A Little Bargain Shopping

Well ever since I was in college for some reason I've had my make-up in a make-up bag. Maybe it's because during those years I was either traveling or moving every four months. This is bag is pink and cute and all, but I recently decided I was sick of digging through to find my tweezers etc. So I thought I should set up some compartments in my drawer. I thought of a shoe box lid. Growing up we had that and some tubber ware for our hair bands and barrettes (I had to look up how to spell that...). But then I thought I could probably find something nice at a dollar store or thrift store. I went to Goodwill, and nothing was snapping my sox. But then I stopped by the 99 cent store and found these!

Aren'ts they cute? I was so happy I found these. 

Ta-da! Much better. (You can tell I'm cheap with make-up too...that's just how I do)

I just share this to show what great things you can find at thrift stores and dollar stores! Almost anything you can think of that you would like but don't need, that may ordinarily be expensive, you can find for a great deal! Baskets, for example. Baskets for organizing/decorating. Those can be pricey! But at D.I. you can get one for two dollars or less sometimes! Also, I'm a huge advocate of buying baby clothes at thrift stores - they're normally so expensive, and they grow out of them so fast and spit up and poop on them anyway! And you get nice ones from your shower, your mom and mother-in-law. : ) 

Here are some other goodwill successes I've had recently.

This cute crib bumper for $5

Four of these wonderful place-mats for $0.99 each

Happy thrifting!

Re-decorating!

Ok this is by no means worthy of pinterest or anything, it just makes me happy. And I didn't really re-decorate, I just re-arranged my decorations in a way that I think looks MUCH better. It never felt quite right but I just moved on with life and after letting it be for a few months, last night inspiration struck!

Jeff was out doing a "man project" (replacing the headlight on the car) and had the tool box. I went out and asked for the hammer. "I'm doing a woman project!" : ) I was very happy.

I don't really have a good before an after comparison. But here's what the piano area looked like before...

Then I re-arranged a few things...

I had wanted to do one of these groupings and these all seemed to go well together. The picture of us is in a frame that clashed with the piano, so I was glad I found a different place for it.

I  realize it's asymmetrical...I just didn't have anything else that looked quite right to go on the right of the windmill. But I think it looks pretty good the way it is. I like it so much better than before!

Before, this painting was above the couch all by it's lonesome. It didn't quite match and the big wall seemed under-utilized. Now instead of being country-esque, the piano wall is more classy I guess.

Pre-made Salads and Life Lessons

Jeff wanted salads this week. I decided to make them all ahead of time instead of stressing the night before or the day of. (He makes his own lunches but he likes how I make salads)

Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes and carrots

With red onion and sunflower seeds

After doing this I realized I should have made different variations. I have garbanzo beans, craisins and croutons I could have used as well. 

Anyway, bulk is always good for convenience and convenience is always good for promoting healthy behaviors. :)

I was on the ball today! The truth is I was inspired by General Conference as well as my sister who is on a mission. I've been trying to humble myself and have more meaningful prayers. Last night I prayed that I would be able to embrace whatever the night brings as far as feeding the baby. She has not been sleeping well so I was trying to embrace the possibility of another night like that. Well turns out this morning she slept until 6:00 am! And even after that feeding she went back to sleep for a few more hours. I decided to stay up instead of sleeping more. That helped me get a good start on my day -- I read the scriptures and had time to ponder and pray.

I learn this again and again -- The more I try to be a "good mom" (putting her needs first, giving her attention, helping her exercise her brain and body) the better things go for me! (I can put her down without her crying, she is happier, there is more time between feedings, feedings go better, and she sleeps longer for her nap and at night). What do you know! It's like how doing God's will, while it seems like a sacrifice, always is better in the end.

So anyway, I've been trying to turn more to the Lord in the details of my day and I had a great day! I got grocery shopping done before 10:00 am (I LOVE that feeling), made these salads, practiced singing, and had hours to work on my talk for church next week while the baby took a really long wonderful nap. I know God's blessings don't always manifest themselves in a smooth day...but today I was grateful they did!

God is good!

Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

D&C 19:23