How do you measure?

So I want to be able to track how much our kids grow over time--- soooo, this week I decided to make my own grpwth chart for our kids. Originally, I wanted to buy one--- but after looking online --- they were going for $40+, I decided to make my own. After finding this GREAT post on how-to-make one, I set off to HomeDepot and made my purchases! For a whopping $6 total, I was able to make 2 of these great keepsakes!

 

What do you think? Cute, huh???

Roll with it

So the benefit of working from home is that you have the ability to be super flexible. Well thank goodness for that! Monday-- as I was talking to Nick on my way to drop of K at daycare, Kaylee came down with the flu. What a mess!

Let me just tell you, when I shop for a carseat next time, I will definitely be checking out the ease of cleaning! Taking that carseat apart was a disaster, but nonetheless, I did it. I can say that our "temporary" living situation really got to me while taking care of a sick baby. With Nick in Newport, and me stuck in this tiny apartment with Kaylee, I literally felt like I was going to be swallowed by the flu bug myself.

But, after lots of Vitamin C, OJ, Lysol and washing every piece of bedding, I think I'm in the clear! Thank goodness that I have such an amazing boss too! Her understanding for having a sick baby at home is beyond words for me. Before, I would have NEVER been able to literally just turn the car around and cancel my meetings for the day without hestitation. For this, I am TRULY THANKFUL! EVERY parent should have a boss like mine!

Getting crafty

I love Pinterest as much as the next person. But how many of you "Pin Now" and "Read Never"? Yep, that used to be me! Until now. While I love to make my own things, I've often never actually taken the time to do it. This week, I set a goal of trying out 2 of my pins.

The first? A banner for one of my friend's weddings. She asked me if I could make her a 'Just Married' sign for the trolley the wedding party will ride on.

So I set off to Hobby Lobby with invitation in hand, looking for silver and navy paper. I found a template online that I used to print the letters. Pretty cute, huh?

My second project? Homemade eye makeup remover. I don't know about you, but I can never seem to get my mascara off with just face wash and I hate using soap. But what I despise even more, is spending tons of money on that kind of stuff! So, I found this great post, and went to Target to pick up the key ingredient: Dr. Bonner's Unscented Baby Mild Liquid Castile Soap. Now, this whole bottle cost me all of $12. But all you need is a 1/4 tsp. (as well as 1 cup water and 1 tsp Olive Oil) So seriously, I can probably make hundreds of this great concoction! Money well spent!

Working mom

2 years ago this month, I found out I was pregnant. Since then, I feel like I've blinked, and time has literally flown! Needless to say, I couldn't be happier. We have had a lot of change the past 6 months, including me changing jobs, selling our very first home, moving to an apartment and breaking ground for our dream home. Not to mention, our beautiful little girl, turned 1! What a summer it has been.

At the beginning of the year, Nick and I talked a lot about simplifying our life and really taking time to enjoy the little things. With that, came the change in jobs for myself. Driving downtown, and the long work hours became too much for our little family. Now that I'm working from home, not only do I find myself happier, but MUCH calmer and relaxed.

We now have more time for family walks, shopping and just playing with Kaylee. I've also been able to spend more time on some of my favorite things as well, like photography and crafting. As we await the completion of our house to be built, I'm so excited to start planning our decorating for each room!

As I begin to find some of these great deals, I will share them for all!