Monday, February 28, 2011

{WEEK 8} Kid's Room(s) & Play Areas

Kids' Rooms: Let's get shelves done first (if appropriate). Use same method: examine, toss/save/donate, replace onto shelves. This is a good time to get rid of games with lots of missing pieces, or save for while you're in the playroom in case the pieces are hidden there.

Desk drawers: go through (or have your children if they're older) and sort out what papers need to be saved and what can be tossed. Get rid of old magazines, old McDonald toys, toys in pieces, broken crayons, non-functional pens. Make room for the stuff on top of the desk!

Clothing Drawers and Closets: Again, check for current sizing. Too small? Donate to a friend's kids, Goodwill, or homeless shelter. Torn? Can it be used for rags? Box up anything to be saved for a sibling. Label and the box and put it away now. Throw out anything not able to be repaired! Have your child try on questionable items.

Before we go further. Have you thought about taking curtains down, and washing? Better start now! Throw the bedspread & blanket in the wash too! Time to check under the bed for the nasties down there. This might be a good place for under-bed storage containers. Once everything is picked up off the floor, don't forget the ceiling fans, and wash your ceiling fixtures. Now's a good time for windows & blinds too! Don't forget to dust, & polish any wooden furniture. If you have boxes stored in the bedroom or closets make sure you have a good marker with you to mark the outside of boxes with contents.

You can use the same methods for playrooms or play areas. Perhaps if you have a hobby room and no children, you can use this for your sewing or craft room. If you have none of the above, then take a relaxing bath. Then go over any areas that still need "doing".



Sunday, February 27, 2011

{MENU} Sunday Scoop

Our menu this week
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Sunday: Sloppy Joes
Monday: Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Tuesday: Chunky Tomato Soup
Wednesday: Eye of Round Steak, Baked Potatoes, Salad
Thursday: Tex-Mex Taco Dinner
Friday: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Saturday: Tilapia, Mashed Potatoes, and Salad

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Share a recipe from your weeks menu!! I would love to get some new dinner ideas!

Here is my recipe for the week...

Chunky Tomato Soup
Prep Time:35 mins    Start to Finish: 1 hour 35 mins    Serves:8


Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
2 medium stalks celery, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cans (28 oz each) plum (Roma) tomatoes, undrained
2 cups water
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cans (14 oz each) vegetable broth

How to make:
In 5-to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat oil medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots and garlic; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring, stirring frequently, until carrots are crisp- tender.

Stir in tomatoes, breaking up tomatoes coarsely. Stir in water, basil,pepper and broth. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cover; simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

ENJOY!!!

Friday, February 25, 2011

{FRIDAY FAVORITES} Ding Dong Ditched

Came across this fun idea on Poppies at Play, what fun right?! I know this is something my 3 year old is just going to love. So watch out neighbors here we come!


You can use the free printable I made or stop by Poppies at Play for their free printable!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

{LINK Parties} Joining the party...

I LOVE all the sites hosting link parties! It's so fun to see what everyone is up to, you could spend hours looking over all the creativity.

Here are the parties I participated in today:


Have fun and visit some other crafty blogs...

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

{CRUSHING} Clothing

I am SOOOOO crushing over this little shop, Ruche!
It's a modern boutique with a vintage touch.






I mean how cute are these right?! and they are reasonable priced too.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

{CRUSHING} Main Crush

Right now I am CRUSHING big time on 'THE POWER OF PAINT' as Sausha from {show & tell} would say. I mean look at what she is doing with old outdated pieces of furniture, I am in love! I mean just look at these....





I'm on Craigslist looking at dresser right this second! HA....do you blame me after seeing these??

Monday, February 21, 2011

{Week 7} Master Bedroom & Closet

Here we are at Week 7 - This one is gonna be a LONG one for me!!
First, let's start like we did in the living room. All curtains down and washed. Do the same with your bedspread. While windows are bare, clean blinds and glass.
Clear off those stacks and piles on and around your dresser/chest of drawers. Then, dump each drawer, one at a time, or all at the same time into a central location. Clean drawers if necessary.
Go through and sort items. Decide what you want to have in the dresser drawers and put only those items back. Use the 4 box method to sort the remaining items. If you haven't worn an item in a year, ask yourself if you will wear it within the next year, if no then get rid of it! Do similar with items other than clothing that you find along the way.
Have you checked under the bed yet? Better do so! There could be shoes, books, and other items that have long since been forgotten. You might want to consider getting storage containers for use under there for your off-season clothing.
Now onto the closet! Use the same technique as the drawers. For shoes, try on all pairs if you can't wear them now, chances are you never will. Get ride of them!
Have you changed the linens on the bed? Turn the mattress first, so you won't wear a valley in it. Throw the pillows into the dryer to fluff, and pull out all the dust they collect.
Time to dust and clean off all the furniture, don't forget the TV and any mirrors you may have. Then Vacuum the room and closet!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

{MENU} Sunday Scoop


Our menu this week

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Sunday: Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Monday: Tilapia, Mashed Potatoes, and Salad

Tuesday: Chunky Tomato Soup

Wednesday: Eye of Round Steak, Baked Potatoes, Salad

Thursday: Tex-Mex Taco Dinner

Friday: Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Saturday: Pizza

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Share a recipe from you weeks menu!! would love to get some new dinner ideas!!


Here is my recipe for the week...


Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Time:25 mins Serves:4

Ingredients:

1lb ground chicken breast

16 boston, bibb or butter lettuce leaves

1 lg onion -- chopped

1/2 cup pine nuts -- chopped (optional)

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons asian chili pepper sauce (see note)

1 can (8oz) sliced water chestnuts -- drained, finely chopped

1 bunch green onions -- thinly sliced

2 tablespoons asian sesame oil


How to make:

Rinse lettuce leaves, keeping them whole. Set aside to drain.

Cook chicken in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often to break up the meat. Add onion, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin cause, ginger, vinegar and chili sauce. Cook until the meat is crumbled and brown. Add water chestnuts, pine nuts, and green onions. Cook until onions begin to wilt, about 2 mins.

Stir in sesame oil. Arrange lettuce leaves on the outer edge of a platter. Spoon meat mixture in center. Allow diners to spoon mixture into lettuce leaves and eat like a taco.

NOTE: Asian chili pepper sauce can be found in the Asian section of most supermarkets. Some brands contain garlic, which is fine. You can use 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes instead.

Friday, February 18, 2011

{CRUSHING} Music

I am TOTALLY crushing over these two songs at the moment. For me they are the kind I can just keep replaying. LOVE songs like that!!

Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson

Don't You Wonna Stay

***************************************************************************

Sunny Sweeney


A Table Away

Click on the song title for a link to youtube and enjoy!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

{CRUSHING} BLOG

I thought it would be fun to share some of the things I'm totally CRUSHING on at the moment ;)
Today I'll start with my NEW fav blog....

House of Smith's

How fun and cute is Shelly? Seriously creative! I'm sure her blog will become a fav of yours too!!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Rosette Frames

I have been making rosettes like crazy for the last year! I saw the idea for these cute frames from U-Create Crafts and a few other blogs. They looked cute and easy!




So needless to say, everyone got a frame for Valentine's Day.

I would love to see what crafty projects you've been working on!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day & Week 6 - Bathrooms


Hope you have a GREAT Valentine's with those you love!!


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Week 6 -Bathrooms


Go through your medicine, throw away ones you do not use and the expired items.

Check your first aid supplies. Do you have everything you need? I've included a first-aid checklist for you.


How are you're towels, are they torn? Replacements??
Clean off handles, knobs, light switches. Does anything need replacing, if so write it on your list.
How does the bathroom mat or carpet look? Does it need some spot remover while you go on?
Remember to clean from high to low. When cleaning the bowl, spray with a good disinfectant. Remember to to get under the sink! If your cabinets look anything like mine you need to declutter declutter decluttter...who knows what I have under there!




Wednesday, February 9, 2011

{FREE} Valentine's Day Printables

I am SO excited to share my first printable collection with you!
This cute fun collection includes:
an invitation
large party circle
medium part circle
party labels
favor tags
Valentine's Day cards
drink flags
food tents
and a "Happy Valentine's Day" banner
I would love to see how you use the collection for your party, don't forget to come back and share!
If you would like the full PDF of the collection please leave a comment or send an email to pinkinkdoodle@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Happy 2 Be Design & Photography


Naomi from Happy 2 Be Design & Photography has done an AMAZING job capturing my little Miss Raegan! She is one of the sweetest Photographers I've met! She is so patient with us between outfit changes and mini 2 year-old melt downs. She really knew how to work the camera, and was great with Raegan.











Isn't she a doll? These pictures describe her perfectly: BEAUTIFUL, sweet and sassy!


As you can see Naomi has done an AMAZING job!! I highly recommend her to all of you. I will definitely be going back to her for Rae's 3.5 year pictures in a couple months. If you live in CO you must look her up and book your next photo session with Happy 2 Be Design & Photography.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Week 5 Family Room

WOW...can you believe we are already to week 5?! How are you feeling about all the hard work you've put in so far? I'm thankful to have 7 days to get the weeks challenge done, adding that to my normal cleaning feels like I'm none stop cleaning. But I do love the way the house looks when I'm all done.

Week 5 Family Room - Since this room is like the Living Room go back and look at your notes for that week. Wash the windows. Take everything down off the walls and curtains. Wash, vacuum, or dry clean as needed. Sweep ceiling corners and other nooks in the room - tops of doorways, windows, arches, bookcases, etc. Polish and touch-up stain on woods.

Take cushions off furniture, vacuum thoroughly. Vacuum cushions, checking for wear and turning as needed. Spot treat if needed. Vacuum the entire room. Yes, get help and move the furniture. There may be a some lost treasures under the sofa.
Anything with a drawers: Empty, sort, and throw away what you don't really need. Put the rest where it really belongs. Dust the piece you're finished with, repeat as necessary. Do shelves the same way. Dust, wash, and touch up paint as needed on baseboards.

Clean the TV screen. Dig out and sort all the accumulated electronic equipment - games, DVDs, camera parts, wires, connectors, etc. Put everything where it belongs and get rid of the rest. Try stashing things in the attic for a few months and if it's not missed then you can dispose of it as you please. I something doesn't work take action - if worth fixing then decide when it can be done. Otherwise just toss it now.

Other items needing attention if you have them:

  1. Fireplace/mantel/chimney/glass doors

  2. Lamps - cleaning and /or replacing shade/bulb/wiring
  3. Light switches (clean)
  4. Door handles (clean)
  5. Mirrors and anything framed under glass clean it.

This is also a good time to reorganized the DVDs and CDs. If you have not already. Not viewed or listened to in a while, donate or take to consignment shop or second hand store and swap.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Photo Valentine's Day Card

What's the perfect way to say, "I Love You" this Valentine's Day? With a cute card and photo of course! I thought it would be fun to make Rae's cards this year, and what could be more fun then passing out a card when they have your picture on them. Right? Well, maybe for her at least, LOL! Anyway, here is my design, what'ca think?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Week 4 Dining Room

SORRY!! I know this is 2 days late...been fight a HORRIBLE cold and this darn weather to boot. Any way...here it is - Week 4 Dining Room.
Keep with the basic plan, take everything off the windows and clean them. Take everything off the walls and clean items and walls. Empty all drawers, shelves, ledges, etc. Decide what you want to use this area for. Eating, entertaining, playing games, alternative office space, etc. DECLUTTER! Use the 4 box method, place everything that isn't usable in this room into the appropriate box. Trash, Goodwill, someplace else, or storage. Streamline down to what you will actually use in this room. Clean floors and baseboards. This is a good time to check chair/table legs to see if they need new protective caps or to be tightened. Re-hang pictures on the wall - only try using half of them. Then add more if you can't stand the empty look. According to the "Law of Household Reduction", when you decrease the number of things, you expand your space visually as well as physically.
Add a new arrangement of fresh flowers and plan to invite company for dinner!
 
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