Monday Challenge

Here we are at the last day of April!  This year is flying by SO fast.  Sometimes it just feels like life is zooming along and I'm not getting everything done!  Do you ever feel that way?

Little Man loves to go on walks, and when we are walking we listen for all the sounds of the outside.  Cars, dogs, cows, wind, etc...  It's amazing how accustomed we become to the beautiful little sounds around us so that we don't even hear them anymore.  Take birds, for example.   They are almost always singing and chirping, but the majority of the time I don't even hear them.  I unconsciously skip over their beautiful sounds.  So, when Little Man and I are walking, we take some time to be quiet and listen to the birds.  The necessity of simple things.

Life is full of little beauties all around us, but we have to slow down enough to notice and enjoy them.

"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so the necessary may speak."

-Hans Hofmann

Monday Smile Challenge

{Your challenge should you choose to accept it}:

Step outside.  Notice every little detail.  The sun. Warmth. The smell of spring flowers. The ants. Blossoms. And please, listen to the song of the birds.  Guaranteed to make you smile and think, Life is Good:)

My Top 5 Summer Reads

In my childhood home, Saturday evenings were as predictable as Wal-Mart and One Tree Hill; after spending a solid six hours slaving away at weekend chores, lawn mowing, and weeding, the whole family {minus dad, who never stops working on Saturday} would stake out their perfect spot, mom would pop some popcorn, and we would all turn to the next chapter of our favorite book. The nest six hours would involve the blissful silence of everyone getting lost in fictionary adventure.

My family = reading.

Unfortunately, during the past five years my exposure to literature has consisted of little besides book with titles like Theories of Human Communication, Quantitative Methods, and The Practice of Multimodal Theory. Don't get me wrong, I like a good textbook, but it's hard to escape reality or enlighten the soul with research methods, and fun reading should ALWAYS be about escape or enlightenment.

I successfully read The Hunger Games {A+} and attempted the Twilight Series {Just see the movies} during my exile from real reading, but I have been longing for more time to read all of the good books my mother keeps mentioning and checking off a few novels from my classical literature 'To Read' list.

Since finishing school last December, I have been looking forward to creating a real summer reading list; full of fun, inspirational reads that do not include any references to control groups, critical theory, or sample sizes. Now that warm weather has arrived {for now at least} I am ready to read. So, if you care to join me, and I hope you do, my summer reading list will start with these five delicacies:

#1: Man's Search for Meaning

Author: Viktor Frankl

Synopsis: Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl tells the story of his survival in four different Nazi death camps. He speaks of spiritual survival, coping with inevitable suffering, gaining happiness, and finding the meaning in life's purpose.

Hint: You're going to need tissues, a highlighter, and your journal. This book quite literally changed my perspective on life.

Inspiration: "Don't aim at success -the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one's surrender to a person other than oneself."

#2: The Help

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Synopsis: More than a story about black maids and white socialite's in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, this is a story about culture and humanity. An amazing narration of how three women join together to share their lives in hopes of forever altering the destiny of a small town.

Hint: If you've seen the movie, the book is 10 zillion times better! I cried, laughed, and shouted Halleluiah!

Inspiration: "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." -Aibileen to Mae Mobley

#3: To Kill A Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee

Synopsis: During the Great Depression in Maycomb, Alabama, one family, Alticus, Jem and Scout Finch, struggle with society's definition of justice, and learn that personal honor and a clear conscious hold more value than social approval.

Hint: Even if you read this in high school, you should read it again with your grown-up-adult perspective.

Inspiration: "Before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself, the one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule." - Atticus Finch

#4: Jane Eyre

Author: Emily Bronte

Synopsis: An honestly romantic story about a young orphan girl who struggles, like every other woman, for equality and dignity in a society that wants to deny her that right.

Hint: The old English writing style is a little difficult at first, but perseverance is worth it!

Inspiration: "Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigor: stringent are they' inviolate they shall be. If at my individual inconvenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth - so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am insane - quite insane: with my veins running fire, and my heart beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have at this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot." - Jane Eyre

#5: Tuesdays with Morrie

Author: Mitch Albom

Synopsis: Mitch Albom gets a chance to reconnect with his college mentor, Morrie Schwartz, after 20 years apart. Mitch records his final, bedside "class" with Morrie where they discuss life, love, marriage, happiness, death and how to live life, each Tuesday.

Hint: A quick read that you won't be able to put down. This is a great story that renews your hope, determination, and desire to do and be good.

Inspiration: "Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too - even when you're in the dark. Even you you're falling." - Morrie


Of course I'll add a couple mindless novels, Agatha Christie mysteries, and classic novels to my list, but each of these books is a staple! I have read/listened to each of these books at least once {some twice} and have always turned the last page feeling inspired and with new perspective. If you need a read that will help you ponder on the goodness, kindness, and human-ness of life {and we all do} these are your books. So, pull up a cushion, pop some popcorn, and be inspired! What better way to start a summer!

What books are on your summer reading list? Maybe we should start a book club! Seriously, we should.

Hugs,
Erin

Meatless Meals

I am by no stretch of the imagination a Vegetarian. I love eating a chicken casserole, a homemade burger, or grilled fish, but, I can definitely see the health benefits of eating meat, especially red meat, in moderation. According to WebMD (and a million other online sources) sticking to a Vegetarian diet that consists mostly of fresh fruits, veggies, legumes, and nuts can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. It also can improve blood sugar levels and help those with Type 2 Diabetes control insulin levels.

Now, if you were to ask Hubster, I am a health fanatic. Apparently eating the recommended daily intake of fruits and veggies and taking a multivitamin is just WAY over the top ;) Really,
I just focus on the little things (watch my portions, take my vitamins, eat my Spinach, exercise) to improve my health. Believe you me, I can down a package of cookies in one sitting just as well as the next girl!

One way I focus on improving my health is by trying to eat one meatless meal every week. Not only does this help to control how much meat Hubster and I consume but it is good for the wallet. Buying and preparing meat is expensive and time consuming! By cutting meat out of just one meal every week we save a little on groceries and get to try new recipes.

Last night, I whipped up one of our favorite meatless recipes Four Cheese Bow Tie Pasta. Why do I love it? Two words: cheese and tomatoes. Two of favorite ingredients. Now, this dish isn't exactly low calorie but it is delicious and filling; two musts when steak-and-potatoes-need-more-chicken-men are involved with meatless meals.

Why is this font so big? I don't know.

Hubster gave me grief for taking too many pictures of our food so here is the finished product with the recipe and special instructions below.

Four Cheese Bow Tie Pasta
{The original recipe is in black, my additions/change are in red.}

Ingredients:
2 cans (4.5 oz each) diced tomatoes 1 1/2 c. milk
1 pkg bow tie pasta 1 1/2 c. shredded Mozzarella
1/4 c. butter 1 1/3 c. grated Romano
1/4 c. flour 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan
1/4 t. salt 1/4 c. crumbled Blue or Gorgonzola
1/4 t. pepper 1/2 c. fresh parsley
1 1/2 c milk

Instead of combining that whole list of cheeses, I use 2 1/2 c. Italian Blend Cheese. You can find it pre-shredded in the cheese aisle. It usually consists of Mozz, Parm, Romano, and a bunch of other delicious cheeses.

Instead of finding fresh parsley, I usually use 1/2 c. of dried Parsley, Italian Seasoning, and Basil. Using this much dried spice gives the dish a real kick. If you're not a big fan of spices, use less.

The dish is delicious with spinach also! Yummy! I cook my spinach until its barely tender and then add it with the cheese and parsley.

Instructions:
Drain tomatoes, reserving 1 1/4 c. juice; set aside. Cook pasta according to package; drain. In saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually add milk and reserved tomato juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. In large bowl combine pasta, sauce and reserved tomatoes. Stir in cheese and parsley; toss. Place in greased 3 1/2 qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, @ 375 for 30-35 minutes (I usually only cook for 20-25) or until golden and bubbly.

Please excuse my terrible food pictures. Just trust me - it is yummy!

And for your eating pleasure, here are two more of our favorite meatless dinners.

Five-Veggie Stir Fry

Ingredients:

2 T. Cornstarch 2 c. broccoli
2 T. Sugar 2 c. cauliflower
1/2 t. ground ginger 4 t. olive oil, divided
1 c. orange juice 1 c. fresh mushrooms
1/4 c. soy sauce (low sodium) 1 c. fresh/frozen snow peas
2 garlic cloves, minced 4 c. cooked white or brown rice
2 large carrots, sliced

Instructions:
Combine cornstarch, sugar and ginger. Stir in orange juice, soy sauce and garlic until blended; set aside. Stir fry carrots, broccoli and cauliflower in 3 t. oil for 4 -5 minutes. Add mushrooms, peas and remaining oil; stir-fry for 3 minutes. Stir orange juice mixture and add to pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened. Serve over rice.

Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. cooked elbow macaroni 2 T. flour
1/2 tsp. salt 1 t. chicken bouillon granules
1 c. milk 1/2 t. salt
2 T Margarine 1 c. grated cheddar cheese

Instructions:
In a frying pan melt margarine on medium heat. Add flour to butter and stir. Add milk, salt and bouillon to margarine mix. Stir until thick; when thick like butter, add grated cheese. Stir until melted. Pour over noodles. Stir and serve.

{What are your favorite meatless recipes? I would love for you to share!}


Hugs,
Erin

Questions about the recipes? Leave a comment here or on Facebook.

Old Jeans Repurposed

It's Tuesday, and it's nap time:)  Perfect time for a little post!

I've had a pile of Mr. Handsome's old, holy work jeans lying around for a while, and I decided to finally do something with them.  So, I hopped onto my all-time favorite go-to website...handy dandy Pinterest... and found some cute ideas for re-purposing old jeans!  {I have learned how to do so many new things via Pinterest!} 

I have SO many friends and family members who are having babies in the next few months, so I decided to whip up some cute baby gifts.  Unfortunately, I did not take pictures during the sewing process, but I will post the links to the original and very helpful tutorials.

 {I bet Mr. Handsome never knew his old jeans could look so cute!}

These adorable jean skirts were SO easy to make, and I was very pleased with how they turned out!  The only other item of clothing I have ever sewn is pajama pants, so it was fun to open up my world a little bit.  The original tutorial is by Jill from Homemade by Jill, but she writes the tutorial as a guest blogger on Kojo Designs.  The link to the tutorial is {HERE}.

My finished product:

 The bibs were even easier than the skirts, I think, and they turned out so cute!  The dark denim bib is definitely my favorite.  See the cute purple flower fabric?  My Mom had a dress made out of that exact fabric when she was a little girl.  This is a leftover scrap.  Kind of cool:)  I found the denim bib tutorial at Thimbly Things by Kristena Derrick.  There are so many creative people out there!  The link to the denim bib tutorial is {HERE}

My completed bibs...(I still have a few more to finish!):

Not perfect, but they have a little character!  I can't wait to try a skirt on an adorable little baby girl....a few more months!!  Happy crafting!

Monday Smile Challenge: Snap a Picture

Since starting this blog, we've thought a lot about capturing and remembering the things that make us truly happy. All the big things - family, faith, health - and all the little things. So, here is your {Monday Smile Challenge}, should you choose to accept it:

Snap a picture of something that makes you truly happy. It can be a big thing or a small, simple thing that brings a smile. After you've captured your happy, share it with us! You can email your picture, upload it to Facebook with a tag to Happiness is Homemade or post it on your own blog and leave us a comment. Next week, we'll be sharing pictures of the things that make us and you happy!

My happiness today came from this:


My first Summer Sandwich of Spring. It's amazing what happiness a little cheese, toast and tomato can create. Delicious!

{Coming This Week}
A Summer Reading List
Delicious Vegetarian Recipes

Have a Happy Monday!!

A Happy Sleep

This post is for parents out there who can relate to this:

 Or this:

Let's face it...SLEEP goes hand-in-hand with happiness.

The first few months of Little Man's life, we did not have a regular routine for bedtime.  He just played until he seemed tired, then I would rock him to sleep or put him in our bed next to me until he fell asleep.  Well, the night wakings became more frequent, and he just didn't seem to want to sleep!  I was starting to feel the strain each morning as I was exhausted and only wanted to go back to bed.  Mr. Handsome and I wanted our bed back, and I knew that something needed to change so that we all got the sleep we needed.  My pediatrician suggested the "cry it out" method.  I tried it, and just ask Mr. Handsome...I could NOT do it.  It just didn't seem right at all to let my little baby scream and scream while I tried to wait for fifteen minutes until I was "allowed" to go in.  I know this method works very well for some, but I just couldn't do it.  I felt like a horrible mother, and it brought me close to tears every night!  So, I began researching sleep books.  This is when I came across The Sleep Lady's Goodnight Sleep Tight.  The Sleep Lady's method felt good to me, so we decided to try it!

The first thing we needed to do was to set a regular bedtime routine.  Our routine of choice is family prayers, bath time, jammies, bottle, 1-2 verses of scripture  and two stories, then I put him in bed and it's off to dreamland.  Every family will have a different routine that works for them.  Once we set the bedtime routine, it was time to start the Sleep Lady Shuffle.

  - Nights 1-3: The first few nights were hard.  After reading stories, I put Little Man in his crib and said "I love you, goodnight!"  I then sat on a chair right next to his crib.  I was close enough that I could touch him, but I did not pick him up.  He cried and cried, he threw everything out of his crib, and he was not happy with me.  But, he knew I was right there and I wasn't abandoning him.  While there were still tears and it was still hard for me, I felt much better being right there with him and giving him the assurance that I was there for him.  The first night, it took almost 2 hours for my boy to fall asleep.  The second night it only took TWENTY minutes.  It was a night of celebration!  Night #3 was a little more difficult, taking 90 minutes.

-Nights 4-6: Same thing, but I scooted the chair to the middle of the room.  From here on out Little Man was sound asleep in under 30 minutes.  Things started looking up, and I was SO glad we decided to do this!

-Nights 7-9: Move the chair to the door.  He was a pro by this time, and I didn't even finish out all the nine nights.

Because Little Man's night time sleep was improving, and he was getting the rest he needed, his naps also improved.  Yay!  He started taking two naps a day for 1-2 hours.  He was getting more sleep all around, and that makes for a much happier little boy and mommy!

The Sleep Lady method worked for us, and we are SO happy that we decided to try it!!

We would love to hear your ideas about sleeping and bedtime routines!  What works for you and your family?

Powerful Read: Your Children Want YOU!

Many of you might have seen this article showing up on social media the past few days.  I read it yesterday, and whoa, it is powerful!  Definitely worth the read.  Here is the link:

Your Children Want YOU!

How do YOU connect with your kids?  Let us know:)

Sign of Spring

When Spring hits, most people plan a picnic, take a hike, or plant flower; I craft. Maybe it's my years of experience in the unpredictable Southern Utah weather where June snow frequently kills off picnics, hikes, and flowers. So, when the sun started streaming through my windows this weekend, I decided it was time to brighten up the living room a little. In honor of Spring and all.

I've had this board lying around my craft space for a few months, just begging for inspiration, and I decided to turn it into an inspirational sign. Including paint dry time, the whole project took about two hours; leaving plenty of time for a springtime, weekend nap :)

Supplies:
1 8.5x10 board
My favorite blue paint
A homemade stencil
White paint
Paper towels

I decided that I wanted a vintage-y, rough look for my sign rather than a crisp, clean look so when turning my board blue I used a long bristle brush and painted with very random strokes. It took a few coats but it turned out great.

Next, I used my trusty Silhouette SD to create a homemade stencil. I LOVE my Silhouette. Oh, how I love it. L-O-V-E. I usually use a super thick piece of Cardstock or sheet protector to make stenci,l but for this piece I wanted a little leak through around the edges of the letters, so I just used a regular piece of printer paper. To maintain the inside shapes of letters like 'a', 'd', and 'e', I glued the inside circle (hoping this makes sense) to the board with a really cheap glue stick and picked them off with tweezers after the paint dried. My quote comes from this song.

Then I started to paint. Because I was out of sponge brushes and too lazy to head to the dollar, I decided to use a blotting paint method. Sounds pretty legit right? Well, what you REALLY do is wad up a paper towel, dip it in your paint, and then sponge the towel over your stencil. It's super chic. ;)

Using a paper towel allowed me to still get some airiness in the paint. Instead of the solid white result of a paint brush, blotting with the towel let some blue show through. Make sure you don't have too much paint on the towel or else your stencil might not last long. I always dip the towel in the paint, then dab it on a piece of newspaper before blotting the piece.

Then I waited for the paint to dry. It took about 40 mintues or one episode of OTH on Netflix. Yeah, I frequently measure time by t.v. episodes.


After the paint finally dried, I employed Hubster in rearranging the books and decor on our bookcases until I found just the right spot for our new sign.



It adds so much color to the black abyss that is our bookcases and I just love it! Inspiration and spring color all in one!


Hugs,
Erin

Linking to this party and this one and this one.

Monday Smile Challenge: An Extra Chore

Well, last week was a dud. After congratulating our winners, we both spent the week either being sick or tending to the sick. There were plenty of popsicles, naps, cuddles, tissues and sniffles, which didn't leave a lot of time for blogging. But a long weekend of sunshine has cleared us all right up and we're ready another {Monday Smile Challenge}!

{Your challenge should you choose to accept it}:

Help someone at home complete a chore; in secret or not. I know, as mothers, homemakers, and women in general, we are pretty much the primary chore doers of the house, but it never hurts to chip in a little. If it's your spouses turn to fix dinner, ask if you can do it instead. If your little one needs a little extra motivation making their bed, do it for them. If your roommate insists on never cleaning the bathroom, give it a good scrub.

A clean and tidy home is certainly a happy home, and clean and happy family doesn't hurt either!

{Coming Tomorrow}
A DIY sign to brighten your home for Spring!



So glad we're back and SO glad it's Sunny!

Love ya!

And the winner is...

First of all, THANKS to everyone who entered! 

The winner of the $15 of Paparazzi jewelry is...

Desi Steffensen!!!

And, the winner of the cute mini Mickey Mouse album from Jenn's Homemade Heaven is...

Charity Hamilton!!

Congrats to the winners - you will be receiving an email shortly.

I have a sick little boy, so I can't promise a post today, but we'll see how naptime goes!  Have a great day!!

-Rach