Bills organized!

I started putting all my bills in a binder this year. I've been notorious for letting them all pile up and then having to go through them when i need to find something. Big pain!

Here's my method. I feel better (more at peace) already!

Each bill gets opened and put on the calendar on it's due date. When I pay it, I write the check # or payment method and the total paid. Then I put each bill in the binder behind each months' tab. That way, next year at tax time I can just pull out the stuff relevant to taxes and put the rest in a permanent file and start again.

I also keep all the stuff I need in a pouch...calculator, stamps, address labels, pens, etc.

I like visuals and I like to be able to see where my $$ is going. This way we can track it and see how we can save $$ in other places!

Peace!!!

First 12: Amish quilters make mistakes on purpose!

Here are the first twelve quilt blocks from my Saturday Sampler class! I goofed up a bit, but I am content with the outcome! The little diamond doohickey is supposed to he a star but I accidentally inverted all the points and by that time I was ready for those blocks to be done so I just left them. That would have been a lot of seam ripping.

Two lessons learned:
1. Be content in every situation.
2. In a class full of 60 women...it's good to make mine a little individualized!

St. Paddy's Day

I've been working on this one for a year!

I started sewing a couple years ago and I am not very good at it. I get these ideas in my head and instead of following patterns or the experts...I have just been winging it. And, my machine is uber finicky, so I get stuck along the way sometimes.

Anyway, I have been trying to make wall hangings for different holidays. This one is St. Paddy's Day...four leaf clovers!

I just cut out hearts, appliquéd them on, sewed all the pieces up and quilted it along the seams!

What took me so long?

Wall of Serving Trays!

Per my new collection post before...here's an update on my progress.

I'm hoping they don't fall since our whole house shakes during the spin cycle on the washer! :)

Calendar

Thank you Pinterest! Saw this idea and one of my resolutions this year is to try to stay more organized which in turn will ring peace! I like visuals as well. So, I created a family calendar for the hallway. We have to walk past it so there will be no excuses in forgetting deadlines or birthdays!

Here's what you need:
-picture frame. 11x14 or larger.
-paint sample cards (free from your local paint store)
-double sided tape
-dry erase markers

Here's what you do:
1. Cut paint cards into chunks. Mine were 1 1/2"x1 7/8". You will need at least 6 chucks of each color variation. Some people may choose to do each row in the same color and make the columns varied. I have a lot of color around so I wanted to make it especially colorful!
2. Flip the picture frame liner over and begin carefully adhering each chunk in vertical and horizontal lines making sure to leave a bit of space between each chunk. (I put a background behind mine with scrapbook paper, but you wouldn't have to!)
3. Once you have all the chunks lined up and tape down, flip it over and put the frame together.
4. Lastly, write in the dates for the month and, vuaalah you have a calendar!!!!

Saturday Sampler Amish Quilt

I have been a very, very amateur quilter for a few years now. This year I decided I needed to step up my game. However, I don't think I could do it without support or accountability. So, I signed up for a monthly class where I have to finish the tasks for each month in order to get the instructions for the next month. I'm fairly certain that I am getting in WAY above my ability level but the ladies at the store seemed really open and available to help whenever I need it. I am excited to finally join the tanks of the amazing quilters in my family. I'll keep you apprised of my progress. Wish me luck.

The CUTEST PUPPY ever!

We are a little biased, but seriously...look at that face.

We love her so much. She creates laughter, encourages us to exercise and gives us so much love. Although, she is a bit borderline as she can tell when we are getting ready to leave and won't give us the time of day!

But she is more excited than children on Christmas morning as soon as we are home.

Love!