Wash Day, Ironing Day, Cleaning Day...

Happy Friday friends! Ever since the kiddos started back to school last week, I have been trying to steer myself onto the road of organization and cleaning. And let my tell you, sisters, that road isn't always smooth. I sit here and ponder...why can I not keep my house picked up and company ready? The desire is there...what is the problem? I figured out that I am very easily distracted (something shiny?? Where?) If I even sit down at this stinkin' computer in the morning, hours can easily slip away! (Pinterest anyone?) I also L.O.V.E. to read. I will sometimes bribe myself by "allowing" myself to read my book for 30 minutes if I do this, this and this first.
Anyway, I have become slightly obsessed (in a good way) with the idea of  a chore for every day. It worked generations ago...I think it went something like...Monday was wash day (because it was such hard work and you would be all rested up from Sunday), Tuesday was ironing day (because all the wash was clean, makes sense), Wednesday was sewing day (maybe you noticed all the things that need mending while you ironed?), Thursday was market day (did this take all day cause they had to walk to the market?...uphill?...both ways?), Friday was cleaning (I guess that was bound to come along eventually), Saturday was baking day (now that sounds fun!) and then Sunday was a day to rest (Amen!).
My Great Grandma had embroidered towels that showed the daily chores. They were so fun to look at when I was little. (I was probably distracted by the neat towels whilst I was supposed to be doing a chore!) I found these kitty "chore of the day" kitchen towels on Etsy...so cute!

 

I am still trying to iron out (haha) the best cleaning/chore schedule, but Mondays have become the day that I change all the sheets. Is it bad that I never had a set day to do this before? Does everyone change sheets once a week? Is that normal or excessive? Please advise. 

I really do love the feel of clean sheets...so nice...but changing them is for the birds! My son has bunk beds (I always wack my head) and my daughter has an extreme amount of pillows on her bed. We really aren't sure how she fits in the bed with all those pillows.

Here is my sheet changing "supervisor".  A big black kitty known as Oreo. He loves to lay on the bed as you're trying to make it, right in the way, getting all tangled up in blankets and sheets. Fabulous.

Last spring I cleaned out and organized my linen closet. No, I am not showing any before and after pictures 'cause it is my own stupid fault that there even was a "before" and it really wasn't pretty. ☺ I started using a tip from Martha Stewart about putting each folded sheet set into its pillowcase so the sets stay nicely organized and together. It seems to be working...I haven't had to search the closet for a matching pillowcase in months!

Ummm...that is Martha's linen closet, well one of them at least, not mine. Actually, that probably isn't even Martha's closet. That there, is probably a stunt closet set up to make the rest of us feel envious! And it totally worked!

So, here is the funny part of my sheet changing day...I was watching Giada make something totally yummy on the food channel while I did my bed and I got the bed all put back together...blanket, comforter, pillows. Everything was tucked and straight and looking nice, I turn to walk out of the bedroom and there is the folded top sheet laying on the floor! I never put it on, dang it! I had to rip everything off again. See, I told you...easily distracted!

Have a good week, think of me as you wash and fold those sheets!

A Recipe Index...Finally!

Happy Friday!! Did anyone set their alarms extra early this morning to watch the Royal Wedding?? In honor of that fine occasion, please read this post with an English accent...in your head, I mean, 'cause I only write in American! ☺

I have a problem with stuff, as in... I have too much of it. I also have an issue with organization, as in...I have too little of it. I also have an on going conflict between the things I WANT to do (crafts) and the things I really SHOULD be doing (cleaning/organizing). But, this week the crafting stars and the get-organized stars aligned!

I have a food magazine that comes in the mail that I really do love. I LOVE looking through it and I do actually try many of the recipes! The problem is, I have been receiving said magazine since 2003 and I have saved them all! I have the space to store them (kinda) but, now that there are so many it has become impossible to actually find a recipe a second time. So, a couple of years ago I started putting tabs on the recipes I thought sounded good.

Except, there were so many recipes that sounded good, I ended up with out of control tabbing!! And I still had the problem that once I make a recipe and want to make it again, I can't find it easily. I needed an index!



Totally out of control tabbing, where are the tabbing police? The English would say "that's a lot of bloody tabs!"

 So, here is the plan...I bought a stack of spiral bound index cards (in neon colors, nice and happy). Then I dolled it up with scrap book paper on the front and back, a sticker and some trim. I tied ribbons on the spirals just for cuteness.

Then I added adhesive file labels to make four sections...dips, sides, main dishes and desserts. Dips will include any appetizers, I just couldn't fit that many letters on the tab!

So, here are the rules (for me, you can all do whatever you want☺)...for a recipe to make it into the index I have to actually make the recipe and have it family approved. This is an index of tried and true recipes, not just a wish list. But, once I know it's something I will make again, I add it to the index along with the issue, year and page number.

So, I still have to go through a lot of issues and find my favorite recipes but then I am good to go. Ahhh, there is peace and harmony in recipe land. Such a small thing but a problem solved nonetheless.

Lulu and I have decided to retire our "smiles and frowns for the week". We are going to switch it up and start sharing the "best thing we ate this week!"☺
So, here it is...the best thing we ate this week was a sandwich that has no name because I made it up! I bought these delicious ciabatta rolls from Sam's. They were the Member's Mark brand Artisan European Ciabatta Rolls. They were soft on the inside and crusty on the outside and oh, so yummy. I split them and spread pesto on each side, then put fresh sliced tomatoes on one half and baby spinach leaves on the other. Then I put a slice of mozzarella cheese on each side and put it all under the broiler until the cheese melted. We had them for dinner with a green salad. Yum! It was the BEST thing we ate this week!!

 Until next Friday...

He's Not Here...♥

He is not here! 

He has risen, just as he said. 

Come and see the place where he lay...

Matthew 28:6 

Pastel Spring Cupcake Recipe from Running with Glitter

Random side note: check out these cutie pattooties!! 

I made these out of Turkey Hill 1/2 gallon plastic iced tea jugs, but the original instructions were for 1 gallon milk jugs...those were neat, but these are super cute & little...they measure 4" high by 4" wide...perfect for trinkets...

and super free!!

Find the original instructions here at Family Fun

Happy Easter Sunday!

linking to:

 

Getting Organized with Jenn

I love getting organized. I love taking a huge pile of scrambled messy papers, organizing them and making something nice and neat out of all that mess!



So this past weekend, I decided to work on my recipe book. "S" picked out a cute recipe book for me for Christmas along with a variety of different blank recipe cards to fill it with. Ever since I moved into my new house, I didn't really have time to organize everything, so whenever I came across a recipe that I liked or wanted to make, I would write it down on whatever I had available at the time. Be it a post it, scrap paper or a computer printout.



It feels so good to take something messy and make something nice and neat and organized.

how to have the most organized Christmas....CHECK UP TIME!

So, I wanted to check in on anyone who may be following my no-fail Christmas to-do list (Click the link for the list in detail, below is just a snapshot with updates). And to discuss how far I've gotten, since I figure I should practice what I preach :)

So, here we go.....

Week of October 17 - COMPLETE!

1. Create a list of those for which you will need to buy gifts. Check!
   
2. Create a list of those for which you will be sending cards and decide on the type of card you will be sending. Check!
3. Create a list of events you will be hosting, and decide what kind of event it will be. I will be hosting Christmas Eve, and also a NYE pajama party! Christmas Eve will be "bring an appetizer to share" and on NYE, I serve a big midnight breakfast!

Week of October 24 - COMPLETE!

1. Request lists for those of which you will be buying gifts. Check!
2. Nail down your Christmas card idea. My Christmas newsletter is written! All I need to do is snap a photo in front of our tree as soon as it's up the day after Thanksgiving and put it on the letter, then it will be ready to print and send!

Week of October 31 - COMPLETE!

1. Plan a shopping trip day with your girlfriends, mom, sisters, etc. to get cranking on the better part of your list. My mother-in-law and I met my sister-in-law for a day of shopping at cute boutiques and shops on the square near my sister-in-laws university. It was a lot of fun and I am excited about the unique gift I found for one of my nieces :)
   
2. Start thinking about menu ideas for the party(s) you will be hosting or what dish-to-pass you'll bring to the parties you'll be invited to. If you have never tried a recipe before, do a test run this week. I've already done a test run on my holiday cookies, and the rest of my recipe's I've made before.

Week of November 7 - COMPLETE!

1. Checkpoint week. By now you should have at least 1/3 of your shopping complete, and if not complete, a good idea of what you're getting and from where. Finish any online shopping. I am 2/3 done with my shopping!! Right now I have mostly my homemade gifts left to make. The rest of my gifts I know what I am getting, I just have to get out there and pick them up!
2. Make a list of those for whom you'll be giving cookies, or a small gift (co-workers, neighbors, host gift, etc.). Check!
3. Nail down a date with your girlfriends for a cookie exchange Check! Dec 17!
   

Week of November 14

1. Decide what kind of cookie(s) you'll be making for any cookie exchanges. Hazelnut crisps and peppermint squares!
   
2. By now you should have a set-in-stone menu/dish to pass for any other events you'll be hosting or attending. Check!
3. By now you should have completed your "small gift shopping" (co-workers, neighbors, host gifts, etc.) ! --I still have 2 homemade things to make, but I do have the supplies...craft night with 7S is this weekend!

Week of November 21

1. Thanksgiving week! (Sorry you're on your own for those plans)
2. After Thanksgiving weekend- decorate the house! I suggest hot cocoa with whipped cream, Christmas music, and a big ole star on top 'o the tree.

Week of November 28

1. Time to get serious about shopping. Buckle down this week and get the list completed, I don't care if you have to knock down the Santa at the mall to do it, just do it! Need last minute ideas?

Week of December 5 (20 days till Christmas)

1. Wrap gifts. Make a list of those who you will need to give a gift to outside of Christmas Eve/Day festivities so you don't forget to make sure they receive it. Mail any gifts that need to be mailed with "don't open till Christmas" tags.
2. Mail holiday cards.

Week of December 12 (14 days till Christmas)

1. Relax.
   
2. Make a grocery list of food items you'll need for next week and get your grocery shopping complete. Bake the sweet stuff and anything else you can prepare in advance and make sure your recipe cards are ready to go!
   

Week of December 19-24

1. It's go time! You're hosting your parties (that you're well planned for), give the house a quick clean, put on some (more) holiday music, and enjoy the time you worked hard for.

December 25 - Merry Christmas!

How are you doing on your Christmas to-do list? Do share!

how to have the most organized Christmas you've ever had with enough time to actually enjoy those sugar cookies you slaved over

Start early.

Oh, I mean early. So early that by October 19th you've already gotten some Christmas gifts done, menu picked out and lists made! Oh snap, it's October 20th already! If you're ready to get your holiday sleigh in gear, start yelling "On Donner, on Blitzen," because it's time to get going! I know J may have just gotten you thinking about Thanksgiving, but we need to talk priorities, people- priorities!

Simply follow my weekly format and it'll take care of pretty much everything! (And I even saved room for Thanksgiving too (xoxoJ)
Week of October 17 (we're already halfway done so I'll give you a light load!)

1. Create a list of those for which you will need to buy gifts. I will admit that I am particularly anal about this. Not only do I create a list of who I will need to buy for, I also include an idea of what I want to get them, a budget, and I set a timeline for when I need to have it completed by. So, if I need to buy 15 gifts, then I need to have 5 done in October, 5 done in November and 5 done before Dec 25. I meet my goals every month! Download this template to keep you organized!
   
2. Create a list of those for which you will be sending cards and decide on the type of card you will be sending. Photo card, newsletter, store-bought cards? Download this template to keep you organized!
   
3. Create a list of events you will be hosting, and decide what kind of event it will be. Sit down dinner, appetizers only? etc. Every year, we host Christmas Eve, and this year it'll be a nice sit down dinner! (Who wants my famous ham???)
   

The key to de-stressing the holidays is to break the work up into segments, so that when you get down to that magical Christmas week, it's nothing but mistletoe, baby!

Week of October 24

1. Request lists for those of which you will be buying gifts. If such an idea seems tacky to you, then write down ideas of what you would like to buy for each person.
2. Nail down your Christmas card idea. I've started a tradition of writing up a newsletter on the years' noteworthy events. One of my favorite online tools to use may surprise you. It's Microsoft Templates! Simply search for "holiday newsletters" and voila, plenty of pre-made templates for you to use. Simply insert a photo, type in your text, spell check and print! If you're going with a newsletter, get it written early. Some ideas of what to include are major events from the year, summer vacation details, new arrivals and marriages you celebrated, and what you're most looking forward to in the next year. If you're doing a photo card, decide on a template so that once you take your cute family holiday photo, you're all ready to go. If you're using a photo from that family vacation, order those cards up! One less thing to worry about!

Week of October 31

1. Plan a shopping trip day with your girlfriends, mom, sisters, etc. to get cranking on the better part of your list. Plan a full day of shopping that includes malls, antique stores, specialty boutiques, a yummy lunch, etc. You can plan it for Black Friday if you're into the mad rush thing, or for a little bit before Thanksgiving. Once Thanksgiving hits, it can be crazy to get any sort of bulk shopping completed. Don't forget your holiday party dress!
2. Start thinking about menu ideas for the party(s) you will be hosting or what dish-to-pass you'll bring to the parties you'll be invited to. If you have never tried a recipe before, do a test run this week. Better to fail in front of your husband than in front of a crowd. haha.

Week of November 7

1. Checkpoint week. By now you should have at least 1/3 of your shopping complete, and if not complete, a good idea of what you're getting and from where. Finish any online shopping. Don't forget to buy handmade!
   
2. Make a list of those for whom you'll be giving cookies, or a small gift (co-workers, neighbors, host gift, etc.). Every year I make an ornament and give a small box of cookies to our neighbors. My neighbor P crochets me a scarf every year! :)
3. Nail down a date with your girlfriends for a cookie exchange and ornament making party (7S does one every year!)

Week of November 14

1. Decide what kind of cookie(s) you'll be making for any cookie exchanges.
   
2. By now you should have a set-in-stone menu/dish to pass for any other events you'll be hosting or attending.
3. By now you should have completed your "small gift shopping" (co-workers, neighbors, host gifts, etc.) Christmas Tree Shoppes is a great place to find small, inexpensive gifts that are perfect for this!

Week of November 21

1. Thanksgiving week! (Sorry you're on your own for those plans)
2. After Thanksgiving weekend- decorate the house! I suggest hot cocoa with whipped cream, Christmas music, and a big ole star on top 'o the tree.

Week of November 28

1. Time to get serious about shopping. By now you should have had your large shopping day (the one with your girlfriends, sisters, or mom) done and out of the way, online shopping done, so you should be more than halfway through your list. Buckle down this week and get the list completed, I don't care if you have to knock down the Santa at the mall to do it, just do it! Need last minute ideas? Netflix gift certificate, board games, Anthropologie initial mugs, recipe cards (Michael's dollar bins!), stationary, fun patterned tights, lotto tickets....
   
2. Number 1 is it. That's how serious this week is.

Week of December 5 (20 days till Christmas)

1. Wrap gifts. Make a list of those who you will need to give a gift to outside of Christmas Eve/Day festivities so you don't forget to make sure they receive it. Mail any gifts that need to be mailed with "don't open till Christmas" tags.
2. Mail holiday cards. If you still need a photo for your photo card, get your family in front of the tree or under the mistletoe with a tripod and smile big. Get those cards out the door!
3. Checkpoint: So, by the end of this week, you already have your shopping done, gifts wrapped, house decorated, Christmas cards sent, menu plans set. You are doing GREAT!

Week of December 12 (14 days till Christmas)

1. Relax. Are you enjoying the holiday season? Enjoying your decorated house? Kissing your hubbie under the mistletoe? Say no more.
2. Make a grocery list of food items you'll need for next week and get your grocery shopping complete. Bake the sweet stuff and anything else you can prepare in advance and make sure your recipe cards are ready to go!
   

Week of December 19-24

1. It's go time! You're hosting your parties (that you're well planned for), give the house a quick clean, put on some (more) holiday music, and enjoy the time you worked hard for.

December 25 - Merry Christmas!

Our first Christmas in our first apartment :)

I realize that reading this list may not make it seem like it's de-stressing the process that has become Christmas, but believe me, it does. Ok, at least for me and my list-making, super-organizational ways. I feel like if I wait till the very last minute to do all these things, I miss out on the whole point of Christmas- celebrating Christ's birth with family and friends. I also like having plenty of time to try and pick out that one perfect gift for someone, actually try to have the really delicious tasting (and looking) cookies, and have fun writing up a holiday newsletter to keep far off family and friends in the loop. Ok, I'll be honest. I start my newsletter in January. You may all scowl at me now.

So- did I miss anything? Are you exceptionally organized like me or do you do last minute like nobody's business? Do tell....P.S. Pre-Christmas reading (you can stick this in somewhere around the 20 days till Christmas mark) - Unafraid by Francine Rivers. Luke 2:19 says "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." I can't imagine even the tip of the iceberg on all the things Mary pondered in her heart as she found out she was pregnant with Jesus, but this book helps you do just that. While you're at it, read the other 4 books of the series too! :)

Inspiration from old friends....

Lately I've been on a pretty big cooking kick. I can't help it, our new kitchen is very inspiring!
I'm a pretty simple gal when it comes to cookbooks. I have a few trusty sidekicks that I keep close at hand. The number one cookbook all new cooks should have (in my humble opinion) is the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. The one in red plaid at the end. I can't tell you how many times I've been saved by the emergency substitution list in the back! This is a great cookbook to get you started and experimenting!

Jamie's Dinners is another favorite of mine by chef Jamie Oliver. This book is from my pre-gluten free days, but I can still substitute to get the same yummy results. The recipes' are written in more of a story format but the pictures will make you want to eat the pages!

You Won't Believe It's Gluten Free is a recent acquisition and I would equivocate it to the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook for the gluten free crowd. Lots of basic information that will get any gluten-free wannabe up and going!

As of just a few weeks ago, I was gifted the Local Flavors cookbook as well. Yet another fabulous cookbook for gluten free eaters as well since it focuses mainly on vegetables and Farmers Markets!I saved the best cookbook for last, however. When I got married, an old college suitemate of mine scrapbook-ed an entire recipe book for me! It's beautiful and so much fun to use! It's been one of my favorite gifts received for our wedding!
Above are just a few of my favorite pages from the book. I have been blessed with some amazingly talented friends!

Ok, on to the real reason for this post!I love looking at and receiving food magazines in the mail! Flipping through them, drooling on the pages, earmarking my favorites to come back to, and storing them all in my cupboards!

Whoa, what?!

Yea... when I went to clean out my kitchen cupboards before we sledgehammered them off the walls, I couldn't believe the stacks of cooking/baking magazines I had accumulated. In some of them there was only one page earmarked! In addition, I know I had spent hours scouring them before for that ONE recipe I knew I loved but couldn't remember which magazine it was in! Thankfully Nel saved the day on that one and I was able to retrieve it!

So, instead of storing a huge pile of magazines for a couple of months while we demo'd the kitchen, I painstakingly went through each magazine and cut out the pages of recipes I had loved, put them in a basket, and forgot about them......

Until two weeks ago.

You see, that's where my other old friend comes in! On vacation, ♥J was reminded of me in the scrapbook aisle when she saw a big sticker with her nickname for me on it, "free spirit."

And that's how my "free spirit cookbook" was born! Thanks to two dear old friends- one provided the idea (and a great example!), the other the motivation and supplies to get kickin'!I created a separate scrapbook recipe book just for recipes that I find in magazines. This way I can keep them all organized, sorted, and pretty!Don't let yourself get stuck in a rut! If you're like me, every square inch of space is precious! Don't let it get eaten away by all that "STUFF." Instead of sighing every time you open your cupboard door to find a recipe, keep it simple. Focus on your favorite cookbooks, and if you find you're not using one, have a cookbook swap party with friends! Don't be afraid to doodle in your cookbooks either! I like to use a 5-star rating system in my cookbooks since I'm constantly experimenting. If a recipe is amazing- 5 stars! Just ok is three, and never make again gets a big X! I always write the different substitutions I try (especially helpful when substituting the gluten) or note side dishes that go well, etc. You'll be amazed at how much fun cooking can be when everything is "decently and in order!" You can actually start to have fun with your food!

Now if I can just get my herbs to be a little more hearty for pickin'!