The Time Out Chair

This summer, having all three kids home all the time, has brought on a whole new set of challenges. Dylan, my youngest (2), was MUCH easier to handle while the two oldest were at school (of course, I know!) Now he has started picking up, at a very rapid pace, the characteristics of his siblings. Matthew (5) LOVES super heros and pretending. Alexis (8) enjoys swimming and playing outside. Dylan has not only learned how to play right along with them in these activities but also picked up on their bad habits, their bad attitudes at times and most of all their back talking. He's TWO! Not even close to THREE! He is acting TOO old and this has presented a struggle. Does he know right from wrong? Or is this just monkey see monkey do and will blow over when school starts again?! 

After many discussions with my husband about tightening up the ship, a lightbulb went off. I bet when Alexis and Matthew are sent to their rooms for bad behavior (our current punishment), Dylan doesn't get it. He sees them go upstairs and take their punishment then return to playing with him a few minutes later. He doesn't understand why they went to their rooms or what they were sent up there for. So in an effort to correct this learned behavior, everyone's punishment will be the same (in most scenarios). If you misbehave, you get to sit in the TIME OUT CHAIR. 

Everyone including Dylan. He is not too young for small time outs and he will have a better understanding of his brother and sisters punishment seeing them sit in "time out" also. He may even catch on a little quicker! The only thing that worries me - I only have ONE "time out chair" :-)

Now... On to the "Time Out Chair" project!

I happened to already have a chair on hand. I've had it for years and it really hasn't served much purpose, other than a step stool at times :-)

I cleaned it thoroughly with a towel and water to remove any grim that has collected. I then sanded it down a bit with hubby's sander and fine grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots.

Cleaned the surface again with a towel and a little water. Now it's ready to paint!

I enjoy using stuff I already have around the house. It also helps my wallet AND my husbands piece of mind when it comes to my crafting :-)

I searched the house and came up with this black paint (pictured above). PERFECT! I didn't have primer so I just applied two coats of black paint to the entire chair. It's BLACK, it shouldn't need primer ;-)

Now I needed to create the "TIME OUT" design for the seat of the chair....

I LOVE to Modge Podge everything so what I dug up was also perfect! I rummaged thru my scrapbook paper and pulled out an assortment of punch out letters (pictured above). I chose my design and applied the letters using Modge Podge. Note: make sure to press each letter firmly to prevent air bubbles! I applied four THICK coats of Modge Podge over the surface of the seat. I wanted to make sure the letters didn't come off while Dylan's little booty squirmed around on it in "time out" :-)

AND DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....

Ta-Dah! Project complete!! Now, who will be the first to use it?!? This should be interesting.....

Like my fan page!

Https://www.facebook.com/ourlittlelife2013

Photo Apps I Love!

I have been asked numerous times how I edit my photos, what apps are best and where I print my pictures. I have included my personal favorites and pictures of the app itself, I have an iPhone so the apps may vary for other devices.

Free prints by photoaffections.com

I recently came across this app/website via Facebook and I am very pleased with what I found!

 This site offers 85 free prints a month, you just pay shipping. Shipping cost is never more than $9.99. I placed my first order and received it in 3 days! They also offer photo cards, invitations and much more directly from the app!

Collage.com I also found this site via Facebook and love the options they have!

   They offer a Free 8x10 canvas photo collage promo code when you sign up and you only pay shipping. Shipping for my canvas was $14.95. (HUGE savings considering the price of buying the actual canvas!) You can also order larger poster style prints of your collage that are cheaper than the canvas prints if you choose. You can create your own design or choose from theirs. I chose the heart shape design. You just select your pictures and rearrange them how you want 'em... All thru the app! Or you can go to the website, whichever! I also designed a poster to display in the playroom of all the fun pictures of my kids I took over the summer. (Examples below).

Smile box 

 This app allows you to edit pictures with designs specific to any occasion, choose from a large variety of animated designs or stickers, collages, cute sayings and borders. They are constantly loading new designs! Once your picture is complete you can share on any social network with just one click or save to your own camera roll. 

Shutterfly

I upload ALL my pictures to shutterfly.com as back up. I downloaded the app and have easy access to all my photos at any time and the pictures no longer take up space on my phone. They have great deals sent thru the app or to your email. I received an offer last week for 101 free 4x6 prints and just pay shipping! 

One word of advice: after selecting your pictures to order, EDIT each photo individually. I have received pictures that are zoomed in too far, heads cut off or resolution isn't as good printed out as it appears on your phone or laptop. When you take the time to edit each photo individually, you are able to adjust how the pictures will look printed. You can do all of this thru the app on your phone. AWESOME! They also offer larger prints, panoramic pictures and cute accessories for your favorite pictures to be displayed on. I found this much more user friendly then backing pictures up to iCloud, you can upload as many pictures as you want and sort into albums... All FREE!

PicsArt

 This is my most favorite app! I edit almost all my pictures first with PicsArt, then combined it with smilebox designs and complete my creation by uploading to Shutterfly.com or photoaffection.com to get prints!

In the PicsArt app you can add effects, edit photos, add lights, borders, clip art, text, vignettes and much more. I love, love, LOVE this app!

Examples of my creations from Our Little Life:

This picture of my daughter was edited using PicsArt! And printed using shutterfly.com

These pictures were prints I ordered thru photoaffections.com after editing each using PicsArt to adjust the lighting and crop to my liking and Smilebox to add fun stickers and borders!

This is the poster collage I created for our playroom using collage.com. Very easy to use and the quality is great!

As you can tell, some pictures were edited using the various apps I described above :-)

I hope you find this useful and enjoy the apps I have discovered as much as I do! Any questions or comments?! Please don't hesitate to leave one!

Like my fan page!

Https://www.facebook.com/ourlittlelife2013

The "Man Cave"

Today's project wasn't one I thourouly enjoyed. It wasn't something I find relaxing and it definitely benifits my husband more than myself. However, my husband politely asked for a favor... So being the amazing wife I am, I kindly agreed ;-). Today, I tackled CLEANING THE GARAGE! 

First off, I have one question: Since when is it the wife's responsibility to clean up after her husband... In the GARAGE?! I thought the garage was like a sacred "man cave" or something! Apparently I was wrong!

Anywho... I decided to take this opportunity to rid the garage of its nastiness and apply my own personal touches :-) (In a secret effort to never be asked again to touch the garage).

So I get started.... 

First things first... Crack open the energy drink, turn on a fan and crank up the music.... Of course nothing but the best, country, "man hating" playlist around! I start singing, pump myself up about getting to work, turn around and BOOM! My first obstacle! A ginormous, FURRY, potentially poisonous spider! Now, for those that know me understand my problem. For those that don't, let me tell you: I HATE SPIDERS!!!! I mean HATE! I used to call my dad (who lived half-way across town) to drive over and rescue me from spiders that would build their web conveniently in front of the door to my house, BLOCKING me from leaving!

SO... Problem: Spider

         Solution: Shop Vac :-)

I began the cleaning process vacuuming AROUND the debris, sucking up every cobweb and speck of visible dirt... Oh and that spider! (My husband can let it out when he gets home!)

Once the heebie jeebies settled I continued cleaning..... Let me just stop now and give you an idea of what exactly I got myself into....

It's like I stepped into a spider infested, bachelor pad from hell! This place reeked of old beer, gasoline, sawdust and sweat!

But the music blaring in the background covered my disgust.. I just sang louder :-)

Two 39 gallon bags of trash later, I was able to start reorganizing! And since hubby was at work I could do it MY way!

I organized his tools to the best of my ability on a peg board

 

It still needs work and more totes and such but I worked with what I had :-)

And rearranged EVERYTHING to dedicate one side of the garage specifically to his "man cave" complete with a freshly brushed pool table and a homemade pool stick rack, made from scraps, hung on the wall.

After a few breaks, my work was complete... Well not yet ;-) I just HAD to add my craftiness and a few wall hangings that screamed "My wife is amazing!"

I ordered the garage signs from www.retroplanet.com LOVE that site! Inexpensive unique signs and home decor for ANY room or theme for your house! And I hand made the picture frame from bottle caps... Collected around the garage of course :-) and completed it with a picture from our wedding day that hubby mentioned he thought was sexy. Who needs posters of pin up girls, in the "man cave" when your husband thinks your hot! 

I finished up my day writing a little note that went like this...

Dearest husband,

    I cleaned the garage today, your welcome! But before you enjoy I have a few things to say....

    I will be repaid with a trip to the spa. However, I have a large gash on my toe that was caused by your mess. So before the spa repayment you can pay me back with pampering by the pool... I'm going to need a nice lounge chair, umbrella and margaritas made to order. Please pick those up on your way home :-)

    Oh and one more thing... if the garage ever gets that way again I will provide you with a pillow and blanket for you to sleep in your mess ;-)

                   Love,

                         Your amazing wife!

I think he got the hint! Next he will be asking me where specific tools are.... I'll just giggle :-)

Like my fan page!

Https://www.facebook.com/ourlittlelife2013

DIY Modge Podge Wood Letters

This project came about via a friend/coworker. Discussing crafts at work, I discovered an amazing little shop based out of Utah (My coworkers hometown) called The Wood Connection. This shop is a modge podge, crafters DREAM! Or my crafting dream, whichever :-). I've never been IN the store but have heard about it! Wall to wall craft projects made out of... You guessed it... WOOD! I have not found anything that compares in the local shops such as Hobby Lobby and Michaels. They have quality products, free standing wooden letters great for any artsy fartsy person such as myself :-) and are very reasonably priced!!

At first, I was placing orders thru my coworker to bring back from her visits. Now, they have a website with ready to ship items! LOVE IT!! Their website is www.thewoodconnection.com

Visit the website and fall in love!! 

I bought the wooden "HOME" letters for $9.95 and decided to create something for my entryway that tied into my living room contemporary art I am having a hard time matching.

I chose the colorbök brand scrapbook paper to help tie in my paintings. There are 50 pages of assorted designs for $9.95. You don't need the entire book for this project but I also scrapbook so it was a good price.

I use the glossier Modge Podge and chose Harvest Orange Acrylic Paint for the wood. 

Once you choose your color, theme and wood to decorate all you need is time and a paint brush!

Materials Needed:

Wooden letters of choice 

Modge Podge

Acrylic Paint

Paint brush

Scrapbook paper

Embellishments of choice (optional)

Hot glue gun and glue

Pencil

Scissors

•To get started, choose a page or two of scrapbook paper per letter. (Each of my letters have two paper designs per letter)

•Turn paper over, white or back side up. Lay wooden letter BACKWARDS or face down on paper and trace with pencil.

•Cut out paper letters with scissors

•Next, paint each letter with acrylic paint of choice and allow to dry.

NOW IT'S TIME TO BE CREATIVE!

Lay out each letter design and cut scrapbook paper to fit before glueing. As you can see on my letters there are two designs cut to fit together on each letter

•Apply Modge Podge to your first letter and place scrapbook paper. Press firmly to prevent air bubbles. Allow to dry and on to the next letter!

•After adding scrapbook paper apply another coat of Modge Podge to the front of paper and letter to seal in your perfection ;-) allow to dry

•Place embellishments of choice to letters using hot glue and voilá! You have another project completed to make your house a HOME!

Like my fan page!

Https://www.facebook.com/ourlittlelife2013

Any questions?! Don't hesitate to ask!

Edamame Seasoning Recipe

When our little family moved from Kansas to Oklahoma a few years ago, I assumed it wouldn't be much different than my home state. I mean its only a hop, skip and a jump away from my home town!  In the beginning it wasn't different at all, just a new place to call home! After almost four years I still have only found a few things I could write home about. 

One thing that's different.... Or maybe I lived in a bubble back home... Is Edamame. I had NEVER heard of such a thing before now. Maybe there are others that don't know about it to! If that's the case, let me fill you in :-). Edamame is soybeans in the pod! At first, I thought it was odd watching people eat them like you would a sunflower seed. Then, I tried one and now I'm hooked! It's a great healthy snack, fills you up and it's actually pretty tasty (seasoned of course)!

I first started preparing the edamame with a seasoning recipe my friends shared with me.... Basically a garlic and salt combo. But I wanted something more, something with more flavor and a little spice!

I came up with my own recipe and love it!

I use the Pictsweet Brand... It's a 13oz bag of deliciousness! (With my seasoning of course)

Seasoning mix:

Combine in a small bowl...

 Heat edamame as directed on bag, pour seasoning over pods, shake and enjoy! 

A healthy and spicy treat!

*Note: only eat the soybeans NOT the pod ;-)

Enjoy!

Like my fan page!

Https://www.facebook.com/ourlittlelife2013

Music to Soothe the Soul

Any time I'm stressed, nervous, anxious, happy, sad, enjoying company, cleaning house, excited or even just because, I'm listening to music. All types. But lately I have found comfort in country music. My husband refers to my playlist as "man hating music" but I don't see it ;-) I listen to that same play list even when I'm enjoying my day AND him!

So to prove my point, which I do often, I combine some of my favorite "man hating" country songs to give them a little twist. I did this to prove to Matt I'm not always thinking negatively when listening to my playlist. 

My creation made him smile AND I proved my point :-)

So, here is what I created, feel free to share with your husband as your own to also prove your own point :-) because its not ALL negative!

Before you say he's a "white liar" or you wanna "dig two." Ask him "Baby, what are we becoming? It feels just like we're always runnin'." 

And before you've decided, "I'm giving up on love, cuz loves given up on me!"  Remember, "there's a want and there's a need, there's a history between."

And when you wanna tell him,  "And my heart won't tell my mind to tell my mouth what it should say..." Remember, "Every long lost dream lead me to where you are... This much I know is true, that God blessed the  broken road, that lead me straight to you."

Before you start to rant, "Any many of mine..." Remember, "You better get a grip and bite your lip, just to save a little face."

And when your saying to yourself, "I'm goin' home, gonna load my shot gun." Stop to tell yourself, "Remember when we didn't have nothin' but a perfect simple kinda lovin'."

And when you tell your girls, "He looks like a cool drink of water but he's candy coated misery." Remember how he whispered, "I wanna call you mine, Wanna hold your hand forever and never let you forget it."

Because you KNOW he's thinking, "I finally got all my priorities in line and I'm right where I need to be." "Cuz I've got a woman who's better then most and I made a mess of her plans, but starting today all I'm gonna be is her man."

Like my fan page!

Https://www.facebook.com/ourlittlelife2013

Playroom Canvas Paintings

My daughter told me recently, "Mom, when I grow up, I want to start craft classes and teach people how to make fun things like what you have taught me." That made my heart melt! She enjoys our time together and loves doing projects as much as I do! If she's bored she asks, "Mom are you feeling crafty?" 

Last week, when family was in town, there wasn't much time for being bored! We had so many projects and shared great memories with her, my brothers, my stepmom and my boys! Another playroom project we completed involved all the kiddos. Sonya and I even got our hands dirty and painted as well. 

Materials needed for this project:

7 12x12 blank canvas

Masking tape (1 inch wide)

Assorted acrylic paints (I chose vibrant colors)

Sponge paint brushes (easier for kids)

And the kiddos creativity!

Before painting, prep the canvas with masking tape. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Place masking tape vertically, horizontally, short pieces, long pieces, making triangles or squares! 

Make sure the tape drapes over the edges to continue the effect. Don't allow any air bubbles at the edges of the tape or it will get painted!

Once you prep them its up to the kids to make the art!

Allow to dry, remove the tape and you have beautiful kid inspired artwork for any room!!

We chose to hang this art in the playroom and hang it in a "hopscotch" fashion. We also threw around the idea of adding numbers in the center to complete the hopscotch look but didn't want to take away from the beautiful masterpieces the kids created!

I hope you enjoy! We all did! It even allowed family that isn't in town often to leave a piece of their art work behind, not to mention great memories shared! 

Any questions don't hesitate to ask!

Like my fan page!

Https://www.facebook.com/ourlittlelife2013

Fun DIY Playroom Decor

One of my most fond memories growing up was crafting with my family. I say family because I didn't get my "craftiness" from a single person. Every one contributed, my mom, my grandparents and even my dad.. Just to name a few! 

Growing up my parents owned a small Christian gifts and books store where they also sold their own handmade items. My dad made our furniture around the house and my mom would add her personal touches. I remember being my daughters age (8) and staying over at my great grandmothers house to stay up late making different projects and holiday decorations. Everyone around me was creative so it's no surprise I love to craft! 

Now that I have my own family, I love coming up with new projects around the house and involving my little ones in turning this house into OUR home. 

The area of focus last week while my step mom, Sonya, was in town was decorating our playroom, hence the title :-) 

This project was my favorite so far: Turning kids games, that the kids have lost pieces to over the years into art!

Materials needed:

Game boards

Game pieces (what's left anyways!)

Hot glue gun and hot glue

1"x2" scrap wood for mounting ( I used scrap pieces from previous projects, they won't be seen anyways.)

Wood screws

Small finishing nails 

The rest is really up to you! 

I positioned the game pieces with hot glue to give a 3D appearance when hung on the wall. 

Playing cards and Monopoly money are glued together in a stack to also appear 3D

Once the game board was complete, I mounted the scrap wood to the wall with wood screws. Since they are scraps I chose each piece based on the size of the board, no specifications really just small enough to not be seen and long enough to support the fold in the game board.

I then placed the game board to the scrap wood mounted on the wall with tiny finishing nails.

I completed the project with painted 1"x6" wooden signs with fun sayings (also scraps)

The kids LOVE the new decorations and this project added so much fun and color to the room! 

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

I hope you enjoy this project as much as we did!

Like my fan page!

Https://www.facebook.com/ourlittlelife2013

The Reason and The Purpose

My name is Ashley, I am a mother of 3 beautiful children (but who isn't partial to their own!). My beautiful daughter, Alexis, 8; handsome son, Matthew Jr., 5; and little cutie baby Dylan who is already 2. 

I was a strong-willed, outspoken, wild and crazy teen that learned quickly it was time to grow up when I became pregnant with my daughter. My life became our life and it was changed forever. 

I did things a little backwards according to "normal" standards but I believe it molded me into a better person and continues to do so daily. 

I became a mom first and a wife second. I just recently married my wonderful husband in March of this year, 2013, and my life changed again. This time it was completed and became "our little life" as I call it. 

I discovered I have referred to Matt (my husband), myself and our three children as "our little life" for years... In Facebook photo albums, Facebook status', picture captions, scrapbook pages I've created.... the list goes on. Finally it occurred to me how much I valued that title when we took family pictures last month and I handmade the props we used in our pictures. I bet you can't guess what they said?!?

I wanted the most perfect caption painted on wood to describe our family. I thought about it for weeks! "Our Happily Ever After" NO! "Our Fairy Tale" NO! "Our Lovely Life" NO! "Our Story" No, No, NO! They all sounded so cheesy, so make believe, definitely didn't describe us, and were no where near the perfect caption!

I remember sitting by the pool, thinking about my husband, the kids and how happy I was. I was reminiscing the events of the last week which flowed into the last month then into the last few months and trickled down to the last year! I was smiling just thinking about it all and it occurred to me that my thoughts revolved around one thing...."Our Little Life!" 

Lightbulb!!! That would be my caption for our family pictures!! I loved it! It fit perfectly and summed up all of my thoughts, my memories, the crazy ups and downs, the laughing, the tears... Everything! 

Looking at those pictures, with my well put together caption, has made me realize how much I value "our little life" and how eager I am to share it with others. The great and sometimes even the not so great trials and tribulations of raising a family and being a wife! That is the essence of my blog! I want to inspire, give advice, teach others new things and offer learning experiences for families and fellow moms. Maybe my thoughts will be helpful, maybe they won't! But I will sure enjoy telling about the one thing I value most! You guessed it..... "Our Little Life!"

Like my fan page!

Https://www.facebook.com/ourlittlelife2013

Photo by: Jenny Rollins Blink of an Eye Photography,  Tulsa Ok