House Manual & Link Love: Housekeeping Helpers

As much as I love technology (I blame my first Palm Pilot! it was The.Most.Incredible.Thing.EVAH!!!!) I'm finding good ole fashioned lists are doing more to keep me organized that ever before. I've been making use of a few free downloadable lists and thought I would I share.

Check out this post on DesignFinch.com - Sunday Planning She's got a nifty collection of Daily Planners, Menu Planners, Weekly Planners and Blog Planners. I'm using three of these right now :)

Ok. I am so not a Christian. And I pretty much roll my eyes at some supposedly "devout" folks... however... I have to give some serious credit to this chick at 31 Days To Clean! This 31 Cleaning Plan is really cool. Ignore the Christian stuff (or not, your choice!) and print out a copy of the calendar. As a hoarder I either see the big picture and get overwhelmed; or only see the small details and ignore the rest. This plan is actually helping me to Get Stuff Done.

I've instituted a plan where I was the dishes I've just used, wipe down the sink, make the bed when I get up, pick up whatever I just put down, etc. This is great for the current messes but then I see the sheer number of things that need to be cleaned and handled - and I panic.

Using the calendar is helping me to work through one extra chore a day. Seeing my refrigerator sparkling clean and organized so inspired me to keep going. Now life does occasionally get in the way. If I'm unable to do that days chore I just pick up where I left off.


I've added the above calendar and list to my "House Manual". I've been taken with the idea of creating a manual for my home. Riffing off the house manuals that Leather Families use I thought, "Why not do one for my home?" While my manual may not be so specific as to behaviors and actions it can represent the ideals that I like to espouse and strive to live toward. I've added the below sentiments to my House Manual.

10 Ways To Love

Source: None via Beria on Pinterest

In This House
Check out this cool Subway Style sign on Etsy, I love the message!
In this house...

We do REAL

We do MISTAKES

We do I'M SORRY

We do FUN

We do HUGS

We do SECOND CHANCES

We do HAPPY

We do FORGIVENESS

We do REALLY LOUD

We do FAMILY

WE DO LOVE!

Eye Candy - Pinterest

I am so addicted to Pinterest.com! I am both inspired and despairing of the awesome stuff I'm finding there! Below are a few things that have really caught my eye and imagination :)

This is such a lovely-cute-adorable-ohmygawd-squee studio!


I used whole wheat pastry flour and added a dash Garam Masala. Next time I may add some Old Bay Seasoning. Nom Nom Nom!


Glamorous! Sparkly! Sexy! Rawr!

August Game Plan

I'm deep in the Great Purge of 2011! Woohoo!

I went through approximately 3/4 of my outdoor shed. I threw away so much stuff! It was awesome!!! I moved my camping gear into the shed, and will be moving lawn mower & other yard stuff in shortly. I will also be moving my show displays and luggage in there. It will still be very accessible but not under foot.

My "theme" for the new sewing room is "corsets"! I can decorate and practice setting grommets at the same time :)

I've got some links to share tomorrow, ones that have really inspired me :)

Up to 80% off at VistaPrint

Last week I ordered some goodies from VistaPrint - a banner, some notebooks, stickers, etc. I've been very happy with the quality of the work, and the price can't be beat on somethings. I would prefer to use local resources but sometimes my budget (or lack thereof) means I need to seek out more cost effective sources. VistaPrint was able to fill that niche.

Save up to 80% on custom printed products at Vistaprint. Order today!

Memorial Day decorating inspiration

Work is having a Memorial Day contest - the department that wins the decorating contest gets a VIP Ice Cream Social. I'd love for my team to win something like that so I've decided to kick-butt and create some awesome decorations!


My idea is to take vintage military pictures (preferably family members) and postcards, surround with pleated cupcake wrappers to simulate bunting, and hang from the cubical dividers, with crepe paper streamers.

Inspiration and Resources
http://www.morechicthanshabby.com/2010/05/patriotic-party-ideas.html

http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/2010/05/blog-swap-with-every-crafty-endeavor.html

http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/31642

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/patriotic-crafts#slide_2

http://littlequilts.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html

http://www.heartrockshome.com/heartrockshome/2009/05/let-us-remember.html

http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/party_ideas/holiday_parties/memorial_day

Finished project - Gypsy's Secret

I am so thrilled with the way this turned out! Cigar box, Re-ment miniatures, torn paper collage, alcohol inks, and a customized Obitsu doll.

New Assemblage for 30 Days of Creativity

Take one nice, sturdy wooden box and cover with gesso. Actually first I had to scrape off the various stickers & pogs some young person had decorated it with, then I used the gesso. This is mostly to provide a surface for more paint and paper.


I love alcohol inks! I originally bought them to use on my skulls to simulate moss and fungi but find myself reaching for them more and more. Here they add some background color and texture.