The Secret to Having it All......

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wordless Wednesday Feb 22-New Addition

new addition to our family-Selah and big brother Colton

We Want To Know Wednesdays: Pampering Edition

This week Crazymama wants to know how you pamper yourself...

{1} What is your go to color if you paint your nails? do your toes and fingernails match? I love pink...all shades bright & light! Right now, my toes & fingers don't match, but they are in the same color family.
{2} Have you ever gone for a mani/pedi? how often do you go? Mani every 2 weeks {just went yesterday!}, and pedi every 4-6 weeks. {LOVE}
{3} Do you color your hair? do you have a salon do it or do you do it yourself? I mostly do highlights, but not on a regular basis. I tried lowlights around the holidays, but I think I like the lighter tone better. I have an appointment next week-hoping to brighten things up a bit!!
{4} Facials...have you ever had one? I haven't...yet!
{5} Would you or have you ever done botox? I don't think I'll ever even consider it.....
{6} Beauty knows no pain, do you believe in waxing, electrolisis, eyelash extentions, anti-aging creams, micro-dermabrasion, peels, botox? Yes to most of these, but I've only done the waxing {eyebrows}.

Ash Wednesday

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

52 Weeks of Organizing: Taming Paper Clutter

LET'S GET ORGANIZED!!!
Week #3: Paper Clutter

This is a biggie! Paper clutter....since I save pretty much every receipt, bank statement, and who knows what else, we seem to accumulate an awful lot of papers, hence the paper clutter. I've pretty much gotten a system in place {it's only taken me 28 years to do it}, but even with my 4 step system, the paperwork often gets backed up and even overflows! I have narrowed it down to 4 places in our house that important paperwork can be found.

STEP 1: I keep a basket in my kitchen that holds monthly bill paying supplies. I posted about this some time ago, but you can click on this link to read more about it. This works very well for keeping me on track each month. I know exactly where all my bills to be paid are, as well as receipts for that current month {or two}.

STEP 2: Receipts, such as insurance paperwork, or things I might need only a few times a year, go in a binder which I posted about last month.

STEP 3: Once the month {or two} is over, I file papers in a photo box, file being the key word here. I used to just open the box and toss in the receipt, but over the last year, I have taken the time to label categories and file accordingly {medical, bank, household, etc.}. This makes it so much easier and saves me hours searching for a receipt when needed.

STEP 4: The final stage of my paperwork, it ends up eventually in a file box. This is where you will find yearly taxes, receipts for major purchases, and other receipts that I may or may not need throughout the year. I like knowing that I can pull a receipt from 3 years ago if I need to. This box holds 3-5 years worth of the most important receipts. Any other receipts get shredded after a few years.

I know you are thinking that is still too many places to keep receipts, but this works for me. Our receipts used to be all over the house, in different drawers and boxes, and worst of all unfiled! This 4 step system keeps our paper clutter under control, and I've saved myself so much time looking for that receipt I know I have, but can't seem to put my hands on when needed!!

I'm linking up to a bowl full of lemons for a linky party: one project at a time-hope you'll join in too!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Valentine Banner & Mantel Sneak Peek

I'm blaming Pinterest for all of this.....all of the DIY projects, the decorating, the crafts, the organization, the cooking & baking {I don't even like to bake...LOL}, my newfound love of scarves and monograms, and anything that involves chalkboard paint! My Dad is pretty much ready to boycott the Pinterest website...LOL, because he is my helper when my latest project involves carpentry {see below post featuring my new ledge shelves}. He really thought I was nuts when I tried to explain that I wanted to turn my old pine sofa table into a mantel...yes, a mantel. :O) I'm obsessed once again, this time with mantels. I shared my love of mantel decor, but we don't have a fireplace that I can decorate with all the cute ideas I've pinned. Then I stumbled on a picture of a "floating" mantel, and the rest is history! Dad did the necessary cosmetic work to the table and voila'....I now have a gorgeous new mantel! I still need to pick up a little more decorative trim to add to the bottom, then I'll post more pictures, all decked out for Spring!!!
I had made a Valentine's Day Banner, but didn't get a chance to hang it this year. After Dad hung up the mantel and I got it painted, I put up the banner to get some pictures. Love it!!

printable {from Pinterest} and some twine

Here is the table I used for the mantel...I've had this little table f-o-r-e-v-e-r! It was definitely time for a makeover.

I painted it China White. It needs a little more trim, but I love it!!!

Check back soon to see the finished project and my Spring mantel decor!

Garlic Lime Chicken

I tried a new recipe for dinner today. It was soooooo good...and easy! I served this yummy Garlic Lime Chicken with some penne noodles w/ butter & fresh parmesan cheese and a salad!! My version of 30-minute meals! :O) I also just recently discovered my new favorite salad dressing- Creamy Poppyseed. I know it's been out there forever, but I just started buying it after eating the best salad in the entire world at Yak & Yeti in Animal Kingdom. My bottle of Kraft doesn't quite measure up to Y&Y's version of poppyseed dressing, but it's as close as we'll get to it until we return next year! Hope you'll give this meal a try!!

Garlic Lime Chicken

3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 lime

1. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, thyme and parsley. Sprinkle spice mixture generously on both sides of chicken breasts.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and saute lightly. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes on each side-turn frequently. Sprinkle with the juice of half of the lime. Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently to coat evenly with sauce. Serve with lime slices as garnish.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

DIY Ledge Shelves-project complete

A few weeks ago, I posted about some ledge shelves that I saw in Pottery Barn that I really liked{see Ledge Shelves }. I couldn't justify $55 for each shelf, so I bought the wood and Dad made them for me. I finally got them painted, and he came and hung them a few days ago. I {love} them!!! They are perfect!! Thanks Dad!!!