“Life changing?” we will see

May 2, 2015May 3, 2015 | mollyeleen

So I have a little secret. Wait! Nothing like my Sneaky B secret (although she was a secret to us all) this is minor compared to that moment in life. This is a hidden secret.

99 percent of the time our home is picked up and relatively clean. Should you eat off my floors?- No. Could you pop in and I not be mortified? – YES! However if you open a closet I just might die of embarrassment. No really – it’s bad. See-

Did I just post these pictures? Wow. I mean really… the holiday closet if off the charts of crazy. (OMG I really can’t believe I just shared this)

Pause – side note- this is the only closet you can open. Our bar. We turned the random coat closet in the living room into a bar. Fun right!

Back to crazy.

I think about these disaster closets often; thinking “today during sneaky b’s nap I will clean out the office closet.” I get mental prepared, gather garbage bags and boxes. Then I open the door and think of 500 other things that I need to do more, close the door and walk away.

A few days ago I found this book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: the Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo. Okay maybe I should find time to read this and maybe it will work. Maybe this is yet another form of procrastination? Of course it is. But maybe it will be “magic.”

After reading the book let’s just says it’s a little on the crazy side. A lot on the crazy side. I’m not so sure about thanking every item in my closet for the work they have done for me. I already feel I need a straight jacket somedays, this might just put me over the top. Then after thinking about it- maybe it will work. Truly Marie Kondo is famous in Japan. And her clients have had life changing experiences from her method of tidying up. And I do like a new “gimmick” Okay it’s on.

Tomorrow morning I start. NO this is not yet another procrastination. The books says it’s best to start working early in the morning when your energy and your things energy have been rested. So I take on my closet. I will share. We will see how life changing this is… fingers crossed

A suitcase and a Deli Doll?

November 16, 2014November 16, 2014 | mollyeleen

A deli doll- yes you read that correctly. “Deli Doll”…what on earth? Let me start at the beginning

Today the girls and I spent the afternoon at my moms home. Today was no unpacking, no lifting boxes and no moving furniture day. If you recall she moved in August and we moved in September; it seems all our spare times goes to unpaking, lifting and rearranging furniture. But today we sat on the sofa and looked at vintage magazines that my mom found in this suitcase. Relaxing and hysterical.

Shall we start with a little holiday decor, for the exterior of your home? Christmas is right around the corner. “For nighttime hospitality, and to create a dramatic effect, here’s the ultimate in professionally ability. Frame your door way with a pink flocked tree that fits flatly against your house.” Okay can we just agree on how fabulous this is! And if anyone actually did this… kuddos! I would love to do this to our home. However, I am pretty sure Hubby would think I had gone over the deep end of crazy town. And where do you find a pink flocked tree that big. Obviously I would have to make it and I definitely do NOT have time for that. If anyone does this, you are my hero and I want pictures!

How about some crafting? We all love a little of styrofoam crafts don’t we? This stelar little book has some nifty ideas; not sure which is my favorite. A few of these like the Santa’s and the chimney scene could have potential. Like on the so tacky it’s cool scale. Not even sure what the top left is supposed to be. We guessed an ornament of some sort, but not really sure.

Now my favorite. The recipe books. Really it’s amazing. Truly amazing what people used to eat. Maybe some still do, but in my world WOW! Shall we start with a round of “Ring Around the Tuna” from the “Cooking with Jello” book circa 1960. “Ring Around the Tuna” would be a delightful salad for any dinner party. Salad? How is this salad? It contains lime jello, canned tuna (drained of course), pineapple, green stuffed olives and celery. Maybe the garnish of curly endive and radish roses make it salad? YUM! (okay really I can not even imagine what this tastes like). Next comes the Viking Ship Sauce Dish carved out of a cucumber… very creative. Honestly I might just be crazy enough to do this one day. I will share if I do. And can we just take a moment to look beyond the Viking ship cucumber and notice the tinsel garland on the table. Okay that looks pretty. Why didn’t I ever think of that?

Then we have the desert spread. Lot’s of delicious looking cookies, popcorn balls and a lovely cake. We started reading what kind of cake this was, looks like some kind of lemon, raspberry cake…But wait! It’s not an actual cake on the dessert table- oh no. It’s a sandwich “cake!” My mom and I where in complete hysterics at this point. Sandwich cake? Yes of course. It’s a ham and egg sandwich made to look like cake. Plus it has cream cheese “frosting.” If I was at this party and chose to have what looked like a lemon raspberry cake and took a bite to discover it was a ham and egg sandwich– I would probably get sick. If you make this Poinsettia sandwich cake, please don’t put it on the dessert table. Right?

And now the best thing ever. Yes I am being facetious. Very in fact. No party can be complete without the Deli Doll. Yes The Deli Doll!!! Yes this “conversation-sparker with her skirt of tempting cold cut meats” is…. I don’t even know what to say. The article says “The deli-doll is attractive featured by herself or on a tray surrounded by more cold cuts or breads” I… yes. I still don’t have the words.

The reality is, the ladies of the past where very creative and innovative to say the least. I thank them for bringing an afternoon of laughter of my mom and I, we enjoyed every minute of it, maybe not the way the ladies of the past intended but still. There where so many other tempting bits that I didn’t share here, like the Spanish Polenta that didn’t have one spec of polenta in it or the brain patties (yes), plus there was an assortment of egg cart flowers to make and tulle christmas trees! I am thinking a “Tasteful bites and crafting of the 50’s and 60’s Party” is in the near future, we just can’t let these delicious recipes and crafts go to waste. I am not being facetious this time either 🙂

It should be…

October 6, 2014 | mollyeleen

the 31 days of October challenge. For the past two years I have blogged, as a collective challenge with The Nester, every day of October about a specific topic. I chatted about “Preparing for my first craft show” and last year was “Sprinklings of my reality” . This year, I am learning to say “I can not add one more thing to my plate” Okay I am really trying to say it. But it’s so hard. The guilt of not doing “things” for others is getting to me. But I have to say no for me otherwise… hello straight jacket!!

Most of us have way to much going on everyday. Why is that? Why do we like to overload ourselves with things to do? I have no idea. Like I said I am trying not to have to much on my plate everyday so I can just enjoy the day with out the “we need to go here,” “I need to do this,” and the “we need to speed it up or we will be late!” I really just want to be “okay, what shall we do today?” But let’s be real, that is not going to happen every day. It just won’t. No matter how much we say “no I can’t do that,” it just won’t happen. At least I can not see it happening.

You know what I do see happening, those stay at home mama’s with 5 kids all perfectly dressed and clean, following mom like a little row of ducklings. They go to the market, to swimming, to soccer, to baseball and out to dinner with out a single “we are going to be late” moment. How the heck do those mama’s do it? How do they have the perfectly clean home (and kids) with dinner on the table at 6pm with out any one child screaming in the process? How can they look completely pulled together all day long? Robots? Maybe…

In my world, we are usually not late. We are never perfectly clean. We are never ever a little row of ducklings (it would be a very small row with only two kiddos). We are not at swimming, soccer or baseball everyday, and I still struggle with keeping the house picked-up. Notice I did not say clean. It is clean around here but not that “perfect all the time clean” but more of a “i will not roll over in my grave of embarrassment if you happen to stop by clean.” I struggle with finishing a project the day I started it (or the same week) because other things have to be done.

I know. I know. We have young kiddos and I should not be adding any pressure to myself for these silly “things” but guess what. I do. I do want to come home from doing errands all day into a clean, picked up home. I do want to have time to finish a simple project when I start it. I do want to have clean kiddos- okay well let’s be realistic here- Kiddo draws on herself daily, loves mud and climbing trees and SneakyB is one. So the reality here is they will not be pressed and proper in their clothing- probably ever. They are “clean” as in bathed – usually- okay twice a week maybe three times. Does running through a sprinkler count as a bath?

What is all this rambling on about. I don’t know. I guess it’s just my moment to share that I feel overwhelmed, sometimes, as a stay at home mama and wonder how others get it all done. The reality is this. My kids are happy. They are fun to be with (most days). They make my world awesome (usually). I am thankful to be a stay at home mama. I do miss my design career sometimes, especially when the girls are screaming and whining in the produce section of the market. But I would not trade it for anything at all.

This October instead of the 31 days to something, so I don’t feel guilt-ridden for not blogging, I am going to commit to four times this month of just checking in with you all and rambling about something. Fingers crossed I finish a project and can share that with you. That would just be amazing!

A super simple, EASY, dinner

June 24, 2014 | mollyeleen

Ah summertime. Sometimes I love summertime, sometimes I hate it. Somedays is lazy and others it’s crazy. Today, was a crazy. Not sure why exactly, but we seemed to be go go go. On these days I can not express how much I love the crock pot. If you haven’t been using the crock pot during the summer, your crazy. (okay I said it) It’s not just for winter meals people.

Case in point. Black beans. A staple in our world. Some kind of bean every week. I make them early in the week and we eat them for dinner once and then lunch for a few days. This recipe is fantastic. It’s crazy easy and it gives me a little hint of my favorite South of the boarder food during this time when I can’t eat it.

Oh have I told you about this one? Sneaky B, has seriously nasty reactions to 5 major foods, even if I eat them (she is a nursing baby). Those foods, wheat, dairy, soy, corn and apples. Yep… it’s been trying to say the least. Can you imagine not eating those foods? I can handle not eating wheat and dairy, but the corn and soy- that’s another story. First off soy is in everything! Why I don’t know, but if you start looking, it is everywhere. And corn, I love corn. Most gluten free foods are based on corn too…. wait… way off on subject here- we will discuss this another time. Back to the beans!
Above is my recipe for basic black beans. They are so yummy; and it can’t get much easier than this. The most “difficult” part is remembering to soak the beans the night before. I always forget. Always. So I toss them in a pot on the stove with a bunch of water, filled almost to the top, bring to a boil and let them boil for 2 to 5 minutes. Turn off stove, cover and wait an hour. Then you can toss everything in the crock pot, turn it on low and forget about it.

Half way through the day, your kitchen will start to have a yummy smell. It’s hard to place, but it’s the secret to these beans yum… it’s the cloves. Why or why three little cloves make a huge difference, I have no idea, but I am not going to question it. It works and that’s all there is to it.

Tonight we had the beans with lettuce, avocado, green onions and bell pepper. Kiddo ate three bowls full. So good.

If you try them, please let me know what you think- Enjoy!

Sprinklings: failed experiment

October 20, 2013 | mollyeleen

Five days ago I started a little experiment. I didn’t let anyone know, but I was curious as to what would happen. I am not really surprised with the outcome, but still disappointed.

What was my big experiment? I put “Pumpkin” (the new stuffy kitty) on the floor in the way to the bathroom, to see if anyone, besides me, would pick it up.

Day one and two Pumpkin sat there while the family walked right over her.

Day three someone kicked her while walking to the bathroom but didn’t pick her up. (At this point I wanted to toss in the towel, pick up Pumpkin and toss her into Kiddos room, but I didn’t. I needed to know how long it would take).

Day four Pumpkin was kicked over a bit more but still there forgotten.

Day five was my limit. Couldn’t take it anymore. Not sure if it’s because I was focusing on poor Pumpkin for being left and walked over. Or if it showed the reality here…I pretty much pick up everything that is out of place. Yes Kiddo is picking up her room without asking and Hubby does help out quit a bit with certain things. But why do I have to ask Kiddo and Hubby to pick something up?

This doesn’t seem right. When I asked them both about poor Pumpkin, Kiddo shrugged her shoulders and went to find her, now ~~tossed~~ thrown into her room. And Hubby said “Really? I didn’t notice.” I guess I have another project on my hands… training the family to pick up anything that is out of place and put it away, even if it’s not theirs.

Am I the only one? Please tell me someone out there is dealing with this too, because that straight-jacket only comes in white and we all know how quickly white gets dirty. I don’t really need to do any extra laundry.

Part of a 31 day series, Sprinklings of my reality. Read them all

Sprinklings: how does that happen?

October 15, 2013October 15, 2013 | mollyeleen

I think I must be channeling June these last few days. I am needing the super perfectly clean and organized world that June always had. But with two children and a crazy few days its an unattainable goal.

While I’m trying to catch up, there are a few mysteries of house keeping that make me bonkers. And I’m wondering if I am alone here or am I needing a straight jacket

1. How come there is often one dish in the dishwasher that doesn’t get clean? I don’t mean one little spec, I mean totally dirty. As if it didn’t even get any water on it. Makes me crazy because now its even harder to clean the dried on food goobers. Gross!

2. How is it possible that one shirt, pair of undies or one sock can go through the entire dryer time and come out as wet as it went in? How does that happen? Its not all twisted either (that does happen sometimes). I don’t understand how this can happen with all the hot air flying around the tossing clothes… doesn’t make any sense.

3. (The most annoying) how can you leave for a few days, leaving the house spotless, and when you get home the house is a freaking disaster? okay honestly it is clean when we walk in but in less than five minutes its a disaster. This makes me totally insane. Not sure why but it really does. I don’t know how it even happens. Maybe because all of our luggage is piled up? But it’s more than just luggage- its almost ad if the luggage has exploded. Arggg!!

I really hope I am not needing a straight jacket here and that at least one of these things happens to you too. Please share with me so I don’t go looking for the nearest asylum.

Sprinklings of my reality is a 31 day challenge, read them all, I know you want to.

Sprinklings: vacuuming with my pearls on

October 14, 2013 | mollyeleen

I like to consider myself a June Cleaver of the 21st century. Not only do I love the vintage vibe but I like to have my home in order all the time. This doesn’t alway happen, but I go bonkers when it’s not done. If there is laundry to be folded and I don’t do it before leaving for the day, I think about it the entire time I am out of the house. That being said, I do a few very un-June things occasionally to get it done. So here we go…. Confession of a June Clever want-to-be….

1. Sometimes when the dishwasher is full of clean dishes, it’s 11 at night and there are just 5 larger dishes that need to be washed; I will put away enough of the clean dishes to fit the few dirties in and start the dishwasher again. That way I can wake up to a clean kitchen.

2. There are days that I will just spray the can of pledge around, that way the house smells clean and therefore I think it’s been dusted.

3. Some days I will get dressed up just to vacuum. Pearls, heels, maybe even a cute dress. (Okay this doesn’t happen to often anymore, but it used to)

4. Sometimes I rewash clothes instead of putting them away. Horrible but true.

5. Most of the time I dust only as high as by tallest friend.

6. When I am going to have company for dinner, I set the table first thing that morning, that way it “looks” like I am organized and ready to go, even thought I may not be.

7. If there is a tupperware container that has been in the fridge a little to long with left overs and it has started to grow a bit, I will toss the entire thing instead of just washing it out.

8. Since Hubby wears a suit jacket everyday, I only iron the collar, cuffs and the center front. Sorry Hubby

9. Never underestimate the power of dim lighting. It’s amazing how much cleaner your home looks in dim lighting. Hence all my lamps have 40 watt bulbs or lower.

10. Never have guests arrive right before sunset (or whenever the sun is hitting your windows). It’s amazing how dirty the windows look when they are in direct sunlight.

I am sure there are many many more, but for now these are my confessions. Do you have any June Cleaver confessions to share? I would love to hear them.

Sprinklings of my reality: read them all here

Sprinkling: getting sh*t done

October 13, 2013October 13, 2013 | mollyeleen

How does one get sh*t done with a four year old and a two month old? I would guess the parents reading this are thinking you just do. You find a way to get all the sh*t done. It might mean staying up till midnight, but you just do. Sh*t has to be done, so we all just do.

Sometimes I think know I do to much. I have too many big projects happening at the same time. I can’t help it…its a flaw of mine. It my eternal need to be successful and helpful. I guess it’s a good flaw to have, but sometimes it means failing where I shouldn’t.

Lately I have been failing at going to the market. I’m not kidding you, I have broccoli, a half container of soy milk and apple juice in the fridge right now. Pathetic! I just seems that I can’t find the time. For sure this needs to change. Not a good place to be a slacker. Maybe I should look into getting groceries delivered…wouldn’t that be divine.
Where I have been succeeding, multi-tasking! I have mastered typing my posts (using my cell) while I nurse Sneakty B. Its amazing how fast one can learn to type using only a thumb. With Kiddo, I would have never done this. I just watched her, probably a first baby thing. Now I think what can I do while I sit here nursing- getting sh*t done
Here is a fine example of a normal day photographing items for Pink Floor Studio; an etsy shop my mom and I are opening soon. (Ill share more about that one day soon) For sure I never thought I could photograph, help Sneaky B with her passy and be a jungle gym for Kiddo all at the same time.

It sure is funny/odd how once you are a parent you can do so many more things at once. Maybe it’s just me, but I sure don’t need a quite home to focus. It’s almost as if my universe has shifted. If it’s too quite I think Kiddo must be up to something she shouldn’t be. When there is a good level of noise, i can focus on what needs to get done. Is anyone else like that?

If only I could figure out making dinner while folding laundry- my home home would always be neat and tidy.

Sprinklings of my reality a 31 day series…you need to read them all

Sprinklings: “Be a dear and…

October 8, 2013October 9, 2013 | mollyeleen

Get Mommzie a Martini will you?” Okay let’s be real, I like Bourbon. So let’s get mama a bourbon.

Yep it’s been that kind of day. It started like this

Kiddo somehow accidentally dropped a washcloth into the unflushed toilet. Seriously how funny am I, Kiddo came to me and said she needed me because there was a little accident. I followed her to the bathroom, looked in the toilet she was pointing too and the first thing I thought wasn’t “gross” or “yuck” like normal people, I thought “get the camera! I can blog about this” HA HA HA funny mama.

Then like this

I walked around target like this… can’t tell what’s wrong, then you haven’t been a nursing mama I guess.

Then like this- Lovely explosion poop

And now my day is ending like this

I know I’m not the only one who has glorious moments of mommy-hood, but today this is my reality and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Sprinklings of my reality is a 31 day challenge- read them all!

molly b

creating, stitching, designing, thrifting

June Clever want-to-be