Cleaning Schedule - Free Printable

If you're anything like me, the new year signifies a time to get more organized with our homes and our schedules. This morning I was on the hunt for a cleaning schedule, because really I have no method to my cleaning madness, so sometimes things don't get cleaned like they should. There are loads of schedules on Pinterest, and I just couldn't decide which one I wanted to use. So, I decided to come up with a fun retro style one of my own. 

Click here to download and print your own. 

I wanted to make a schedule that wasn't too overwhelming and specific. Go look at the Martha Stewart schedule and you'll feel like a real failure of a housewife. If you have more time one week, maybe you actually take the time to deep clean your kitchen, but otherwise, just do what you can with the time you're allowed. Making some effort is better than no effort. Am I right? 

I love the idea of placing it in a sheet protector and using a washable marker to cross off your list. I always work better when I know I can actually cross something off my list.

 I hope this little ditty can get you on the right track this year. And, always remember to cut yourself some slack. Someday when the kids have moved out, we'll have all the time we need to clean. Enjoy them while you can!

Happy Sunday

Happy Sunday Friends!

That's all.

Friday Favorite - Katygirl Designs

What can I say? I love handmade! My business is primarily built on handmade and allows me to stay home with my boys because of it. So in order to get the word out about other amazing artists, I've started this new series called Friday Favorite. 

Every Friday (don't hold me to it), I will feature something that I own that is handmade. If you've sold me something handmade, keep your eye out, you just might be my next feature! 

So let's get started, shall we?

For Christmas I got this absolutely adorable calendar made by Katygirl Designs.

It came with the little easel and adorable calendars for each month.

I placed mine on my desk, so I can look at it often. It really is just one of those things that makes me happy.

I don't see any calendars left in her shop, but she has adorable notecards and prints. And, if you follow her on IG, she sometimes has great specials!

Hurry and go check her out!

{Disclosure: This is solely my opinion, and I have not been paid in any way to give this review. Have something you want me to review? Contact me, and we'll chat!}

Pinterest for the Win - Sticky Buns

So, let's be honest, before Pinterest came around, I didn't cook much. Like honestly, it was fast food, spaghetti, tacos, or grilled cheese. Sad, but true. I just had trouble trusting a cook book. How do you know the recipes are good? Minimal pictures or no pictures, zero repins, no FB likes, I just can't trust it. Pinterest enters, and it's so easy and most recipes have been a total hit with our family. 

So, I thought I'd start a little series called "Pinterest for the Win," where I share recipes that we actually use and really like.

Enter Sticky Buns...

I made these New Year's day before I got into the throws of my healthy eating. 

Anything made with biscuits from a can is going to be a success. Are you with me? So easy and so delightfully yummy! Kids liked them, but Jaxon got weird once he realized there was syrup on them. What? How can he be my kid?

Head on over here for the recipe.

Later Ladies!

Statement Necklace - Mix It Mondays

Can I just start by saying this is an awkward post for me. The whole thing, from photo shoot to hitting publish. But, I enjoy reading posts like these from other bloggers, so I'm throwing my inhibitions to the wind and jumping right in.

The other night I posted a picture of my Noonday necklace on Instagram and stated how versatile it is. When I bought this piece here, I was a little concerned that I went too big and not very practical. But when I received it in the mail, I started wearing it like a mad woman! And can I just say, I love the mission behind Noonday! Head on over here for everything that you want to know about Noonday. This is also the link for a local ambassador, so if you want to earn free jewelry, shoot her an e-mail!

Today I wanted to show you a few very different ways to wear a statement necklace. 

Here's a little bit more of a "dressed up" look.

Lace Dress: TJ Maxx  Cardigan: H&M  Boots: Famous Footwear  Necklace: Noonday

This is a pretty common "look" for me. T-shirt, jeans, and Chucks. Love how a statement necklace adds a considerable amount of flair.

Blazer: Lauren Conrad  Tee: Jc Penney  Jeans: DKNY  Necklace: Noonday  Chucks: Target

Here's a cozy every day kind of outfit. I love the contrast between the casual feel of the vest, paired with the necklace.

Vest: Kohls  Top: Kohls  Jeans: Rue21  Necklace: Noonday

I hope you feel inspired to mix up your statement necklaces a bit. Or inspired to go get yourself a Noonday necklace! 

So was that as awkward for you as it was for me? I sure hope not! And, what am I looking at on the floor in all these pictures? The more awkward I feel, the more I'll ramble. So I better just hit "publish" and call it a day!

Linking up with:

Peace

I hadn't really given much thought about New Year's resolutions, other than the obvious one to lose weight. But, the day after Christmas was just beautiful out, and as I walked our little dog around the pond, I realized something, I need less noise in my life! 

It was just Darla and I, and the occasional goose overhead. I felt peace inside. 

No TV blaring or cell phone in my hand. I had no idea how badly I needed that. Even music can be a little overbearing at times.

So, I've been thinking about what is causing all this noise in my head, and it does boil down to electronics and social media.

And when did it get to the point of being an idol of my heart, instead of God seated on the throne? That is truly the problem. 

Why am I checking my phone in the morning instead of pulling my Bible out?

I have some different ideas and steps in mind in order to combat this problem. I'll unpack those another time after I give them a little more thought.

Everybody's picking a word for the year. I think I'll go with peace.

As a Christian, it's so freeing to know that I can have peace amidst the chaos. Some chaos is not our plans, but His. Other chaos is just because of pure laziness. When my kids are fighting, and I'm too busy on Instagram to deal with it the proper way, I'm only adding to the chaos.

 I want intentional chaos. Chaos because we're busy in the church or because we're busy having families over for dinner. I want chaos that makes the Father smile, because we're busy building His Kingdom. 

I have other things that I want to work on this year and be better at. But, I truly felt God speak to me when I was out walking the dog that day. In some ways, it's a domino affect. This one area can transform my life in many other ways.

So, what's your word for 2014? Do tell!

Kiondos with a Purpose

It's a new year and time to get some things order. Yesterday I shared about these great kiondos, and today I wanted to give you some ideas on how to use them. I will say, they obviously are great for toting stuff around, especially if you have kids. I bought mine Christmas Eve and used it for every Christmas party I had after that. It was great for holding gifts, games, and food that we brought to each party. I wished that I would have had it for all of our Christmas gatherings.

Now on to some home organization ideas, because really that's what I bought mine for. 

Bathroom

This is one way I actually plan on using mine. We don't have a linen closet in our guest bathroom, so I thought I could throw a few towels in the bag and hang it on the back of our door. It's also a fun surprise for guests when they shut the door. And who doesn't love something pretty to look at while they're on the john? 

If you don't have a hook, it's just as lovely to set in a corner with towels, toilet paper rolls, or even magazines, for those who like to make their bathroom experiences a little more time consuming.

Living Room

There are pretty much endless ideas as far as this goes. For the picture I threw some of our records in it. I wasn't quite sure if they'd fit, but it really is that roomy.

Some other ideas for the living room are books, newspapers, blankets, and magazines. How about all those pesky video games and controllers? What a great way to camouflage them!

Foyer/Mudroom

This is most definitely where this will land for awhile. My mailboxes have been overflowing with hats and gloves. I'm so happy to have a place for the boys to throw their winter accessories when they come in. 

Kid's Room

If you're anything like us, you have a million stuffed animals in your house. These bags are too cute for throwing those pesky things in. Now obviously, I wouldn't put this in my boy's room, but if I had a girl, I'd be all over it! 

Other ideas for a kid's rooms are balls, books, blocks, diapers, and anything else that may need a soft and contained place to land.

Are you feeling inspired to go get one? I sure hope so! For more information on where to get a kiondo, head on over to Liberty & 33rd!