Every home has a junk drawer but since we moved to our home (almost 2 years ago, YIKES) my office is a disaster. I tell myself that I will work on it daily so that I can tackle the beast. It currently is an office/craft room. I wish I had a room just for all my crafts and another room that was dedicated to office! Since I don't have that in this home (next house will totally be bigger) then I must have a combination I will call it Craffice (craft office... Get it?!)! Where do I begin? I can sort through all documents that I think may be essential. I don't want someone, not going to mention the names come and audit me. The key thing is to have everything in order and labeled. This is exhausting just thinking about it. I have found great organization tips on pinterest and I think the craffice has to be larger to accommodate everything. Any good tips for a rather small space? Currently I have two bookcases, a desk, file cabinet and lots of Scrapbooking supplies that need to be in boxes or something pretty. Help!!!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Every penny counts
I am all about saving and purchasing everything at discounted prices. The last time I purchased something at full price was a pair of shoes and that was over 4 months ago. People have seen the show Extreme Couponing, the reality is that it does not work like that in California. Grocery stores Ralph's and Vons would double coupons but have not done that in quite some time.
Recently my coupon endeavor has taken a turn in organization. I purchased a binder, dividers, and baseball card plastic sleeves. I enjoy organizing my coupons and every Sunday morning I bring out my binder and scissors and I am ready to cut! I won't bother you about coupons since many know how this work and I have written a blog about it before.
I am now going to talk about saving just a little bit more! So, you are off at Target and you have your coupons clipped and you think this is all I can save... Well, no! If you apply for the Target Red Card you save an additional 5% on your entire purchase! The money comes straight from your bank account. Genius! It was going to come from there anyways. Target also sends out a coupon book (quarterly I believe) and sometimes have Target only coupons in the Sunday circular. You use a Target coupon plus a manufacturer coupon for larger discounts. Watch out for deals such as buy two packs of diapers and get a $10 Target gift card. Plus, you can save an additional 5 cents for each re-usable bag that you use for your purchase. For example your purchased 4 bags worth of merchandise you will get 20 cents off. Every little bit counts!!
Recently my coupon endeavor has taken a turn in organization. I purchased a binder, dividers, and baseball card plastic sleeves. I enjoy organizing my coupons and every Sunday morning I bring out my binder and scissors and I am ready to cut! I won't bother you about coupons since many know how this work and I have written a blog about it before.
I am now going to talk about saving just a little bit more! So, you are off at Target and you have your coupons clipped and you think this is all I can save... Well, no! If you apply for the Target Red Card you save an additional 5% on your entire purchase! The money comes straight from your bank account. Genius! It was going to come from there anyways. Target also sends out a coupon book (quarterly I believe) and sometimes have Target only coupons in the Sunday circular. You use a Target coupon plus a manufacturer coupon for larger discounts. Watch out for deals such as buy two packs of diapers and get a $10 Target gift card. Plus, you can save an additional 5 cents for each re-usable bag that you use for your purchase. For example your purchased 4 bags worth of merchandise you will get 20 cents off. Every little bit counts!!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Hide and seek
It is very evident that I have an active toddler in my home. His toys are in his room and in the family room. There is no order to his stuff that is in the family room and that is ok with me for the present time. Recently I love finding little things that belong to him in various places throughout the house. I find cars near my desk, animals wedged between chairs, and books hiding behind the couch. I love it all!! Today K placed his water cup up near the television. Not sure why but during his nap I sat down to catch up on my DVR and was reminded of him and how cute he is. I was cleaning and opened up a drawer to find a truck next to my aprons. God has blessed me and thankful everyday for this precious little boy! 
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Stop and smell the flowers
I love flowers and seeing them in my yard and in my home makes me feel wonderful. Recently I was able to make floral arrangements for a bridal shower, receive flowers when I returned from a vacation, and purchased flowers for myself.
One of my favorite places to buy flowers from is a farmers market. The person at any flower stand is more than willing to put together an arrangement with various flowers and anything that is in season is stunning! What are some of your favorite places to get flowers from?
One of my favorite places to buy flowers from is a farmers market. The person at any flower stand is more than willing to put together an arrangement with various flowers and anything that is in season is stunning! What are some of your favorite places to get flowers from?
Perfect model
Matt and I ventured to some local model homes in need of some inspiration for decor. We know that we need to add crown molding and wood shutters but what we found was stunning and I cannot wait to add some touches to our home. It may take us a while to get it to what we want but anything is possible and the options are endless. I have found that I am drawn to various shades of grey with bursts of color. Who would have thought wallpaper was still in? Our current home is not going to be our permanent home so sprucing it up for the next owners is essential to selling the house at the right price. These are some photos that I took at a few of the model homes....
 |
| Upstairs family room/loft, there are dual desks with plenty of cabinets for movies and toys! |
 |
| The master bedroom!! The wallpaper is beautiful and the headboard adds a nice touch. |
 |
| I can totally see myself in this office! The simplicity is stunning. |
 |
| This is classy and want this in our next home! |
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Pearly Whites
Every new parent is excited to see a new tooth come in on their precious baby. It was cute when K had his first teeth. Now the molars are coming in and it seems to be a very long process! Poor thing he has two bottom molars coming in at the same time. So, I started typing this blog early this morning and took a break to get other things done around the house (dishes and cleaning my closet). I checked K's mouth and his top molars already came through. Poor guy 4 molars at one time! He is a trooper through all of it and has his moments but nothing too bad.
I tried to take a picture of his very swollen gums but he refused so I quickly snapped a photo of his current 7 visible teeth. When will the bottom ones come in? That is the big question?! Currently he is not eating well and it concerns me so we will take it one day at a time.
I tried to take a picture of his very swollen gums but he refused so I quickly snapped a photo of his current 7 visible teeth. When will the bottom ones come in? That is the big question?! Currently he is not eating well and it concerns me so we will take it one day at a time.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The Life of a 16 month old
With each passing month I always catch myself saying "I can't believe K is ..... months old!" He is quite a character. He has tons of personality and always keeps us on our toes!
Recently I would ask him to give me a kiss and he slowly leans in and gives me a kiss. It is so sweet and the first time it happened I cried! He runs very fast throughout the house and wants to climb. I am not going to teach him to climb on the couch so I am just waiting for him to figure it out. He is catching onto baby sign which is wonderful. He can sign "more", "hat", "cookie", and sometimes "all done". His communicating is improving and I love hearing his gibberish. He still is trying to get the concept that when he is upset he doesn't have to throw a tantrum.
For the last two weeks we have taken him to the library and be a part of their summer reading program. Once he reads 5 books then I write them down on his sheet and off we go so he can spin the wheel and earn a prize. So far he has received: TGI Fridays kids meal, Del taco kids meal, Shakys pizza, Chick fil a kids meal, Subway kids meal, and a meal at a local bagel shop. I am impressed that he loves books and has a huge smile on his face when we tell him that he gets to spin the wheel. I must capture a photo soon!
He is a big eater and still is stuck on his fancy taste in food. Chicken Shawarma is a regular diet in our home followed by bananas, strawberries, cream of wheat, yogurt, string cheese, and crackers. K kept asking for crackers yesterday so I asked him what kind he wanted, fish cracker or animal cracker. He made a fishy face with his lips and said cracker! It clearly meant he wanted fish cracker. That made me laugh. So if you ask him fish cracker he will make that face!
He is still a rooster! He is just a morning person and I need to simply be happy with that. He rarely sleeps in but still thankful he takes two naps a day. All of this boils down to me going to bed early and not staying up past 10pm and if I do I need to take a nap when he does. Our days are filled with teaching him new words, playing with toys, running, marching, and his all time favorite.... watching the movie Cars 2! Oh my that is his passion. Anything cars! Cars on the road, in the parking lots, McQueen at Target, a commercial of Mater & McQueen and you will hear squeals of joy!! We have a race car driver. Last week he saw a photo of Danica Patrick (race car driver) at Ralphs grocery store, he pointed to her for some reason and I told him "her name is Danica and she is a race car driver." He smiled and said "oh wow!" Life with K is amazing and he can be little hyper but I love him SO much!!!
Recently I would ask him to give me a kiss and he slowly leans in and gives me a kiss. It is so sweet and the first time it happened I cried! He runs very fast throughout the house and wants to climb. I am not going to teach him to climb on the couch so I am just waiting for him to figure it out. He is catching onto baby sign which is wonderful. He can sign "more", "hat", "cookie", and sometimes "all done". His communicating is improving and I love hearing his gibberish. He still is trying to get the concept that when he is upset he doesn't have to throw a tantrum.
For the last two weeks we have taken him to the library and be a part of their summer reading program. Once he reads 5 books then I write them down on his sheet and off we go so he can spin the wheel and earn a prize. So far he has received: TGI Fridays kids meal, Del taco kids meal, Shakys pizza, Chick fil a kids meal, Subway kids meal, and a meal at a local bagel shop. I am impressed that he loves books and has a huge smile on his face when we tell him that he gets to spin the wheel. I must capture a photo soon!
He is a big eater and still is stuck on his fancy taste in food. Chicken Shawarma is a regular diet in our home followed by bananas, strawberries, cream of wheat, yogurt, string cheese, and crackers. K kept asking for crackers yesterday so I asked him what kind he wanted, fish cracker or animal cracker. He made a fishy face with his lips and said cracker! It clearly meant he wanted fish cracker. That made me laugh. So if you ask him fish cracker he will make that face!
He is still a rooster! He is just a morning person and I need to simply be happy with that. He rarely sleeps in but still thankful he takes two naps a day. All of this boils down to me going to bed early and not staying up past 10pm and if I do I need to take a nap when he does. Our days are filled with teaching him new words, playing with toys, running, marching, and his all time favorite.... watching the movie Cars 2! Oh my that is his passion. Anything cars! Cars on the road, in the parking lots, McQueen at Target, a commercial of Mater & McQueen and you will hear squeals of joy!! We have a race car driver. Last week he saw a photo of Danica Patrick (race car driver) at Ralphs grocery store, he pointed to her for some reason and I told him "her name is Danica and she is a race car driver." He smiled and said "oh wow!" Life with K is amazing and he can be little hyper but I love him SO much!!!
 |
| At the Puerto Vallarta Airport next to mini frog (Senor Frog) |
 |
| The excitement for the week, sitting in the car at Toys R Us |
 |
| Did not purchase the car but did get him his new seat |
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The Daily Walk
This is a tough blog post to write but in my heart I know that many have faced a similar situation and can offer advice and/or continued prayer. In various blog posts I have written about Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). During September to May when BSF is in session I am diligent about daily reading from my bible and having a consistent daily walk with the Lord. I have been on vacation for the majority of the month of June and the month of July has also brought a few trips. I know that I should not blame being on vacation as a reason why I am not doing my part.
Different obstacles have come my way because the enemy attacks when we are vulnerable. I know that I am not the only one battling this out. What do you do to stay on track and have a consistent daily walk?
Different obstacles have come my way because the enemy attacks when we are vulnerable. I know that I am not the only one battling this out. What do you do to stay on track and have a consistent daily walk?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Up in the Air
Last month I began watching the show Up in the Air. It is about Southwest Airlines and the passengers that miss flights, are stranded due to technical difficulties or weather, and all of the luggage issues. I was praying that I would not get to live any of these... Well we almost did and I don't think my blood pressure has adjusted to normal ever since. Traveling with a toddler was manageable but if he was not with us we could of ran and not felt rushed. Here it goes...
Sunday July 1st was the Presidential election in Mexico. Therefore I believe that flights and other means of transportation were operating in a non normal way. We arrived 3 hours before our departure (so thankful we did). We found out that our flight was over two hours late and would not make the connecting flight in Phoenix. So, the next options that were given to us meant that we would arrive very late into Ontario. That was not good, Matt & Nancy were going to pick us up and then would have to get up early on Monday to go to work. I begged and nearly in tears because I just wanted to get home. After what seemed like 30 minutes went by and she was able to get us on a flight with American Airlines. Very thankful!! We were routed to Dallas then Ontario. We also had first class seats!! Woohoo! All went smooth on the first flight. Once we arrived in Dallas we had to make a mad dash to customs, then pick up luggage, and ultimately drop them off, security check then get to the proper gate all under an hour! We had to cut in line in customs, pleaded with TSA security to allow little liquids, have them test all of K's liquids and catch the sky tram to the furthest gate. It was perfect that our flight was delayed because we had a few moments to catch our breath.
Lessons learned:
*Make sure connecting flights have a layover two hours or more.
*Don't have a connection in Dallas (or even London- we missed a connecting flight there).
*In your carry on only take the necessary liquids and make sure they are in a designated ziploc bag.
*Always ask if you can be upgraded if you have been a customer that has had to go through changes that are done by the airline (not weather related).
*Pick up tips from watching a show such as Up In The Air!
Sunday July 1st was the Presidential election in Mexico. Therefore I believe that flights and other means of transportation were operating in a non normal way. We arrived 3 hours before our departure (so thankful we did). We found out that our flight was over two hours late and would not make the connecting flight in Phoenix. So, the next options that were given to us meant that we would arrive very late into Ontario. That was not good, Matt & Nancy were going to pick us up and then would have to get up early on Monday to go to work. I begged and nearly in tears because I just wanted to get home. After what seemed like 30 minutes went by and she was able to get us on a flight with American Airlines. Very thankful!! We were routed to Dallas then Ontario. We also had first class seats!! Woohoo! All went smooth on the first flight. Once we arrived in Dallas we had to make a mad dash to customs, then pick up luggage, and ultimately drop them off, security check then get to the proper gate all under an hour! We had to cut in line in customs, pleaded with TSA security to allow little liquids, have them test all of K's liquids and catch the sky tram to the furthest gate. It was perfect that our flight was delayed because we had a few moments to catch our breath.
Lessons learned:
*Make sure connecting flights have a layover two hours or more.
*Don't have a connection in Dallas (or even London- we missed a connecting flight there).
*In your carry on only take the necessary liquids and make sure they are in a designated ziploc bag.
*Always ask if you can be upgraded if you have been a customer that has had to go through changes that are done by the airline (not weather related).
*Pick up tips from watching a show such as Up In The Air!
Tropical paradise
Kaden and I ventured off to Puerto Vallarta for a fun filled week with my parents. M had to work (sad he could not come too), so I am trying my best to enjoy the tropical paradise.
I did not finish this post while on vacation. I am back home safe and sound. It was a whirlwind coming home (next post). Thankful that I was able to spend at least an hour each day at the spa. The picture below of the spa is a bit dark because of the low lighting. Kaden did very well which I am very proud. If any moms need pointers on traveling with baby/toddler I will answer any! He is a pro on an airplane and has been on 10 different airplane rides.
Back to tropical paradise... Puerto Vallarta has lots of relaxation to offer. We stayed at Paradise Village (my parents are owners there), and you will find everything you need. If you want a trip that is not touristy and has lots of culture then this is your place. Below is a picture of the Mexican fiesta night. It was worth the $38 for all the food, drinks, and show. Since this was my third time to Puerto and I have done all of the tours that I could possibly want so we went shopping! Now it's back to being home. K and I adjusted to pacific standard time very well!
I did not finish this post while on vacation. I am back home safe and sound. It was a whirlwind coming home (next post). Thankful that I was able to spend at least an hour each day at the spa. The picture below of the spa is a bit dark because of the low lighting. Kaden did very well which I am very proud. If any moms need pointers on traveling with baby/toddler I will answer any! He is a pro on an airplane and has been on 10 different airplane rides.
Back to tropical paradise... Puerto Vallarta has lots of relaxation to offer. We stayed at Paradise Village (my parents are owners there), and you will find everything you need. If you want a trip that is not touristy and has lots of culture then this is your place. Below is a picture of the Mexican fiesta night. It was worth the $38 for all the food, drinks, and show. Since this was my third time to Puerto and I have done all of the tours that I could possibly want so we went shopping! Now it's back to being home. K and I adjusted to pacific standard time very well!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)