Fabric Wall Circles

It is Positively Splendid week for me.  I absolutely love her blog and her amazing talent.  Another craft hosted by her in Maddie's Room again!  You can follow her tutorial here while I show you mine today.

This craft is super cute, easy, cheap and requires easy clean up.

Things needed:

Fabric
Good shears
Circle templates {I used the tops to my Pyrex glass bowl tops}
Starch spray



I didn't take very good pictures on the instructions, but it's very easy.  Take your fabric and trace on the wrong side with a pencil different shapes of circles {or whatever shape you like}.  Putting one circle in some sort of bin {like a big Ziploc container} and drench it using this starch.  I bought it for $1.27 at Meijer. 

I didn't use a template on the wall like she suggest so you get a pattern.  I just got creative and put them everywhere.  Make sure you have a wet paper towel to catch any drippings.  And when you are bored with them and want to take them down, all you do is peel them off the wall and wash it.....no wear and tear!

This fabric also matches her headboard.

Here is a glimpse of one of her walls completed.
 
 

DIY Tote Boxes

Maddie's Room is almost done.  I can't wait to share the final projects with everyone!  I am a huge pack rat when it comes to boxes.  I save them because I think I will re-use them.  I order a lot from Amazon, and sometimes you get a HUGE box for a little item.  Well, all those boxes finally came in handy.  Instead of spending a bunch of money for cute totes or bins for Maddie's room to hold toys, I ended up covering boxes with fabric.  Thanks to the lovely blog, Positively Splendid, I'm going to share her tutorial here

I ended up using just regular fabric instead of canvas, and I didn't bother putting a liner in mine either since it will be chucked full of stuff all the time, and besides that involves sewing and I still don't know how :-(.  Some day though I will learn!


Things Needed:
Boxes
Fabric
Spray Adhesive
Elmer's Glue

This was my first tote I made, so I put it in Maddie's closet to hold her books.  I have bigger ones to share with you that actually has matching fabric from her headboard

 
 

Frankenmuth

Have you ever been to Frankenmuth?  Well believe it or not, I haven't.  I've been to Birch Run to outlet mall but never to Frankenmuth.  Yes, Fall is approaching us fast, which means harvest is going to be here as well.  We've spent most of our summer to the lake.  We figured we take a mini vacation {without our camper} to Frankenmuth before the hubby is MIA for a couple months. 

Reasons why?

Of course, the Birch Run Outlet Mall:  Our whole family needs new clothes.  I haven't bought Maddie any clothes or shoes for this winter or fall {I think all I have is what Heidi gave Maddie....thanks girly}  I have all my coupons printed for all the stores too.  Plus we are going to get those super great deals still from summer clothes so we can take with us on our Grand Cayman trip in November. 

Bronner's Christmas Store:  Yes, I have NEVER been to this store, and I'm way excited!  I thought I would go earlier in the year to beat the crowd this fall.  I hope they also have some great Halloween/Fall decor too! 

Wildreness Trails Zoo, Birch Run:  Obviously never been here either but we figured we take Maddie to check it out!

Zehnder's Splish Splash:  An indoor water park we think Maddie will enjoy for a half day.  Can't wait to check out the new one this January at the Soaring Eagle Casino!

Zehnder's Famous Chicken Dinner:  I can't wait to eat here!  I've heard so many people talk good things about this place.  I also heard they have a awesome bakery and candy store!

Frankenmuth Old Time Photo:  The 3 times we've been to Gatlinburg, TN we never got this done, but with Maddie here now and a place like this around here, we are going to have some fun! 

Of course, I can't wait to walk downtown the old historic Frankenmuth and go into all the cute stores too.

So friends, I'm asking all of you who have been, what are we missing??????  Would love to know.

 
 

At it Again.....

I haven't posted about my amazing deals lately......because......I've been slacking.  Plus, I've had such a great stock pile, I haven't had to buy almost anything between laundry detergent, to bathroom products, and paper products, or any cleaners, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorants, paper towel, toilet paper.....oh the list could go on..................but ya I haven't had to buy for SIX months or so.  NOT kidding.  I love it, when all I go to the grocery store to buy is food!  Fall is approaching on us sooner then ya think {I'm secretly excited}, and I'm getting low on paper towel.  Oh, I have (2) 8 roll packages left.  So, I thought I should start up again on stocking items, especially when winter is right around the corner, {ha ha}.

At Meijer, I picked up some great deals this week on this and that......All for about $5.00 :-)

Tampax Pearls, $4.18.  Used $2.00/1 from P&G, exp 8/31 and MPerks $2.00/1
Final Price:  $.18

Pampers Wipes, $1.99.  Used $1.00/2 from P&G, exp 8/31 and Mperks $.50/1
Final Price:  $1.24 each

Ivory bar soap, $1.29.  Used $.20/1 {doubles to $.40} from P&G, exp 8/31 and Mperks $.30/1
Final Price:  $.59

Cascade, $2.99.  Used $1.00/1 from P&G, exp 8/31 and Mperks $1.00/1
Final Price:  $.99

Glade Expression Kit {LOVE}, $5.99.  Used $5.00/1 from coupons.com.  I got two!!
Final Price:  $.99 each

Oral B Stages Toothpaste, $1.88.  Used $1.00/1 from P&G, exp 8/31
Final Price:  $.88



Then I went on over to my good O' CVS store too.  The only thing that intrigued me was the razors on sale.  Razors can get expensive but thankfully when I get these kind of deals you can't go wrong!!  Even though my stockpile still consist of 10 razors with about 10 boxes of cartridges :-).  But hey, I got these two for a total of less then $5.00. 

Venus, $9.99.  Used $4.00/1 from the paper on 8/12.  Receive $4.00 extra bucks
Final Price:  $1.99

Intuition, $8.99.  Used $2.00/1 from the paper on 8/12.  Receive $4.00 extra bucks
Final Price:  $2.99

Happy Shopping!!
 

DIY Fabric Headboard

Yah, we are home this week, so I'm tackling Maddie's room hard while we are here.  So most of you who have read my past posts, she sleeps on a big girl bed {a.k.a. queen size..........yes already}.  Instead of going "backwards" in size like toddler or twin, we are just going to keep the queen.  It does take up a bunch of room, but our plan is to start finishing our basement this winter and have a big play room for her so most of her toys will be there.  I also planned on going to Ikea for a bed frame, but after much thinking it's not a good idea to raise the bed up yet at her age.  So instead, I got a new comforter and to spice it up I thought I would make a headboard for it so it looks somewhat cute on the floor.  And the best part of it all---- it only cost about $35!

Things needed:

1/4" - 1/2" plywood {I used 1/2"}
2 x 4 board {size of your choice}
Staple gun & staples
Nails & nail gun
Foam fabric {optional.....I wanted it to be thicker so I used 1"}
Batting
Fabric

First cut the  plywood to size needed.  Since our mattress is on the floor, I only went 36" high to the top of the headboard.  That means I cut (2) 2 x 4's at 36" each, and my plywood was cut 60" wide x 23-1/2" tall.  Nail boards to the plywood.

Next, wrap and nail the foam and batting around it really tight.  This is actually a two man job, so thanks honey for helping!  Make sure you cut your foam, batting and fabric 2" longer to wrap around the back.  I actually didn't get enough foam, so the legs only got the batting.  Remember no one will see the back, so don't make it pretty!

Lastly, do the same with the fabric. Wait to cut your fabric until this part because with the foam and batting, it will take up a lot more space.  I ended up using a 80" x 36" pc of fabric just to be safe.

Finally, the bed is done {many more projects to come, especially for the walls}.  More to come soon!

 
 

5 years and counting......

Love is many things.  It's both painful and beautiful, burdensome and protective.  Most people want it, some people find it, and a few die never experiencing it.  I feel communication, an open mind and open heart, a sense of humor and a willingness to forgive and work together will make for a long strong marriage. 

This Saturday I will be celebrating my 5th wedding anniversary.  I can honestly say that I love my husband more today then I ever have.  We have both come a long way in life, and we've been by each others side through the journey.  I'm not going to say it's been easy because it hasn't.  No marriage is easy and perfect but we get each other and that's all that matters!  It is crazy to think where the last 5 years have gone, but I can't wait to see what our next years bring!  I love you babe and I can't wait to celebrate in the Cayman Islands in November!

This is from our wedding day, just feet away from our driveway now :-)

 

 

Amish Country

Seems like I'm never home these summer days; yes girls I went to Shipshewana yesterday!  My MIL has been wanting to go for some time now.  I tried to convince her to go to Chicago for a night since Heidi is there for work all week, but she had to work tonight and of course my hubby will not let me travel  these days by myself anymore let alone with Maddie, especially to Chicago.  I miss the Cheesecake Factory :-(

It's been at least 7 years since I've been to Amish Country.  Even though in my eyes, I practically live in Amish land here in Vermontville.  I like to go to Shipsy for the huge flea market.  I love crafts and being creative, so it's enjoying to walk around all day to see what others like to make with their bare hands.  I bought a ton of little things, even some cute cheap crocs for Maddie.  I haven't really put shoes on her yet, but she loves these and walks good in them!  I'm wishing i would have bought two pair now.  I also bought some cute Halloween home decor....... Yes I'm thinking holidays already!

I also love to go there for their food.  I love the bakery; I always get their homemade cinnamon rolls!!  They also have the best cheese ball dip seasoning and kettle popcorn.  We ate lunch at the Blue Gate Restaurant. It's the best home cookin grub you can get.

If you haven't been here, you really should check it out!  The market is only open on Tues & Wed during the week and will be going on until October. It's a great day for a girls day out and great way to stock up on cheap unique stocking stuffer (yes..... The Holidays again)





 

 

abc's Canvas

Since I haven't been home much this summer, I haven't posted much about crafts or food.  I also posted that I was going to start re-decorating Maddie's bedroom as a big girl room.  First I started with salvaging the tissue pom pom's that I used from her 1st birthday party.  I'm taking baby steps and making sure what I do is going to be for a while.  Since she likes circles and balls part of her room will include that.  I figure I would make a canvas picture that had circles and incorporate the abc's somehow.  This is what I came up with:

I'm not going to hang it up on the wall until her room is done, as I have the entire room a disaster!

Here is what you need:

White canvas
White contact paper
Circle template (size of your choice, I used a 3")
Foam letters
Spray paint of your choice in color

First, trace on the back of the contact paper the circles.  I did enough for the entire alphabet and then some extras.

Make your pattern on the canvas board.  This is what I came up with.

Spray the entire board with the spray paint.  I did 4 coats and let each dry completely.

After it dries, peel off the contact paper circles.

Place your foam letters on however you want and Ta Da....

 

 

I Love T.C.

You have to admit we do live beautiful Pure Michigan.  Most people forget that the U.P. is a great place to take your family and make the best of memories!  I can say that from experience :-).  Traverse City is probably my favorite place in Michigan.  Its a beautiful city and I love the wineries (especially in the fall).  My mother-in-law will be camping at Silver Lake next week, so we will be joining her for part of it.  We plan to take Maddie to Lake Michigan, and give her some rides with the Razor.

My hubby and I will be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary the first part of August.  We are celebrating in the Grand Cayman Islands but not until November.  So while we are at Silver Lake, Dusty and I are sneaking away to Traverse City for the whole day Monday.  I can honestly say that since Maddie was born, we haven't done anything together, not even a dinner date.  We have planned them before but always cancel at the last minute.  Its not that we didn't  want to, we just felt guilty I guess.  Now that she is a year old I think we are finally ready but it's not for over night :-).

Check back to see if we won big as we plan to check out the Turtle Creek Casino up there.  The Roulette table is calling me name. (Thanks Heidi!!)

 

 

My Bubble

First of all, so sorry for not posting at all last week.  I've been living in what I call my bubble for almost a month (or some may say a year), and I can honestly say I've been enjoying it.  I thought I would go stir crazy having no access to Internet but having the total opposite effect.  I realized how addicting I am to the computer/Internet and lets just say it's not healthy! As most of you have read, we've been spending most of our summer down to the lake in our camper which we are very fortunate to have.  Spending unlimited amount of time with friends and family.  Even my phone was put in the camper at most times and I probably checked it once or twice a day instead of hooked to my "hip".  I would come home maybe once a week to do laundry, water my flowers and attend to my "now"  lap cat, Willis.  I also would go to the grocery store once a week, so all in all it was weird to be in a bubble with no public crowds at all but secretly loving it. 

We are now home this week because my hubs has some much needed farm things to attend to.  In which reminds me to remind everyone to keep praying for some much needed rain for our crops this year.  We certainly don't need another disaster like they had in 1988!!

I would call myself a very outgoing person, but probably the people who know me best (Heidi) have probably noticed since I've became a mom (aka SAHM) I've become a home body.  It's not that I don't want to go to the things like I used to, it's just that I have different responsibilities now.  Even being down to the lake, Maddie plays so hard with the kids that you kind of feel bad for taking her away.  Now I know that we can't just have once child because she needs a playmate.... but no worries my friends it will be a while before that........................anyways..............I grocery shop at the crack of dawn now because I can't stand a crowed Meijer at Noon (not even on a week day), I make a list of all my errands in one day so I usually go out once or twice a week, I shop a lot online, and rarely ever eat out anymore.  It's not because I'm on a highly budget and don't like to spend money because I do, it's just that I don't like much crowds anymore.  I will just keep it at that. 

However, I do still like to travel--it's just not as much......................which we are doing next week.  You will have to check in tomorrow to see ;-).

 

 

This is the Life

I can officially say we have a happy little camper on our hands.  Yup, this has been what life has been like for the past couple weeks and weeks to come.  It's nice to be able to spend some quality time with family.  Maddie LOVES to be outside and around kids so much this is where we will be for most of the summer.  The family have lake frontage property that we all bring our campers to for the summer.  We are very fortunate to have these memories and milestones for sure.  And thanks Auntie Heidi for the bathing suit--everyone loves it!

The kids sleep so good down there because they play all day--I love it!  We make some good food and most of all relax while we watch the kids, gotta love it.

Maddie even had her first jet ski ride and of course..........she loved it as well.  She even shakes her booty with the radio playing on the pontoon boat.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer! 

 

 

Happy 4th of July!!!

We hope you all have a great day with your family and friends! 

 

 

Maddie's First Trip to the Zoo

We took Maddie to the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek for the first time on Tuesday.  We have been down to the lake since last Wednesday, and we decided to come home for a few days to do laundry and go to the zoo.  You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for it--wasn't too hot or cold.  It has been years since Ive been there, and I have to say I was impressed with how much it has changed. I know being just over a year old she wouldn't have acknowledge much, but every time she seen an animal it was so cute.........she pointed at everything and says "tiddy tiddy".  It is so funny because she thinks everything is a kitty, lol.

We went super early to miss the rush and let's just say we were the first to feed the giraffes :-). It was so cute they let the gate open and they came running to us to eat. The lady that works there says there is a baby but the momma wont let it come out.

We took a bus ride to the African Safari.  Can you tell she was excited for it?

 Check out this huge turtle!!

And the ride home, one happy girl for sure with her new stuff baby

 
Make sure all you mommas take your kids to the zoo this summer - - so glad I did!  Now back to the lake we go..... Have a great weekend!