Mothers Day Reflections

Happy Mothers Day!
A flower for the mothers out there!

I've been a mom for 10 years now. Wow... I can hardly believe it! It seems like just a moment ago that I was rubbing my nose on chubby little baby cheeks, breathing in that smell of baby scalp and Johnson's shampoo. 
I didn't plan for any of my three munchkins, but I always expected them. Envisioning what a life as a mom would be all my life, yet never being prepared for what it really was. All its happy moments -many admittedly taken for granted, and it's frustrations...mostly with myself.
Everyone wishes me a happy mothers day and we reflect on the worth of a mother, which of course evokes a moment of introspection; I can't help but wonder, what has been the mark of my motherhood? Have I taken the blessings bestowed upon me by my own mother and expounded upon them? The tremendous responsibility of molding lives that shapes the world we live in, have I taken that to heart as I should?  
It is these moments of reflection that remind me that everyday life with it's ups and downs, all my efforts to create a loving home for my family, all the habits that we form, behind every moment and dream, there lies a higher purpose and a great responsibility.
Motherhood is not always easy, so to the mothers out there I say be encouraged, be vigilant, be strong, do not be weary with well doing, and love much.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all". Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." ~Proverbs 31:35-30 

Hostess Gift: A DIY Basketful of Spring

Looking for the perfect hostess gift for that Spring party or Easter dinner you've been invited to?
I saw these gorgeous wire bags via Pottery Barn (currently no longer available), and thought it would make a lovely hostess gift! 
Even better, you can make 3 or 4 wire bags yourself for the cost of one roll of hardware cloth ($8-$14), rather than spend the $18- $25 per wire bag via Pottery Barn (depending on the size). 

(via Pottery Barn)

I love the idea of stocking these wire bags with everything one would need for a romantic picnic indoors. Crackers and cheese spreads, sparkling drink, chocolates, biscotti...whatever makes for a nice little evening in for your host and hostess. 

Another option would be to make a bigger heartier basket an entire family can enjoy. Fill it with things for the kids and parents to enjoy together as a family, or maybe something they can break out for the party itself....hostess choice. 

Making these baskets is much easier than you would think. It takes a moment to gain some "technique", but it is as simple as folding and weaving together two pieces of hardware cloth. The nice thing about making your own DIY wire bags (besides the oh-so-cheap cost) is being able to customize the size, shape, and color to your liking without spending more. 

Materials: All you need is a roll of hardware cloth from your local hardware store, some wire clippers or shears, and roll of picture frame hanging wire. 

Follow my tutorial for making wire baskets which can be found here. The only changes you will make is if you are using hardware cloth with smaller squares, then you need to use picture frame wire rather than the thicker galvanized steel wire. It allows you to more easily maneuver while weaving...you can also skip a few squares during the weaving process since they are so small.

One thing I don't show you in my wire basket tutorial is how to make these twisted handles. It is as easy as it looks! Simply twist together two pieces of galvanized steel wire (use the wire that comes with your hardware cloth, used to keep it wrapped up). Then thread your handle through one end of the basket and twist closed, and then the other end.

Once you are finished making your DIY wire bag, then comes the fun part! Decorating and filling it with goodies! You can weave some twine into your basket, or weave pretty ribbon around the handle for an extra festive touch.

I like to use a little moss or grass as an organic element to decorate with. It really lends that air of spring to it!

You are only limited by your creativity! I wanted to make a longer wire bag for french bread, one for a sparkling drink, and one for whatever whim came my way.

Perhaps you aren't making these as a hostess gift, maybe you are the hostess, and you want to create a pretty little spring vignette as a centerpiece for your dinner party. 

You could fill your baskets with floral and organic elements. Create your ideal centerpiece that brings all the beauty and fresh scents of spring! Ahhh spring. 

5 Detailed Tips To Make Your Home Comfortable for Guests

Or 5 Ways To Be A Serial Hostess...
I love having guests over, it is the best part of the holidays! Well, my husband would tell you otherwise, but don't listen to him. It's just that he sees what none of my guests see... a crazy lady flying about the house for a good two weeks in advance preparing the little guest niceties, starching linens, and rearranging the house (yet again). But nothing compares to that feeling you get watching the smiling faces of your guests enjoying their stay, knowing that you caused someone else to feel rested and happy over their vacation.  
Here are 5 detailed touches to make your home guest friendly!

1. Create a Welcome Basket to put on the bed of overnight guests:If you really want your guests to know just how special they are to you, this little touch will leave them all warm and fuzzy inside and out!

Welcome Basket Ideas:

•  Fluffy robe 
• Towel & washrag
• Comfy slippers
• Tea cup with a variety of hot drink options: Herbal tea, hot cocoa, coffee or substitute.
• Bottled water 
• Wrapped sweet treat: Mints, biscotti, chocolates, etc.
• Newspaper, sudoku or crossword puzzle activity book

Child Welcome Basket Ideas:
Remember when filling baskets for children that the purpose is different from that of an adults. You want to give a child something age appropriate to occupy themselves, giving mom and dad a little break to chat with you! Whatever you put in this basket needs to be something they can take with them when they leave, and something that won't destroy your house! Inform the parents of the contents before the kids see it, just to ensure that what you are providing is allowed.

• Fruit snacks, or other healthy treat such as a granola bar, crackers or other snack to hold them over between meals. (Avoid items with nuts or common allergy food items).
• Age appropriate magazine, or activity booklet for reading, and to occupy them while the parents are visiting or relaxing.
• Stickers
• Pad of paper & crayons for children way past the "draw on walls" phase. *wink*
• Toy for toddlers (something they can keep and will occupy them on their drive home).

2. Stock Help Yourself Trays in an accessible corner: These are the little indulgences your guest can feel free to grab anytime. While we often say "help yourself" or "make yourself at home", not all personality types are comfortable going through someone else's cupboard to find what tickles their fancy, this allows the most timid to grab without a hint of guilt or discomfort!

Tray/Basket Ideas & What To Fill It With:

• Beverage Tray: Herbal teas, hot cocoa, coffee or substitute, flavoring syrup, sweetener (honey, honey sticks, sugar packets, sugar substitutes), emergen-C packets (in case someone feels a cold coming on), stir sticks or spoons, mugs, water flavoring drink packs.

• Dessert Tray: Cookie jars, candy jars, savory snacks, mixed nuts, etc. Include a "help yourself" tag to this corner.

• Breakfast Basket: Instant oatmeal packets, cranberries or dried fruit, and toaster strudels. Bring breakfast tray out with other items such as cereal options, a basket of fruit, etc.

3. Put together a Forgotten Items basket, just in case! Keep toiletries commonly forgotten for overnight guest, as well as day visitor items. These are the items you buy in small individual packages or in the travel aisle. Here are a detailed list of ideas so that you can have everything covered...you may not need every item on the list, consider the types of items your particular family and friends commonly use. 

Overnight Guest Item Ideas:

• Mouth care: toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, or floss picks, mouth wash 
• Personal: deodorant, tampons & pads, personal wipe packs 
• Body care: soap, body wash, lotion, vaseline, cocobutter 
• Hair care: shampoo, conditioner, gel, hair spray, comb & brush, hair bands, shower cap
• Hair removal: razors, shave cream
• Small tissue pack, Q-tips, cotton balls, makeup removal wipes
• Stain removal stick
• Ear plugs (especially if you have kids that stay up late, or rise early!)
• Contact solution
• Wrinkle release spray
• Baby & Child: baby powder, baby oil

Frequent Use Bathroom Items:

• Small tissue pack
• Floss picks & breath freshening strips
• Extra toilet paper roll
• Optional: extra pads or tampons (keep it classy)

4. Provide for Comfort Quirks: Some of these tips are very near to my heart... for example, nothing is worst than being too hot or too cold while visiting a friend, it can really make or break the visit.

• Throws & quilts: over living room chairs for people who are always cold.
• Living room floor pillows or throw pillows: for sprawlers who like to sit on the floor
• Small fans in bedrooms: for overnight guests who are always too hot. 
• Layered bedding: Provide at least two different pillow types, some like them fluffy and big, others prefer less fluff. Layer bedding types for those who like to sleep under a sheet, those who prefer a fluffy comforter, and a flannel throw over the foot of the bed for the constantly cold sleeper. 

• Reading materials: books, magazines, puzzles, etc. for downtime and lulls in conversation.
• Conversation starters: guest book, photo albums, signed corks, interesting art pieces, etc. 
• Keep TV remotes in one labeled basket by TV: some overnight guests like to watch TV to wind down before bed.
• Refrigerator stocking: Stock individual bottled water and juice in the door of your refrigerator where easily seen when opened.

5. Label Things Your Guests May Look For And Can't Find : When I am a guest, I hate having to interrupt conversation and festivities to ask where the trash can is, whether they recycle, or where the cups are located. If these (and other frequent use items) are not in obvious sight, it makes it easier on everyone by labeling these things. Welcoming labels such as "Help Yourself!" are also fantastic! They clear up any confusion as to whether these items are on display, to be used at a certain time, or for anyone anytime! 

Here are a few items worth putting a temporary label on:

• The Trash Cabinet
• The Recycling Bin
• The Main Bathroom (if the door is usually kept closed)
• The Medicine Cabinet
• The basket you keep the TV controllers in, with instructions for TV use. 
• All the Trays & Baskets you have put together especially for guests

Guests will appreciate all the thoughtful touches! Of course, if we don't want them to stay forever we might need to consider dialing it back a bit. *grin*

The Year Round Valentine

I admit it, I'm just not the holiday celebrating type. 
I heard that! Your jaw just hit the floor in disbelief...sorry! I had to be honest. Love me anyway!
I've always figured that a no-stress no-expectation approach to the holidays was  best...especially for the sake of my man! *giggle* Inevitably my manly (but oh so clueless) husband will forget, or do something that will put him in the doghouse. So it's probably a good thing I prefer spur-of-the-moment gestures as opposed to celebrated days! 
That being said, relationships require precise effort. So if it means creative planning and crafting for the sake of a great marriage, and children who to know how much I love them, then I'm willing and able!

Pinner's Gifts That Can Keep On Giving...
Soooo, if you are a Valentine fan, have you decided how you plan to show love and care to those near and dear? There are all kinds of cute ideas floating around Pinterest for the upcoming Valentine celebration, and I have to say I would love to do some of these things all year long! How about you? How do you plan to make your expressions of love last the entire year?
Let me share a couple of my favorite Pinned ideas.

Candy Pouch Valentines
My sweet tooth would love to receive candy wrapped in letters of love everyday! Read here how Kaysi from Keeping It Simple creates these sweet treat pouches. This strikes me as the perfect type of "I love you" to give to the kids! I'm making mine over the weekend...I'm so excited!! Thanks for sharing Kaysi!

52 Things I love About You

First can I just say, 52...WOW! Can you tell I've been married almost 10 years now? *chuckle* That makes this project from Visual Heart the perfect gift! Every long relationship needs that moment to remember and share all the things loved and appreciated. I think I'll save this gem for an anniversary, or maybe just because it's Monday! Read more on how to create your own here at Visual Heart's blog.

Personalizing My Own I liked this idea so much that, look! I'm making one for my hubby!  I'm going to fill it in over the course of a few months and give it to him during a tough time (after I read it and re-read it a few times first, lol!). 
We don't play cards, so after a few minutes of racking my brain, I decided to use one of my paint chip swatches! I titled mine "I Love You Because..." using a metallic silver sharpie. 
Thanks so much for the inspiration Visual Heart, it is a stroke of genius!! Now I just hope the hubs doesn't read my blog... (weird moment...what wife blogger says that??)

5 Weeks of Valentine Sentiment...and Longer!
This year why not give your relationship something a little deeper? How about 5 weeks worth of Valentine's! A friend shared this Love Language Challenge with me via Facebook...what a neat idea! We may not be big Valentine's Day people, but an opportunity to deepen our relationship for a lifetime...yes please! The hubby and I are definitely going to join this challenge. 
 The challenge starts in a few days, so grab your love and join up! Who knows, this may be your opportunity to try out some of your favorite Valentine ideas beyond a single day! See the video below for more information, then click here to join the challenge.