Management (Online Time Management)
4. Corrie @ “Cents”able Momma (Learn How to Shop at CVS)
5. Living With Lindsay (Errands w/ Toddlers Made Easy)
6. Kate @ Which Proverbs 14:1 Woman? (FREE Planner Download!)
7. the BLAH BLAH BLAHger (sassy dish gloves)
8. Monica @ DailyDwelling (meal planning)
9. This Side of Eternity ( saving on phone service)
10. Animators Wife (build a composter)
11. The Diaper Diaries (cooking tip)
12. Kristen (too much jell-o)
13. TrentTribe (freezing beans)
14. Muthering Heights
15. Real Life (REUSE for Earth Day!)
16. Kerry (Free 411 & Ice Cream)
17. Amy @ Finer Things (blog links)
18. 5intow (teaching toddler patience)
19. Frugal Tips to Be GREEN!
20. Holly@Hom
ebody (natural cleaning product)
21. Mom\’s Blog Resource (commenting dos and don\’ts)
22. Christy Klein (Perfect Cake Slices)
23. Raising Olives – (Free necklace for Mother\’s Day)
24. Kristin -The Goat (Fun Graphics!)
25. Homemaker Barbi (Easy Superhero Capes)
26. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (Planting Potatoes in a Container!)
27. ElizabethG (green and frugal)
28. Grace for Gayle (The Football Hold)
29. Sarah Mae (My Abortion Story)
30. Courtney (Juice Beauty Skin Care Giveaway!)
31. Mari (cutting cable cost)
32. Will Blog For Shoes (credit card alternative)
33. ilovemy5kids (Educational Tips and Helps)
34. Cooking During Stolen Moments (versatile rice balls)
35. A Simple Walk (table-less tablecloth)
36. Overwhelmed Working Mom (Quick-Easy-Delicious Turkey Recipe)
37. The Happy Housewife ~ No Television
38. Sunnymama (folding trampoline)
39. Green Baby Guide (Chocolate BEET cake!)
40. Weird, Unsocialized HS\’ers (Sharpie marker on dry erase)
41. Small Town La Girl (Learn CPR)
42. Anita (10 Reason Why I Blog)
43. Here\’s The Diehl (gift lists)
44. Sara @ Learning the Frugal Life (Compost Box)
45. Tonya (Fine Motor Skills Practice)
46. Many Little Blessings (Simple Cleaning to Get Rid of Germs)
47. Donna @ WayMoreHomemade (Sourdough Bread)
48. Abel (7 Excellent Breastfeeding Benefits For Mothers)
49. Just Mom (Necklace Organizer)
50. FishMama @ LifeasMOM (reusable grocery bags)
51. Tasha @ Hectic Calm (Spray Paint)
52. Heather @ JustDoingMyBest (dinner conversation idea part 2)
53. Glennda (Command Center)
54. Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam(Frugal Fashionista)
55. Jena (Organizing Mommy) hospitality
56. Such The Spot (laundry room makeover)
57. Home School Dad (respite care and giveaway)
58. Mommy\’s Idea Book (Freezing Casseroles)
59. Amy (How To Get A Ring Off)
60. My Frugal Adventures: Uses for mushy apples.
61. Amy @ muddy boots (earn a DATE NIGHT)
62. Lisa @ Moore Minutes (Tips on Procrastination)
63. The Messy Mom (cloth diaper routine vlog)
64. Dawn@MHSH (adding borders to photos)
65. Our Nifty Notebook (Weight Watchers)
66. Jen (Earth Day GIVEAWAY!!)
67. Health Begins With Mom (Salad Tips)
68. Sarah Eliza @ devastateboredom (“helping” naughty pets behave)
69. Mrs. Petrie (tip GIVEAWAY)
70. The Momma Bird (using milk to remove ink stains)
71. Beautiful Calling (More Green $$)
72. GROCERY CART CHALLENGE (save on battery expenses)
73. DomesticFashionista (Window Treated Walls)
74
. Sandra @ A Lof of Savings (Reading Blogs)
75. Sassy Gal
76. Lisa@ Elbows (Here Piggy, Piggy)
77. the southern mama-decoupage
78. Molly Green (cash for groceries)
79. Better is Little ~ J-O-Y
80. Audra Krell (Greens)
81. The Prudent Homemaker (Home Canning)
82. Heidi @ Blue Eyed Blessings (themed birthday parties)
83. Relishing Life (Spending Time with Family)
84. Teaching Children about Earth Day!
85. Amy @ Living Locurto (Printable Meal List)
86. se7en (Why don\’t children play anymore?)
87. The Prudent Homemaker (Gardening for Less)
88. *Michelle* (Earth Day gift for the birds)
89. Tracey @ Girls to Grow (Computer Schedule)
90. Girls in White Dresses (expose kids to ethnic foods)
91. Sandy @Jesus & Dark Chocolate (Easy dinner idea!)
92. Beth @ A Mom\’s Life (Getting rid of monsters at bedtime)
93. Lori (HTML tutorials)
94. BusyMom (cleaning house)
95. Tara @ Feels like Home (honey maple pork chops)
96. Jolanthe (Emergency Binder: Family Information Sheet)
97. Katie (Healthy Kids & a Giveaway)
98. MC (non-toxic ant Killer
99. steadymom.com (preschool play)
100. Sarah ~ A Beach Cottage (painting vintage thrifted suitcases
101. Multi-Tasking Mommy (remember birthdays)
102. Everything Moms (Using what you have for birthday parties)
103. Sandra (alphabet learning tools)
104. LFinn (one-car family)
105. KLee (outside play inside!)
106. Alicia (easy kid entertainment)
107. Sandra (rainy day ideas)
108. Kama (fav frugal stores)
109. MY TASTY FLOP – Kelly the Kitchen Kop
110. Becky (family almanac and grades)
111. Counting Sprinkles (Tangled Hair)
112. Aubrey (fondue!)
113. CommonCentsMom (Earth Day)
114. Beth@Not a Bow in Sight (Quiet Time)
115. Journey Towards Green (Kids Consignment)
116. Katy (Delicious Tortillas)
117. Bailey\’s Leaf (Kmart Double Coupons)
118. Stephanie (Making homemade cleaners)
119. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (FREE Weekly Bible eCharts)
120. Hoosier Homemade(Recycling)
121. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (FREE Gift Cards and More)
122. Newlyweds (Sponge-bob Square Pants_
123. Shannon (urban or rural homesteading)
124. Bloom Where You\’re Planted! (school organization)
125. Parenting The Tiniest Of Miracles (Sleeping Throught the Night For $5)
126. Candace (Allowance)
127. PapuaGirl (drinks from around the world)
128. songbirdtiff (how to hang laundry)
129. Jennifer (TV and internet)
130. Watch Nena Save – DIY Recipe Book
131. Fly Away Family (Kid Art Display Storage)
132. Lynn (spicy pork tostadas)
133. Bahama Shores Mama(Earth Day: line dry)

134. Gretchen (my new cleaning friend!)
135. Kristen@PajamaMama (tissue box uses)
136. The Shabby Chic Cottage (Yard Sale Beauty)
137. In the Lord\’s Path (Kitchen Organization)
138. Melonie K. (GIVEAWAY: books worked for me!)
139. Lazy Mom Leslie (Vacation for Mom)
140. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet (Good Steward and Going Green!)
141. Holly @ A Mommy\’s Blessings (special helper)
142. exhale. return to center. (daycare dinners)
143. Jeni (BEST shampoo/conditioner)
144. Sheila ~ To Love, Honor and Vacuum (making exercise more fun. Seriously.)
145. Carol @SheLives (Save your earrings!)
146. Kitchen Stewardship (Training Kids in the Kitchen)
147. Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing (kitchen scissors)
148. QAMom – storing old kids clothes
149. Free 2 Be Frugal (snack baskets)
150. pennypinchinmomma ( yes, mom)
151. Amy @ Tiny Blessings (free tote today only)
152. emily (shopping list organization)
153. Samantha (convention tips)
154. Effortless Savings (One Car Household)
155. Buffie (Antibiotic side effects)
156. Julie Stiles Mills (easy garlic toast)
157. Beverly ( Iced coffees)
158. Centimental One (what you can get for $6)
159. FamilyMakesCents (Ideas for free Magazines, All You)
160. Mama Squirrel (Grocery tip)
161. Julie From Inmates (Cheap Meals)
162. The Renaissance Wench (Olive Oil Face Wash)
163. Christine (spark your kids\’ creativity)
164. karen @ Mommy, I\’m Home (natural wood polisher)
165. Sandy Toe(Making Family silhouttes)
166. Beth (Make Ahead Breakfast)
167. Kari (Socks)
168. Melanie (Math Trick)
169. SingleIncomeDualKids(Stop Kids Throwups)
170. Michelle (TTC journal)
171. TheEckLife-Unfinished wood
172. missy @ missysthrifty (Earth Day)
173. TV Watching Mama (Magic Eraser)
174. Thrifty Jinxy (Earth Day Free Bag)
175. justanotherdayinparadise (tracking weight loss/fitness goals)
176. MemeGRL (no-touch bathrooms)
177. Beth @ Adventures in Frugal Homemaking
178. Frugal Carol – Going Green..
179. Diane@Momtomonkeys (Trash to Treasure!)
180. Joy(Unplugging in the Home)
181. Gwen – Earth Day tips
182. Thoughts by Kim
(Household Cleaners)
183. Ann\’Re @ Home (Recycle Coffee Grounds)
184. Jerri @ Jerri\’s Journey (Kitchen Essentials-Cookware)
185. Joanna @ Grace In The Home (Creative Exercise Ideas)
186. Kirstin: free books
187. Susan @ Feeling Frugal (My Cosmetic Caddy)
188. Lizzie (simple healthy substitutions)
189. Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet-Different methods for lacto-fermenation explained)
190. Sandwiched (Video to make your day!)
191. Sarah @ Short Stop (GET THEM TO EAT THE END PIECES!)
192. Jess (consignment sales, getting started)
193. Michelle @ Saving Some Green (consignment sales for kids stuff)
194. melissa * 320 sycamore (having a yard sale)
195. Moneywise Moms (Designated Messy Space)
196. Tanna (Organized Hair Accessories)
197. Aunt LoLo (Grow Green Onions)
198. Rachael @ Beans & Rice (when pregnant call in the maid(s)
199. The Cozy Country Home (Kids Travel Packs)
200. DarcyLee@In This Season (tutorials)
201. Amber @ Classic Housewife (free Sonic Kids Meal)
202. Jenn (End To Saggy Drawers)
203. Erin @ Closing Time (Best Travel Potty Seat)
204. Kept Woman (Box Tops 4 Education -updated)
205. Jennifer (reduce your carbon footprint)
206. Sharon (Stuff and kids…)
207. Cyndi (weekly homeschool binders)
208. Sarah (annother use for shoe organizer)
209. Nicole @ Paiges\’ Place (Popeye\’s Dinner…cheap)
210. Photo Journey
211. Jessica @ Who Left The Light On? (DIY Recipe Card Holder)
212. Penny Raine 25 uses for canning jars
213. From the Desk of a Princess (Make Your Own Book)
214. Angie @ Annies Home (prom on a budget)
215. Not So Perfect(old makeup)
216. Christi @ The Journey (toothfairy pillows)
217. Superchikk (Keepsakes)
218. Joni (Shopping the Sales)
219. Rebecca at Turned Loose (memory journal)
220. Daily Delights (dresser organization)
221. The Masked Mommy (art room)
222. Kaycee (Barely Buzzed Cheese)
223. Veggiemomof2(orange)
224. Lauren (cheap stain removal)
225. Mary
226. OneDayatATime(prettyeating)
227. Peggy @ rainberryblue (dust off the coin jar)
228. Smockity Frocks (poster print giveaway)
229. UnfinishedMom (Kids\’ Sleeping Buddies)
230. Ashley(easy side/dessert)
231. 11arrows(homeschool money saver)
232. Valencia @ Buildeth Her House
233. \’Becca (gerbils shred documents!)
234. Kara(easy, pretty spice organization)
235. LaVonne (Bags and Bottles)
236. LANA (Frugal baby proofing)
237. Catherine (blast from the past)
238. Heather@Journey of Faith (“green” fabric softener)
239. Jan (garden)
240. Carolyn (oat groats)
241. Cilla
242. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places (Dinner and Freezing!)
243. Lisa @ The Owl\’s Nest (prep days)
244. Sonshine(plastic ice cream pails)
245. Sarah (removing mildew)
246. 4 Sweet Sisters- Hanging Garden Onions
247. Lauren @ Home with Olivia
248. Colleen – Mommy Always Wins (Feedburner)
249. Angie (sleep solutions for 2 yr old early bird)
250. Fairion – sheet protectors
251. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places (Buying clothes without breaking the bank!)
252. Cardamom\’s Pod
253. Cardamom\’s Pod (homemade microfiber cloths)
254. In the Dailies (Guacamole mix & Taco Ring recipe!)
255. Gina (making your own household cleaners)
256. Make Your Own Knitter\’s Graph Paper
257. Jill (MOMS Club)
258. Janel (forcing spring bulbs – hints & summer prep)
259. SimplyGrandCentral(LAUNDRY TIP)
260. Meghan (Green Freezer Containers)
261. Amy @ MomsToolbox (Recycled Magazine Giveaway)
262. Abbi (Fun for my little ones)
263. Mozi Esme (toddler activities)
264. Houstonmom (Blueberry Pineapple Delight)
265. Household Management 101 (laundry supplies)
266. Alicia (No mess popsicles)

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LaBella Hand Stamped Jewelry {Giveaway w/2 Winners}

7:00 am Bykristen

*Updated* I’m happy to announce the TWO winners for this wonderful giveaway! Congrats to Jennifer and Rhoda!

One of the unexpected highlights of this blog, is discovering beautiful handmade items and the creative ladies behind them.

I wanted to memorialize a momentous event in our oldest child’s life last month: her baptism.

Water baptism is taken seriously in our faith and I knew my sweet girl would remember this moment forever:

I wanted to help her capture it.

LaBella Jewels helped me etch this significant moment into our hearts forever. Christina generously created this lovely necklace for my daughter. But it was a gift for me:

This side has the date of her Baptism, the other has her name, a cross charm and Swarovski crystal.

LaBella Jewels offers a huge selection of absolutely lovely hand stamped designs.

Here are a few more of my favorites:

LaBella Jewels is offering TWO $50 gift certificates to two fortunate readers. Please check out her wonderful store and tell me what you love.

This giveaway closes on Thursday.

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I’m Reluctant, Again

6:00 am Bykristen

Sharing my thoughts on lazy entertaining over at 4 Reluctant Entertainers…..

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I Made Bread

7:00 am Bykristen

I told y’all I wanted to create a more frugal home. And I’m starting with the basics.

I googled “easy homemade bread” with emphasis on the word easy.

I found a great recipe.

I think it would have been perfect if I’d followed the recipe exactly.

But I forgot to add salt. Turns out that is a very important ingredient. Who knew?

The loaf was also very hard (like a brick, according to my son) from over kneading, I learned.

We dipped the loaf in salted olive oil with cracked pepper. We ate every bite (even though it tasted like Communion). We’re not picky.

My hubby likes to tackle challenges. He found this recipe for a no-knead crusty bread. It is very easy, but requires some advanced planning because it involves 12-18 hours of rising.

But it is delicious:

We made a rye and a beer bread version.

We have become bread making machines.

Our latest attempt?

Wheat.

My hubby wanted to perfect the shape and so he used a large saucepan for baking.

This is what he got:

Oh, and this:

P.S. My hubby burned his hand last weekend. I waited to post this to make sure his burns healed. Oh, and his ego.

Disclaimer: Someone was harmed in the making of this post. But did you really expect less?

I don’t think so.

Are you a bread-maker too? Tell me how you make it!

It turns out that this is bread week ! Go share your recipes!

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THAT Family Tree Society-Issue 38

7:00 am Bykristen

Picture of the Week:

The Week in Review: Someone finally got rid of that unsightly chin hair. (This is just a small sampling of the things my busy two year old got in to this week!)

Introduction into The Society: Let’s give a fun welcome to Kim of Thoughts by Kim!

1. Tell us a little about your blog (name/reason why you blog):

I initially started blogging to document my journey through weight loss surgery, but it has become so much more – I’ve been able to share things about myself that I normally wouldn’t. It has brought me friends all over the country that are truly precious, and has kept lots of people in touch with what is going on in my life. Right now, my blog’s focus is changing from being purely a weight loss journey (92 pounds lost so far) into my journey of becoming more spiritually mature… also working toward becoming a survivor of infertility.

2. How long have you blogging?

I’ve been blogging since March of 2007. But, it seems like much longer. I completed the blog 365 challenge in 2008, and am continuing on to blog as often as I have content…

3. How would you define THAT family?

THAT family is really inevitable – we all become THAT family from time to time… there are moments when we all want to crawl in a cave because of the crazy antics of our gene pool.

4. When did you discover you were a part of THAT family?

I never noticed it growing up because it just seemed normal, but as I’ve gotten older… the people I’m related to just get weirder. We have obsessive tendencies – so some of us are obsessed with self help books, some with other things, but we take it all to the extreme. Just like the first time my sister tried a salad bar… and used ALL of the different dressings. Then, you count in my in-laws, and it’s just one crazy antic after another. My husband grew up in the country – so you know there are great storie
s that come out of those experiences.

5. Where can we find your blog?

You can find me at Thoughts by Kim

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide

6:45 pm Bykristen

The following are the many fabulous Mom stores I’ve featured on my blog for the past year. I get a lot of emails that start with “One time you had this giveaway and…” If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift, start here!

Jewelry

MelliB Handmade Jewelry

Home Decor

Personalized

Creative Blessings by Stacey

With a Southern Flare

Unique

Services

Sitter Socials (babysitters)

I thought I’d also share some of my favorite Amazon finds for Mother’s Day:

Monogram Trivet

For when you’re not wearing (Flip Flops )

Polka Dot Apron

Nifty Monogrammed Travel Insulated Tumbler

Sassy flip flops

Country Living (1-year)

A gorgeous Cloche

New Dot Beach Tote

Funny Shirt Don’t Make Me Get Out My Flying Monkeys

Every Mom needs these for Boo Boos

If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:

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DIYP#41-Dollar Store Art

7:00 am Bykristen

Welcome to my new DIY series! For the next couple of months, I’ll be sharing some very inexpensive home decor ideas. All of the items I’ll be using cost $1.00 (per item). They are from The Dollar Tree, The Dollar Spot (at Target) or Wal Mart.

I wanted to bring a little Spring to the Master bedroom. I have a picture ledge and needed some art, on a Dollar Store budget.

Here’s what I did:

I bought 3 wooden frames for $1 each. I removed the backing and glass and spray painted them cream to match my room.

I gathered some of my scrapbook paper (if you don’t have any, you can buy it by the sheet for just cents).

WalMart carries a fantastic Martha Stewart line in the craft section. I picked up a package of glitter bird stickers (you can use any stickers, just buy large, unique ones) Here are some Gardenia Stickers by Martha Stewart stickers for less than $1:

Once my frames dried, I cut the patterned paper to fit the frames. I placed the fun sticker in the middle of the paper and put the frame back together.

I love the way my art set turned out!

Total cost for the one-of-a-kind art collection: $6 for the collection ($2 each)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some fabulous DIY ideas from around the Internet:

~A fantastic kitchen makeover (my real life friend)

~Amazing homemade garland (love this frugal idea!)

~Spring silhouettes (I want to try to make these)

If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:

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Maybe I Need a New Motto

6:00 am Bykristen

I was surprised to see my motto on a bag of Moo-Nure my hubby brought home for our urban garden the other day:

close up: We are Number 1 in the Number 2 Business

Ahem.

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The Tea Party

9:00 pm Bykristen

I don’t consider myself a protester.

As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’ve demonstrated against anything.

I’m a good girl. Usually.

Oh, except for that one time in college. In a bizarre move, my fellow classmates voted me onto the Homecoming Court my senior year.

My small school wasn’t impressed with the slit in my formal dress. (Don’t look at me like that. It was a small slit, but it was Bible College).

So, I protested the dress code.

I won. (Not the crown, just the right to wear my scandalous dress!)

Plus, just between us, I didn’t wear a bra either. My Dad/escort had no idea.

But that’s the only declaration I’ve made.

That and taking down BlogHer ads last week.

Oh, never mind. I admit it: I am rebellious, an extremist, an activist. These days, also known as a Conservative.

And I guess that’s exactly why I drove my minivan and small children to a Tea Party on Tax Day.

I’m really not a political person. I’m ashamedly ignorant on most issues. I don’t like conflict. And I like for everyone to get along and play nice.

I’m a Mom.

And I’m seriously sick of all the excessive spending for the past 8 years and new oppressive control from our government.

I attended because:

I want it to stop.

I want to be heard.

I want my children to have a future.

And I thought there was a strong chance there would be sweet tea.

At the tea party.

Do you think this nationwide move will make a difference? For it, against it, Talk to me. (P.S. I don’t intend to turn political on you, first and last post about it. I’m already thinking about posts on poop!)

If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:

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WFMW-Fresh Flowers

7:00 am Bykristen

I love fresh cut flowers arranged beautifully in a vase.

Who doesn’t? (if you don’t, that was rhetorical, I’m making a point here)

But if you’re like me, only a special occasion warrants such a gift. Flowers are expensive and that’s why my arrangements are usually made of tiny weeds, given with love by my children!

Lately, I’ve notice our little corner grocery store has had an abundance of flowers and they are consistently marking down the bright bunches of posies to $4.99 or less! But I’m drawn to the scrawny sets for $1.99. My inner bargain queen is my guide.

Now, I realize flowers are marked down because their days are numbered. But I have a secret recipe that makes flowers last longer!

Mix 2 Tablespoons sugar with 2 Tablespoons white vinegar.

Stir until sugar is dissolved and pour mixture into water.

I used small bud vases for my small package of flowers when I had company a few weeks ago.

My $1.99 set spread cheer to several rooms!

And these flowers lasted all week!

{Thank you for joining me for WFMW! You can read the guidelines here.}

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Also: May 6th is a THEMED edition of WFMW: Please share your best FRUGAL tip!

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Works for Me Wednesday Participants

1. Kirsty@Momedy (NO SEW Window Treatments!)
2. It Feels Like Chaos (remove stains)
3. Brianna @Heart(h) Management (The “Think-Ahead” Skill)
4. Animators Wife (finding lost cell phone)
5. Amy @ Finer Things (no rise pizza crust)
6. Homemaker Barbi (Guide to Ground Beef)
7. Smockity Frocks (Earn Free Target/Amazon Gift Cards)
8. Raise Them Up (NEW low voltage LEDs)
9. Heather @ Just Doing My Best (dinner conversation)
10. Living With Lindsay (Perfect Coffee Tumbler)
11. 5intow (keeping kids\’ rooms clean)
12. steadymom.com (a moody mama)
13. Raising Olives (Creative uses for glassware)
14. Mom\’s Blog Res
ource (Reader Friendly Blog Post)
15. The Diaper Diaries (Swaddling and GIVEAWAY!!)
16. TrentTribe (no more bedhead)
17. Bake at 350 (organizing cookie cutters)
18. Tanna (Organizing Jewelry)
19. Rachel @ Must Share… (Defrosting Meat in the Crockpot)
20. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!)
21. Green Baby Guide (Earth Day Resolutions)
22. Amy @ MomsToolbox (FREE New Testament download)
23. Megret (the perfect cup of coffee)
24. Many Little Blessings (best free toy ever!)
25. Laryssa @Heaven In The Home (Local Food)
26. Julie @ Organizement ( reasons to have cake!)
27. Kate@Which Proverbs 14:1 Woman: Water Pitchers
28. Denise @ Full Nest (video collection)
29. Anita (They Could Work For You Too)
30. Maya (Sunscreens that work)
31. the BLAH BLAH BLAHger (adding character to your home)
32. so much shouting, so much laughter (infuse vodka)
33. mama2tlc (child abuse prevention)
34. Mrs. Petrie @ Casa Petrie
35. Holy Experience (Easy, Creative, Tasteful Displayay Kid\’s Art)
36. Donna@WayMoreHomemade (Kitchen Clean Up)
37. Abel (10 Practical Home Energy Savings Tips – In Conjunction With Earth Day)
38. Kim @ Forever Wherever {painting pots}
39. sarah-intentional toddler time
40. SmallTownLaGirl is Saving Money!
41. Katy
42. Joyful Johnsons (kids\’ cups)
43. GETTING EVERYTHING DONE!-Kelly the Kitchen Kop
44. Tonya (Using You-Tube in Homeschooling)
45. ElizabethG (frugal cooking resources)
46. Alana @ Gray Matters – art cart
47. Thrifty Jinxy (Save $$ on Milk)
48. Sunnymama (frugal play kitchen)
49. Erin @ Closing Time (pizza cutter ideas)
50. Effortless Savings (5 Freezer Meals in 3 Hours)
51. Chocolate
52. Mom\’s Magic (small item, BIG help)
53. CHEESESLAVE (Got Osteoporosis? Drink Raw Milk!)
54. GROCERY CART CHALLENGE (How To Save Hundreds On Laundry)
55. Audra Krell (Heroes)
56. Weird, Unsocialized HS\’ers (30 Minute Rule)
57. Chief Family Officer (Tracking tax deductible donations)
58. Sharon @ Because I Must (frugal fabric softener)
59. Sincerely Anna (broken light bulb)
60. Melonie K. (homemade fitness)
61. SimplySara (homemade birthday cakes)
62. What\’s Cooking (easy shredded beef tacos)
63. Tina (Reusable Shopping Bag Tip)
64. Saving Cents with Sense (Saving on Kids Clothes)
65. FishMama @ LifeasMOM (My Baking Drawer)
66. Our Nifty Notebook (PB Jars)
67. Katy (Pillow Hog)
68. Courtney (Opting out of Yellow and White Pages!)
69. Monica @ DailyDwelling (WordPress Plug-ins)
70. Cooking During Stolen Moments (boxless brownies)
71. Keeping the Castle
72. A Simple Walk (better than anything)
73. Lindsay @ Passionate Homemaking (Swaddling your babies!)
74. Daiquiri (crochet a dishcloth)
75. Kirstin: Sharing your Harvest
76. Kara (Home Depot Curtains)
77. Lisa @ Moore Minutes (DIY Unique flower arrangement)
78. Julie (Make I made a little extra cash)
79. The Prudent Homemaker (Tomato Basil Soup)
80. Sandra @ A Lot of Savings (Reading the Bible in a Year)
81. Susan@SmithandFoster
82. momstheword (facing the Room of Doom)
83. MyFrugalAdventures (Super quick tip to make life easier)
84. Upstatemomof3
85. Summer @ Fun Food (Baby Food Containers)
86. Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates (Guest Posting)
87. the southern mama
88. Just MEtheMOM(mini makeover)
89. Tracey @ Girls to Grow (Morning Routine)
90. mub (SnapLinks)
91. exhale. return to center. (letting kids help)
92. Sandy @Jesus & Dark Chocolate((delicious,EASY,dessert recipe)
93. Kim ( Microwaveless Popcorn Video)
94. Girls in White Dresses (mystery shopping)
95. BusyMom (toddler independence)
96. Fairion -Freecycle
97. Tara @ Feels like Home (Redecorating w/kid art)
98. Gina ($9 Cottage “Chandlier”)
99. CommonCentsMom (Holding Myself Accountable Online)
100. Shannon (salmon cakes with lemon-caper butter)
101. sarah at i blame mom (first baby foods)
102. Camian Academy (Talking About the Day)
103. Jen @ sabbatical mom (Mommy Journal)
104. MC (Buying Books)
105. Anne @ TEACHING TWO
106. Fiddledeedee (Fun Fusion Craft)
107. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet (Cutting up!)
108. Stephanie (Dishsoap in Disguise..You\’ll love it!)
109. Gretchen (Staying Home)
110. Becky (organizing spices)
111. Moneywise Moms (Social Networking Old School)
112. Beautiful Calling: Learning Poster
113. Hoosier Homemade(Coffee)
114. Alicia (wardrobe essentials)
115. KLee (shopping for home decor)
116. Kama (staycations)
117. Sara @ Learning the Frugal Life (frugal decorating)
118. Liz @ Frugally Blonde (Saving Money on Baby Food)
119. Bailey\’s Leaf (Transplanting Seedlings)
120. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (GOURMET DRIZZLE POPCORN))
121. Angela-Web Browser Security
122. homemade dishwashing detergent
123. Newlyweds (Easter & Cuteness)
124. ET @ Titus2:3-5 (sibling rivalry)
125. Val@Team Hill
126. Kelli (generic diapers)
127. Suzanne (cheap and safe stain removal)
128. Val@Team Hill (Crayons Stay ON THE PAPER!)
129. Multi-Tasking Mommy (movie review/rating site)
130. Parenting the Tiniest of Miracles (Motivation to Play Outside)
131. pennypinchinmomma (cookbook clutter)
132. Tanya (using sheets for other things)
133. Vanessa @ Simple Bliss (No Space for a Mudroom?)

134. Sarah Mae (How To Talk To Your Kids About Sex)
135. emily (“homemade” salsa)
136. Kitchen Stewardship (Homemade Yogurt, no dishes, no fuss!)
137. Beth@Not a Bow in Sight ( 3 Day Potty Training!)
138. Lisa (Organized Pantry)
139. The 6 O\’Clock Stitch (Wonderfully Simple Activities)
140. Kari – Tax Day/Roses Edition
141. Musings of a Housewife (Buttermilk)
142. Carol @SheLives
143. Julie From Inmates
144. Sheila ~ To Love, Honor and Vacuum (Getting Kids to Clean Up After Themselves!)
145. CENTS TO GET DEBT FREE (SAME PRODUCT-HALF PRICE!)
146. songbirdtiff (speedy salad)
147. Counting Sprinkles (Make money online)
148. Lori (Laundry Apron)
149. Sonshine(sharing meals)
150. Lynn (banana muffin)
151. Janel (homemade Panera-style broccoli cheese soup)
152. Kate\’s Kitchen: yogurt pops
153. Scott (Controlling Sports Balls In Garage)
154. Ginger (More workbox ideas)
155. Christy (break rules, lose weight)
156. Lori (Mom Agenda)
157. Mari (spot cleaning carpet)
158. Bloom Where You\’re Planted! (baking soda for stings)
159. Melissa (potty training)
160. FamilyMakesCents (Planting & Saving)
161. Ginger (Getting Reaquainted with Palates WFM!)
162. Superchikk (Toy Storage)
163. Lisa @ JoyousFrugalFamily (Fish Recipe)
164. Pam @BeyondJustMom (Parenting Book Giveaway!)
165. Jen @ What\’s Shakin\’? (using up leftover chicken)
166. Rona – Free Rent (Job Benefit)
167. Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect (making new friends)
168. 4 sweet sisters- reusable egg storage
169. Paula @ Organizing Tips (Give Love, Not STUFF!)
170. Angela @ Simply Practical – (Starting with baby steps)
171. New Diva (Soup Help, and a Contest)
172. Household Management 101 (decode your laundry care labels)
173. Heather @ Not a DIY Life (toddler rainy day play)
174. Jeni (Stickers = Quiet Toddler)
175. Fly Away Family (Flying with Kids)
176. Michelle (trying to conceive)
177. t="_blank">Thoughts by Kim (Sensitive Eyes)
178. Kept Woman (Egg/Milk Free Waffles)
179. In…Fence (Barrettes & Clippies)
180. SingleIncomeDualKids(Buying Coupons On ebay)
181. Julie (television)
182. Amy @ Tiny Blessings (marking photos)
183. Erika (Eggs what to do with them)
184. From the Desk of a Princess (Beauty Tips)
185. Kaycee (30*5)
186. Christy @ Mercy Every Morning (learn the Preamble)
187. Samantha (Cheesy Potatoes)
188. Joy (Bubbly good fun)
189. Petersonclan (Bible Memory)
190. Jerri @ Jerri\’s Journey (Kitchen Essentials-Baking)
191. PapuaGirl (CRUNCHY roasted potatoes)
192. Jackie
193. Beth (frozen fruit treats)
194. Lauren @ Home with Olivia (Daily Chores)
195. Marcia@Frugalhomekeeping(Tame tangled Computer Cord Mess)
196. Amy @ muddy boots (PICKING A BABY\’S NOSE)
197. Kacie (Work lunch tip)
198. Christine @ becomingp31
199. Kerry (FARMER\’S MARKET TIPS)
200. Amanda (organizing toddler hair accessories)
201. Houstonmom (coconut oil granola)
202. April (Auctions)
203. Michelle @ Saving Some Green (Perfect, uniform deviled eggs)
204. Joni (Menu Planning)
205. Christy Klein (Uses 4 Toothpaste)
206. lisa
207. Cathy (Freezer Cooking Series!)
208. Jackie @ Blessings Overflowing (recipe binder)
209. UnfinishedMom (Kitchen Cheat Sheet)
210. Penny Raine
211. Leanne (Kids and getting ahead)
212. Lauren (Adventure Days)
213. Team Giles {Snackity Snack}
214. Gloriana (strategic couponing)
215. Christine (braiding African American hair)
216. Wendy (healthier cream soup)
217. angie @ Annies Home
218. All Things Cherished (free homeschool resources)
219. Sharon (Handwriting help)
220. Jennifer (think things through)
221. Catherine (mulit-use sauce cups)
222. Jaime (ChaseNKids)
223. Apron Strings Aflutter – Homemade Brown Sugar
224. Amy (Keep Your Fridge Cold)
225. Peggy @ rainberryblue (a little preparation)
226. Meshellyn (Saving Money)
227. Sandwiched (Perfect rainy-day lunch)
228. Jolanthe @ No Ordinary Moments (Emergency Plan Binder)
229. Wanda (a fun giveaway)
230. Mom2ThreeAdoptedSibs (Flourless Fruity Breakfast Cookies)
231. Amber @ Classic Housewife (Picky Eating Kiddos)
232. Maria(Sticker Poster)
233. \’Becca (veggie tray leftovers)
234. LaVonne (StatCounter is Cool)
235. Donielle @ Raising Peanuts (post partum recovery)
236. Carlee @ 3mooses (Kids Room)
237. Veggiemomof2 (cake)
238. Jessica (pancakes in the oven)
239. NapTime Solutions @ SimplyKristen
240. Amanda @ MommaNotes (refried beans)
241. Aubrey (Gluten free chocolate cake)
242. Jessica @ Who Left The Light On? (Make a Cake Stand for $2)
243. Keren (YouData: A Great Way to Earn Weekly Payments via Paypal)
244. Saving in Greenville ($1.95 for a $25 TARGET Gift Card!!)
245. Kara(egg substitue for baking)
246. Mumologic (surviving the NEXT recession)
247. Christine @ Lily of the Valley (Homeschool Curricula Sales)
248. Michelle @ Momstoppable (making my own custom cut meats)
249. Heather@Journey of Faith (once a month cooking)
250. se7en (Easy science observation ideas)
251. Journey Towards Green (Recalled Crib)
252. ChickyMama@ Happy Little House (The Whiny Switch)
253. 4 sweet sisters- Pectin ??? Please help!
254. La (Closet // Jewelry Solution)
255. Beulah — coupon organizing
256. Holly@ A Mommy\’s Blessings (Year round “spring” clean)
257. Gwen – Post Easter Chocolates
258. Runningamuck (DIY no slip rugs)
259. Melissa (Greener kitchen sponges)
260. Buffie (Monthly Budgeting)
261. Kristi_runwatch (weekly cleaning routine)
262. Jan (Trop50)
263. Mozi Esme (toddler ABC school)
264. Becky B (pizza dough)
265. Kelly (Shoe Box)
266. Tara@Not So Perfect(nonfat)

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I Love Handmade Soap {Giveaway}

11:00 am Bykristen

*UPDATE* Congrats to Bridget! You won some delicious soap!

I love homemade.

There’s just something very special about crafting a gift in your home to give away or use for your family.

I’ve been experimenting at home-making for the last few weeks and I’m learning so much. (I’ll be sharing my homemade bread woes and victories soon!)

Soap is an item I’ve never tried to make, but I love using homemade soap. I love the texture, the scent, the craft.

All natural cold process 4 oz fig soap limited quantity

Sofya’s Words is a sweet Etsy store that offers shoppers a wonderful assortment of soaps and personalized calligraphy prints. Go have a look and tell me what you’d choose with the $25 gift certificate one of you will win!

This Espresso Chocolate soap not only has my mouth watering, but I’m also craving a hot bath!

All Natural Cold Process Soap 4 oz Espresso Chocolate

Check out my other Mom Store giveaway going on right now!

This giveaway will end on Thursday.

If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:

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Six o’clock Stitch {Giveaway}

7:00 am Bykristen

*UPDATE* Woot! We have a winner! Congratulations to Ginny.

I try to bring y’all the best Mom stores and giveaways! It’s my own personal quest to share the most adorable stores out there. Because I like adorable.

And today is no exception.

Recently I removed BlogHer ads because their new policy prevented giveaways as I’ve done them, among other things.

I’m not a rebellious person by nature, but I did feel like I was burning my bra in protest. (I’m playing around with Google ads now to help support my blog).

Today’s double feature Mom store giveaway (another one is coming later today) was made possible by my stubborn streak.

And this lovely store, Six o’clock Stitch. This Esty Mom also blogs here.

I want to go cuddle my sewing machine (an old Singer passed down from my mother) when I visit this store. I simply LOVE this stuff:

bluebird, $10

toddler halter top, $14.50

Aqua and Chocolate Tote, $14.00

Go have a look around and tell me what you’d choose with the $25 gift certificate the Six o’clock Stitch is giving to one lucky reader!

This giveaway will close on Thursday.

Check out my other handmade giveaway going on right now!

If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:

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Green Acres Edition

7:00 am Bykristen

I’m a city girl. I always have been.

I like the convenience and the accessibility.

In other words, I need a Target within 15 minutes with a Chick Fil A nearby. Preferably.

But I am married to a country boy who dons a suit every day to support our family. Horses and farming are in his blood. The blood he passed down to my children. And it must be contagious because a few years ago, I started dreaming of life in the country, well, within reason.

I have needs.

I see a big porch, a small barn, a little land, a couple of animals, and dirty boots, lots of dirty boots….

We’ve been on the lookout for such a place on the outskirts of our town for some time now. But with the condition of our economy, we’ve put those dreams on hold and are trying to create a more frugal life. I talked about it here.

A couple of weeks ago, my hubby and I decided not to wait for that bit of country. Even though we live in the middle of suburbia on a very small slot of land, we decided to plant a small garden. It’s a similar to a square foot garden. Next time it will be a square foot garden, now that I have the book (Square Foot Gardening: A New Way to Garden.)

The place we hope food will grow:

We opted for a plastic fence around our garden in an effort to keep the squirrels (and our toddler) from destroying the small plants. I asked y’all a few weeks ago about squirrel deterrents and let me just say, “Wow.” We opted not to urinate in the garden, but the red pepper and plastic owl options really got my attention.

My 9 year old created a grid to keep track of what we planted. She put it on a clipboard and hung it in the kitchen. It’s very official.

Have I mentioned I’m a city girl?

Check out some other Spring gardens at Rhoda’s!

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The Moments I Remember

3:34 pm Bykristen

My life is made up of a million moments.

Sometimes I’m too busy to enjoy them.

Time passes like a gust of wind….

And the moments are carried away.

Today, I captured some firsts:

first dye

first tie

first time she felt too big

the first picture I took was the only one I needed

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Easter

7:00 am Bykristen

A virgin.

A baby.

Savior.

A boy.

A temple.

Miracles.

Messiah.

A donkey.

A crowd. Waving Palm Branches.

A Triumphal Entry.

Jesus.

The Last Supper. A Cup.

A Garden. A Prayer.

A kiss. A Betrayal.

An Arrest.

Scourged. Beaten. Whipped.

A Cross.

A Hill. A Crowd. A Crown. Thorns. Nails. Hands. Feet.

A Spear.

A Cry.

A Die Cast.

Death.

An Ending.

Darkness.

Sorrow. Weeping.

Wait-

A Rumble.

An Angel.

A Stone. Rolling. A Witness. pan>

A Miracle.

Alive.

Jesus.

Forever.

Sin.

Forgiven.

For Me: A Hope.

For You: A Future.

For Us: A Beginning.

We will see Him again.

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A DIYP Challenge

7:00 am Bykristen

I’m turning the do-it-yourself tables on you today.

Because I can on this Good Friday.

Plus, our relationship needs a little intrigue once in awhile. Instead of showing you my latest project, I want you to help decide what to do with this gorgeous item I found at a thrift store: