I borrowed this idea from a fabulously creative, crafty and artistic friend. She doesn’t have a blog, otherwise I’d link to it. Anyway, here it is. So simple.

Supplies:

Easel (got mine at Hobby Lobby)
Tile (Home Depot) - I chose one with a lip
Photo
Foam brush
Mod Podge

To do:
1. put a layer of mod podge on tile
2. set photo on tile, let it set
3. slather on a layer of mod podge, repeat until you achieve the look you want, letting dry between coats.
4. set on easel

I gave my parents each one of these with their Christmas gifts and they just loved them. I plan to make a few more to give to other family members and a few to place around our home.

January 4th, 2009 | Category: Crafty Home | Comments (14)

The new year has been a time of reflection for me. I am trying to settle in after our whirlwind trip and the resulting emotional drain of it all. I have never been big on resolutions so I haven’t made any. For the first time in my life a new year is here and I find myself simply wanting to continue on with what I am. I know the year will bring change, good and bad. I know that there is always room for improvement. I am striving for things that are inside me (continued contentment, gratitude, faith, love, and simplicity). I know with those things, that all the other external stuff will fall into place resulting in a year better than any other.

I have slowly dug through my reader from the past week and have a few things that I’d like to share. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

• Cut Grocery Costs in Half

• The Best Things in Life Are Free

• Debt Doesn’t Have To Be A Way Of Life

• New

December’s top referring sites to Remodeling This Life were:

1. Simple Mom
2. The Inspired Room
3. Down To Earth
4. Mom Advice
5. On Simplicity
6. Hooked On Houses
7. I’ve Paid For This Twice Already
8. Almost Frugal
9. Small Notebook
10. My Two Dollars

Thank you for all the referrals! I appreciate every one of them.

Top Posts for the month of December were:

1. Unexpected
2. A Mug of Hot Chocolate Cake
3. It’s Not Savings Unless You Save It
4. Another Lesson From My 3 Year Old
5. 20 Things I Love At Christmas

Happy New Year!

January 3rd, 2009 | Category: Tidbits | Comments (6)

2008 was a year of many projects here in our home. In addition to my Greatest Hits of 2008 post that includes the articles from last year that received the most traffic and a list of my five favorite articles, I thought it would be fun to post a recap of a year of projects here.

My absolute favorite project for the year is our new patio, painted patio set and the pergola is finished!

We also did a little makeover in our daughter’s room, including a cute little lamp makeover and some wall art for her room.

We completely remodeled our son’s room.

We painted the house and front door, which actually got finished in record time, unlike I thought it would.

We started a vegetable garden and it is continuing to thrive, we are so excited about that!

Our kitchen now has a DIY Chalkboard on the wall. I also mistreated my kitchen windows.

It was a fun year of making our home a haven for us. We have more projects on the horizon and I can’t wait to how things are looking around here next year! Thanks so much for being part of my journey here.

Cindy at My Romantic Home is hosting a little roundup of people’s projects from 2008. Head on over and check them all out!

January 2nd, 2009 | Category: Crafty Home, Gardening, Remodeled Home | Comments (7)

I’m home from our whirlwind trip to NY. It was not without it’s hitches but we were there with family and we’re home safe. I know for our next trip, I’ll pack a change of clothes for everyone in carry-on bags. You know, just in case my daughter throws up an airplane all over me and her again. Then we won’t have to buy new overpriced clothes in the airport when the airline refuses to get our bag for us so we can change our clothes.

We got home at 6 last night and I was asleep at 7:15. Happy New Year. I’m a party animal, I know. Here’s hoping the next year brings as much fabulousness, simplicity and joy as the past one has.  I wish you all the best in 2009!

Oh and hubby was busy with some big projects while I was away. The boys did a little demolition and my house has stuff piled in every room due to the project but it’s exciting and I will share the progress soon!

January 1st, 2009 | Category: Tidbits | Comments (6)