Martha Stewart Labels

For those of you who are in spring cleaning mode and was inspired by my post on Wednesday, here's some more goodies that might come in handy.  Martha Stewart has expanded her empire once again and has teamed up with Avery to come out with a whole line of office products exclusively at Staples.  My favorite pieces of her line are her labels.  There's really nothing like them out there.  You can find a few labels like these at Paper Source, but nothing quite as cheap and easy as having them compatible with Avery and being able to print directly from your printer. 

(MS Chalkboard Labels)

(MS Kraft Labels)

(MS Dry Erase Labels)

(MS Oval Kitchen Labels)

There are so many items in her line from binders to planners, to dividers, etc... But again, these labels these are my favorites and are perfect for organizing, gift giving or tags and labels for parties.  Seriously, she has some great stuff in her line. Head over to Staples to check out all of it.  

See you Monday!

Organizing with Bins and Chalk

This was an organizing project I did a few months ago.  We have this long shelf in our loft to house toys, books, etc.  Side note, this is actually 2 Billy bookcases turned on it's side and stacked.  It didn't look terrible, but I just thought it looked a bit too cluttered and too heavy.

So I did 2 things.  I covered the back of the bookcase with plain wrapping paper from Paper Source.  I simply measured and cut the paper and adhered it with 3M Spray Adhesive.  I also got these great removable chalkboard stickers, also from Paper Source.

I really like how the paper lightened up the bookcase and it was soo easy.  *A quick plug for Paper Source Gift Wrap.  You can certainly use any paper you like, but the PS paper is really quality.  The colors are so true and the paper is just the right weight.  Even with a bit of wrinkling, I was able to smooth them all out without fear of ripping and the finished product looks flawless.

I have a bin for each child AND me.  I also tried to categories the rest of our toys.  This has worked out well for the past few months.  The kids know where to put the toys that are special to them and as our toys and needs change, I can simply erase and rewrite the labels.

PS... Bins are from the Trofast Boxes from IKEA.  $4 each!

How Fun Is This?

Happy Monday everyone.  I saw this and it is too fun not to share.  This a genius idea! You can upload any of your photos here at Photoboother and make your own photobooth strips. For FREE!

I love photobooths! 10 years ago when my husband and I first met, we took a photobooth picture every year at the state fair. We've tried to keep up the tradition since, but now, we can barely fit all 5 of us in the booth!  This may be the next best thing.

(via) thanks Colleen!

 Have fun with this one. 

Thank you photoboother!



Good Morning!

I just discovered this song and AMEN, this is type of thing I need to listen to every morning!  Sing it sister! 

Mandisa's new album is great!  I love this review: 

"Mandisa shares that her new record is "all about taking the masks off, and really letting the world see that we as Christians, It doesn't mean we don't go through difficult times, doesn't mean that things are always great in our lives. It simply means we have a relationship with the Savior who is able to bring us joy and peace in the middle of our difficult times."

(fyi... scroll down to the bottom of the blog and pause my music before you play this clip)    :)

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

My Latest Read... Tiger Mom

I've really enjoyed finding the time these last few months to actually read books for pleasure.  I am by no means a voracious reader, but I love a great read and love to chat about it afterwards.

I just finished reading this book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, and loved it.  I was able to relate to so many of the stories in her book being a first generation Chinese American just like her.  Amy was able to put into words the heart and soul of "chinese" parenting. A parenting approach that is based on doing anything to give your child the best and expecting nothing than the best in return.  I found the title to be interesting too.  I think many Asian parents approach parenting a bit like a battle.  They parent with hardwork, courage, perseverance, strength and determination and again, expect to see those same qualities in their children.

Amy Chua and family

In the end, I found a lot of truth in this book, many of them mirrored in my own life.  I understand better my parents' heart and challenges in raising me, their only child.  This book is not about who are better parents and who aren't.  It's about Amy's experience and her desire to raise her daughters to be the best they can be.  Don't we all want that?  Do all make mistakes? Yes, and by God's grace, hopefully we can learn from them and do better.

Have you read the book?  What are your thoughts?

Ironically, I also have this book on hold.  We'll see who does it better.  ;)

Crafting with Stripes and Chevrons

Every once in awhile, I'll be able to browse a craft/stamp store in peace, on my own.  I love having quiet time to peruse, linger and let the inspiration just wash over me.  I was in Impress recently, one of my favorite stamping/paper stores.  There was a time when I was doing a lot more crafts with stamps and card making.  Impress continues to be one of my favorite sources for notecards and adorable trimmings. 

(via impressrubberstamps.com)

I immediately fell in love with these adorable chevron envelopes.  They come in a hot pink too!  Hmm.. I wanted to get a pack in every color.  I'm still thinking of when/where I could use these, but love these!

Coincidentally, these envelopes reminded me of this craft that I also ran across from Oh Happy Day.  

Umm... how cute are these?!  Best thing... you can download the striped paper at the end of this post for free and get started... Now I just need an excuse to start planning a party.  Too fun to resist!

Have a great and creative weekend!

Rug as Wall Art

(via urbanoutfitters.com)

I saw this rug  here and read the reviews on it. Love the pattern but... "faded quickly", looks thin... could this work as art?  Stapled around canvas or hung over a rod?  Yes, I think so!  You know, hanging tapestries has been around for centuries.  It measures 3' x 5' and for $34, why not?  I love the look of oversized art. 

I could definitely see it framed too, but don't know if I could find an economical frame that size.   Or... you could cover it with plexiglass like here.

What you think?  Crazy?

Spontaneity

Yes... it's 11:00.  Yes...I've decided to paint the walls in our kitchen.  Yes... I could very well be nesting.  :)

Sometimes when inspiration (or energy) strikes, we just need to take advantage of it.  I've been thinking about changing the paint color in our kitchen for awhile now.  I like the soft, minty green, but I'm just ready for a change.  Why not just do it?!  So... I got some left over paint and was able to get most of it done in about an hour and half while catching up on a couple of old Martha Stewart shows.

I'm calling it a night.  Tomorrow, we'll have to get out the big ladder and finish up the ceiling trim.  Paint.  It really is THE easiest eay to update a space AND free if you're using left over paint! 

Oh Joy! Oh What a Nursery!

(via ohjoy.blogs.com)

While catching up on my blog reading, I came across this post from Oh Joy.  This post features Joy's nursery for her little baby girl, Ruby.  Wow.  First of all, I shouldn't be surprised.  Joy has impeccable style. (I just want to swap closets with her!)  Secondly, loved seeing that her color scheme is similiar to Evie's room!  

Now, THIS is what I mean by timeless decorating, especially in a kids' rooms.  I love that there's a movement toward more sophistication in kids design.  Not in a snooty way, but in a way that truly celebrates the freedom, joy and imagination of childhood and not trying to compartmentalize it with some theme.  Plus, in the end, I really think this is a much more economical way to decorate.  Keep the big pieces neutral and classic and change out the accessories.

My favorite part of the nursery?  That amazing chest of drawers!  Seriously, Craigslist?  How come I never find stuff like that? 

(via ohjoy.blogs.com)

Well, since my chances of finding something similiar to that dresser is zero to none, I'm feeling a DIY project coming on.  I'm seeing an IKEA Rast or Koppang dresser, drawer fronts painted with some fab hardware like in this tutorial...Ta dah!

Now if anyone sees this again on Craiglist, tell me!  In the meantime, I'm off to find an IKEA dresser on craigslist.  :)

Have a great weekend!

Be Courageous

Have you heard of this movie?  No, it wasn't nominated for an Academy Award.  No, it probably didn't have a huge budget.  No, there aren't any big name actors in it.  No, there's hardly any eye candy.   But YES, does it deliver an important message!

My husband and I finally got around to watching this movie over the weekend.  It certainly has its share of corny moments, but in the end, we were both moved and inspired by it.  Courageous does an excellent job of showing how complicated and difficult life can be.  But it also speaks to the importance of courage, integrity, honor and perseverance in the midst of life's challenges.  Virtues we certainly don't we hear enough about these days.  It also delivers a compelling message about the important of BOTH fathers and mothers in our childrens' lives. 

If you haven't seen it, I'd totally recommend it.  We don't get a lot of time to watch movies, but this was an hour and a half well-spent!  Lots of good, good stuff to think about it and be inspired by.

J.Crew Inspired Rooms

Happy Monday!  I admit, it's been a long couple of weeks and I desparately needed just a little "me" time this weekend.  My husband graciously blessed me with a few hours to myself and I jumped on the chance to doing some window shopping.  I walked into J.Crew and saw the dress that I've been conveting the past week ever since I saw it here.  It was on sale AND in my size so I took it as a sign and snatched it up!  I can even fit it over my belly and post-baby, I'll be able to wear it with a belt for a long time. 

(image via fabsugar.com)

Yes, include me among the countless bloggers you'll read about who LOVE J.Crew.  What I love about their style is that it is classic, timeless, but in a updated, fresh and quirky way.  There's always something unexpected about their looks whether it's a bold, but beautiful color, or an new mix of patterns or textures, like denim with glitter or hot pink and orange. 

I first came across this these photos in January and knew that I'd want to share them again someday.  Click here for a link to all 10 J.Crew inspired rooms.

(all images via houseandhome.com)

I'd consider all these rooms classics that won't go out of style, yet, there's nothing boring or predictable about them.  There's something in each look that makes you say "hmmm"  :)  Thanks Jenna Lyons!  We love you!

What about you... do these looks speak to you too?