How To: Organize Your Phone Photos

Do you hoard photos?  Unload them all on your computer and then overwhelmed when it comes to printing, weeding through them, and backing them up?  I'm especially bad at this with my cell phone pictures..

I was so tired of seeing the dreaded "storage almost full" box pop up on my phone - I take SO many phone pictures because it's always on me and so convenient.  I was tired of missing moments because I haven't yet cleaned off my photos and my storage was full.  So I was on the hunt for a GOOD way to print those off and have them in our home to look at any time.  I mean, what good do they do if they're locked up on my computer anyway?

I've looked into so many photo books, it has made my head spin.  But then I heard about Chatbooks, and once I tried it was so ECSTATIC.. because it was easy, convenient, and I was finally getting all my photos printed.  Grab the app for your phone and you can make Custom Books or you can make Ongoing Series Books - I do the Ongoing Series.  I add in the photos as I go.  It's $8 for a 60-page soft cover book, or you can upgrade to a hard cover book for $13 and there's always free shipping.  It's a 6in x 6in book, and I love how the spine of the book has the dates on it.  Each page has the date of the photo on it also, so it's just a continuing book of your life basically.  ;)

Also, I keep ALL of my photos backed up in two different places (because I'm a freak like that and would have a severe meltdown if I lost them, ha) - I use an external hard drive and then I also use Amazon Cloud Drive because we use Amazon Prime and it comes with unlimited photo storage.. score.  :)  When I back up my photos I make a year (ex: 2015) folder, and then I make monthly subfolders and organize them that way.

I love that you write captions underneath the photos!

Once you reach 60 images, Chapbooks sends you an email giving notice that the book will go to print in 3 days.  In that timeframe you are able to edit the title, cover photo, edit captions, or delete images if you want to.  Then off it goes.  I love that automatically goes to press because then I won't forget to order, etc - it's all taken care of for me and in a couple weeks I'll have it in my mailbox.  Easy peasy.

They also have good customer service - which is a two thumbs up in my book.  All in all, I love them and am SO glad I found them.

Clara loves flipping through them and enjoying the memories - totally worth it to have them printed instead of just sitting on my phone or computer where they don't get enjoyed as they should!  Have you used Chatbooks?  Do you use a different photo book service, or how to use organize/print your cell phone pics?

Send Some Love {kid craft}

Clara's at the fun age where she likes to color everything, cut everything, put stickers on everything.. so that makes craft time a lot of fun.  ;)  We made this hand chain (kind of like a paper doll chain, you know?), to have fun with and send out to Nana & Papa.  After she was done decorating it, I wrote on each hand "i love you this much".. and the little scribbles you see on each hands, that's her "writing" her little message out.. I was just translating it haha.

I love that she loves doing these kinds of things... seeing all her creations makes my heart so happy.  You see that little sun she drew in the above photo?  Yeah, that's the cutest little sun I ever did see!  ;) Her attention span is a little short to do anything too involved craft-wise.. so we stick with simple for now.

Has anyone else done a Valentine Day craft with their little ones?  Leave a link to it in the comments, I would love to see what you've created!

Parson Tower Desk // Craft Room

We've been doing some house redecorating the past few weeks - one of the things we've done is started redoing the guest room/craft room.  I sold my old desk so my husband could create a bigger desk for me... I needed something with a lot of space on top for doing my Project Life.  I sat down and went through plan after plan, and eventually ended up choosing to go with the Parson Tower Desk from Ana White.  He actually finished it for me the night before Valentine's (while I was sleeping.. he was up until 2am!) so it would be in the garage when I went to work the next morning.. it has my favorite chocolate candy on it.. and flowers... so sweet.  :)

I was so excited to get stain picked out and get it finished.  I decided to stain rather than paint, because I did not want to paint it white and I thought I would get tired of a color fast... so I stuck with something a little more classic and timeless.  Stain it was.. and I knew I wanted it dark!  So we went to Home Depot and picked out a few samples to test.

I know these stains look so similar.  But two of them had a little bit of an orange tint than the other.  I ended up using Mixwax 'Jacobean'... it was the most solid brown of the three and it gave a really nice, rich color.

This last photo was taken with my phone, but you get the gist of the finished product.  I'm absolutely in love with the desk.  It's nice and long, which give lots of room for all of my projects.  I bought two wire baskets for the shelves at Home Goods, and then I hung up those clip board with sticky tack.. for now.. until I decide if I want that to be more permanent.  Excuse the mess of the photo.. I know it's not too much to look at right now, but I'm going to be updating you with progress photos as I get shelving, etc, up on that wall.. and get the rest of the room decorated.  It's not only my craft area, but also the guest area (my parents are coming to visit next month!).

I can't wait to get going on the rest of it.. the desk was the 'big' project.. now it's all just starting to come together.  :)

Butterfly Princess Costume {diy}

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Cottonelle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CottonelleTarget  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”

If any of your are like me.. I tend to look over Halloween a little bit.  I get so busy around this time of the year that it just completely evades me.  Until my daughter starts getting excited over it, that is.  But she's not quite there yet.. and here I was last week.. twiddling my thumbs over what to do for her costume.  What I did know was that I didn't want to spend a lot of money and I wanted to keep it simple.

My daughter already had a pair of butterfly wings in her closet (a couple, actually), I found a wand in her toy box, I used one of my sparkly headbands, and then I made a simple fabric circle skirt.... and.. glued some Cottonelle onto the skirt for a fluffy, princess-y effect.

We dubbed it "Butterfly Princess".

If you have a daughter, then more than likely you have something in your house that can be transformed into some sort of princess/queen/angel/butterfly/something-else-girly for a costume.  And I'm sure you all have toilet paper in your house - at least I hope you do.  If not, just head to Target and get yourself a 12 pack of the Cottonelle Triple Roll (your behind will also thank you for this).  The key is to find stuff that you already have laying around the house... I invested hardly any time or money into this.  And this girl just had a ball in it.

  

Even daddy had fun playing "Butterfly Princess"... he had his own set of wings and everything.  ;)  Precious, right?  He was definitely mean to be a daddy to a little girl.  Can't wait to stick this photo in a scrapbook!  

Do you want to try the super soft Cottonelle Triple Roll?  Whether for a fun getup... or...... your bottom.  Yes, I said it.  ...Well if you do, grab this coupon and you'll get a free box of Kleenex when you pick up a 12 or 20 roll package, while supplies last.

Fun Stenciled Clipboards {diy}

I had the opportunity to test out Plaid's new FolkArt Multi Surface Paints the past couple of weeks - so fun!  Not only that, but I also dabbled in some stenciling with the new Handmade Charlotte stencils.  Now I honestly just want to stencil anything I can get my hands on.  It's slightly addicting.  Both of these products are available at Michael's craft stores.

I truly love these paints - they are so versatile.  You can use them on practically any surface... fabric, wood, tin, glass, etc.  It's also dishwasher and wash machine safe!  Pretty neat, right?  And Handmade Charlotte has a ton of stencil designs to choose from.

My poor "office/craft area" is in dire need of attention.  It's the one thing that's been put on the back-burner since we moved into our home a year ago.  I decided to do a little stenciling on some clipboards for that room... a couple for decor, and a couple to hold my massive to-do lists (I mean very massive)..

The hard part was deciding what exactly I wanted to stencil on my clipboard.  I decided upon this little saying.. because I think it's something important I need to remind myself of often.  But once I got past that, the stenciling was a breeze!  ;)

First I used the tape to adhere the stencil to my project, so it would stay in place.  Then I took the small foam pouncers and I stippled the paint on.  Stippling helps so the paint doesn't bleed under the stencil.  For the white, I did two coats because I want to make sure it was nice and vivid.

I also did a couple more little stenciling projects to add a little life to my "office" area.. one of them being a pretty little heart stencil on one of my glass jars that holds some odd and ends.. tags for my Etsy items, a little ribbon, small clothespins, etc.  :)

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Trick-Or-Treat Bag {diy}

Is it just me, or is time going by entirely too fast?  Fall is my favorite time of the year... September through December.. I just love the holidays.  But it always passes to quickly.  To celebrate the first day of fall, I've been crafting - lots of crafting (and baking.. frosted pumpkin cookies later today!).

I've been really getting into stenciling lately.  It's really fun to play around with.  So I made this cute little trick-or-treat bag for Clara.  It's simple and I made it with stuff I already had.  Didn't cost me a dime!  Grab some stencils, paints, and a bag or something to stencil on - and have fun with it!

It's the perfect addition to any halloween costume.  I just love all of these Pottery Barn costumes.. found here.  Which one is your favorite?  I'm partial to the kids scarecrow one.. seriously just too cute.

I also have a soft spot for the baby pumpkin outfit.  I love babies dresses as little pumpkins.. I don't know why, I just really think it's the cutest thing ever.  And this crocheted pumpkin beanie that I made would go along perfect with it!  Right?  My daughter didn't want to take it off.

 

And as a little treat for you,  Pottery Barn Kids is offering 20% off plus free shipping on all of their treat bags online.  There are some super cute ones, too!!

This post is sponsored by Pottery Barn Kids, but seriously... my love for Pottery Barn is a true obsession.

Coconut-Lime Sugar Scrub {diy}

I love sugar scrubs.  And I love coconut oil.  When I first saw this, I knew I had to make it.  There's just something about the smell of lime and coconut that is tropical and summery... makes you feel like you should be sitting on a beach somewhere.. with a pina colada or mojito in hand.  Beach or not, I kind of wish I had a mojito right now, as I sit here on the couch binge watching Gossip Girl (don't judge).  And don't even get me started with coconut oil.  There are so many uses for it.  This is just one of them.

*Disclaimer:  If you buy coconut oil, please buy it unrefined.  Or better yet.. buy virgin cold-pressed coconut oil.  It's better for you.  I didn't realize I bought the wrong one until it was open and on my counter, so I won't be using this for cooking.  I guess that's what happens when you have a distracting toddler with you on your shopping trips;)

I love how silky and soft my skin feels after I use this.  I didn't even need to use lotion after I got out of the shower (though I might need to in the winter).  Your skin will just soak up the coconut oil, but won't leave it feeling greasy.  I prefer to use regular granulated sugar... it's coarse enough for me, and I have sensitive skin.  But if you like the grains to be bigger, then you can sub it out for turbinado sugar. 

Also... this would make a great gift!  Birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas... just because.  :) 

Coconut-Lime Sugar Scrub

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• zest of one lime
• 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• lime and/or coconut flavoring/essentials oils (optional)

Place all the ingredients in a bowl.  You may or may not have to warm up the coconut oil in the microwave for a few depending on the temperature.  It's so hot out right now that mine is pretty soft, but in the winter it might need to get warmed up.  Stir to combine.  Feel free to add lime or coconut essential oils to give the scent some more oomph if you so wish.  :)  And play around with the oil/sugar ratios if you need to, until you get your desired consistency.  It's not a science... just throw the stuff together until it works for you.

Store at room temp for several weeks (I just keep it in my shower).  Exfoliate, moisturize... enjoy!

Moon Sand {diy}

Keeping my 2 year old busy during the day is getting to be quite tricky.  She's easily bored, and goes stir-crazy if we're in the house for too long.  We go to the park a lot, go to the pool, etc.. but it's nice to switch it up and find something different and fun to do.  She absolutely loves this moon sand.. it's a fun rainy day activity, too (we might be doing this today... looks a little gloomy out)!

Minnie likes to play too.. as you can see below.. Clara likes to take her and go 'HIIII-YA!' like a ninja.  I'm not sure, but I think her Papa taught her that when he was visiting.. makes her giggle every time.

There are quite a few moon sand recipes out there, but I just found this one worked the best for us.  It was the cheapest and I had everything on hand to make it.  It's soft and smooth, and molds well.  Next time I want to get some little dixie cups so she can build a little 'castle'.  :)  It's super easy to make.. so get to it!  Your toddler will love it.

4 cups flour
1/2 cup baby oil

Put in a big bowl and mix up with your hands until thoroughly blended together.  Put it in a container of your choice.. grab some cups, spoons, toys, pretend your at the beach.. and play!  I halved this recipe for Clara, and then stored it in an air-tight container and it kept good for a few days.

 

 

 What are your favorite rainy day activities?  

(PS:  If you haven't yet, enter my Peter Rabbit Organics giveaway!  Ends 8/9/13.)

Puff Stitch Scarf {Etsy}

I have a new item in the shop.  And I really really love it.  I think it's my favorite scarf at this moment (I love scarves, so that changes a lot;).  It's a puff stitch, and I just adore the way this stitch looks - it's simple, classic, yet has a different and appealing design.

Yep, I like it!

I think this would be a great addition to any wardrobe.  It's simple.  Warm enough for the dead of winter, yet good enough for a sunny & breezy day.  It's versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways.  If you haven't seen the video "25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes"... you should watch it.

And it's available in a variety of colors!

I had to send one off to my friend Morgan, as a gift.. hope she loves it.  :)

journaling for my princess.

I've always loved writing.  Even in school (unless it was a cite-your-sources type paper.. then, no thanks).  Sometimes I feel like there's a lot going on in my head, it gets overwhelming.  Writing things out is a good way for me to relieve some of that. 

I have mounds of notebooks laying around.  Lots of them with scribbles.  Things to remember.  Various to-do lists.  Wish lists.  Anything, really.  I feel like I'm going to forget something unless I write it down.  The other day I went out and bought a couple 'special' journals.  I really wish I would have started this when I found out I was expecting.  But I didn't.  Oh well.  I'm starting it now, though.  These journals are for Clara.  Every day I'm going to write something in it.  Whether it's just a couple of words or a whole paragraph.  A prayer.  A thought.  Something funny she did that day.  Something new she learned.  And then when she's older... when she turns 18, or when she moves out.. or whenever (I haven't decide that yet.. I think I have time to figure that out)... I will gift it to her.

I just really like this idea.  And I'm really happy I'm doing it.

I found these journals at a local store here in Korea and thought they were really sweet.  I bought 2 of them.. but I may have to go back for some of the other designs as well.  I must say, though, the Thumbelina one is my favorite.  :)

I Finally Did It..

I finally made an Etsy shop.  It's what I've thinking about doing for almost a year now, and I finally did it.  It's mainly crocheted items.. mostly for babies/photography props/kids.  But I do make other things such as burp cloths, afghans/blankies, and scarves (seriously, nothing better than a chunky crocheted scarf!).  I can also do more than what I have pictured -- since I'm just starting up the shop, I don't have a lot up yet.  If you have an idea of what you want, but don't see it -- PLEASE con

Check out my Etsy shop HERE.

I also have a Facebook page to keep up with new additions, etc... HERE.  Please feel free to 'like' my page so you can keep up!  :)

Thanks to Amy Killian Photography for this photo.

Making Our Household a Little More 'Green' ...

I started doing research on making my own household cleaners while I was pregnant.  I was very paranoid and OCD about everything.  The house had to be clean at all times.  I'm pretty sure I vacuumed every day.  I did not like random things just laying around (i.e. my dear husband's things;).  Ok, well I'm a lot more lenient about that stuff now (baby toys EVERYWHERE.. I wouldn't have it any other way:).  I used store bought household cleaners a lot... but hated the toxic smell.  That really couldn't have been 'good' for me.  I always felt like I needed to air out the house after I was done cleaning.  Lysol.  Gag.  Comet.  Gag.  I sure as heck didn't want to be breathing that stuff.. and I definitely don't want my baby girl breathing that in either.

So I looked on tons upon tons of websites and tried out different recipes for homemade cleaners.. did you know you can make just about anything yourself?  Including laundry detergent -- although I haven't gone that far because I really like the detergent I use.  I still have a boat load of Seventh Generation laundry detergent that I bought before Clara was born (yes, I haven't had to buy laundry detergent in over 4 months.. it was on sale & I had coupons, don't judge).  All these recipes that I have listed is what I use in our home and I love them and they work wonderfully.  You can make just about any cleaner yourself -- check out the sources at the bottom for a ton more of useful information.

Not only is this stuff more safe and more 'green'.. it cheap!  I'm always up for saving money.  Does anyone else make their own cleaners??

Picture Source

 Glass/Window Cleaner

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 3-4 drops of Dawn dish soap

 Mix all ingredients in an empty spray bottle.  I love this -- works great, and doesn't leave streaks.  I will never use a store-bought glass cleaner again.

Surface Spray (Homemade '409')

• 2 tbsp. vinegar
• 1 tsp. borax
• 1/8 cup Dawn dish soap
• 1 cup hot water

Pour vinegar, borax, and hot water, and Dawn dish soap in spray bottle.  Then fill spray bottle the rest of the way with cool water.  Don't shake, just swish from side to side a little bit to mix.  (do not use things containing vinegar on granite countertops/surfaces) 

All-Purpose Cleaner/Grease Cutter

• 2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup Castile Soap (like Dr. Brommers)
• 10 drops Tea Tree Oil

Mix together in a spray bottle and spray on surface, let sit for a few seconds then wipe off with a damp cloth. 

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

• 1 cup Borax
• 1/4 cup vinegar

Let sit for a few minutes.  Scrub with toilet bowl brush.

Oven Cleaner

• Dampen with water
• Sprinkle generously with baking soda

Leave for 20 minutes, scrub until clean.

Microwave Cleaner

• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 2 cup water

Combine in a bowl and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, remove bowl and wipe down inside of microwave.

Tub Scrub

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 tsp. liquid soap
• 10 drops Tea Tree Oil (or Peppermint or Eucalyptus)

Add enough water to form a paste, use it with a brush/sponge to scour bathtub surfaces.

 Air Freshener 

• 2 parts water
• 1 part rubbing alcohol
• 5 drop essential oil of your choice

Mix in spray bottle, do not spray on delicates.  If you need to put more than 5 drops of essential oil in, then do so.

Dusting

• Just use a microfiber cloth.

A few more tidbits of information for you --

• There are a few essential oils that have antimicrobial properties.. such as eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and peppermint.  Good for use in homemade cleaners.
• Use crocheted or knitted dish cloths that you can wash and reuse instead of sponges/dish cloths that are meant to be thrown away.
• A lot of store-bought air fresheners contain phthalates.. not good for you, your children, or pets!

Sources:   Martha Stewart, Young House Love, Maillardville Manor, HealthyChild.org, GreenerChoices.org (Consumer Reports), Farmers Almanac

Pretty Plastic Bag Organizer

So while I was cleaning out the laundry room last weekend, I came across a huge problem.  Plastic bags.  No wonder why I didn't have any cabinet space -- they were stuffed full of plastic bags (I always forget to bring my own bags when we go grocery shopping).  We do use plastic bags here and there for certain things around the house, but my problem was out of control.

There are plastic bags within plastic bags within plastic bags within plastic bags... you get the idea.  Hundreds.  Of.  Bags.  I was a tad disgusted with myself at this point.

And a while ago I saw a super easy tutorial on Martha Stewart's website for a Pretty Plastic Bag Organizer.  Perfect for my plastic bag problem.  And I've decided that I only need to keep as many as that organizer can hold.  I found some some cute and colorful kitchen towels at the BX that were on clearance for way cheap, so I snagged myself some and got to work.

3 bucks for 3 kitchen towels & 15 minutes of my time.. a cheap (and pretty cute) solution for my little fiasco, right?  I think so!