The Pantry

AFTER

BEFORE

 My second project was the pantry. According to www.abowlfulloflemons.com (ABFOL), the next task was supposed to be the garage. My husband; however, really liked the way ABFOL had done her pantry and he asked me to do ours next and skip the garage!

We both really loved the wire containers she used but when I searched around I discovered that the cheapest ones I could find were $26, each. That is WAY out of our budget so I went to Dollar Tree and bought 18 containers for $18. It took my 9 year old and me about an hour to organize the entire pantry. We all really like the way it looks and it is so functional now!
By the way, you can click on the pictures to see them in a larger size.

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

Awesome Organizing Blog!

I recently came across www.abowlfulloflemons.com on Pinterest and LOVE it! It is a blog that helps you organize your home. After (almost) completing the kitchen I really believe that I need a system of both cleaning AND organizing. I purged things, making more room and making the kitchen clutter free!
This week I am tackling my pantry. I have NEVER seen a pantry organized the way she has hers. It is fabulous! Feel free to check out her blog, there is a large link on the right side of this page.
It is truly inspiring!

The Kitchen

My first project from abolwfulloflemons was the kitchen. Unfortunately, I did not take before pictures, I definitely will from now on! We (me & my 9 year old) took everything out the cabinets, wiped the cabinets out, cleaned the small appliances then put everything back in nice & neat. She did under the sink herself! Now the kitchen is both clean AND organized!

The "Aha" moment was when the blog suggested that spice cabinets should have separate areas for baking spices and cooking spices. THAT was genius!

My 1st 5K

After training for several months I ran my first 5K race the other day. I met all three of my goals:

1. Run the entire way, without stopping.

2. Do not pass out.

3. Do not throw up.

I know, pretty lofty goals, right?! I was also hoping to finish in less then 45 minutes and accomplished that goal as well finishing in 36:11. Thanks to my friend, I was able to keep a nice steady pace and finish well.

I now want to train for a 10K! I turned my ankle running a couple of days ago and when it gets back to normal I am on my way.

One of my favorite quotes. I changed the wording slightly in a couple of places to make it seem more personal.


"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination.

It is our light more than our darkness which scares us.
We ask ourselves - Who am I to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous?
But honestly, who are you not to be so?

You are a child of God, small games do not work in this world.
For those around us to feel peace, it is not an example to make ourselves small.
We were born to express the glory of God that lives in us.
It is not in some of us, it is in all of us.
When we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same.
When we liberate ourselves from our own fears,
simply our presence may liberate others.

Marianne Williamson

Back To School, Back To A Schedule!

This summer was so wonderful! We relaxed - a lot, went swimming in the neighborhood pool and at the lake, stayed with friends in the "mountains", and took a 3 day vacation. It has been so good to just hang out this summer, especially after the past 2 years. Between unemployment, my husband's job changes, keeping a toddler, and then two moves we definitely needed a break!
As good as summer was, I am excited to get back to a schedule. Exercise and home school in the morning, lunch, chores, free time, dinner. Things just seem to work better around here when we have a schedule in place!
The schedule went pretty much as planned this morning, our first day back to school, although neither of the kids wanted to get out of bed. They were up at the crack of dawn all summer but now that they HAVE to get up they want to sleep in!

Fasting

Joe and I are currently doing a "partial fast". We bought a book entitled "The Daniel Fast" and have been fasting for almost two weeks now! We are eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains and drinking only water. We are not eating any sugar, dairy, meat, fruit juices, caffeine or highly processed foods. No coffee or tea.
The first week was tough, we both had headaches that lasted about three days. Once we got all of the sugar, caffeine and chemicals out of our systems we have felt really great. I have had a lot of energy and we have both been sleeping really well!
The main benefit has been the time of prayer that I have been involved in. I have prayed for many, many people and have had meaningful conversations with my Creator/Healer/Father/Savior. It has been such a wonderful time of fellowship with my God!
We are about to begin our third, and last, week and I have mixed feelings! I hope to continue to pray faithfully and bring everything I have to the Lord when we finish this time of fasting.
I really want 4 Double Stuf Oreos and a glass of milk.