The basics for blogging success

<p>Hey hey all! It is GORGEOUS here today!!! Whooooo! I am so stinking excited to mow the grass later – isn’t that ridiculous? I’m <strong>so</strong> happy for the warmer temps. :)</p> <p>I mentioned a couple times I recently took a quick trip out to Salt Lake City to speak at the Snap! Conference. It was lovely and I was so happy to get the chance to see bloggy friends I knew and meet new ones too! </p> <p>I spoke with two lovely ladies – Amy from <a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2013/04/snap-presentationbasic-blogging-tips-for-online-success.html">The Idea Room</a> and Desiree from <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2013/04/basic-blogging-tips.html">The 36th Avenue</a> on basic blogging tips. We thought it would be fun to share some of our session with all of you! Well, those of you who are thinking about blogging, just starting blogging or have done it for a while anyway. If you aren’t a blogger you can read on for a peek into how we think. ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ArrY8AevmJM/UX_k8CRLR8I/AAAAAAAAcz0/42ff7XQuxy4/s1600-h/Final-Large-Snap-Recap.png"><img alt="basic blogging advice" border="0" height="801" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_yH7S3SfRnA/UX_k8-opQ5I/AAAAAAAAcz8/zs6hSVsCrFs/Final-Large-Snap-Recap_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="basic blogging advice" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I wanted to speak about engaging readers because it’s near and dear to my heart – I feel like I have connection with you all and I don’t know if that can be explained into nice little bullet points, but here are a few tips that I think help! <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WX3xBjGkbNk/UX_k9VLiwqI/AAAAAAAAc1o/UTNT2bMHfXA/s1600-h/NATURE%252520BRIGHT%252520LAUNDRY%252520BOOSTER%252520%252526%252520STAIN%252520REMOVER%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="NATURE BRIGHT LAUNDRY BOOSTER & STAIN REMOVER" border="0" height="79" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fxmIYxWyuNM/UX_k973MEwI/AAAAAAAAc1s/JQeKJcRrBfk/NATURE%252520BRIGHT%252520LAUNDRY%252520BOOSTER%252520%252526%252520STAIN%252520REMOVER_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="NATURE BRIGHT LAUNDRY BOOSTER & STAIN REMOVER" width="300" /></a></p> <p>Here’s the thing – you can’t blog in a bubble. If you want to put stuff out there and welcome the emails, comments and responses – you need to be prepared to respond. And it will take waaaaay more time than you ever imagined. </p> <p>I’m sure people who don’t blog still laugh a little to themselves when those who do talk about it being time consuming. It is. (Don’t laugh at me!) It’s FUN time consuming, but it can be busy. But it is <em>so</em> important to let your readers know you are listening (and appreciate them!).</p> <p>I do my best to respond back to questions in my comments section (the “reply” option in Blogger makes that even easier) and most of the time will respond to that same question via email. So I’m answering it twice but I want the person who asked to see it <em>and</em> readers in the future. Am I perfect at this? Absolutely not. There is only so much time in the day. But I make a concentrated effort and I think that’s important.</p> <p>Social media adds a whole other level to this though – don’t forget Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and all that good stuff. I LOVE interacting with my readers on Facebook and I am pretty good at responding to questions there (it may take a couple of days but I do). It’s easier for me to respond there than to emails for some reason. </p> <p>So respond – interact with your readers, let them know you’re there. Say thank you. Answer questions (as many as you can). You would be blogging to an abyss in the world wide web without them. :) </p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sGzb0oXj5Gk/UX_k-Z5EkdI/AAAAAAAAc0U/_LqgQgX0wN0/s1600-h/party%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="party" border="0" height="95" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kmyp9JAgZvM/UX_k-kWnGAI/AAAAAAAAc0c/oJRMusVodrg/party_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="party" width="400" /></a></strong></p> <p>The linky party has become HUGE in blogland. If you are a reader and you don’t know what that is – an example is the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/april-before-and-after-party.html">before and after party</a> I host at the beginning of the month: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yrJH8_kYLvE/UX_k_PoImyI/AAAAAAAAc0k/YGhqYvNZpMI/s1600-h/beforeAndAfterButton15.gif"><img alt="beforeAndAfterButton" border="0" height="231" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FlnoF4pN5B8/UX_k_YbbtqI/AAAAAAAAc0s/ROG3GROWfyU/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb13.gif?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="beforeAndAfterButton" width="150" /></a></p> <p>I like it because it’s a chance to give some traffic to other bloggers. You link up and visit each other and hopefully find inspiration and new blogs to get hooked on. ;) </p> <p>I like linky parties that have a theme but with that you may not have quite as many link up. I mean, recipes would be hard to link up to the before and after party, you know? (Well, now that I think about it maybe not!) I know of some bloggers who do them once a week and some only do them a few times a year (or never!) and the timing is up to you. I would say be careful about having them too often because you’ll have a CRAZY amount of outbound links on your site which isn’t a great thing. You want to keep that somewhat under control to keep the SEO stuff in your favor. ;) </p> <p align="center"><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LpyZ2rzJvwA/UX_oS6nm_JI/AAAAAAAAc2E/8rkaXFcEjDY/s1600-h/party%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img alt="party" border="0" height="72" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O-hBCrCT0kw/UX_oTNr_gnI/AAAAAAAAc2M/nECsGoqam90/party_thumb%25255B22%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="party" width="450" /></a> </strong></p> <p>So here’s the deal. I operate my blog in a way that I would want to read one. Does that make sense? So if I get an offer (and I get a lot) that feels spammy or whatever, I don’t do it, even if they are offering a ton of money. If it would feel weird for me to read it on another blog, I don’t do it. </p> <p>So the same goes for just letting your readers know what to expect – as human beings we crave some consistency. So decide how often you want to or can post and <em>try</em> to stick to it. (Try is the key word – I know life gets in the way.) If you want to post once a week you CAN! Just don’t post five times one week and then once a week for three. Readers will get hooked but then may fall away. </p> <p>I post four times a week on average. During the summer it will probably go down to three – but I think consistency is key. No, you don’t have to pick certain days and stick to them. Just keeping the frequency the same week to week will help your readers know what to expect from your blog. </p> <p>OK, here’s the thing – this next part is a struggle for me. My kid is <strong>cute</strong> people. I mean…Cute with a capital C. Precious!! But I decided long ago when I started blogging that I didn’t want to put many pictures of him on my blog. It’s absolutely a personal decision and there is no wrong or right one – it’s just important to me to have a bit of my life just for me since I share so much here. </p> <p>That being said, sharing your family and precious pictures of your kids definitely creates a bond with your readers. Sometimes I wonder if I should just because my readers feel like friends and I want to share him with you all – but there’s a little nagging voice in the back of my head that still holds me back. (And if you’ve read for a while you know I do share pics of him, just not often and usually not a full shot of his face.) </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5Csqt2KTm-U/UX_lAUOtSzI/AAAAAAAAc1E/6Y4OCW9iGVs/s1600-h/IMG_4340_thumb%25255B5%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="book nook" border="0" height="626" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_hMM7eOfcfM/UX_lA0thwAI/AAAAAAAAc1M/7JTTxn2PDRE/IMG_4340_thumb%25255B5%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="book nook" width="400" /></a>(In his <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/05/closet-turned-book-nook.html">book nook</a>.) </p> <p>Sharing personal information is a tough one – I still struggle with it. I want to write so many things and don’t because I don’t know if I want the world to know. (And that’s the thing – if it’s out there the world <em>will</em> know. It may be a smaller piece of the world if you’re just starting out, but you never know when your blog might blow up.) </p> <p>I have tried to strike a balance because I know sharing our struggles in life ultimately HELPS so many. We learn from these things and come out with knowledge and experience that will be useful to someone else. That’s why I touched on some of my personal history last Thanksgiving <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/home.html">here</a> and of course I have shared our debt free journey <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/debt%20free">here</a>. </p> <p>I did hesitate to share both of those but now the debt story especially has brought me great JOY – just the other day I got an email from a reader who won one of the financial peace packets we gave away and she was telling me how she’s paid off another debt and it is the BEST feeling hearing that. </p> <p>So…you have to figure out what’s right for you. I love reading personal stories about bloggers I love, but there is a fine line where it’s too much information. Only you can decide where that line is for you and your family. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e_-RKbDXcO0/UX_lBaNlYPI/AAAAAAAAc14/JfZ2pFD0lYI/s1600-h/friends%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="friends" border="0" height="97" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5OSi_fJtui4/UX_lBwkfSAI/AAAAAAAAc18/sxYgYoJganU/friends_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="friends" width="516" /></a></p> <p>I also talked about partnerships during the session, and a lot of what I discussed when it comes to advertisers I covered in <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-money-blogging.html">this post</a>. </p> <p>But there is something I want to emphasize to bloggers – please don’t be afraid to share the love. When I started blogging I would hesitate to link to someone else because I was afraid my readers would see their awesomeness and forget all about me and never come back. And I would have cried. :) </p> <p>But the longer I blog the more I realize you need to become friends with other bloggers, share with other bloggers, link to other bloggers – you get the idea? ;) As a reader of blogs, yes, I only have so much time in the day to read the ones I love. But if you have me hooked I’m going to keep coming back to you, and I’ll love you even more for introducing me to new sites I can fall in love with. </p> <p>One of the BEST things people ever say to me is that they found “so and so” through my site – I love hearing that. As readers and bloggers we all share a sweet connection and I love how we remember things like that – who brought us to who. </p> <p>So there you go – a little insight into what I think makes for a great blog. I’ve been at this five years and still don’t know html from whatever, but I do enjoy creating a connection with my readers and other bloggers. I’ll keep focusing on that and keep ignoring the html as long as I possibly can. ;) </p> <p>And as always, thanks to you all for coming along for this ride! I couldn’t do it without you!</p> <p>Head over to Amy from <a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2013/04/snap-presentationbasic-blogging-tips-for-online-success.html">The Idea Room</a> and Desiree from <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2013/04/basic-blogging-tips.html">The 36th Avenue</a> to see their tips on blogging as well! </p>

The basics for blogging success

Hey hey all! It is GORGEOUS here today!!! Whooooo! I am so stinking excited to mow the grass later – isn’t that ridiculous? I’m so happy fo...

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DIY floating shelves (bathroom progress)

<p>Hello there and happy MONDAY!! It’s feeling like one to me today. ;) </p> <p>So you remember that one time when I started two bathroom renovations and took <em>for-absolutely-freaking-EVER</em> to get them done? </p> <p>Yeah. Well, it’s time to get them done. I’ve set a rule for myself – no gardening or outside projects till the bathrooms are DONE. I may cheat a little only because I am just one person and DANG it takes a long time to finish it all up. </p> <p>The basement bathroom has come up from nothing, and I have only really showed you the tile so far <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/03/bathrooms-progress-floors.html">here</a>. Other than that the big stuff had been installed – the sink, toilet and shower. But the room sat half painted for months. </p> <p>I was determined to get this bathroom done last week and I almost got there. Just a couple more projects to finish up and I’m moving on! WHOO!</p> <p>This is how the space looked up till last week – you can’t see that the wall to the left is half way painted but just imagine it. It was pretty: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VsY1YnRgDwg/UX53wEFJ_HI/AAAAAAAAcuE/YNpSpw3p-Xw/s1600-h/IMG_54283.jpg"><img alt="basement bathroom" border="0" height="676" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mERLW8b8W98/UX53wocf1UI/AAAAAAAAcuM/MBVMP2OEeRg/IMG_5428_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="basement bathroom" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Since I hadn’t installed baseboards yet I just had to tape off the shower and light fixtures with my loverly Frogtape in preparation for paint. I’ve gotten pretty good at cutting in on the ceiling so that saves a lot of time. </p> <p>I finished up the paint (I listed all the paint colors for the basement <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/05/picking-out-basement-paint-colors.html">here</a>) and realized again that you can’t even tell the difference between any of the colors – I could have just painted the whole basement the same color. But OH WELL. It’s done. :)</p> <p>I installed all the baseboards and quarter round: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uow6Y3x7X4M/UX53xCF7woI/AAAAAAAAczk/opOLi3HKodI/s1600-h/base26.jpg"><img alt="thick baseboards" border="0" height="479" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D8MyGGa_0bQ/UX53xsUF2fI/AAAAAAAAczo/tUgWz55-ghk/base2_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="thick baseboards" width="360" /></a></p> <p>It looks like poo there but just wait till you see the power of caulk and filler. ;) Wish I could use some caulk and filler. </p> <p>Once I got the trim done it was time to address the little nook next to the shower. Yes, the shower is <font size="2">tiny</font>. When it came time to decide what we were doing we realized the space would only allow for a couple shower inserts (I had originally planned on tiling the shower but didn’t for cost and time reasons). The size that worked best was this shower – and it is small. </p> <p>But I have to keep reminding myself this is a basement bathroom – we will hardly EVER use this shower. Some guests might, but even that will be rare. So I would rather have some storage than a big shower we’ll never use. </p> <p>So storage it was – I had the guys frame out a little spot in the empty space by the shower. All along my plan has been to put some shelves in there, and I finally got it done! </p> <p>I started by adding supports – I just used scrap wood from the garage every 18 inches or so: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NmCGRaBMXgw/UX53x8c8KfI/AAAAAAAAcuk/cBXB8Bn-i9g/s1600-h/shelves14.jpg"><img alt="diy wood floating shelves" border="0" height="683" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OkPlXs-Q4rI/UX53yESkelI/AAAAAAAAcus/4mbtG_fa89U/shelves1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="diy wood floating shelves" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I was going to add a support along the back but realized it wouldn’t be needed since the space is so narrow. I only installed these with a nail gun – on our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/library-bookcases-done-boom.html">library built ins</a> and the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/02/no-more-wire-shelves-pantry-redo.html">pantry redo</a> I used long screws, but I knew this wouldn’t be holding a ton of weight so the nails were easier and faster. </p> <p>I had a piece of 1 by 12 I cut down to use as the shelf, but it was just a smidge too small: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tme49HAZqws/UX53yqMfc0I/AAAAAAAAcu0/s-P0MfdUGrc/s1600-h/shelf33.jpg"><img alt="diy wood floating shelves" border="0" height="479" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bKel2RRzPgY/UX53zGyICdI/AAAAAAAAcu8/2XN6BLg2jEE/shelf3_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="diy wood floating shelves" width="360" /></a></p> <p>I ended up finding more scrap wood in the garage, took it to Lowe’s and had it cut just a bit wider than the other wood, and it worked pretty well – I stained them before I installed (for once! Are you proud of me?): </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ISKTljNxMUg/UX53zdhevoI/AAAAAAAAcvE/DDzKzqOMJsU/s1600-h/shelves23.jpg"><img alt="diy wood floating shelves" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h8fNAocSofM/UX53z3SL9PI/AAAAAAAAcvM/i6CWlJGsfdM/shelves2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="diy wood floating shelves" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I used the dark Kona color I used <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/new-kitchen-nook-complete.html">here</a> as well. Love it. </p> <p>I just nailed the shelves down into the supports: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BCMWHZbWi8Q/UX530IQxoGI/AAAAAAAAcvU/K3F4vTKBEBg/s1600-h/shelves4.jpg"><img alt="diy wood floating shelves" border="0" height="723" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pQXMv_NFwW8/UX530da-A-I/AAAAAAAAcvc/yB_aYdnzzRg/shelves_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="diy wood floating shelves" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I made sure I had the right thickness of wood for the fronts before I started – I wanted it to cover the top shelf, the supports, and an extra board I installed underneath to give it a finished look:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WR9u3tzq9UU/UX530jxI9RI/AAAAAAAAcvk/ZCk010hGlEo/s1600-h/IMG_54633.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="dark wood floating shelves " border="0" height="601" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D_wApOvcC-A/UX531OL0y8I/AAAAAAAAcvs/PX8srvRyD5I/IMG_5463_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dark wood floating shelves " width="400" /></a></p> <p>I actually had most of that front trim too – I only had to buy one small piece to finish it up. </p> <p>I absolutely LOVE how it turned out! It’s a great use of an awkward little spot: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_BKqD9rmhUY/UX531kPG3GI/AAAAAAAAcv0/eCRgoLQu79Q/s1600-h/IMG_54565.jpg"><img alt="diy bathroom shelves" border="0" height="449" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bt6TV8O59vY/UX532KZ2JlI/AAAAAAAAcv8/GzkfmduxJB4/IMG_5456_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="diy bathroom shelves" width="290" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BAGEOa6xe8E/UX532TDZ5cI/AAAAAAAAcwE/2-rv1_zjb_0/s1600-h/IMG_54583.jpg"><img alt="bathroom shelves" border="0" height="436" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YroDa1J6U3I/UX532oOu9lI/AAAAAAAAcwM/OnVd-LckIUA/IMG_5458_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="bathroom shelves" width="290" /></a></p> <p>Let’s talk about that shower curtain shall we? I went through my normal Goldilocks routine to find that one (the one I LOVE). </p> <p>I started with this one, but the blue tone was off with the walls: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bMC1asbXuao/UX533JKz6QI/AAAAAAAAcwU/QPnRDQKMzPs/s1600-h/curtain23.jpg"><img alt="target shower curtain" border="0" height="479" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z2N9YQJ5yLs/UX533UClFOI/AAAAAAAAcwc/R83eL2e0Mv0/curtain2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="target shower curtain" width="360" /></a></p> <p>I really loved this one and the colors were perfect: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k46xQ4lq2sw/UX5333F_plI/AAAAAAAAcwk/vmtl5gtN_Ng/s1600-h/photo313.jpg"><img alt="ikat shower curtain" border="0" height="479" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PuSDcoYxa9g/UX534DXqsWI/AAAAAAAAcws/0MQ-d1jkx_M/photo31_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="ikat shower curtain" width="360" /></a></p> <p>I’m trying to go with a slightly funkier vibe in the basement and I thought that was fun. But I wasn’t crazy about it when I got it up – too graphic for this little space I think?</p> <p>And then I found the one that was just right. It had a bird on it: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dAIjOWIKhUk/UX534surDrI/AAAAAAAAcw0/rCva0TmRD7U/s1600-h/curtain13.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="bird shower curtain Target" border="0" height="479" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LWfB9I4-0sk/UX535DVCauI/AAAAAAAAcw8/WlDSsOb-_uQ/curtain1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="bird shower curtain Target" width="360" /></a></p> <p>And there. you. go.</p> <p>Since the shelves only cost my $3 for a small piece of trim (BOOYAH!), I had fun gathering a few new accessories for this spot, at Tarjay of course (all <a href="http://www.target.com/c/threshold-brand-shop/-/N-56clv">Threshold</a> items): </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7v095uHGzDU/UX535UkAzFI/AAAAAAAAcxE/TAPtL5jyJhY/s1600-h/IMG_54646.jpg"><img align="left" alt="decorating bathroom shelves" border="0" height="289" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IXO4_ivHheg/UX535-h2UII/AAAAAAAAcxM/iKccgAe131c/IMG_5464_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="decorating bathroom shelves" width="190" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FL1iTQWvg9k/UX536I9_eOI/AAAAAAAAcxU/mGSuDVt3as0/s1600-h/IMG_54654.jpg"><img alt="decorating bathroom shelves" border="0" height="297" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0tFh7Q6mA-M/UX536sOSTqI/AAAAAAAAcxc/1-MIwibB6P8/IMG_5465_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="decorating bathroom shelves" width="195" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IzkfxKHDA2Q/UX537HjafcI/AAAAAAAAcxk/jqrKXDqejGQ/s1600-h/IMG_54674.jpg"><img alt="decorating bathroom shelves" border="0" height="292" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V1Ptjmw-LN8/UX537X4gMNI/AAAAAAAAcxs/rkNzSyRJVDI/IMG_5467_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="decorating bathroom shelves" width="195" /></a></p> <p>I LOVE EXTRA STORAGE! Are you with me??</p> <p>Here’s my little secret – I only had so much scrap wood so I didn’t even put the bottom piece on the two lower shelves: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nwpA2-9Fg7Q/UX537wGQmxI/AAAAAAAAcx0/wYzAcK90M1Y/s1600-h/IMG_54663.jpg"><img alt="diy wood floating shelves" border="0" height="601" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E4VkBqwa3BI/UX538KPH1qI/AAAAAAAAcx8/Phpj0wDw3Fk/IMG_5466_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="diy wood floating shelves" width="400" /></a></p> <p>You’d have to be sitting on the floor looking under them to notice so I’m not worried about it. Does it need to be perfect? NO. </p> <p>I love having a little spot for the trash can too: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pNCa8BuDw_U/UX538clm_sI/AAAAAAAAcyE/mDjdoUDlLfo/s1600-h/IMG_54733.jpg"><img alt="wood shelves in bathroom @ thriftydecorchick.com" border="0" height="751" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s4GJ30kTtxM/UX5389ZNsFI/AAAAAAAAcyM/EtSOvL-cplI/IMG_5473_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="wood shelves in bathroom @ thriftydecorchick.com" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s the little things. ;) </p> <p>Oh yeah – I told you caulk and filler make a world of difference: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uow6Y3x7X4M/UX53xCF7woI/AAAAAAAAczs/W0Exe2pwJYI/s1600-h/base25.jpg"><img alt="thick baseboards" border="0" height="386" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D8MyGGa_0bQ/UX53xsUF2fI/AAAAAAAAczw/xfwIirWsxWI/base2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="thick baseboards" width="290" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5GiXwsGX8sQ/UX53994dvBI/AAAAAAAAcyc/zf5OVKcVN1w/s1600-h/IMG_54774.jpg"><img alt="thick baseboards" border="0" height="436" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mmwOC7hBeQs/UX53-fP4quI/AAAAAAAAcyk/drz5nsTSv2s/IMG_5477_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="thick baseboards" width="290" /></a></p> <p>Oh my, they are my BFFS. For real. </p> <p>I adore how the shower curtain looks in here and ties in the blues and greens and even the dark wood tone: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dG2vXdNcysg/UX53-ljuzZI/AAAAAAAAcys/gn808Ykkq-U/s1600-h/IMG_54763.jpg"><img alt="diy wood floating shelves" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7N3iIbiAgZ8/UX53_MloYtI/AAAAAAAAcy0/bXBkViMu8f8/IMG_5476_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="diy wood floating shelves" width="550" /></a></p> <p>I’m SO glad to have this space (almost) done. I’ll show you the whole room soon, but for now I want to look back to see how far I’ve come: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CDyvWvS4CWI/UX53_cV9fcI/AAAAAAAAcy8/Nv2XYVVy3_k/s1600-h/before3.jpg"><img alt="before" border="0" height="599" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JueVfcUSwGU/UX53_8Q1wII/AAAAAAAAczE/Cjqw9gausAI/before_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="before" width="450" /></a></p> <p>This was back in January I think? </p> <p>And here’s a finished spot that makes me super happy!: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-al_kssTgIhg/UX54ALmQ2TI/AAAAAAAAczM/Nca298Y0G94/s1600-h/IMG_54533.jpg"><img alt="wood shelves in bathroom @ thriftydecorchick.com" border="0" height="751" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jkjt85u0gMk/UX54Aj4TSAI/AAAAAAAAczU/Ws8i-ZwxbJM/IMG_5453_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="wood shelves in bathroom @ thriftydecorchick.com" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s a skinny little bathroom but it is turning out so pretty and functional. Love!!</p>

DIY floating shelves (bathroom progress)

Hello there and happy MONDAY!! It’s feeling like one to me today. ;) So you remember that one time when I started two bathroom renovations...

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A Portrait of Someone's Kids...

Hello and Happy Sunday! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yZyPkZibeU/UX0mLPDsXAI/AAAAAAAAAUo/OdqrNQMLhyg/s1600/4-28+frame+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yZyPkZibeU/UX0mLPDsXAI/AAAAAAAAAUo/OdqrNQMLhyg/s320/4-28+frame+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>I got up this morning with hopes of getting an early start. However, the Technology Gods and Mother Nature had other plans for me it seems. Really, it's their fault. <br /><br />First of all, I somehow manage to turn my computer screen sideways. Hmmm. In a panic, I shut down illegally, lost all of my post, and did what any techno-master would do - got my 12 year old son up to save the day. <br /><br />If you ever have the same problem, you press ctrl, alt and the arrow buttons to reposition your screen the right way up. As my son solved the problem, he said "Oh, Mom, I love you" in his best patronizing tone.  Yeah. I don't get no respect! <br /><br />I then had a call from my Mom, and stepped outside to look at my daffodils and discuss the planting of my Johnny Jump Ups (I'm easily distracted). As I was planning my planting tactics, the dogs started barking like crazy. I turned to see them chasing 3 big chubby raccoons! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YL-0G_l7j5E/UX0oP7Y3_MI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Oz5unVXvAjk/s1600/raccoon+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YL-0G_l7j5E/UX0oP7Y3_MI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Oz5unVXvAjk/s320/raccoon+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Of course I had to stop what I was doing and take a picture. I was cooing and making kissy noises, but this guy wouldn't look at me.  He was just hoping I would go away! <br /><br />OK, focus Jules.  Back to the real subject! <br /><br />I've been painting this picture frame for about<em> 3 months</em> now. Really. I originally began when we still had snow on the ground, but I came to my senses and waited for nicer weather. <br /><br />So, finally, a finished frame for a painting I have of two of my kids. <br /><br />(Really mean confession - It was very nice of the woman to paint my kids for me for my birthday, but it doesn't actually look like my kids. At all. It might look like someone else's kids, but it doesn't look like mine.)<br /><br />This is them, when they were little cuties! <br /><br />  <img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/206658_1046237790685_8456_n.jpg" style="height: 453px; width: 604px;" /><br /><br />And here is the painting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9fRdkxs3wI/UX0r7sIJ6LI/AAAAAAAAAVg/P8lLaVcfRPM/s1600/4-28+frame+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9fRdkxs3wI/UX0r7sIJ6LI/AAAAAAAAAVg/P8lLaVcfRPM/s320/4-28+frame+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Um, not quite. Either way, I still like it, and I want a nice frame for it. <br /><br />So, this is the original gold frame. It didn't look good on my gold walls, or with the gold tones of the painting. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MqIegPQU6Y/UX0lzp8H2GI/AAAAAAAAAUI/B4JNfLyzX-0/s1600/march2013+207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MqIegPQU6Y/UX0lzp8H2GI/AAAAAAAAAUI/B4JNfLyzX-0/s320/march2013+207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Easily fixed with spray paint! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJXSGJMvt0E/UX0l0j-MfBI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/RjTdXelQlZM/s1600/march2013+210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJXSGJMvt0E/UX0l0j-MfBI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/RjTdXelQlZM/s320/march2013+210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first thing I did was put a little Vaseline on the corners so that some of the gold would come through and make it look a two-toned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I got outside, things went pretty fast.  I used my folding saw horses (which are a little on the old side, but I LOVE! You can get your own below.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWc_Jve7_k0/UX0mIo1n75I/AAAAAAAAAUY/hlv5lFCct-Q/s1600/4-28+frame+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWc_Jve7_k0/UX0mIo1n75I/AAAAAAAAAUY/hlv5lFCct-Q/s320/4-28+frame+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000MIXWJG&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The spray painting is so much easier with the handle attachment thingy. I sprayed three light coats, and let it dry for about 20 minutes between each coat. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-D0IiFXAf8/UX0mL0t0LiI/AAAAAAAAAUw/hNbjkNKZ4l0/s1600/4-28+frame+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-D0IiFXAf8/UX0mL0t0LiI/AAAAAAAAAUw/hNbjkNKZ4l0/s320/4-28+frame+008.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next I rubbed off the black on the corners. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XsxUNqIpNQ/UX0mKqIWwyI/AAAAAAAAAUg/7FatbOEXR5A/s1600/4-28+frame+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XsxUNqIpNQ/UX0mKqIWwyI/AAAAAAAAAUg/7FatbOEXR5A/s320/4-28+frame+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> It looked a little bright so I just lightly dusted it with the spray paint. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yZyPkZibeU/UX0mLPDsXAI/AAAAAAAAAUo/OdqrNQMLhyg/s1600/4-28+frame+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yZyPkZibeU/UX0mLPDsXAI/AAAAAAAAAUo/OdqrNQMLhyg/s320/4-28+frame+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgwFl1qMFGg/UX0mNcoQzkI/AAAAAAAAAVA/FwlBkce1SNY/s1600/4-28+frame+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgwFl1qMFGg/UX0mNcoQzkI/AAAAAAAAAVA/FwlBkce1SNY/s320/4-28+frame+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>And here is what the frame looks like now. It looks better! It still doesn't look like my kids, but it looks better... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QwO45-IJHbk/UX0z7mONeKI/AAAAAAAAAWA/QHvzpBo5614/s1600/frames+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QwO45-IJHbk/UX0z7mONeKI/AAAAAAAAAWA/QHvzpBo5614/s320/frames+002.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><span id="goog_932517667"></span><span id="goog_932517668">So what are you up to this beautiful Sunday? </span>

A Portrait of Someone's Kids...

Hello and Happy Sunday!   I got up this morning with hopes of getting an early start. However, the Technology Gods and Mother Nature had oth...

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A Spring Wreath & A Wine Bag

<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>They go together, really, they do!</em></strong> <br /><br />BUT...</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before I get to making a wreath, </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to show you my forsythia, </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">plucked from my sisters yard, </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and forced to bloom in my hallway! <br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRDxDMdunag/UXqdgJM7SaI/AAAAAAAAARY/KmpQu-RXdtk/s1600/4-26-13+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRDxDMdunag/UXqdgJM7SaI/AAAAAAAAARY/KmpQu-RXdtk/s320/4-26-13+008.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y__PwGuYrW8/UXqdfgqkexI/AAAAAAAAARQ/1wP_N-PMrlU/s1600/4-26-13+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y__PwGuYrW8/UXqdfgqkexI/AAAAAAAAARQ/1wP_N-PMrlU/s320/4-26-13+005.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">  <em>NOW TO YOUR SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING:</em> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LjQAFR8I-E/UXqdh7NCgmI/AAAAAAAAARo/DsLDaAyQ9Is/s1600/4-26-13+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LjQAFR8I-E/UXqdh7NCgmI/AAAAAAAAARo/DsLDaAyQ9Is/s320/4-26-13+009.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a little glitch this week with the computer and a Trojan Horse (who apparently was living in my hard drive), I was a little stressed out. So what is a girl to do but go shopping?</div><br />It wasn't a big shopping trip - no Potter Barn, no Pier 1, not even Target -  it didn't involve garage sales, or thrift stores or estate sales, or antique fairs. Nope, in true <strike>cheap</strike> thrifty fashion, I headed to the Dollar Tree.<br /><br />Lame, I know, but the Dollar Tree did help me get a little bit of Spring on my front porch. <br /><br />(I have some pansies, and I did lug and place all the pots and furniture to the porch, however, they all need plants and flowers, and I'm not quite ready yet!) <br /><br />So, I thought I could at least accomplish a <em>WREATH</em>. <br /><br />Unfortunately, the Dollar Tree didn't have a large twig wreath, as I was hoping, but they did have smaller sizes, so I bought two.   <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh_gF2WdSjk/UXqdhEbz0dI/AAAAAAAAARg/nALR8P5fC50/s1600/4-26-13+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh_gF2WdSjk/UXqdhEbz0dI/AAAAAAAAARg/nALR8P5fC50/s320/4-26-13+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I also found some bright pink fake flowers - the two tiny little bunches looked okay, especially if deconstructed - and by deconstructed, I mean cut up with toddler scissors. <br /><br />With my Glue gun and a little ribbon I was done in half an hour. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LjQAFR8I-E/UXqdh7NCgmI/AAAAAAAAARo/DsLDaAyQ9Is/s1600/4-26-13+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LjQAFR8I-E/UXqdh7NCgmI/AAAAAAAAARo/DsLDaAyQ9Is/s320/4-26-13+009.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />So what do you think? I kinda like the simple pink, but I wonder if I should add some greenery?  We will see, things have a way of changing around here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpD4a8ldd9k/UXqdi_AtPVI/AAAAAAAAAR4/I9tUINu1eYs/s1600/4-26-13+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpD4a8ldd9k/UXqdi_AtPVI/AAAAAAAAAR4/I9tUINu1eYs/s320/4-26-13+014.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />Now to hang, I used a command hook on the inside of the door. Don't worry, if you do this, it doesn't look so obvious from the inside of the room, but its the easiest way (for me) to hang a wreath. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gY7lW04rkgg/UXqdiZVeglI/AAAAAAAAARw/ttzUC3ke_mA/s1600/4-26-13+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gY7lW04rkgg/UXqdiZVeglI/AAAAAAAAARw/ttzUC3ke_mA/s320/4-26-13+010.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />Now, Spring also means it's Mothers Day <em>SOON</em>!  I know it's not about gifts, but I love being able to do a little something for my Mom, and my Mother-in-Law, and any of my fave Moms... Here are a couple of cool ideas I ran across this week, maybe they would work for your Mom! <br /><br />I was on Pinterest and saw this cute work bench for a gardener, handymom (oh yeah!), or DIYer... At $69 it's a steal! <em>PLUS</em>, it's got 299 reviews, at 4.6 out of 5 stars!  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B0030T1BRE&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></div><br /><br />How about wine? Or better yet, a wine bag!  Now, I'm in no way implying that my gorgeous mother <em>drinks boxed wine</em>, but if you happen to know a Mom that likes a glass of wine, what's better than this? Seriously, take it on the boat, on picnics,<strike> to the mall</strike>:<br /><strike></strike><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B0055HTGJY&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">He, he!  Now, I know you love making things for Mom - for a more homemade kinda day, head over to<a href="http://www.settingforfour.com/2013/04/mothers-day-gift-ideas-roundup-16.html?_szp=251989"> Setting for Four</a> for the cutest homemade gifts ever! I love all of the cute projects there, especially the coasters.<em> Go check it out, or of course, you could make your mom a Dollar Tree wreath!</em> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a wonderful weekend! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7257423/?claim=vgaajg9xqtu">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br /><br />My Doggie, Winnie, and I were featured! YAY! <a border="0" href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/search/label/Junkin%20Joe" target="_blank"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WsXYmT6s5xg/UAjKaecwedI/AAAAAAAAIhw/nAeLzp1GLU8/s1600/Button1.png" /></a>

A Spring Wreath & A Wine Bag

They go together, really, they do! BUT... Before I get to making a wreath, I had to show you my forsythia, plucked from my sisters yard, an...

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Spring cleaning time (giveaway!)

<p><strong><em>**This giveaway is now closed. The winner has been contacted via email. </em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Hello all! Happy FRIDAY! It is just beauuuutiful here today and it makes me happy. Dare I say it -- I think spring is finally here to stay! Mother Nature has been in a MOOD, for real. Now let’s hope we don’t jump right into 90 degree temps. </p> <p>This giveaway is coming just in time for spring cleaning – ‘tis that time of year for organizing, cleaning and decrapifing the house! I can’t help you too much with the decrapification, but I can help you with the cleaning part. (No, I’m not helping you clean, nice try.)</p> <p>My friend <a href="http://www.bonniedonahue.com" rel="nofollow">Bonnie</a> introduced me to Shaklee products years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. I LOVE THIS STUFF. I’m not just saying that either – if I say it I mean it and I’m saying it so I mean it. Got it? </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-odC1yxmNSIA/UXqdGo2IUCI/AAAAAAAAcrc/c33EVOtTdxw/s1600-h/shaklee-logo%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="shaklee-logo" border="0" height="142" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MfbQmqPwT-Q/UXqdHPZqdfI/AAAAAAAAcrk/ZpXA1LWethE/shaklee-logo_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="shaklee-logo" width="438" /></a></p> <p>After trying the products for the first time I ended up going through our cleaning supply stash and donating most of what we had because the Shaklee stuff took the place of it. </p> <p>I have tried nearly everything at this point, but two of my very favorites are the dish washer detergent, which I keep next to the sink in a pretty bowl: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kfTCiP4ttwY/UXqdHbOWSgI/AAAAAAAAcrs/fpZAUJsDlo4/s1600-h/IMG_5440%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="dishwash detergent in bowl" border="0" height="625" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EkW6PT5ZvSQ/UXqdH0SocPI/AAAAAAAAcr0/k0gmrErpaew/IMG_5440_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dishwash detergent in bowl" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I gotta make stuff pretty if I can, it’s a sickness. ;) Two little scoops for each load, that’s it. </p> <p>And the amazing Basic H cleaning concentrate – it has lasted me FOREVER:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H6uNaF2VSYw/UXqdISZWNvI/AAAAAAAAcr8/zRbFFfMOn1k/s1600-h/IMG_5441%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="shaklee" border="0" height="601" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F-nt62TW1QM/UXqdJES1eDI/AAAAAAAAcsE/-wBkxfUxKPk/IMG_5441_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="shaklee" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I was hesitant to try these products at first because I assumed they would be so expensive, but I can’t stress to you enough how long the basics last – I’ve had this bottle of concentrate for <em>years</em> now. And every time I say that I wonder if people think I clean my house – I do. Sometimes. Seriously, you just need a 1/4 teaspoon to mix up a whole bottle and it lasts forEVA. </p> <p>I think I’m going on three years with one bottle of concentrate? (It was $12 I think?) And it cleans pretty much everything you can imagine – I usually do a slightly bigger dose of the concentrate for the “degreasing” version and use it on counters, mirrors, windows, appliances, sinks…everything. </p> <p>I started using these products when the Bub was younger and I was honestly surprised they work so well – I expected the more “natural” items (no harmful fumes or hazardous chemicals) to not work as well. Not sure why, I just had that thought in my head, but I was proven wrong and have been a fan since. </p> <p>Bonnie shares some great cleaning tips over at her blog, and <a href="http://www.bonniedonahue.com/2013/04/how-to-clean-naturally-the-only-post-you-need-to-read-a-special-for-you.html">this recent post</a> shows how well the products work. (I forgot about the Scour Off on the oven – it’s awesome and smells. SO. good.)</p> <p>I’m super excited about this giveaway because one of you will get a whole Get Clean Starter Kit that includes the following:</p> <p>Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate, 16 oz. (1) <br />Germ Off Disinfecting Wipes, 35 Wipes (1) <br />Nature Bright® Laundry Booster and Stain Remover, 32 oz. (1) <br />Dish Wash Concentrate, 16 oz. (1) <br />Dish Washer Automatic Concentrate, 32 oz. (1) <br />Fresh Laundry Concentrate HE Compatible, Regular Scent  32 oz. (Liquid) (1) <br />Soft Fabric Dryer Sheets, 80 sheets (1) <br />Dish Washer Automatic Concentrate Dispenser (empty) (1) <br />Nature Bright® Dispenser (empty) (1)</p> <p align="center">  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jK1jM6bJ_A8/UXqdJchN-4I/AAAAAAAAcsM/FeIvKDlDWpQ/s1600-h/BasicH216ozBot_300_lo_rez1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="shaklee basic H" border="0" height="347" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TU08GZ37z5Q/UXqdJwzNbDI/AAAAAAAAcsU/U7lPZ73OWbI/BasicH216ozBot_300_lo_rez1_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="shaklee basic H" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cubv3tCikU8/UXqdKeeuH8I/AAAAAAAAcsc/65R9Ar34xRg/s1600-h/shaklee-review-basic-h20-disinfecting-wipes%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="basic H wipes shaklee" border="0" height="319" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WIY7Bdr5u70/UXqdLIPEpcI/AAAAAAAAcsk/fv4vjatmMBA/shaklee-review-basic-h20-disinfecting-wipes_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="basic H wipes shaklee" width="150" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AkCjvGkINGA/UXqdLT_Ap3I/AAAAAAAAcss/wGEwOFLAk30/s1600-h/dishwashcon01%25255B7%25255D.gif"><img alt="dish wash concentrate shaklee" border="0" height="408" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lBbs0IllSRI/UXqdMEfUxlI/AAAAAAAAcs0/bTeezHDPikQ/dishwashcon01_thumb%25255B11%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="dish wash concentrate shaklee" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t6niZdWwjvA/UXqdMYC7RDI/AAAAAAAAcs8/6HLiqfT7u-c/s1600-h/b50407%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="shaklee dish wash detergent" border="0" height="233" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sShhovySrNc/UXqdM8Y8ThI/AAAAAAAActE/JH7b2HSwjzA/b50407_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="shaklee dish wash detergent" width="135" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t7RXlRcll_Y/UXqdNSpU4SI/AAAAAAAActM/VxQOYNksG7U/s1600-h/NATURE%252520BRIGHT%252520LAUNDRY%252520BOOSTER%252520%252526%252520STAIN%252520REMOVER%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="nature bright shaklee" border="0" height="177" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OcvQx6H7AyA/UXqdN9A8qmI/AAAAAAAActU/0kZ_BPiSxIA/NATURE%252520BRIGHT%252520LAUNDRY%252520BOOSTER%252520%252526%252520STAIN%252520REMOVER_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="nature bright shaklee" width="150" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q0fJwaM17bA/UXqdOPVAdgI/AAAAAAAActc/toWMVvvkRBA/s1600-h/dryer%252520sheets%25255B5%25255D.gif"><img alt="dryer sheets shaklee" border="0" height="209" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xiPS8AX23J8/UXqdOga-ETI/AAAAAAAActk/f4kfvoyZyG0/dryer%252520sheets_thumb%25255B7%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="dryer sheets shaklee" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bjRLfhW0cQ8/UXqdOxEE-rI/AAAAAAAActs/4lmB9yBEVqc/s1600-h/FRESH%252520LAUNDRY%252520CONCENTRATE%252520HE%252520COMPATIBLE%252520%252528LIQUID%252529%25252032oz%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="laundry detergent shaklee" border="0" height="250" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bD1pTAl7eU8/UXqdPST3kVI/AAAAAAAAct0/7KjgdVaA5bo/FRESH%252520LAUNDRY%252520CONCENTRATE%252520HE%252520COMPATIBLE%252520%252528LIQUID%252529%25252032oz_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="laundry detergent shaklee" width="125" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Seriously, you’ll be in cleaning HEAVEN! It’s a $115 value and I promise you it will last you a LONG time! </p> <p>Here’s how to win the <strong>$115 Shaklee cleaning starter kit</strong>: </p> <p>1. Leave a comment here. Boom. Please tell me it’s feeling like spring where you are too!</p> <p>2. Visit Bonnie’s Shaklee site <a href="http://donahuewellness.myshaklee.com/us/en/category.php?main_cat=HomeCare" rel="nofollow">here</a> and take a look around. Find a product you’d love to try out and come back to let us know what it is. </p> <p>3. Go to Bonnie’s Facebook page and “like” it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BonnieDonahue.FanPage">here</a>. Let us know you did in another comment. (If you already do, just let us know!) </p> <p>* You can enter using one, two or three methods – it’s up to you! All options are not mandatory to win. </p> <p>* Remember if you comment anonymously or you have a private blog, please include your email address in each entry, and spell it out with “at” and “dot” to avoid any spammy emails coming your way. (I have turned anonymous comments back on for this giveaway!) </p> <p>This giveaway is open to the US only. It will close this Monday, April 29 at 9 a.m. EST. Have a wonderful weekend!!</p>

Spring cleaning time (giveaway!)

**This giveaway is now closed. The winner has been contacted via email.   Hello all! Happy FRIDAY! It is just beauuuutiful here today an...

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