Happy 4th Birthday, Jameson!

I can't believe it, but it's true, my little guy is already 4! It seems like just yesterday that he joined our family. It's been fun watching his little personalty come out. He is very bright, loves going to preschool to learn new things and make new friends. He loves telling jokes. His favorite one being, "Guess what?!?", "What?", "Chicken butt!!". Oh, I've heard it a million times probably. His favorite color is green and he loves all things construction, trains, cars, etc.

Several weeks before his birthday I decided he needed a bedroom facelift. When he was moved into the current room he has now at about a year old the room hadn't been changed or updated from when his older brother was in there. So it had the same old paint from about 8 years ago. We patched walls, painted, and painted some more! I painted the woodwork because it was so beat up and it took 4 coats. Oh, I was tired by the end! Lastly, I bought several custom vinyl wall decals from Etsy. There is grass, a sun, air planes, and all kinds of vehicles. He also has glow in the dark stars on the ceiling which he loves! The car bed was his older brothers and sort of stuck out but now everything works together and is perfect for a 4 year old boy!

We also had a little get together with our family for a birthday party. There was a whirlwind of activity and I couldn't get the best of photos. It doesn't matter though because we had fun and yummy cake and ice cream! I still can't believe he's already 4! Before I know it he'll be starting school and then be off to college....

New Spice Rack!

Lookie what my hubby made me! :) My spices have been a mess for awhile. My shelves are tall and hard to see into and it just wasn't working. My husband came up with this little spice step shelf and built it to fit. Now everything looks nice and neat! I put the little-used items in the top at the back and the things that get used more often down in front. No more searching or knocking over half of them. lol He used some cedar fence boards and screws to put it all together. He's so handy and talented! :)

Before

The new spice rack is complete!

Spice rack side view

After... so much better!

DIY: In the Home: Homemade Febreze

Buying fabric freshener all the time can get pretty expensive, not to mention exposing you and your family to all the unnecessary chemicals. So why not make your own? 

You will need:

• an empty spray bottle
• 1/2 cup of Everclear, vodka, rubbing alcohol or witch hazel
• 4-6 drops essential oil (approx. 1/2 tsp)
• Water

Add the 1/2 cup of Everclear, vodka, rubbing alcohol or witch hazel to your spray bottle. Add 1/2 teaspoon essential oil of choice (or a mixture of oils). Fill the remainder of the bottle with water. Shake and spray!! *If you choose to use rubbing alcohol, remember that it will leave a scent behind for a few minutes before dissipating. Do not use this spray around open flames.

Suggested Essential Oils:
Lavender – stress reduction
Cedar – a gentile woody smell to freshen up your closet and drawers and dissuade moths from making their homes in your wool sweaters. Ceder is also great for pet beds because fleas can’t stand the smell!
Mulberry – great around the holidays
Vanilla – great base scent if you plan to add another note.

*Recipe Source

DIY: In the Home: How to Refill your Swiffer WetJet Bottles

Refilling your Swiffer WetJet bottles  is the eco-friendly and economical way to go. Those bottles are sealed up pretty tightly though but there is a little trick to opening them! Watch the youtube video below to find out how. When you have the cap off just refill with your favorite cleaning solution. I prefer a vinegar and water solution which cleans great but keeps the chemicals out of my home. Use 1/4 cup of vinegar and fill the rest of the bottle with water. And viola! Save a little money, keep your home clean, and be a little bit greener in the process.

DIY: In the Laundry Room: Homemade Laundry Soap

I'm always trying to cut costs and use as little chemicals in my home as possible. One of the easiest ways to do both is by creating your own laundry soap. I've been using a homemade powder in my front load washing machine for years. I used it on cloth diapers, on every day things, and on caked on muddy clothes. It really works great!

The powdered recipe is very easy. Equal parts: 1 bar of finely grated soap (Fels Naptha, Zote, Ivory), 1 cup Borax, 1 cup Super Washing Soda. I also add in a half cup of Calgon water softener since I don't have soft water. Use 1 Tbs per load of laundry. And that's it!

You can find both the powder and the liquid versions in the videos below. Each video also has a rough cost break down.