how to paint wicker

http://projectqueen.org/category/painting-wicker-furniture

kitchen table redo

http://mycreativepink.blogspot.com/2011/08/25-oak-table-turned-beautiful.html

painting a kitchen table

How to paint laminate (furniture)

http://marthastacey.wordpress.com/2011/06/23/painting-laminate-furniture/

how to paint upholstery....yes...

http://www.hypheninteriors.com/2011/03/painted-upholstery-process-revealed.html

blogging with Picasa

http://sassysanctuary.blogspot.com/2011/06/web-albums-and-scheduling.html

Fabric covered canvas ...wall art

http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/2011/02/fabric-canvas-wall-art.html

Outdoor inspiration

I love the pergola and the steps

I love the greenary, hanging flowers and the symetry

love the lampost idea..hmmmm......

our deck will go all the way to the fence (i hope) but i like this fence and the potted plants (easier to move) hmmm....(that is me thinking)

Living Room and Entry - BEFORE

(yes that is the cutest puppy)

(too much brown...something is just missing)

Lately

Its been a while so here comes a quick update.
I was feeling drab with decor in our house and wanted to spruce things up a bit. i put some posts out in the blog world and got a bite. Stephanie with cre8tivedesigns is helping me out and have already done so much! I promise pictures to come :)
I rearranged some furniture i already had for the foyer a nd love it!
bought a painting "on clearance" for the living room and couldnt be happier. And got a sofa table off craigslist and its perfect!!

Couponing - my new addiction. I have only been into the store and used coupons twice since i started researching and collecting about a month ago. I plan stuff/trips to the stores every week but something might come up or i am too tired. I will get the hang of it eventually!
It is very addicting and kinda peaceful finding deals and even thought i might not follow through....i feel very good about my attemps (LOL).

Madden update: wow, my little boy is 110% BOY! He is pretending with good guys and bad guys, starting to play more independently, being very silly, pretends he is buzz lightyear or a puppy dog (too cute). He is doing great at potty training, with the exceptions of going in the car on the way home from daycare.
He is at a stage where he is testing me and seeing far he can go. for example, whining to see if i will give in. I am doing my best to be strong and firm and so far (with a little advice) it is working...i want to raise a respectful child, not one that thinks he can walk all over me or anyone else. He is an awesome kid and little person and I so lucky to be his momma.

ok, thats all for now.

FREE silhouette GIVEAWAY...

check out a bowl full of lemons!
http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2011/05/may-silhouette-giveaway.html?showComment=1305723046644#c1649043228342488874

Mosaic...awesome decor for cheap!

check out her site!
http://www.remodelaholic.com/2010/03/pieces-of-you-mosaic-pottery-barn.html

digital scrapbooking

http://everydayisasupersaturday.blogspot.com/search/label/Digital%20Scrapbooking%20Tutorials
Banner Woman
CG Essentials
Cottage Arts
Design With Renee
Digital Scrapbook Place
Digital Scrapbooking Tutorials
Hummies World
Kim Lizzy
Misty Cato Designs
Mommy Scraps
My Janee
Pages Of The Heart
Photoshop Elements Tips
Pickle Berry Pop
Purple Flowers
Scrap Girls
Scrap Outside The Box
Scrapbook Bytes
Scrapbook Bytes (designing)
Scrapbook Elements
Scrapbook Graphics
Scrappers Guide
Scrappers Guide
Two Peas In A Bucket Tutorials
Web Work Site
Web Work Site
Witty Living

Wordle..

http://everydayisasupersaturday.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-make-wordle.html

Design your own blog button for iphone/ipod/ipad..

http://www.misscraftypants.com/2011/04/make-custom-blog-link-icon-for.html

I'm going to try...

FIRST: making a bow for my wreath! I am starting out with a twig wreat and will go from there. I want something I can use all year and just change the ribbon or what nots, but this will be a first. (oh, I have never made a bow other than the ones on my tennis shoes) SECOND: I will try rosettes! they seem really cute and easy, i might can put them on my wreath.....who knows!!

Car Organization...

http://www.brownpaper--packages.com/2011/03/place-for-everythingwith-i-am-momma.html

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

WWW.HOWDOESSHE.COM --> http://www.howdoesshe.com/72-hour-kits-for-kids?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HowDoesShe+%28How+Does+She...%29

WWW.REDCROSS.COM

Madden update:

He is amazing. I absolutely love spending time with him (our little family). The "terrible twos" are in full swing and he is constantly not listening, defying myself or his father, running (especially in a store which cause mass choas). But man, when he wispers "I lub you mommy" it melts my heart and everything is wonderful again. He absolutely loves Toy Story, backyardigans, Curious George,Diego (yes, he loves TV - Sorry Child Dev. Specialist). He also cant get enough outside, whether its just sitting on the porch, enjoying a popsicle, playing in his new treehouse (pics to come), or running (our mini forrest gump)
He loves music and singing.......OH and the BIGGY....we are on our way to being fully potty trained!!
We tried a time or two and gave up..then went full force during Mardi Gras...few accidents here and there but he even makes "snakes" on the potty. Hey, i heard that was the hardest for little boys so I will let him call it whatever he wants as long as it is in the potty and I dont have to clean it up (GROSS).
our next step will be bedtime with no accidents but I am not rushing.
I guess that is all for now...in the words of Madden, "Peace Out!"

Projects and things i want to do....(around the house)

These are just to organize my brain and to share whith whomever wants to know!
(these are in no particular order)

- organize/label madden's baby clothes
- organize laundry room (better)
- organize spare room (its a mess) - cozy sleeping area, craft supplies/crafting area, wrapping paper and other stuff.
- entry way and entry closet need to be better functioning
- add more mulch in flower beds
- organize pics
- organize bills, paper clutter all by the computer area, house info and HOME BINDER
- play with picasa (collages, headers, etc.)

Hope this entices you to write your projects or things you want to do...an unclutterd mind is such a great feeling!

RoUtInE

I have a word version but honestly cant remember where i saved it (hence the need to get better organized) LOL

WEEK ONE: Living - dining - entry (pick up, dust, sweep, mop, rearrange, table and chairs and comp area, etc.)

WEEK TWO: Kitchen - Pantry - fridge (clean and wipe out, toss, clean counters, put items on list that we are low on, wipe out appliance, etc.)

WEEK THREE: Bedrooms and Closets (dust, toss old clothes/toys, straighten drawers and closets, sweep, mop, nightstands)

WEEK FOUR: Bathrooms and Laundry room (wipe counters, sinks, toilets, showers, mop floor, clean w/d, etc.)

Mornings: make bed, fold a load of clothes, stuff for dinner, pick up for 10 min

Evenings: wash load clothes, dishes

This all stems from the FLYLADY (www.flylady.com) she is amazing ....but above are a few tweaks i made!

WEEKENDS: we change sheets ever weekend due to allergies**

Here Lately...

Sorry I havent posted in a while...I have been obsessed with reading other blogs and getting ideas.
So, these will be my goals for the next few months (I figure it will take that long to get adjusted)

FOLLOW A ROUTINE - KEEP IT SIMPLE

FOLLOW A BUDGET - I have tried so many times and fail...lets see if i can do it this time!

COZI - an awesome program that allows to make lists (which are my best friend) for shopping, things to do, i have a gift list (yes for Christmas even though it is April), etc. This is going to keep me organized......I hope I can stick to it!!

Non spanking dicipline!

How to LOVE/DISCIPLINE your child:
Children need your attention. They need to trust you, and to know that you love them. They need your instruction in words. They need to model behavior. They need you to know their limitations...I'll tell you when I've felt the urge spank a child (and we all do!), it's because I've made the wrong choices! Not them! I've expected too much of them, I've skipped a nap, I haven't been consistent and clear in my expectations, I've dragged them on too many errands, I've stretched meal times too long! I've been too busy with other things...material things, worldly things, things so much LESS important than a spirit of MY child. Break downs happen because of US. If your child's behavior stinks, look at yourself good and hard....change YOUR behavior, change your lifestyle.

I think spanking is the "easy way out". It's a quick fix. It's a way of "training" a child, without doing the work. But we all learn....quick fixes all come back to haunt us right? You might see a change in behavior, but NOT in the behavior you want...everything you are trying to "train" against, will show up...anger, aggression, mistrust, dishonesty...the list goes on and on. After all...you reap what you sow.


There is NO right way to spank. There is NO "proper procedure" to follow. I've read spanking is acceptable if you don't do it in anger, and if you explain WHY you are doing it. That's more twisted than ever in so many ways. "I'm going to inflict physical pain on you, because you just hit your sister? I am not angry, but I just want you to hurt." It doesn't make sense at all.


Sometimes you might hear, see or think, "Geez, what that kid needs is a good old spanking!" I guarantee that what that child needs is EVERYTHING but a spanking! I think in the older generations, NOT spanking is associated with overly permissive parenting...where the child rules the roost and any behavior goes. Yes, there is a prevalence of that today...but I can assure you, it's not a result of not hitting the children...it's a result of parents being unwilling to spend time teaching their children the right way to behave. Unstructured environments, no bedtimes, no regular meals, no predictable schedule...the list is long. I think it's lazy parenting...and it has nothing to do with the prevalence of spanking...they are one in the same in a way...the easy way out.

What's the hard stuff?


Attention, love, change of scenery, a good healthy meal, a good nap, a good book, consistency, hugs, a stern conversation, a calm environment, a clear set of enforced rules, a time out to refocus, strong parental relationships, a long walk, some fresh air, a loving grandma, a safe home, knowing your child....the stuff that takes a heck of a lot more time than hitting them does. The stuff that takes a piece of you...your LOVE, your SPIRIT, your TIME.
__________________________________________
PS...For the moms who asked in the comments...just a quick answer:
I love Dr. Sears' book called The Discipline Book...read it when my oldest was just a little guy and loved it. I can't say enough about this book.
I have never read the book 123 Magic but heard it discussed at play group a long long time ago...when my oldest were really little, and use it all the time...I can seriously count on one hand how many times I've gotten to 3 with all the kids...if I did...what did 3 bring? A removal from the situation...time out in essence, maybe a stern talking to if needed. But like I said...there is magic in that counting, and I've never really read the book, just loved the premise.
I also LOVE the book Parenting with Dignity by Mac Blesdoe...a WONDERFUL book, old-fashioned, logical, beautiful and thoughtful especially for older children. (He is the father of Drew Blesdoe...a well know quarterback?...I didn't know that till I read it.)
For Christian based parenting: Anything by Sally and Clay Clarkson. Beautiful stuff. Clay Clarkson wrote a specific book on discipline called Hearfelt Discipline.


from: http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/search/label/Discipline%20With%20Dignity

Christmas Cards display ideas

http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-card-display-idea.html

One Wreath...all year long!

http://cuegly.blogspot.com/2011/01/year-round-wreath.html

Go for the Oils and can the aerosols...

Nothing makes a house feel better–or more like home–than scent. But with all the recent bad news about toxins in commercial air-fresheners, it makes sense to use pure aromatic herbs, spices, and essential oils to scent our homes. It’s so easy!
Find out how to turn your stove into an incense burner, what vanilla extract is good for besides baking, how to make an antibacterial mist, a simple potpourri (perfect for the pounded-flower potpourri bags in article 2), and more! Here are a few fast, creative ways to make your house smell pleasing and welcoming, n/aturally.

Instant Kitchen IncenseHere’s a delightful magic trick that turns your stove into a natural incense burner, giving you all the pleasures of spirit-soothing scented smoke without the toxic risks associated with many purchased incense products.
Just place a small sprinkling of ground spices on an electric stove burner, then turn on the heat to the very lowest setting possible. Instant incense! Cinnamon and clove work best, but you could experiment with adding a little curry powder to the cinnamon-clove base.

Summery Stovetop FreshenerMint is a wonderful freshener. It is also very uplifting. You can use either fresh or dried mint in this formula.
Ingredients:
A handful of mint leaves
8 cups of water
Combine all the ingredients in a pan on the stove. Bring to a boil, and then turn down to a simmer. Replace the liquid when needed as it evaporates.

Vanilla Odor RemoverThe vanilla bean has properties that reduce odors! Try this super-easy trick for removing odors:
Ingredients:
1 to 2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
Just put the vanilla in a small cup anywhere you want air freshening.

Sweet Green Mist FormulaMists and sprays are an easy way to add wonderful, natural scent to your home and they are proven allies in the fight against germs. Mists and sprays are a simple way of providing aromatherapy by just using essential oils, water and a spray bottle. Nothing could be easier than spritzing a few drops of these antibacterial sprays on doorknobs, bathroom surfaces, telephones–anything you touch–to keep your home smelling sweet. Because essential oils are antibacterial, they also help kill germs. The formulas keep indefinitely and, in a pretty bottle tied with a ribbon, they make great gifts. Your home will smell marvelous, and you won’t need to worry as much when guests bring coughs and sneezes in with them. Look for all-natural pure essential oils at your local natural foods store.
This couldn’t-be-easier recipe makes enough for five cups of mist, enough to share with a friend. Use liberally on non-staining surfaces or simply spray upward in the center of the room, being sure to avoid contact with eyes.
Ingredients:
Use an eyedropper to place the following in a small glass jar with a lid (a baby food jar is ideal)–
20 drops sweet orange essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Mix well. To use, add 4-8 drops of this base to one cup of purified or distilled water in a spray bottle, shaking to mix. Store in a cool, dark place.

Spicy Summer PotpourriThis potpourri looks lovely set out in a bowl, as well as in little potpourri bags.
Base: a combination of any or all of the following, thoroughly dried–orange peel, marigolds, chrysanthemums, lavender, asters, Queen Anne’s lace, star anise seeds, cinnamon powder or sticks, whole or powdered cloves
Oil scents: a few drops each–
Sweet orange essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Clove essential oil
Sprinkle dried base with oils and mix well. Refresh base with a few drops of oil whenever needed.

More on Household Hints (248 articles available)
More from Cait Johnson (397 articles available)

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/home-sweeteners-how-to.html#ixzz1EicM014N

Ragamuffin...

Check out sites....
I will add my own tutorial and pictures soon....I promise....!

http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2009/11/ragamuffin-garland-cheater-style.html

http://www.thenester.com/2008/11/ragamuffin-memo-garland-you-can-make-one.html

Kids Eat Free...

Monday
Logan's Roadhouse - $2.99 Kids meals
Sizzilin Wings - $1.99 kids meals

Tuesdays
Walk-ons- kids eat free
Joe's Crab Shack- kids eat 1/2 price
DeAngelo's –5-9pm kids make their own pizza (no discount)
Las Palmas – kids eat free - clown with ballon tricks
Brewbachers- kids meals $1.99
Cafe LaGrange –kids eat free
Logan's Roadhouse- $2.99 kids meals
Sicily's Italian Buffet- up to 2 free kids buffets per adult buffet purchased (all day)
Chick-fil-a - 5-8pm 1 free kids meal with purchase of adult combo meal
Denny's - kid's 10 & under eat free with adult purchase 4-10pm
Sno’s Seafood and Steak House (Gonzales) - kid's 12 & Under eat free w/ adult purchase 6-9pm
Baskin Robbins - Kid's scoops $0.99 - regular scoops $1.50 5-10pm
Portobello's Grill - 4-9pm (2) kid's eat free w/ every (1) adult entree purchase thanks Brandy

Wednesdays
Times Grill - kids eat free with adult purchase 5-close
Tropical Smoothie Cafe - 1 FREE Kid’s Big Kahuna Combo w/ purchase of adult Paradise Combo. 12 & under. Child must be present. Available all day
Whole Foods - Free Kid's meal with $5.99 or more adult meal purchase after 5pm
Charlie Brown's (Prairieville) - kids eat free all day (Thanks Lyndsy)

Thursdays - Piccadilly- 11am-4pm $.99 kids meals, $1.99 big kids meals

Saturdays
Piccadilly–all day $.99 kids meals, $1.99 big kids meals
Sonny's BBQ- 1 free kids meal per adult (Thanks AnneScott)
On The Border - Kids eat Free 2-4pm (Thanks Morgan)
Lucy's Retired Surfer's Bar and Restaurant - Kids eat Free

Sundays
Drusilla Seafood- 9 yrs and under eat free
Pluckers Wing Factory and Grill - 12 & Under 2 kids eat free per adult purchase
Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar - 12 & under 1 kid per adult eats free

Everyday
Golden Correl- kids under 3 eat free from buffet
Sonic – happy hour 2-5pm ½ price drinks
Shoney's-Kid's under 4 Eat Free from Kid's menu at participating locations

5 foods that help you sleep...(from yahoo)

1. Cherries -- Fresh and dried cherries are one of the only natural food sources of melatonin, the chemical that controls the body's internal clock to regulate sleep. Researchers who tested tart cherries and found high levels of melatonin recommend eating them an hour before bedtime or before a trip when you want to sleep on the plane.
2. Bananas -- Potassium and magnesium are natural muscle relaxants, and bananas are a good source of both. They also contain the amino acid L-tryptophan, which gets converted to 5-HTP in the brain. The 5-HTP in turn is converted to serotonin (a relaxing neurotransmitter) and melatonin.
3. Toast -- Carbohydrate-rich foods trigger insulin production, which induces sleep by speeding up the release of tryptophan and serotonin, two brain chemicals that relax you and send you to sleep..
4. Oatmeal -- Like toast, a bowl of oatmeal triggers a rise in blood sugar, which in turn triggers insulin production and the release of sleep-inducing brain chemicals. Oats are also rich in melatonin, which many people take as a sleep aid..
5. Warm milk -- Like bananas, milk contains the amino acid L-tryptophan, which turns to 5-HTP and releases relaxing serotonin. It's also high in calcium, which promotes sleep.

Recomendations...

Books I love:
- the happiest toddler on the block
- Start Smart by Pam Schiller

UPDATES

I want to update with a new name, a few changes, add some labels, and....well, i guess lets start slow...so any ideas would be greatly appreciated!