RAIN check!

So, I didn't get to do too much of the project for today because it actually rained!!! :-)
First it was too darn hot to be outside and while I was taking care of M&M, it began to rain and hasn't really stopped. It's pretty icky outside now.

So, check back tomorrow and I'll be able to work on it a bit more!

Also, check out the new thing thats starting over at the Nester! I will be participating in this!

I have it all planned out and I will be posting every day. YES...EVERY DAY... I know I'm bad about posting every day but I have it blocked into my schedule and I will be posting every day. I'm really excited about doing this even if I do it alone!

So, now its off to sonic for some ice cream. See you all tomorrow!!

I'm BROKE!!! Check it out!

I'm BROKE!

In honor of this, I'm going to do something tomorrow that uses something we ALLLL have around the house. PLASTIC BAGS! You will need a sewing machine for this project but it shouldn't cost you a dime to make our project.

Gather: Plastic bags (about 24), Iron, Ironing board, wax paper, scrap fabric, sewing machine, and coordinating thread.

Log on to Facebook and "Like" me if you want to do the tutorial in real time. (Starting at 1pm) If you can't, be sure to check in later here and see it all finished.

#3 Pinterest Challenge!

Hello friends!

Man, this has been a crazy day! Drove up to Austin today to go to the Whole Foods so Joe could meet the managers up there. They weren't there but it was fun to spend the day with him. M&M didn't like being in her seat that long but she did pretty good.
Anyway, it's Monday and you know what that means!!!

#3 Pinterest Challenge!!!

Without further ado: 

 Lotion Bars

 

While waiting for Craig Ferguson to come on watching the local news, I saw that there is a cold front heading this way! Which means we'll drop to a bone chilling high of 88 by Friday (pssh yeah I'll believe that when it happens!) But it got me thinking...Fall was on Friday. The cooler weather is on its way even if it's not as cold as you hearty women up north. So here are a couple of really great and EASY recipes for homemade lotion bars. Just click the picture or the title for a link to the recipes! I really cannot wait for this especially after my trip to Whole Foods. 

Let me know how they work out if you're able to do them! Have fun!

Greener Fabric Softener

I found this idea to extend the life of your fabric softener and lessen waste on Apartment Therapy and I figured I would try it out! So far it's pretty darn simple!

Step one: Find your favorite fabric softener (liquid kind)
Step two: Find a bowl and put a small hand towel into it
Step three: soak the hand towel (I did for about 20 minutes mostly because I got distracted)
Step Four: Ring out completely and put the fabric softener back into the bottle (it really doesn't take much to thoroughly soak the towl)
Step Five: Let dry completely!! (I left mine overnight) BONUS:::Where ever you leave it to dry...the whole room will smell delicious)
Step Six: Through the dry towel into your dryer like one of those flimsy sheets and enjoy!

The best bit is that the towel like it will be once its completely dry is supposed to last about about 40 loads of laundry!!! I have almost a whole bottle of softener left. I am extending my fabric softener for like the whole year! I do about three loads of laundry a week! I'm so excited to save money and eliminate those annoying little dryer sheets from my trash! Such an easy way to go green!

#2 Pinterest Results

Wow I had fun with this weeks Pinterest Challenge. It took me a while to do after M&M went to sleep but I was so pleased with the finished result! Here is the challenge!

 

And here is mine!!

 

I made mine a little longer mostly because I didn't look at the picture but I love the way it hangs so close above my little darlin. She seems to like it. When I have her fan on low it sways just enough to keep her attention but doesn't have any weird animal butts at her. I will be making another one with smaller strings to go over her changing area. I  can't wait!

Check in tomorrow for #3 Pinterest Challenge

#2 Pinterest Challenge Reminder

Hello Friends! So I have had a couple of people tell me that they don't have enough toilet paper rolls to do this weeks challenge so that one will be postponed for another 2 weeks! Until then save save save and see if you can get any more from friends or neighbors!

So.... This is this weeks challenge. Now it's a baby mobile, but for those of you that don't have a baby, it will sure look pretty just hanging in a corner! Use paper that coordinates with your decor! Click the picture for a really great tutorial or don't and see what you can come up with!
I can't wait to see pictures!!

New Identity...New Home

So, since I'm totally indecisive when it comes to blogging, I have changed my mind one more time on what it is I want my blog to be about. Luckily, there's not a whole lot invested in this one. SOOO.....

Check out my new home!!

branchoutcraftclub.blogspot.com

#2 Pinterest Challenge Redo

Hello Friends! So I have had a couple of people tell me that they don't have enough toilet paper rolls to do this weeks challenge so that one will be postponed for another 2 weeks! Until then save save save and see if you can get any more from friends or neighbors!

So.... This is this weeks challenge. Now it's a baby mobile, but for those of you that don't have a baby, it will sure look pretty just hanging in a corner! Use paper that coordinates with your decor! Click the picture for a really great tutorial or don't and see what you can come up with!
I can't wait to see pictures!!

#2 Pinterest Challenge

Hello Friends!!
Well, today is Monday! I'm sorry I haven't posted this sooner. I've been on a cleaning the house spree! I found THIS website through my new favorite website (pinterest...duh) and it really has motivated me!! Check out the Beginning Babysteps to get started!

Anyway, today is the beginning of #2 Pinterest Challenge! I picked something that everyone should have on hand and does not require any sewing!! So no excuses this week ladies!!

Is this not lovely!! Guess what it's made out of....okay I'll tell you...TOILET PAPER ROLLS!!! Who doesn't have those around their house! UPCYCLE them baby!!! This one is from Etsy but I think we can make it for little to no money! I have seen some pretty amazing things made from toilet paper rolls. I mean Look at this!! Click on it for the tutorial!

The bottom one is if you're feeling really crafty but the first picture is the challenge this week!! Also, don't underestimate the power of spray paint!

I can't wait to see pictures!!

#1 Pinterest Challenge Results!

Hello friends!

Well, unfortunately I didn't get any Pinterest challenge pictures from anyway but I hope you had fun making it if you did. I know I did. I wear mine just about everyday and I have designs for future ones also! (I found this gorgeous stretch lace in black at the local wal-mart for 1.27 a yard! I can't wait!)

So here is mine! It's not quite like the challenge but I didn't spend a dime on it! I just used what I already had so I LOVE IT!!! :D  

 

I hope you all had a blessed week. Check in tomorrow for the next great (VERY cheap) Pinterest Challenge! 

#1 Pinterest Challenge Pics needed today!

Hey friends!
The Pinterest challenge pics are needed today so I can post y'alls beautiful craftings tomorrow! I hope you had fun with this! I've been searching all week for the next pinterest challenge and I think I have a good one.
Send your emails to saralambert@mail.com (that's easier) and I'll get your pictures posted!!

Also, to sweeten the deal (since my husband said "Well, what do they get for participating") I am going to pick randomly one person who will earn a place for their blog button on my blog for the whole week!

I'm pretty excited about that! Also, here's a button for your blog if you want!

Mothers

I'm a mother. I've been a mother for 3 months and 3 days. I am forever changed. Right now my daughter is sleeping on her fathers chest releasing my lap which is quickly filled up with my laptop. I spend my free time blogging and seeking out inspiration to pass on.
What should I be doing? Probably bathing...definately not playing games on facebook: but alas here I am...

So, I hereby announce Wonderful Mommy Wednesday! Wednesdays are days where I will post simple things to pamper yourselves with. Most of these things will come from things around your house. All things Mommy will be done this day and I will try hard to not post things that will not help you in some way. i.e. saving money, beauty tips and products, fun things to do/make just for you!!

By the way, this is SO not just for mothers. Anyone can participate!! All lovely ladies need some pampering sometimes. So, in honor of Wonderful Mommy Wednesday here's something lovely to pamper yourself with!!

Brown Sugar Body Scrub!!
1. Go to your pantry. You'll need brown sugar, any oil you have, and vanilla extract.
--You don't need the vanilla extract but it does make it smell purty.
2. Put 1/2 cup of sugar into something you can seal. (I used little tupperware bowls)
3. Add enough oil to make it have a somewhat thick but slick texture. *See pic*
4. Add 1tsp of vanilla extract and mix.
**Optional**
5. You can add another tsp of vanilla if you use olive oil because olive oil has an odd smell to it (I think.)

6. Pass the kids to Daddy or put them to bed a little early and hop in the shower!! Enjoy your lovely smooth skin!

Branding

So...it's 11:01 when I start writing this blog. My lovely daughter has been asleep since 8:30...I'm not asleep because I have been really thinking about "branding". For those of you who may not be aware that's your product image. I just spent two.5 hours totally revamping my blogger header and now I have to go through and change all my buttons and everything else. I tried really hard to make it more professional and something that will translate better.

I really cannot wait...

now, if I can just figure out how to do Blogger layouts! :D
Thanks for reading!!

Mumi&Bubi Solid Food Cubes

All my new mommy friends out there, I know we're all around the same time! You've got to check this out! It will save LOTS of money and is much healthier for your lil angel.

Check out Sugar Pop Ribbons for a chance to win a set of these totally awesome trays!

#1 Pinterest Challenge Mondays!

Hey friends!! For those of you who know me know how obsessed I am with the amazing things on Pinterest!!! I even found this ...which is so true :-(

So I figured we would have Pinterest Challenge Mondays! Every Monday I'll pick something inspirational and we can do it together then have a linky party starting on Saturday!
Most of the things will be something we can make for less than 10.00 because I'm broke!! :D Plus it will make it a little more challenging.
So today is Monday! Here is your challenge!! SUPER CUTE!! I can't wait to make mine!

Email emailearlymorningmama@gmail.com with your pictures and links and starting Saturday I'll post them! Thanks for participating!!

 

Never Forget

Where were you when the world stopped turning?

Thank you to the men and women who serve and protect. God bless the families that lost someone because of this tragedy. You are always in our prayers. Never forget September 11, 2001. 

Can I Spread It Out For You In A Nutshell? Part 2!

It's been 13 weeks. Only 13 weeks...but 3 months sounds a lot longer. This is a picture from her earlier weeks when we were still waking every 2 hours throughout the night to eat. I wanted to post another list of a few things that are important to me and wanted to share with you all.




1. REALLY REALLY nap when they do. Even if you don't fall asleep, try to rest. NOTHING is more important than your sanity! The dishes can wait. The laundry can wait. Ask for your partners help as often as you need to and DO NOT FEEL GUILTY!!! Trust me. I wish I would have rested more.

2. If you choose to breastfeed (which I HIGHLY recommend. For more information check out THIS link), there will be a point in the beginning of feeding where you will want to quit. Everytime your angel latches on, it will feel quite like being electrocuted. It may even bring you to tears. If this happens to you, DO NOT DESPAIR!! Just hang in there. It only lasts for a couple of days. Check your latch to make sure you're doing it correctly. If you are, your nipples just need to toughen up.
       ***For this I'm very serious! It was about a week or so after we started to latch regularly. It felt like everytime she ate my nipples were...well, they were attached to a battery jumper...Find a bottle that has a nipple that matches yours (I used Playtex Drop-Ins) and PUMP!!! Do not be afraid of this! You're going to have to let your nipples rest. Also, hand express some milk out, spread out around your nipple where it hurts the most, and let air dry. Breastmilk is pretty amazing stuff.
     If you still have pain and are thinking about giving up, contact your hospitals lactation consultant for help and advice. That's what they're there for! Do not be nervous to call them. 

3. Speaking of breastmilk, you know those little pimplie things that are ever so common on babies faces? Dab a little breastmilk on them!! Seriously! Whenever M&M had that, within half a day they are gone. :D I also use it if she scratches herself. Its amazing.

4. People are going to want to touch your baby. Especially here in south Texas where the population is primarily hispanic. It's part of their culture to touch your baby if they see them to prevent them from getting El Ojo. Most of the time they just touch the top of their heads or their feet but if it really bothers you, when you go out, keep your baby covered or before they touch simply tell them "please don't touch her..." They will most likely give you a dirty look but hey, its your baby. Pull up your big girl Mommy panties and handle it.

5. Take all advice with a grain of salt. If I had my baby bundled up like my grandmother wants her to be, she'd get heatstroke in this south Texas heat. (We went 3 months in triple digit heat) So you can tell them "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." or "Thanks for that advice, I'll ask the doctor" and do what you feel is best. They are your child. OOOORRRRR you can just do what they say till they leave. I love my grandmother to bits and I always want to make her happy so when I go over to visit with them, I make sure to put thin pants and socks on the baby before I go in. Then I take them off when we get back into the car. It's a win win that way.

That's all I have for now. I hope this is helpful!

U Create With Me!!

I follow a wonderful blog called U-Create and this month they have this really great "Create with Me" this month!! Check out this adorable bag!!! It's called the "Tohoku Tote (Version2)" and I just LOVE my new bag!! I had to hop onto the Nautical bandwagon and get some navy and white stripes in my life. In the picture, the bag looks little but it's actually a pretty good size tote!
I even added a few pockets with left over stripes! One side of the tote has a double pocket and I didn't want it to waste so I added one pocket against the front. 

Now, this project was NOT easy, especially since I'm a new sewist. But if you're seasoned, it should be cake. Also, I had a lovely distraction every few minutes so it did take me a few days week to finish it. TOTALLY worth it!! I'm thinking about posting my own tutorial about how I made it but the one attached to U-Create is pretty good, especially if you know what you're doing!

Also, here is a picture of my lovely distraction!