Creating a Tax File!

It is that time of year again... tax season! That means I have to attempt to locate all of my W-2s, tax papers, donation forms, and the previous year's taxes. Now, I consider myself a pretty organized person or getting there, but this is an area that I lack in. Most years, I stick the tax information somewhere and swear I am going to remember where it is when tax time comes around again. HAHAHAHAHA!!! Yeah, that doesn't always happen. I think I have developed "mommy brain" meaning that if I don't jot something down immediately I will forget about it 5 minutes later (no joke). That is why I am a master at using planners, post-it notes, and notepads.

So, this year, I decided to make a file that has all of my previous years' taxes so I don't have to waste valuable time looking for them. And, let me just say that while I was collecting my old taxes, I found some of them in the house and others in the attic (see what I mean by mommy brain).

I went all the way back to the 2007 tax season because the expanding file I purchased had 6 tabs. I will rotate them once the new year comes around.

Supplies
Old taxes
Expanding file
Tab inserts (came with the expanding file)
Avery 18160 labels
Computer with Microsoft Word (how I made the labels)
Scissors
Cricut
White vinyl

My Avery labels and the tab inserts that came with the expanding file.

I stuck the Avery label over the original label and cut off the extra.

The finished labels. I have several upcoming years

that I will keep until that time.

I purchased this expanding file from Target for $4.27.

A look at the inside after the tabs were placed in their new spots.

The stack of taxes I am putting in the new expanding file.

A look from the inside... completely filled with old tax info.

I used my Cricut to cut out the vinyl letters... They are a little crooked, but

it will work. : )

A closeup view of the letters.

Happy Tax Season,

It is that time of year again... tax season! That means I have to attempt to locate all of my W-2s, tax papers, donation forms, and the previous year's taxes. Now, I consider myself a pretty organized person or getting there, but this is an area that I lack in. Most years, I stick the tax information somewhere and swear I am going to remember where it is when tax time comes around again. HAHAHAHAHA!!! Yeah, that doesn't always happen. I think I have developed "mommy brain" meaning that if I don't jot something down immediately I will forget about it 5 minutes later (no joke). That is why I am a master at using planners, post-it notes, and notepads.

So, this year, I decided to make a file that has all of my previous years' taxes so I don't have to waste valuable time looking for them. And, let me just say that while I was collecting my old taxes, I found some of them in the house and others in the attic (see what I mean by mommy brain).

I went all the way back to the 2007 tax season because the expanding file I purchased had 6 tabs. I will rotate them once the new year comes around.

Supplies
Old taxes
Expanding file
Tab inserts (came with the expanding file)
Avery 18160 labels
Computer with Microsoft Word (how I made the labels)
Scissors
Cricut
White vinyl

My Avery labels and the tab inserts that came with the expanding file.

I stuck the Avery label over the original label and cut off the extra.

The finished labels. I have several upcoming years

that I will keep until that time.

I purchased this expanding file from Target for $4.27.

A look at the inside after the tabs were placed in their new spots.

The stack of taxes I am putting in the new expanding file.

A look from the inside... completely filled with old tax info.

I used my Cricut to cut out the vinyl letters... They are a little crooked, but

it will work. : )

A closeup view of the letters.

Happy Tax Season,

Read more ...

A Little Office Color!

After much thought and deliberation, I think we have FINALLY decided on the colors for our soon-to-be office. My husband and I will be sharing the office space, but we will each have our own space in the office. When deciding on the colors, I wanted to have a neutral paint color, a color that was feminine, a color that was masculine, and a color that we both shared. Is this clear as mud?!?! Let me further explain...

When I told some of my family members about our his-and-her office, I think the first thing that came to their mind was tape down the middle of the room with one side feminine and one side masculine. Not exactly how I envisioned it. And, I don't think that would be too appealing to the eye.

Instead, all of the furniture will be the same color: white. The wall color will be a light gray. My husband's storage boxes, bins, and caddies will all be red. All of my storage bins, boxes, and caddies will be pink, and we will share light green accessories. I have always liked those three colors and they look pretty awesome together!

So, I have taken some time and browsed the Internet for some cute storage accessories that match my color scheme. Check them out!

1 - Target
2 - Target
3 - Target
4 - Hobby Lobby (This box looks totally different in person. I own several in other colors)
5 - Amazon
6 - Amazon
7 - Amazon

1 - Target

2 - Amazon

3 - Amazon

4 - Hobby Lobby

5 - Hobby Lobby

6 - The Container Store

7 - The Container Store

1 - Amazon
2 - The Container Store
3 - Amazon
4 - Amazon
5 - Target
6 - Target
7 - Target
8 - Target (this one is bigger than the #6)
9 - JoAnn (similar, temporarily out of stock of the one in the photo)


Happy Decorating,

After much thought and deliberation, I think we have FINALLY decided on the colors for our soon-to-be office. My husband and I will be sharing the office space, but we will each have our own space in the office. When deciding on the colors, I wanted to have a neutral paint color, a color that was feminine, a color that was masculine, and a color that we both shared. Is this clear as mud?!?! Let me further explain...

When I told some of my family members about our his-and-her office, I think the first thing that came to their mind was tape down the middle of the room with one side feminine and one side masculine. Not exactly how I envisioned it. And, I don't think that would be too appealing to the eye.

Instead, all of the furniture will be the same color: white. The wall color will be a light gray. My husband's storage boxes, bins, and caddies will all be red. All of my storage bins, boxes, and caddies will be pink, and we will share light green accessories. I have always liked those three colors and they look pretty awesome together!

So, I have taken some time and browsed the Internet for some cute storage accessories that match my color scheme. Check them out!

1 - Target
2 - Target
3 - Target
4 - Hobby Lobby (This box looks totally different in person. I own several in other colors)
5 - Amazon
6 - Amazon
7 - Amazon

1 - Target

2 - Amazon

3 - Amazon

4 - Hobby Lobby

5 - Hobby Lobby

6 - The Container Store

7 - The Container Store

1 - Amazon
2 - The Container Store
3 - Amazon
4 - Amazon
5 - Target
6 - Target
7 - Target
8 - Target (this one is bigger than the #6)
9 - JoAnn (similar, temporarily out of stock of the one in the photo)


Happy Decorating,

Read more ...

Litter to Glitter: Birthday Utensil Holder!

This next month, my daughter will be turning 3-years-old. Where did time go? It seems like I should still be changing diapers, fixing bottles, and rocking her to sleep. I guess that is why we should cherish every single moment we have because it goes by WAY too fast. 

My daughter will be having a princess party for her birthday and mommy has already started looking for cute, reasonably priced plates, napkins, and accessories. When I was opening a can of pineapples last week, I had an idea. I could turn this pineapple can into a cute utensil holder for her birthday! And, that is exactly what I did. For my first can-to-creation project, I did a pretty good job. There were a few things that I didn't think about until after I had started (like making sure the scrapbook paper seams were in the back), but overall I was satisfied. And, now, we will have a cute cupcake utensil holder for Miss. Kate's birthday.

Supplies:

soup can 

scrapbook paper

measuring tape

pencil

scissors

ribbon

hot glue gun & sticks

paper plates (for laying the hot glue gun on)

can opener (I used a Pampered Chef one)

The can opener I used. This Pampered Chef can opener makes smooth

edges on the top of your can. The top almost works as a lid afterwards.

Most of my supplies.

A closeup of the birthday scrapbook paper I used. I purchased it from

Hobby Lobby.

Measuring the paper.

About to cut the scrapbook paper.

The light pink ribbon I used for the edges. I purchased this ribbon from 

Hobby Lobby several years ago. I hot glued the ribbon and the scrapbook

paper to the can.

The final product. I placed a bow where the ribbon

seam was.

A closer view.

An up-close view of the detail.

Happy DIY Day,

This next month, my daughter will be turning 3-years-old. Where did time go? It seems like I should still be changing diapers, fixing bottles, and rocking her to sleep. I guess that is why we should cherish every single moment we have because it goes by WAY too fast. 

My daughter will be having a princess party for her birthday and mommy has already started looking for cute, reasonably priced plates, napkins, and accessories. When I was opening a can of pineapples last week, I had an idea. I could turn this pineapple can into a cute utensil holder for her birthday! And, that is exactly what I did. For my first can-to-creation project, I did a pretty good job. There were a few things that I didn't think about until after I had started (like making sure the scrapbook paper seams were in the back), but overall I was satisfied. And, now, we will have a cute cupcake utensil holder for Miss. Kate's birthday.

Supplies:

soup can 

scrapbook paper

measuring tape

pencil

scissors

ribbon

hot glue gun & sticks

paper plates (for laying the hot glue gun on)

can opener (I used a Pampered Chef one)

The can opener I used. This Pampered Chef can opener makes smooth

edges on the top of your can. The top almost works as a lid afterwards.

Most of my supplies.

A closeup of the birthday scrapbook paper I used. I purchased it from

Hobby Lobby.

Measuring the paper.

About to cut the scrapbook paper.

The light pink ribbon I used for the edges. I purchased this ribbon from 

Hobby Lobby several years ago. I hot glued the ribbon and the scrapbook

paper to the can.

The final product. I placed a bow where the ribbon

seam was.

A closer view.

An up-close view of the detail.

Happy DIY Day,

Read more ...

The Good Behavior Chart!

Last week, my daughter had a few rocky days. She either didn't have very good behavior at daycare or she would get home from a great day and it would go downhill. She threw several temper tantrums, screamed at us, and even attempted to hit her daddy at one point. Got to love the terrible twos! Don't get me wrong, on most days, my daughter is excellent. She uses her manners, tells us she loves us, and gives many kisses. But, she does have her days (like we all do). After some thought, I decided that a good behavior chart might be a good idea. This would give her a visual way to monitor her behavior. If she is good, then she gets a sticker. And, she LOVES stickers!!! This also gives her a way to become part of the process (she gets to put the stickers on the chart).

So, today, the printable went up on the refrigerator and it all began!!! I will let you know how this whole process works for our family.

And, feel free to download the chart below and use it in your own household!

(download pdf here)

A picture of the chart on the refrigerator.

a little step back.

a closeup.

The stickers we are using for the chart. We purchased them at 

Dollar General for $1.

Happy Sunday,

Last week, my daughter had a few rocky days. She either didn't have very good behavior at daycare or she would get home from a great day and it would go downhill. She threw several temper tantrums, screamed at us, and even attempted to hit her daddy at one point. Got to love the terrible twos! Don't get me wrong, on most days, my daughter is excellent. She uses her manners, tells us she loves us, and gives many kisses. But, she does have her days (like we all do). After some thought, I decided that a good behavior chart might be a good idea. This would give her a visual way to monitor her behavior. If she is good, then she gets a sticker. And, she LOVES stickers!!! This also gives her a way to become part of the process (she gets to put the stickers on the chart).

So, today, the printable went up on the refrigerator and it all began!!! I will let you know how this whole process works for our family.

And, feel free to download the chart below and use it in your own household!

(download pdf here)

A picture of the chart on the refrigerator.

a little step back.

a closeup.

The stickers we are using for the chart. We purchased them at 

Dollar General for $1.

Happy Sunday,

Read more ...

Friday Inspiration: Utensil Storage

In honor of my monthly utensil challenge, I have decided to do my Friday inspiration over storing utensils. I have an idea of what I am looking for, but I am still not 100% convinced yet. So, I wanted to browse through some photos to help make my decision a little bit easier. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! 

I like this idea if you have a drawer big enough.

(source)

I think the pitchers are cute!

(source)

I love the dividers!

(source)

Seriously considering this for my kitchen!

(source)

I don't think my drawer is this big, but good concept!

(source)

I love the crisp, clean look of this.

(source)

I never thought about dividing them out by purpose.

(source)

Who said your utensils have to be in a drawer?!?!

(source)

This would be a good idea if I had enough space under

my cabinets.

(source)

Neat concept!

(source)

Happy Friday,

In honor of my monthly utensil challenge, I have decided to do my Friday inspiration over storing utensils. I have an idea of what I am looking for, but I am still not 100% convinced yet. So, I wanted to browse through some photos to help make my decision a little bit easier. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! 

I like this idea if you have a drawer big enough.

(source)

I think the pitchers are cute!

(source)

I love the dividers!

(source)

Seriously considering this for my kitchen!

(source)

I don't think my drawer is this big, but good concept!

(source)

I love the crisp, clean look of this.

(source)

I never thought about dividing them out by purpose.

(source)

Who said your utensils have to be in a drawer?!?!

(source)

This would be a good idea if I had enough space under

my cabinets.

(source)

Neat concept!

(source)

Happy Friday,

Read more ...

A Little Shelf Protection!

This past weekend, while I was putting up cups in my kitchen cabinet, I noticed that the bottom of the shelves were starting to get damaged from excess water and moisture. Oops! I guess I have been putting cups in the cabinet without fully drying them.

I am not really sure if you can tell from the picture, but it is starting to bubble up a little bit. This is unacceptable! My house is only 2-years-old (my husband and I built it in 2009) and it is WAY to early to be experiencing situations like this. So, I went to Wal-Mart (the first place I always go) to see if they had a simple fix. And, they did! I purchased two rolls of Duck Easy Liner in tan for around $5.97 each. I got them home, took everything out of the cabinets and drawers, measured, and cut the liner to fit the shelves and drawers that I needed it in.

The best thing about this liner is that is has a smooth top and it grips on the bottom, which means it won't be sliding around my shelves and drawers. Also, it means that it is thick, so water will not be able to seep through it easily.

I placed the cut product in the drawers and shelves, and so far so good! And, you can hardly tell it is in there because the color blends with my cabinets pretty well.

I know this looks a little junky, but I haven't came up with

another alternative for the massive amount of sippy lids that we have

lying around.

"Sometimes the smallest adjustments make the biggest differences!" - Me

Happy Thursday,

This past weekend, while I was putting up cups in my kitchen cabinet, I noticed that the bottom of the shelves were starting to get damaged from excess water and moisture. Oops! I guess I have been putting cups in the cabinet without fully drying them.

I am not really sure if you can tell from the picture, but it is starting to bubble up a little bit. This is unacceptable! My house is only 2-years-old (my husband and I built it in 2009) and it is WAY to early to be experiencing situations like this. So, I went to Wal-Mart (the first place I always go) to see if they had a simple fix. And, they did! I purchased two rolls of Duck Easy Liner in tan for around $5.97 each. I got them home, took everything out of the cabinets and drawers, measured, and cut the liner to fit the shelves and drawers that I needed it in.

The best thing about this liner is that is has a smooth top and it grips on the bottom, which means it won't be sliding around my shelves and drawers. Also, it means that it is thick, so water will not be able to seep through it easily.

I placed the cut product in the drawers and shelves, and so far so good! And, you can hardly tell it is in there because the color blends with my cabinets pretty well.

I know this looks a little junky, but I haven't came up with

another alternative for the massive amount of sippy lids that we have

lying around.

"Sometimes the smallest adjustments make the biggest differences!" - Me

Happy Thursday,

Read more ...