Things I Love: Cute & Cozy PJs

Welcome to a blog post about realization! After much embarrassment and being the center of jokes, I have realized that my sleeping attire needs a little bit of work. It is a guarantee that I am not going to win an award for having the cutest pajamas in town. I get cold while I'm sleeping, even in the summer at times, so I always bundle up. I sleep in a short sleeve t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, pajama pants, and socks. Crazy?!? Maybe, but I like to be cozy when I sleep. And, I must add that none of the sleepwear matches. LOL!!! My entire family makes fun of me. This last weekend I was the center of the conversation for at least 10 minutes. They said that I look like an old lady, and I have to admit, I do! I have never wanted to spend money on cute pajamas. I thought it would be better to spend that money on a pair of shoes, jewelry, or a cute outfit. And, I must add that it is hard for me to buy pajamas because I have to buy a size Tall and only certain places have them; primarily Old Navy. But, I have realized that it is time to change...

My husband wants me to wear cute pajamas?!? Well, it is time to break out the cash. LOL!!! Just kidding, but I am going to get rid of my old pajamas and gradually purchase new ones.

For my first purchases, I went to Old Navy online and purchased these cute pajamas and socks. The bottoms were originally $16.94, but on sale for $12.50. Then, I got to use a 25% off coupon, so they only cost $9.37. The socks were originally $5.00, but with the 25% off coupon, they were only $3.75. Plus, I got free shipping!

"The only rule is don't be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in." - Paris Hilton

Happy Cute Dressing,



Welcome to a blog post about realization! After much embarrassment and being the center of jokes, I have realized that my sleeping attire needs a little bit of work. It is a guarantee that I am not going to win an award for having the cutest pajamas in town. I get cold while I'm sleeping, even in the summer at times, so I always bundle up. I sleep in a short sleeve t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, pajama pants, and socks. Crazy?!? Maybe, but I like to be cozy when I sleep. And, I must add that none of the sleepwear matches. LOL!!! My entire family makes fun of me. This last weekend I was the center of the conversation for at least 10 minutes. They said that I look like an old lady, and I have to admit, I do! I have never wanted to spend money on cute pajamas. I thought it would be better to spend that money on a pair of shoes, jewelry, or a cute outfit. And, I must add that it is hard for me to buy pajamas because I have to buy a size Tall and only certain places have them; primarily Old Navy. But, I have realized that it is time to change...

My husband wants me to wear cute pajamas?!? Well, it is time to break out the cash. LOL!!! Just kidding, but I am going to get rid of my old pajamas and gradually purchase new ones.

For my first purchases, I went to Old Navy online and purchased these cute pajamas and socks. The bottoms were originally $16.94, but on sale for $12.50. Then, I got to use a 25% off coupon, so they only cost $9.37. The socks were originally $5.00, but with the 25% off coupon, they were only $3.75. Plus, I got free shipping!

"The only rule is don't be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in." - Paris Hilton

Happy Cute Dressing,



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DIY: Make it Bright

I am in the process of trying to add a little more color to my kitchen. I am using the Coton Colors products as my inspiration. I want my kitchen to reflect more of my personality, and for it to be brightly colored for my daughter. She is a true girly-girl, even though she is only 2 years old. So, I am trying to tackle my kitchen one thing at a time. This week, the small counter lamp is my victim...

Here is the before picture of the lamp... It doesn't look like me AT ALL nor does it match my theme!

So, it is time for a redo...

I purchased a $3.27 can of white Krylon spray paint and a $4.27 light pink lamp shade from Wal-Mart, and here is the finished product. I may do a little gloss coat over the top to give it a little more shine. Overall, I am pretty happy with the outcome. It matches much better now!

It has a little distressed look, which I like.

Happy Sunday Everyone,



I am in the process of trying to add a little more color to my kitchen. I am using the Coton Colors products as my inspiration. I want my kitchen to reflect more of my personality, and for it to be brightly colored for my daughter. She is a true girly-girl, even though she is only 2 years old. So, I am trying to tackle my kitchen one thing at a time. This week, the small counter lamp is my victim...

Here is the before picture of the lamp... It doesn't look like me AT ALL nor does it match my theme!

So, it is time for a redo...

I purchased a $3.27 can of white Krylon spray paint and a $4.27 light pink lamp shade from Wal-Mart, and here is the finished product. I may do a little gloss coat over the top to give it a little more shine. Overall, I am pretty happy with the outcome. It matches much better now!

It has a little distressed look, which I like.

Happy Sunday Everyone,



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Organization: The Container Store

Since I am on an organization kick, I have been searching around different organization blogs looking at ways to organize different items and areas in my house. Now, I have created a wish list through The Container Store with organization items that I would love to purchase. I could probably spend all day in that store, and dish out a lot of cash. I go nuts when it comes to organization items.

I wanted to share a few of the items that I would like to purchase in case they give someone else an organization idea...

1. Wing-Lid Ornament Storage Box

($16.99)

I am one of those individuals that has ornaments in a large Rubbermaid tub that is a complete mess. You open the box, and ornaments almost spill over. I have some ornaments wrapped in tissue paper and others in their original boxes. I never know what ornaments I have, or where they are located. So, having this box or a similar one would really help me out. I could see all of the ornaments and each ornament would have its own spot.

2. 120-Disc Acrylic Storage Box

($24.99)

I would love to own 3 of these boxes; one for me, one for my husband, and one for my daughter. At my house, we have DVDs everywhere. My daughter has a stack in her room that continuously fall off her dresser and get caught between the dresser and the wall. And, we have 4 shelves of DVDs in our entertainment center in the living room. These little handy boxes could free-up so much space for us. I could get rid of all those plastic DVD cases that my daughter likes to use as toys, and have so much more room for other things.

3. Chrome Spinning Spice Rack 

($49.99)

Another Pinterest find... Instead of using this for a spice rack, I would love to have one of these for my house for random items like paper clips, staples, etc. This would also be awesome in my classroom. Here is a picture of what others used it for...

Isn't this just adorable?!?!

In addition to The Container Store items... I would love to have this Deluxe 6-Shelf Adjustable Pantry Door Rack for my gift wrapping. You can purchase it from the Chef's Catalog for $44.99.

Better Homes and Gardens featured this item in their magazine. Check it out!

Is it sad that I am getting excited about all of these items?!?! Now, I just need to cash to purchase them ; )

Happy Organizing,

Since I am on an organization kick, I have been searching around different organization blogs looking at ways to organize different items and areas in my house. Now, I have created a wish list through The Container Store with organization items that I would love to purchase. I could probably spend all day in that store, and dish out a lot of cash. I go nuts when it comes to organization items.

I wanted to share a few of the items that I would like to purchase in case they give someone else an organization idea...

1. Wing-Lid Ornament Storage Box

($16.99)

I am one of those individuals that has ornaments in a large Rubbermaid tub that is a complete mess. You open the box, and ornaments almost spill over. I have some ornaments wrapped in tissue paper and others in their original boxes. I never know what ornaments I have, or where they are located. So, having this box or a similar one would really help me out. I could see all of the ornaments and each ornament would have its own spot.

2. 120-Disc Acrylic Storage Box

($24.99)

I would love to own 3 of these boxes; one for me, one for my husband, and one for my daughter. At my house, we have DVDs everywhere. My daughter has a stack in her room that continuously fall off her dresser and get caught between the dresser and the wall. And, we have 4 shelves of DVDs in our entertainment center in the living room. These little handy boxes could free-up so much space for us. I could get rid of all those plastic DVD cases that my daughter likes to use as toys, and have so much more room for other things.

3. Chrome Spinning Spice Rack 

($49.99)

Another Pinterest find... Instead of using this for a spice rack, I would love to have one of these for my house for random items like paper clips, staples, etc. This would also be awesome in my classroom. Here is a picture of what others used it for...

Isn't this just adorable?!?!

In addition to The Container Store items... I would love to have this Deluxe 6-Shelf Adjustable Pantry Door Rack for my gift wrapping. You can purchase it from the Chef's Catalog for $44.99.

Better Homes and Gardens featured this item in their magazine. Check it out!

Is it sad that I am getting excited about all of these items?!?! Now, I just need to cash to purchase them ; )

Happy Organizing,

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A Recipe Makeover

Anyone that knows me knows that I am an organization nut. And, I am sure the first thing that will pop into their heads is my color-coordinated closet. I can't help it... I LOVE to be organized. So, lately, I have been trying to find different projects around the house that need some reorganization. My next victim... the cabinet above my cooktop AKA the recipe cabinet.

The before... a complete mess!!!

The first thing I did was remove everything out of the cabinet. I put the cups and candy in their correct locations, and started on the massive pile of recipes.

I separated my recipes into piles.

Then, I got a large binder that I wasn't using,

and created a cute cover on Microsoft Publisher.

Next, I purchased sleeve protectors and tabbed folder inserts for the recipes.

The sheet protectors are for all of my recipes, which will be awesome. I won't have to worry about getting eggs or flour all over my recipes when I am baking. Yes, I make a HUGE mess when I am baking. The bigger the mess, the better the food. Right?!?! The two pocket inserts are going to be used for the recipes I plan on trying or ones that I plan on using in the near future.

On the two pocket insert tabs, I made the following recipe sections...

• Appetizers
• Beverages
• Soups/Salads
• Side Dishes
• Main Dishes
• Breakfast
• Breads
• Desserts

I could've made many more, but I only had 8 dividers.

A photo of a few recipes in their sheet protectors.

And, here is a picture of my reorganized recipe cabinet! Now, I feel much better. On to the next project...

The small box with the blue lid is for coupons.

Happy Organizing,



Anyone that knows me knows that I am an organization nut. And, I am sure the first thing that will pop into their heads is my color-coordinated closet. I can't help it... I LOVE to be organized. So, lately, I have been trying to find different projects around the house that need some reorganization. My next victim... the cabinet above my cooktop AKA the recipe cabinet.

The before... a complete mess!!!

The first thing I did was remove everything out of the cabinet. I put the cups and candy in their correct locations, and started on the massive pile of recipes.

I separated my recipes into piles.

Then, I got a large binder that I wasn't using,

and created a cute cover on Microsoft Publisher.

Next, I purchased sleeve protectors and tabbed folder inserts for the recipes.

The sheet protectors are for all of my recipes, which will be awesome. I won't have to worry about getting eggs or flour all over my recipes when I am baking. Yes, I make a HUGE mess when I am baking. The bigger the mess, the better the food. Right?!?! The two pocket inserts are going to be used for the recipes I plan on trying or ones that I plan on using in the near future.

On the two pocket insert tabs, I made the following recipe sections...

• Appetizers
• Beverages
• Soups/Salads
• Side Dishes
• Main Dishes
• Breakfast
• Breads
• Desserts

I could've made many more, but I only had 8 dividers.

A photo of a few recipes in their sheet protectors.

And, here is a picture of my reorganized recipe cabinet! Now, I feel much better. On to the next project...

The small box with the blue lid is for coupons.

Happy Organizing,



Read more ...

Promotions: Happy Everything!

It is almost my favorite time of year... And, I am not referring to Christmas, even though I LOVE Christmas (it is one of my favorite holidays). I am talking about the Happy Everything Holiday Party! Twice a year, Coton Colors offers specials for purchasing certain items and spending a certain amount of money on their Happy Everything collection. I have looked at their catalog so many times that I am surprised it isn't completely faded. I was told about this event during the summer, and I have been anticipating the announcement ever since.

I am still in limbo about what I am going to purchase to add to my kitchen, but I know I would love to have the message chalkboard (I already have a spot marked for it).

And, I would also like to purchase an attachment or two. I have my eye set on the school bus (my daughter loves it), which is retired and may not be available, and the Christmas elf (since we will be receiving a visit from Kate's elf for the first time this year).

Even if these items are not available, I am certain they will have something that I just can't live without!!! If you haven't heard about this company or collection, you definitely need to check it out. The bright colors and polka dots definitely put a smile on my face. ; )

Happy Everything,



It is almost my favorite time of year... And, I am not referring to Christmas, even though I LOVE Christmas (it is one of my favorite holidays). I am talking about the Happy Everything Holiday Party! Twice a year, Coton Colors offers specials for purchasing certain items and spending a certain amount of money on their Happy Everything collection. I have looked at their catalog so many times that I am surprised it isn't completely faded. I was told about this event during the summer, and I have been anticipating the announcement ever since.

I am still in limbo about what I am going to purchase to add to my kitchen, but I know I would love to have the message chalkboard (I already have a spot marked for it).

And, I would also like to purchase an attachment or two. I have my eye set on the school bus (my daughter loves it), which is retired and may not be available, and the Christmas elf (since we will be receiving a visit from Kate's elf for the first time this year).

Even if these items are not available, I am certain they will have something that I just can't live without!!! If you haven't heard about this company or collection, you definitely need to check it out. The bright colors and polka dots definitely put a smile on my face. ; )

Happy Everything,



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Deal of the Day: A Halloween Cupcake

After a lot of debate, I decided not to purchase Kate a Halloween costume this year. She doesn't have a party to go to like last year, and I don't think she would cooperate enough to be in the parade. Last year, I purchased a black cat costume that was a little big at the time, so if we decide to do something at the last minute, Miss. Kate has a costume ready to go.

I am sure you are wondering what the point of this post is... Well, I received an email from Pottery Barn Kids this morning stating that their Halloween costumes have now been marked down by 40%. I originally wanted to purchase Kate the cupcake costume from their website, but I thought $59.99 for a costume she would hate was a little too pricey. But, today, I can purchase this costume for only $22.99. I can't make the costume for that price.

So, I have planned ahead and purchased Kate's costume for next year... And, yes, I purchased this costume in a size bigger than she currently wears. I hope she is between a size 4 and 6 next year. If not, ebay will be calling my name.

Original price $59.99... I paid $22.99

Original price $14.99... I paid $7.99

In addition to this great deal, I got Free Shipping! So, my grand total was only $32.29 (with tax). Now, that is a steal to blog about! ; )

Happy Bargain Shopping,



After a lot of debate, I decided not to purchase Kate a Halloween costume this year. She doesn't have a party to go to like last year, and I don't think she would cooperate enough to be in the parade. Last year, I purchased a black cat costume that was a little big at the time, so if we decide to do something at the last minute, Miss. Kate has a costume ready to go.

I am sure you are wondering what the point of this post is... Well, I received an email from Pottery Barn Kids this morning stating that their Halloween costumes have now been marked down by 40%. I originally wanted to purchase Kate the cupcake costume from their website, but I thought $59.99 for a costume she would hate was a little too pricey. But, today, I can purchase this costume for only $22.99. I can't make the costume for that price.

So, I have planned ahead and purchased Kate's costume for next year... And, yes, I purchased this costume in a size bigger than she currently wears. I hope she is between a size 4 and 6 next year. If not, ebay will be calling my name.

Original price $59.99... I paid $22.99

Original price $14.99... I paid $7.99

In addition to this great deal, I got Free Shipping! So, my grand total was only $32.29 (with tax). Now, that is a steal to blog about! ; )

Happy Bargain Shopping,



Read more ...

Organization: A Little FREE Monday Organization

Back in the summer, I posted a picture of my organized makeup drawer. Well, since then, it has become a complete disaster.

Embarrassing!

So, I decided it was time to spend a little time reorganizing this mess. First thing, decide what is causing the massive pile... That would be my collection of barrettes, bobby pins, headbands, and rubber bands. After using them, I just throw them in the drawer wherever they will fit. Not a good idea! So, after searching my house for a container or something I could put these items in, I found this:

This little three-drawer organizer is full of nothing but junk that actually has another storage place. Bingo!!! So, I cleaned it out, put all of these items where they needed to go, and I am now organized... For Free!!! I didn't have to purchase anything because it was already in my house. That is the best kind of organizing by far.

1st drawer = bobby pins & barrettes

2nd drawer = rubber bands

3rd drawer = head bands

And, I even found a perfect spot for it in my linen closet.

This looks much better!



Happy Free Monday Organizing,



Back in the summer, I posted a picture of my organized makeup drawer. Well, since then, it has become a complete disaster.

Embarrassing!

So, I decided it was time to spend a little time reorganizing this mess. First thing, decide what is causing the massive pile... That would be my collection of barrettes, bobby pins, headbands, and rubber bands. After using them, I just throw them in the drawer wherever they will fit. Not a good idea! So, after searching my house for a container or something I could put these items in, I found this:

This little three-drawer organizer is full of nothing but junk that actually has another storage place. Bingo!!! So, I cleaned it out, put all of these items where they needed to go, and I am now organized... For Free!!! I didn't have to purchase anything because it was already in my house. That is the best kind of organizing by far.

1st drawer = bobby pins & barrettes

2nd drawer = rubber bands

3rd drawer = head bands

And, I even found a perfect spot for it in my linen closet.

This looks much better!



Happy Free Monday Organizing,



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DIY: A Spooky Halloween

Here I go again with my fascination with Pinterest. I found these awesome Halloween blocks that I had to attempt. So, off to Hobby Lobby I went...

Instead of creating blocks that spelled "treats," I decided to make ones with the word "spooky." I like that saying a little better for Halloween.

Here is the process and the final outcome. I think they turned out really cute! Next, I am making a set of "believe" Christmas blocks. When I finish that project, I will post a picture of the end result.

The before... lumber from Home Depot

that I had cut down.

I put two coats of black paint on the edges

and the side without the scrapbook paper.

The scrapbook paper that will be covering the front. This paper

was purchased from Hobby Lobby.

I measured and cut the paper to fit each block. I used

different size blocks to add some interest.

The scrapbook paper cut to size.

Next, I glued the paper to the front of the blocks.

The before and after.

All of the blocks with the scrapbook paper glued on.

After a lot of debate, I decided to use chipboard letters for

the word "spooky" that I purchased at Hobby Lobby. 

The letters with a coat of spray primer and two coats

of purple spray paint.

Now, time to sand the edges.

The final product with the letters hot glued on. I am very happy

with them!

Happy Sunday Everyone!



Here I go again with my fascination with Pinterest. I found these awesome Halloween blocks that I had to attempt. So, off to Hobby Lobby I went...

Instead of creating blocks that spelled "treats," I decided to make ones with the word "spooky." I like that saying a little better for Halloween.

Here is the process and the final outcome. I think they turned out really cute! Next, I am making a set of "believe" Christmas blocks. When I finish that project, I will post a picture of the end result.

The before... lumber from Home Depot

that I had cut down.

I put two coats of black paint on the edges

and the side without the scrapbook paper.

The scrapbook paper that will be covering the front. This paper

was purchased from Hobby Lobby.

I measured and cut the paper to fit each block. I used

different size blocks to add some interest.

The scrapbook paper cut to size.

Next, I glued the paper to the front of the blocks.

The before and after.

All of the blocks with the scrapbook paper glued on.

After a lot of debate, I decided to use chipboard letters for

the word "spooky" that I purchased at Hobby Lobby. 

The letters with a coat of spray primer and two coats

of purple spray paint.

Now, time to sand the edges.

The final product with the letters hot glued on. I am very happy

with them!

Happy Sunday Everyone!



Read more ...