Facebook Excess and Update

I've been trying to find more areas of excess in my life as I journey through this year. Next on the chopping block is Facebook. I just don't need to be friends with people I don't like, used to know, met once, don't recognize, etc. So I have deleted quite a few of late. I have no desire to offend, just to cut down on my newsfeed information so that I can spend less time of my life getting all this "vital" information. I also have stopped myself from logging on several times of late--I just don't need to see everything that goes on, but I DO enjoy staying in touch with certain people via this means. So I'm trying to be sensitive to using Facebook in balance (easier said then done).

Next up: Word files on the computer (eek).

I am becoming more and more aware of excess sugar in my life. Spring is a perfect time to start hitting up the farmer's markets and changing our eating habits for the better, but I do so love certain processed foods. I'm worried...

Any suggestions of other things I can focus on or things you have stopped from being excessive in your life? I have cut down on clutter in a mighty way in every room of my house, picture files on the computer, Facebook, shopping, etc. What's next (insert sinister laughter here)??

Possessions Fast and HUGE Yard Sale!

Ever read the book "Seven: an Experimental Mutiny Against Excess" by Jen Hatmaker? Last year my Sunday school class studied it in book club and this month the time came for application! Two friends from our church are flying to Africa to run a 54 mile marathon all to raise money for World Vision--to provide clean water to those in need amongst the African continent. It is a HUGE accomplishment that they are raising so much support and awareness. Our class was charged to set aside 7 items a day for the month on April to donate to a yard sale. All profit from the yard sale will go toward World Vision. As my word of the year is excess this couldn't have come at a more perfect time.

My first thought was "SEVEN items a day? That's 210 items in a month! I'll aim for 200." Yesterday I dropped off my items to the yard sale location and I tallied up 350 items. THREE HUNDRED FIFTY! That's disgusting considering that it didn't even hurt. To throw away that many items, I didn't have to get to the point of sacrifice where it stung to throw things away. My husband has not even noticed what is gone--we didn't even make a dent. Sick... That is a selfish hoarding of resources from others. I am not proud of giving away 350 items, I wish it was double that. My sweet man didn't even have time to go through his stuff! That is just me, my one daughter, and household items. Big wake up call to me that I need to keep going, keep giving away and keep my possessions under control so that I am not distracted. To be distracted by stuff and kept from what truly matters--relationships--is a waste.

Enough with the heavy. If you are in the Chicago area you NEED to check out this epic yard sale:

HUGE, MULTI-FAMILY YARD AND BAKE SALE!!

Date: Saturday, May 4th (rain or shine!)
Time: 8am - 12 pm (please, no early birds)
Location: 3700 block of North Paulina
Purpose: To raise money for the World Vision charity (all proceeds will go directly to them)

All items priced to sell! No reasonable offers refused!!

Some of our items include: Infant (blankets, bedding, boppies, carriers, breast feeding/pumping supplies, bumbos), toddler, and child games, toys, clothes, and supplies. Men's clothing (lots of suits and shoes too), Women's clothing (J Crew and other great brands), jewelry, bags/purses, camping supplies, ice skates, lacrosse sticks, volleyball net, tennis rackets, tables, chairs, electronics (printers and tv's, playstations), picture frames, art, kitchen stuff, linens, collectibles and memorabilia, gifts and gadgets, holiday items, and much more!

Spread the word! Consider making a donation to here to World Vision!

Eliminating more excess

My word of the year is EXCESS (you can read more about it here). All around me I see possessions accumulating. When I tote bags up my 3 flights of stairs into my home, I frequently think "I'd better take some stuff out to make room". I recently tackled these trouble areas in my home and have come up with several more trashbags of donation items:

Maternity clothes: whittled it down from two big boxes to one (labeled now, of course). If I didn't wear it much (or at all), it's going away.

Linen closet: I have one queen sized bed but four sets of sheets. I have just one crib, but I had four sets of crib sheets. I used to groom dogs so I had a plethora of "junk" towels but I don't see myself going back to that anytime soon. All that to say, I filled nearly a whole garbage bag with just items from my linen closet--Goodwill here I come!

Bookshelf: I have learned that like my closet, I have to go through this area again and again and again. Sorting through my too-full shelves just one time a year is not enough. I have now given my shelves a serious stare-down twice in the last month. Each time I go through, I find a book I hated, never read, or just don't see the need to keep anymore. There are currently 15 books in my Goodwill bag and I plan to add more.

One interesting thing I've learned through this purging journey is that I have often thought "Well, what IF I need an extra ___ in the future?" My previous and quick answer would have been "Oh I'd better keep it in case". But I'm discovering that clinging to THINGS for an unforeseeable future is WASTEFUL. It's a selfish means of hoarding resources from others. It's a wasteful use of my limited space in my home.

Here's what I'm talking about: Q:What if Emma gets the flu and vomits on her sheets three times in one day? A: Then I'll do laundry or better yet throw any extra sheet on her bed (who said it had to be crib-sized in an emergency?!). Q: What if Emma needs to read Silas Marner in high school--shouldn't I hold onto my copy? A: That is a whopping 15 years away, I can easily get it at a used bookstore for a few dollars then, and I have no intention of going through that book again myself so by all means PITCH IT! It takes me taking the time to go through these questions in my mind as I'm staring into the endless pile of belongings to be able to reach these conclusions. There is no rushing a good healthy purge. It takes a few more minutes to think critically about each item but to see how much I DON'T need is greatly freeing...

Papper Snoflingor Creations

Papper Snoflingor Creations

My friend Kristen recently started an Etsy store and I am in love with what she is doing! She creates these paper snowflakes with no pattern and each is completely unique and different. I purchased one for my mother for Christmas:

This one I purchased for myself:

They come mounted and framed--a perfect and unique gift! Go check her out. No really do! click here!

Thanks Kristen!

Embroidered House Project

Embroidered Pillow

I've never embroidered anything before in my life. But I saw this tutorial on Pinterest and decided to give it a go. Our good friends Kari and Steve moved to Kentucky after living in a gem of a building in Chicago. It was their first place together and despite the 3rd floor walk up, mixed-matched kitchen, grody shower, uneven floor, super tricky parking, and wind like you would not BELIEVE, I know they miss it. Therefore, I decided Kari and Steve's old place was going to be my guinea pig for this project. I snapped these photos of their house, converted them to black and white using picmonkey.com, and printed them on computer paper at home.

I then traced the main building lines with a Sharpie and then re-traced the whole thing onto another piece of paper, creating a pattern. I tried to incorporate some of their building's special features to aid the identification process, which brought me here:

(I later tweaked the tree trunk, obviously)

It was then lightly traced onto a piece of muslin, and I went to town with my embroidery floss and hoop! Added a border and backing and this project was finished!

I used all scraps so this project was a big ol' f-r-e-e!

Better yet, I think she liked it. :)

Go check out Kari's blog: www.karicorsi.blogspot.com

Sweater Quilt

Sweater Quilt

Saw this tutorial via Pinterest to make a wool sweater quilt and as soon as I saw it I knew I had to try something like it. My sister Jenny loves quilting as much as I do, but rarely has time to do it, so I decided to give this one to her. The tutorial called for wool sweaters, but I wanted to keep this gift reasonably priced so instead I headed to my local Salvation Army thrift store and found this selection of cotton-blend sweaters in brown, gold, white and tan:

After a thorough wash, I cut out all the seams and laid out my collection.

 Then I just sewed the blocks into strips and strips into rows.

I seriously considered leaving it as it was but then decided I wanted a bit more completed of a look. So I backed it with flannel (mmmmmm), turned it right-side-out (like a giant pillowcase), and used brown yarn to create a double-blanket stitch around the edges. I sewed the few buttons left on the quilt from the back to the front to attach the layers together.

Jenny loved it and was touched that the only quilt I made all year was for her! :) Mission accomplished. Overall this quilt cost about $30--extremely reasonable and one of a kind! Perfect for a car quilt, cabin quilt, or everyday quilt!

Cleaning the Grates on the Stovetop

Cleaning the Grates on the Stovetop With Ammonia

I saw this pin on Pinterest about using ammonia to clean your stovetop grates with no elbow grease involved.  I didn't even know if you could buy ammonia at the grocery, but apparently you can and it's only about $2 for a gallon lifetime supply. I tried it last night and I am AMAZED at the results. Here's how I did it:

Step 1: Place your grates in gallon-sized zipper bags
Step 2: Place them in a glass baking dish in case they leak
Step 3: GO OUTSIDE with them
Step 4: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of ammonia into the zipper bag and seal [quickly--whew that stuff is powerful]
Step 5: Leave them to soak outside overnight
Step 6: In the morning, pour out the ammonia, and wipe them down with clean, soapy water. I did not scrub at all!

I am so happy with how these guys look now. Check out the difference between the grate that wasn't clean and the one that was (I did not touch up these photos at all). Pinterest saves the day again!

Necklace Display Frame Tutorial

Necklace Display Frame Tutorial

When I was in high school my necklaces were located in a box in a desk but they always got tangled, so I recently moved them to a side table, where they always looked messy (not to mention that my 9 month old wants to suck on these strings of goodness more than she desires life-sustaining sustenance!). Something had to change. 

I had my eyes peeled for a necklace display frame for many months, but couldn't find one for a reasonable price. So I decided to make my own, but I couldn't find a frame that I liked. However, while wandering through JoAnn last week I stumbled across a bin of frames that were "duds" from the custom framing department. Then I spotted a beauty. Great size, great color AND it was only $6. I grabbed me some 7/8" brass cup hooks for $3, twisted those suckers into the frame, and presto--instant necklace display frame. Best part to me is that it cost only $9 and it's one of a kind. Yes!

Wedding Day Shadow Box

Wedding Day Shadow Box

A constant reminder of the most perfect day of my life. I love the tangible-ness (is that a word?) of it all. Included is a program, an invitation, my groom's boutonniere, a handkerchief hand-tatted by a friend, a handmade origami wedding favor box (we made about 300 of these puppies) and a love letter. A few hours before we became husband and wife, my favorite fella sent me this love letter confirming the depth of what was about to take place. This memory shadow box hangs in our hallway for all to see. These things are to be treasured always...like our marriage.

Organizing the closet

Saw this tutorial on Pinterest from SewManyWays.blogspot.com to create magazine holders out of cereal boxes. I don't have many magazines, but what I DO have is manuals. Household manuals, children's toys manuals, kitchen manuals and they were a big disorganized mess. I whipped up a couple of these babies and now the manuals are easily accessible. Yes!

Step 1) Take a standard sized cereal box and measure 5" from the bottom on one of the short sides.

Step 2) Measure from the line you just drew, across the large side up to the corner, creating your diagonal line.

Step 3) Cut along the lines you drew to create the magazine rack shape

Step 4) Use wrapping paper or fabric to cover the ugly cereal box. Cut the wrapping paper to the proper size, leaving a few inches to fold over, spray the box with spray adhesive and press on to secure.

Step 5) Add a scrap of paper (or something cuter) as a label and you're set.

Also from Sew Many Ways are tons of ideas for organizing. I found me some shoe boxes and I labeled them (who wouldda thunk it). Never again will I be searching high and low for batteries nor will my husband ask me where the stamps are. Thanks for helping me get a start on organizing my closet, Sew Many Ways!

Displaying Butterflies

Displaying Butterflies

A few summers ago, I made a project of collecting and studying butterflies. It was truly enlightening--I had no idea there were so many varieties of butterflies in the place I live and that their habits (even between species) can be so diverse. Here is how I caught and displayed them. If you oppose to catching and preserving butterflies, you can also use this method if you find a dead butterfly in good condition.


1) I made a butterfly net out of a hanger and a piece of tulle. After catching the butterfly or moth in the net, you have two options for preserving. Option one: just place the butterfly in a jar and as soon as possible, put the jar in the freezer. I tried other methods, but the freezer was the quickest and most humane in my opinion. Other preservers place a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover in the jar with the butterfly but it can take several days for them to die using this method. Or Option two (used by professionals): pinch the butterfly's abdomen to paralyze it and prevent it from doing its wings harm in a jar. You only need to pinch lightly in the center of the abdomen to cause paralysis. Then you can place the butterfly in a jar or plastic container until you get home.

2) Once home, place the butterfly in the container of your choice in the freezer for several hours or overnight to make sure it's dead and also to kill any little mites or critters that may be living on the butterfly as well.

3) Sometimes butterflies die with their wings open, in which case, all you have to do upon removal from the freezer is display them. However, if the wings are closed you must re-hydrate the butterfly in order to open the wings without them breaking off. To re-hydrate your collected butterfly, soak a paper towel in hot water and ring out lightly so that it is hot and moist. Spread the paper towel in the bottom of a lidded container and using tweezers, place your butterfly on top of the moist paper towel. Place a lid on top of all and let the warm air soak into your butterfly for several hours.

4) Using tweezers, transfer the butterfly onto a dry paper towel and using two pens [high-tech, I know], simultaneously open the butterfly wings and lay a pen on either wing. The pens weigh down the butterfly wings and if left for several hours, this will guarantee that your butterfly dries with its wings open.

5) At this point, using push pins, you can display the butterfly in a shadow box with a label and enjoy God's beautiful creation for years to come!

My apologies if this offends any readers, but I love my butterflies...

Formula Can Becomes a Vase Craft

 Ever wondered what to do with those old formula or coffee cans? Try making a vase!

1) Find a can and cover with brown paper (or spray paint it brown if you'd prefer)
2) Take a trip to the park (or backyard), find some sticks and break them to an even length
3) Hot glue the sticks to the brown paper

4) Tie with raffia ribbon
5) Arrange flowers (I used masking tape to space the flowers evenly and keep the middle ones upright).

6) Enjoy! I found these carnations at the grocery and love them! I always thought carnations were ugly, but these are beautiful!

Window Boxes 2012

Today is a beautiful day in Chicago which calls for yard work! Since I only have some window boxes, nice weather calls for... planting flowers! You can see here how I planted my window boxes the last few years. The grass is pretty tall, but besides that I think it looks fab! I planted some bush beans in the hanging pot, I've never tried beans in a pot, but I figured for $1.00 for the seeds, I'd give it a shot! Happy Spring!