On top of the world (Photo Contest Entry)

I am entering this photo of my little girl in the Photo Contest sponsored by www.our-reflection.blogspot.com. The contest's theme this week is Childhood.

The photo was taken at the highest point in Acadia National Park, during our vacation to Maine last summer. I was able to capture this special moment between my husband and our daughter; knowing full well that I may never be able to capture a moment like this one again. Her unsteady gait climbing around on the rocks, just a few months after she began walking, clinging to her Daddy's hand was a priceless moment. It was even more special because after 3 previous attempts to get photos at the highest point in Acadia National Park, we finally avoided the fog and were able to get this one.

Even if I don't win the photo contest, I had fun perusing the thousands of photos I've taken in the less than two years since we were blessed with our little girl. I love so many photos, but this one stuck out last night while I was scrapbooking with a friend- it is a favorite to me because the photo turned out so well and it also brings the memories of that trip flooding back. We have made this a monthly craft night together and it is so fun to share our photos, our memories, conversation and a bottle of wine in the company together. To spend an evening accomplishing the task of recording our memories in the company of someone else who shares your passion for family, photos and creativity is a beautiful thing.

~Angela

St. Patty's Day Wreath

After I made the Valentine's Day heart wreath, I thought I should make a similar one for St. Patrick's Day. This happens to be my husband's birthday so we celebrate this holiday a bit more than most people do, I am willing to bet:)

I bought 1/2 yard of satin and used the same process as I did with the Valentines heart wreath, using hot glue to adhere the satin to the wooden sign. This project was inexpensive and finished in under and hour-my favorite kind of project!

This is the sign that I started with, which is hidden by all the satin. I bought for $3.99 at Michaels.  

~Angela

Drawer Organization

I am not sure how I acquired quite so many socks, but it was to the point that I could barely shut the dresser drawer. It may have something to do with having socks for so many different purposes: I have dress socks, biking socks, summer running socks and winter running socks, every day socks, slipper socks and holidays socks. TOO MANY SOCKS.  I had been looking for some time to find a way to organize these without having to line my socks up. I still wanted to be able to throw them in the drawer when it came time to put them away.

Before- organized by color

Before- random

Container Store $14.99 for 2

Left side= dress socks   Right side=workout socks

Left side= everyday socks   Right side=slipper socks

This has made it so much easier to find the socks I am looking for! I ended up buying 4 more of the organizers for my daughter's dresser as well.

~Angela

11 inches of my hair-gone to a better home!

I donated my hair about 4 years ago after being moved to tears by this video. At that time, any dye had grown out and my hair was healthy and long enough to satisfy the 10 inch minimum. I figured that I have spent the last several years taking care of my hair and I might as well give it to someone else who can use it more than me. It was such a good feeling then that I knew I would do it again. I immediately started growing it to donate it again. That day came on Friday. I was able to donate 11 inches of my hair and this is what I am left with:

 

This style should grow out well as I think I will donate it again once it is long enough. My life is simplified by not getting my hair colored. Plus I hate that whole process and the chemicals and am completely comfortable with my natural color. And the shorter style is much quicker to dry and does not get stuck in my zippers, my scarves and feels so healthy. And I am giving my hair to help out someone who does not have any. That is a good feeling.

~Angela

My Favorite Things...Yes this is a blog about things

Yes, this is a blog about things. About things I love. Things that make my life easier.  Things that you can buy.  I am always stressing the importance not in things but in memories, in family, friends, enjoying a simpler life. But these are items I use often and each time I do, I think to myself “I am SO glad I purchased this!” And the items are not major investments. These items aid me in simplifying my life and although are not needs, I sure am glad I own them. There is no benefit to me in sharing these items with you (I wish there was!) but I do like to share my discoveries, so here you have them: my Top 5 favorite things list.

5. Step Stool ($24)

I just can’t figure out why I did not buy one sooner. Climbing on the cupboards to reach higher cupboards once you are over the age of 10 and more than 100 pounds is just dangerous.  And waiting for your 6 ½ foot tall husband to come home does not work for people like me who want things done immediately.

4. 3M Command hooks ($4)

Since I do not usually commit to things the first time around when it comes to decorating/organizing, these were made with me in mind. I have these hooks inside a lot of my cupboard doors and closets, and I don’t have to worry if I choose to move the hook because I have found a better spot for it. They do not take off paint or ruin wood so I can rearrange and reorganize ‘til my heart’s content.

3. Netti Pot ($14)

This is a miracle machine. Looks strange and the first time I used it, I really freaked myself out because it was a strange feeling, but now I am a believer! If you have a allergies, runny nose or sinus blockage, use water and/or the saline packets that come with it and this little miracle device to clear out your sinuses. Ahh, relief…. I can be heard raving about this every time I hear someone say they are stuffed up.

2. Shark Steam Mop ($99)

 I vividly remember the warning my friend gave me as I was approaching my due date: “Don’t get tempted to buy all the things they advertise on infomercials when you are up late at night feeding the baby and there is nothing else on TV.”  I, of course, was not going to fall victim to that. Until I saw the infomercial for the Shark Steam Mop just hours after my little girl was born! I was up with my brand new baby for a midnight feeding (yes, still in the hospital) and I needed the stimulation of the TV to stay awake after an exhausting day. The Shark Steam Mop looked like an amazing cleaning device that I must have to keep my home free from chemicals (especially with a new baby) and I could mop while I toted the little bundle around; it looked that easy! But heeding my friend’s advice I did not buy it. Well, not then. I waited a few days then ordered it from Amazon.com once I was released from the hospital and am so glad I did. I use this all the time to mop my tile and hardwood floors. It is easy and uses no chemicals and pumping the handle is a weird kind of fun. (For the record, this is the only infomercial I fell victim to although I hear the magic bullet is quite awesome too…)

1.       Crock Pot ($35)

The most genius invention ever, especially for parents that work outside the home (besides pockets, which I am convinced were also invented by moms).  To be able to have food ready to eat at the end of the day by doing nothing besides adding ingredients earlier in the day and letting them sit-need I say more?! Recipes are easy to come by, easy to make and can be made for all meals of the day.

I’d love to hear what some of your favorite things are!

~Angela