Tip Tuesday: My favorite cleaning tips!

I've got a few of my favorite cleaning tips (or shortcuts) to share with you today.

I hate to clean.  I loathe it.  But, it's one of those things that must be done, so I do it.  I have a cleaning schedule that I do my best to keep up on, and it really helps.  I have several Pinterest recipes for cleaners that I've made, and they're all tried and true.  The only cleaning solution that I buy from the store any more is Windex.  I'm not sure how much I actually save making my own, but I know it's a lot.

Here goes: 

You know I make my own laundry detergent.  Here's the link to that post:http://envoguepogue.blogspot.com/2013/12/laundry-bombs_31.html

And my dishwasher detergent: http://envoguepogue.blogspot.com/2014/02/tip-tuesday-homemade-dishwasher-soap.html

I use Windex for my glass (of course) but thanks to Pinterest, I've found a new and amazing way to use it.  My dining chairs are upholstered with microseude.  Having three little ones, they get really dirty really quickly.  I've found the best way to clean them is with Windex!  Just spray some on, and use a scrub brush to wipe the grime off.  It's awesome!  Here's the link:http://makingtheworldcuter.com/2013/03/clean-microfiber-the-easy-way/

I've also been making my own Swiffer solution!  I bought some microfiber cloths from the dollar store, and cut them to fit my Swiffer.  They're machine washable, so no more wasting money on Swiffer pads!  And here's the link to remove the top off the Swiffer solution bottle.   http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-remove-the-cap-on-a-Swiffer-Wet-Jet-cleaner/

For the cleaning solution, I used equal parts vinegar and hot water, and about 20 drops of lemon essential oil.  It works every bit as well as the original solution!

My last tip is Liquid Magic Eraser.  Having kids around means dirty walls... Well, it means dirty everything.  But I came across this recipe, and it's AWESOME!  http://onetalentedmom.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/liquid-magic-eraser-homemade/

I've found that vinegar is one of my favorite things.  I love that it works so well, and it's inexpensive and it's not a chemical.  It's fabric softener, it's floor cleaner, it's great in the dishwasher as a rinse agent, it's just plain amazing!

I hope this post helped you!  These are simple recipes that take basically no time to put together, they save money, and they WORK!  Have a great Tuesday!

Make Something Monday: Mother's Day Gift

Mom, if you're reading, STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER!  (Just kidding, go ahead and read, it just won't be a surprise.)
My mom loves to knit.  So, for Mother's Day, I decided to put together a knitting bag for her.  This was so much fun, and I'm really happy with how it turned out!  If I was a knitter, I would want this bag.

The fabrics that I used were repurposed.  They were once an old sheet and a duvet cover.  They made a gorgeous tote!

 The first thing I did was embroider this cute saying on the sheet.  I love the balls of yarn and knitting needles at the top!

I appliqued the saying onto the front of the tote, and then covered it with some ribbon.

Here's the straps coming together.  I just sewed the strips down the center then pressed them in half again and sewed a finishing stitch down both sides.

The finger?  Battle wound.  I was attacked by my embroidery machine while working on the saying above...

I pinned the straps to the bag and made sure that both sides would line up.

I like the sew the straps on by stitching a square first, and then do an "X" in the middle.

I LOVE MY SERGER!  I serged all the edges together and turned the bag right side out.

Isn't it cute?  

I added a little bit of bling, and there it is!  The perfect knitting bag.  I LOVE IT!  And I hope my mom will, too

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  Love ya!

Oh, and Mom, Jim's contribution is embroidered on the inside of the bag... :D

Make Something Monday

I've been super busy in my craft room today.  I got a lot done, including this dress, which I made for my friend's daughter.  I had never done one like this before, and I didn't have a pattern, so I was using one of my dresses as a template.  We're crossing our fingers that it fits her.  The shoulders on my dress form were too wide for it to slip over, so I couldn't check it on there... Ugh.  But, it's really pretty, and it's fully lined.  The lining on the skirt has a layer of green tulle on the bottom.  So very cute!

I also made this itty bitty hat to go with it!  It's on a  bobby pin.

My kids have had ear aches the last few days, so I put together some heat packs for them.  They're filled with flax seed and lavender oil.  I just pop one in the microwave for 30 seconds, and they're hot for 20 minutes or more.  The kids love them!

Now to go make dinner.  I hope your Monday was as productive as mine!

Make Something Monday: DIY Makeup Remover

I seriously LOVE this stuff.  It works just as well as the spendy stuff, (I was using Philosophy brand) and it's only a couple of dollars to make.  It just takes a second to mix everything up, and I'm all for easy!  So, with ease and affordability, this is a win, win!

Here's the link to the original recipe:http://www.justusgirlsblog.com/2012/02/diy-make-up-remover.html

I did add a little more baby oil, because I wear waterproof makeup. (Both mascara and eye liner)  The baby oil is awesome for taking it off!  And it doesn't bother my eyes at all.

I bought this little bottle at the Dollar Tree.  Perfect for this!

My eye after a long day, and a night of very little sleep.  I usually take my makeup off before bed, but I was too tired last night.  Shame on me, right?

See?  Works like a charm!

Makeup free!

Have a Happy Monday!!

Make Something Monday! Infinity Scarf and Burlap Hair bow

How was your weekend?  Mine was wonderful!  I bought a serger this weekend.  I've been wanting one for months, and finally found one that fit my needs and wasn't over the top expensive.  I'm having so much fun with it!  And my little family of sewing machines is complete.  I have a regular sewing machine, an embroidery machine, and now, a serger!  I can make basically anything my heart desires!
     I picked up this remnant of fabric the other day at Hobby Lobby.  It's been in their remnant section for the last few weeks, and every time I went in, I wanted it.  So, on Saturday, I grabbed it.  It's just so pretty!  I had the lace shirt, and since I don't like how it fit me anymore, I've had plans to chop it up for a long time now.  Here goes!

From this

To this!

Isn't it gorgeous?  I love how this scarf turned out!  I plan on wearing it today, but since I've been sewing all morning, I'm not yet presentable enough to take a selfie with it on. :D

As you know, I make hair bows for a local children's boutique, and when I saw this burlap and lace ribbon, I couldn't pass it up!  I love the vintage look of it.

I can't show you how I make my bows, but I do use a different method than most bow makers use.

I attached a clip to the back, and here it is!  So pretty!  It's 4 inches wide, so not terribly big, but very, very pretty and feminine.

Have a happy Monday!

Make Something Monday~ Baby Stuff!

I'm putting together a little package for a friend of a friend.  A few handmade baby goodies.  So much fun!
This is a "Crinkle Me"  It's crinkly when a baby rubs it, and they love the sound and the texture.  I also embroidered his name on it, and it's got all sorts of cute little ribbon tags on it.  The back fabric is blue minky, so it's super soft.

This one's not quite done yet, and it's my first attempt at appliqué.  Lots of fun!  I just need to add some buttons, but I need to run to the craft store to get those.

I plan on doing one more onesie with suspenders and a bow tie appliquéd on them.  Stay tuned!

Make Something Monday (Past Projects)

I was gone all weekend, so I didn't really have time to make anything new.  But, hey, here's a few things that I've done within the last few months.

Baby doll sling.  Haven LOVES hers.  She uses it all the time.  And it really doesn't take much fabric at all!  This was made from scraps.

This is a head piece that belongs to one of the dancers from Haven's dance team.  It matches her costume for her solo, and I'm really proud of it.  It turned out GORGEOUS, and the picture really doesn't do it justice.  There's appliqués on it that match the appliqués on her costume.  I started from a pile of feathers, a couple of flowers (that I tore completely apart, a broach, some rhinestones, and THREE different kinds of glue.  It was so much fun to make, and definitely more complicated than a simple hair bow.  

This little hat actually belongs to Haven's competition costume.  They were just plain hats (I did a couple of them) and I dressed them up with the band, bow, and rhinestones.  SO cute!

This picture was actually sent to the owner of the boutique that I sell things in.  It's such a cute little girl's room!  And the only thing in it that I can take credit for is the bunting banner that's on the wall.  These are really fun to make, too.  They have several different kinds of coordinated fabric incorporated for the flags, and if you look closely, you can see vintage handkerchiefs and doilies sewn to a few of the flags.  I love these.  

Happy Monday!  Go make something!

Make Something Monday (Embroidery & Bandana Bibs)

I spent a good portion of the day on Saturday down at Haven's dance studio, embroidering names on the team's competition bags and jackets.   They turned out so well!  Here's Haven's bag:

And her jacket:

They say "Synergy Dance Company" on the backs, while the bags have it printed on the sides.  I'm LOVING my embroidery machine, and I'm learning so much.  Especially patience.  I never realized how long it would take to pick out a design if you mess it up right towards the end...  I've since learned that I can save myself if I had a different type of interfacing.  I plan on getting some ASAP.

I've also been working on some Bandana bibs to take down to the boutique.  I found some really fun fabric, including this one:

I just love the little mustaches!  The bibs attach at the back with snaps.  They're absolutely adorable!

Have a fabulous Monday!  I plan to!

Thankful Thursday, Week 10

I love this quote:

It's SO true!  And such a good thing to remember...

1. I'm thankful for my new embroidery machine.  I'm having so much fun with it and have so many ideas running through my head that it's kept me up at night!

2. Reimbursement checks.

3. Serenity.  This is an essential oil blend that I just ordered, and it's wonderful! It really helps me relax at night.

4. Homemade coffee creamer.  For the recipe, see this post.

5. Warmer weather

6.  For dr. appointments.

7. Big dreams and decisions to make.  I'm contemplating re-opening my Etsy shop.  I still haven't completely decided whether or not to do it yet, though.

8.  Dance competitions.

9.  Flowers and chocolate from my husband after a hard day.

10.  For my new hop punch for my Filofax.  It's awesome and it makes everything so much easier!  I got it here: Rakuten

11.  My new cleaning schedule.  I found this on Pinterest, and I love it so far!  (And so does my house)  Here's the link for the printable: Pinterest

12.  Glasses adjustments

13.  Sunshine!  FINALLY!

14.  That I don't have to wear my heavy winter coat to set foot outside!

15.  New shoes.  Both my boys got new shoes yesterday and they both think they're Olympic runners now.

16.  Haven's sleepy eyes first thing in the morning.

17.  Quick snacks

18.  The "Force."  I was sitting in the drive-thru at Starbucks yesterday, and Asher is convinced he used the force to make the car in front of us move. :)

19.  Flowers from my Jay-man.

20.  GREAT days at school!  Jay struggles with staying in his seat and keeping his mouth closed.  He had an AMAZING day yesterday!  I'm so proud of him!

Wowzers...

Busy, busy, couple of days.  Not that I mind.  I like to be busy, but these few days have been nuts.  I have managed to fit in a few things in spite of all the craziness.
I have several things to share with you in this post.  Sit back, relax, have a cup of joe.
With some homemade FLAVORED coffee creamer!  (That sounded like a commercial announcer in my head.)
I threw these together yesterday afternoon.  There's two different kinds here: Chocolate Raspberry and Mexican Mocha.  They're actually pretty good.  And they don't have all the processed junk in them that the store bought kinds have.

There's 25 different recipes here: http://blog.greendeals.org/go-green/homemade-flavored-coffee-creamer-recipes/

I can't wait to try them all!  

This is my girl right before she went on stage this weekend.  We were at a dance competition.  Our very first.  It was so much fun!  And Haven had a ball!  And, of course, she looked adorable!

And her trio took TOP FIRST PLACE!!!  Go Synergy!  

She looks like she's bearing her teeth there.  She was really saying "Cheese."

And I got a new toy this weekend.  I new (to me) embroidery machine!  I'm already having so much fun with it!  I made this cute hair bow for Haven yesterday.

And the Asher-man wanted something, so I put his name on his craft apron.

I also did a pillowcase for Jay, and put Haven's name on her dance company jacket.  I was having so much fun that I forgot that I had put dinner in the oven.  I burned it.  Badly.  It was completely inedible...  So, we had to eat out.  Not that the kids minded much, but I'm really tired of fast food after being gone all weekend...  But, hey, it was a productive day.

I'm so excited about my new toy!  Next on the to learn list is appliqué.  It should be fun!  Wish me luck!

Office redo/reorganization

Warning: Photo Heavy Post!  This is my office yesterday morning... The disaster that was...  It was so hard to work in it... And I really didn't have enough desk space.  I had an L-shaped desk, and a folding table that I used for my sewing machine.  And, as I'm getting another machine this weekend, (an embroidery machine!) I seriously needed to make more room...

I showed you pictures of the desk I built yesterday.  So far, I'm LOVING it!  The surface space is amazing, and I really like the height of it.

Here's a panoramic view of my office/ craft room:

I moved my bookshelves to the other side of the room.  I store my fabric, and my patterns here as well as the embellishments that I use of my hair bows and such.

And Baxter's bed.  Which is made from an old army ammunition box.  I love it.  He sleeps in it maybe once every 3 months.  You can also see my fold down ironing board.  I plan on recovering it ASAP.

Another view of my amazing new desk.  I even have room for my TV on it.  It was previously hung on the wall, and although I could hear it, I could only see it if I turned a certain way. The only thing I don't particularly care for is the fact that you can see all my computer cords hanging all over the place... I need a solution for that, STAT.

The right side of my new desk.  I've got various paper supplies and scissors under here.  With plenty of room to spare!

Here's the left side!  My Cricut, paints, and other paper cutting supplies.

And the shelving above my desk.  As I said yesterday, the wall organizers are made from the front of the kids' crib.  I love it.  It still has their little teeth marks on it.  I keep my ribbon and all my Cricut cartridges here.  The shelving was a Craigslit find last year.  I decided to use them for more decorative purposes than before.  I previously just had all the little things that I didn't want the kids to get to on them.  This looks much better.  And looking at the things up there just makes me happy.

I put my folding table as well as an old one a grabbed from the garage in an L-shape on the other side of my desk.  It's perfect for a sewing area, and I have plenty of room for my new machine!  The bulletin board has some favorite pictures on it, as well as some things that the kids have made for me.

The view from the sewing area.

And the other side of my window.  I love this wingback chair!  I plan on recovering it very soon.  Baxter likes it, too.  

You can also see my antique dress form.  Vintage 1940s.  I love it.

There you are!  I'm so happy with how this turned out.  Let me know if you have any questions!  And feel free to pin or share!  Thanks for reading!