Decorating on a budget in progress

 

As you all know.... I am a single mom. It's never been a secret I do not get child support. Therefore, I work on a very tight budget. I love decorating. I love re-decorating. I love refurbishing. Making old look new and improved. I like the shabby chic/Euro cottage look. I am currently living in a 100 year old 2 bed room, 1 bath 789 square foot home. This home means a lot to me. It has been in my family as long as I can remember. I've shared a lot of memories with my cousins, siblings and great grandmother here. I just love this house. It does need a HUGE amount of work.

 

In the kitchen it really needs work. However, my grandfather and his brother built the cabinets. The layout is defiantly one that was designed a hundred years ago. I am sure the cabinets were built before I was born. Therefore, these cabinets mean so much to me. I've already started decorating. There is a lot to do. Remember when looking at these pictures. This a work in progress. I will be repainting a few of the rooms.

 

 



This table I bought off of Craigslist for $25.

The frames were bought at various thrift stores and garage sales

for no more than .50 cents each. The items in the frames were gifts from my children and/or bought for around .10-.25 cents at garage sales.

The desk was a hand me down from my aunt. The chairs were

left in a rent house of my grandmother's. Frames were painted with various spray paints purchased at the family dollar.

These are the cabinets built by my grandfather.

Everything you see décor wise, was also purchased at garage sales.

Including the canisters, $2.00 bucks. Yes, I love the school bus yellow paint :)

 Rugs $1.00 each. Basket on top of the fridge for snacks

$2.00 garage sale. The plates and plate holder, bought at various

garage sales for less than $1.00 each. The antique cabinet between the fridge and stove

my big spend at $15.00.

Chalk board paint borrowed. The frame less than a buck

then spray painted with left over spray paint.

 lef

This cabinet obviously was not a built in. I just painted it to

match the paint of the other cabinets,

 

 

This was the view from the front door walking in. Since this picture was taken, I've

received a hand me down brown leather couch. I've also added an area rug. I am also painting the

entertainment a shabby chic turquoise.

 

These are just a few of my projects in progress. I will be adding paint on the walls. I am sharing these in hopes it may help someone else on a very limited budget know, it does not take a lot of money to have a nice home. If you have any ideas or suggestions to help me. I will take them. So, feel free to share.

My home, Am I doing it all wrong?

Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3

When we are little girls we all dream of the “perfect” life we will one day have. I think, especially if we didn't have that “perfect” life a child. We say when I grow up "I won't do that" & "I won't let that happen". I will be the perfect mom with the perfect house. Well, when we grow-up we all soon discover this is certainly an unattainable goal. I am sure over the years, God has watched me attempt this feat, he has laughed out loud; while shaking his head.

There so many days as a mom I get distracted by the chaos of life. The full time job, attempting to run a part-time photography business, keeping up with my garden and two daughters 13 & 8 still living at home. Then I have the added chaos of my married son and daughter-in-law staying with me until their apartment is ready. It is seriously a busy and chaotic life. Then I start thinking it's only summer. School will be back in session soon. We will have meetings, sporting events, plays & programs to attend. I find myself overwhelmed. I really don't notice myself getting overwhelmed until my mood changes. See, I am normally a happy-go-lucky person. Very laid back and goes with the flow of things. But, very OCD when it comes to cleanliness of my home and organization. I then notice I'm being to be short with my children. Having a bad attitude. Then watch them watch on eggshells due to my lack of patience. Then I feel guilty, apologize to my kids and realize this is NOT Godly parenting. This is not even good parenting. My children a gift from God. They are his reward. Entrusted to me for a moment in time. What am I thinking? I have to make a change and soon. God has assigned me glorious task, how do I not loose sight of it?

I stated by buying The Love Dare for parents by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. By just the 3^rd day of dares. I was intrigued. I wanted more as a mother. I knew I needed to be more. I knew I needed to do more. But, where do I start? Here are a few things I have found. Things God has prayerfully shown me and I have incorporated into our home. I will let you know how well they worked in time.

1. Remember, each day is a gift.

Today is gift. A present from God. Designed and custom made for me. All aspects of this day, including the difficulties, challenges and messes are tailored fit for me. It may not be what I've prayed and asked God for. But, exactly what he knows I need. God only gives us what we need. And today I may need, that challenge. That mess. That difficulty! God fills my life daily with so many blessings. Some of these blessings are right there out in the open just like Christmas morning. Some of those other blessings are hidden. In incognito. In disguise. And, those hidden blessings are the blessings that end up being the biggest blessings with the best message.

This doesn’t mean I do not struggle daily. And, that I don't find some days challenging. I just try to remember that these days are designed to help me grow in my faith, in my mothering and homemaking. And yes, I have to make a choice and some days it's an effort to remember this. I try to hold on to “this is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). I have to actively purse joy.

2. Keep an heavenly perspective.

I am I displaying this? In my mothering and homemaking? I would get caught up in Facebook or other social media sites. I would spend hours upon hours after my regular 8 hour work day editing photos or scheduling photo shoots. Then I decided!!! I deleted my Facebook account completely. I set apart a certain amount of time each day to blog. I no longer use photography as a business. I do favors and volunteer as photographer occasionally. This is something I carefully and prayerfully considered before following through. And, guess what!!! I DO NOT MISS FACEBOOK. I do not miss the hectic schedule of my own business.

 Allowing me more time to focus on the external aspect of mothering and homemaking.  I love the extra time with the girls.

 

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Col. 3:23).

 This is definitely work. Very valuable work. And, work I could use to bring glory and honor to God. I have to constantly remind myself (no this does not make me a bad, mom). This is all work I can do for Jesus! I have to look past my own selfish ambitions. Like missing my favorite late night drama, the loss of sleep and loss of my own free time (whatever “free” time is).

I have to make the decision to focus on the eternal things. The eternal souls God has carefully entrusted in my hands. Yes, I sometimes wonder what he was thinking. Take hold, purse it, love it, be positive all for the glory of God.

3. Take a time out (often if needed)

When you feel weary and you just need a quick break, (a walk or jog). I choose gardening most of the time. Yes, sometimes stepping back for five minuets will do the trick. This break I know is a simple trick. And, sometimes a much needed one. It will do amazing things for you mental, physical and emotional well-being. While doing this take a deep breath, breathe in the fresh air. Let God's natural elements sweep over you, refreshing you. Sometimes, you need to do this more than once a day. And, that's okay. (I shamefully admit occasionally it's just hiding and eating my favorite candy bar).

4. Develop a purpose for you family/home.

Let's face it. The majority of us do not have some kind of brilliant mission statement for our homes. Most of us do not pray and ask God for a “mission statement” for our family. I know I've never done it. Most of us do not even realize the purpose of our family or home. I know I was seriously clueless.

I had read a blog once where someone challenged me. Someone I didn't know. Someone God had obviously flown in under my radar to speak directly to me. She posted “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Prov. 29:18). A mission statement will help focus you on the priorities, guide you in making better decisions, and keep your view above the changing tide of circumstances.

Wow, what a huge eye opening statement for someone. Like a lowly single mom. I had to think back over the years of my parenting choices. I had operated recklessly as a mother. I had no vision. As I loved my children, all of them. Give up my life, do anything to help them type love. I wasn't mothering with heart. The heart God intended us to use.  Had I truly focused on my mothering priorities? I hadn't! So, right then and there I decided I was going to do it.

So the beginning of my “mission statement”. What is my mission? What is my purpose in my home?

I thought I prayed nightly God would help me become the mother he created me to be. The one he intended when he intrusted me with these precious little souls. My mission has risen from the following scriptures.

• Then all the people left, each for their own home, and David returned home to bless his family. 1 Chronicles 16:43
• On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things the Lord had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel. 2 Chronicles 7:10
• These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.
• Deuteronomy 6:7
  
  
• They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 46:46
• Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

These scriptures gave a foundation on which I could build my mission statement. My mission from here on out is........

 “To make my home a place of blessing, joyful a place full of love and learning, training and testifying to the Lord's goodness”.

  End the end falling short of this is a failure for me. And, when it comes to my children failure is not an option. I am not saying that daily I will not fail. I am human. I am imperfect. However, I am created by a perfect God who never fails me. One who will help and guide me. If I'll let him. Help me not fail with the eternal result.

5. Study & Memorize the word of God

As outlined in Proverbs 31. How does one become this mother, friend and wife? How do I make my home the kind of home she made? Is it even possible? Well sorry ladies I am no longer married. So, I do not feel I can elaborate on the wife part of this. How does she laugh without fear of her, the future of child/children? For starters she trust the Lord God with all her heart and soul. She buries her face and heart in the word of God.

It's Proverbs 31:17-31

“She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

(yes, I skipped verses 1-16. Those verses focus on the wifely duties)

So, in the end. I have learned I am not perfect. I will never be. I can focus on what I have learned and apply it daily. I can pray and ask God to help me rely solely upon him to help me. And, prayerfully trust that he will. I know my attitude/mood has a powerful effect on the atmosphere in my home. I determined if my home houses the peaceful joyful presence of God. Where my children thrive and flourish into the people God has created them to be. Or if I allow it to house a presence of discouragement, a joyless depression, and negativity. It is up to me. I have to conciously make the decision and yes some days the effort. To make my home the home God intended it to be.

Remember God is great & Coffee is your friend,

Hollie Kate

Favorite Almost Never Fail Recipies

Todays blog post will be a little on the lighter side. And, I am not referring to calories. Because these delicious recipes are not recipes you want to count your calories. Unless, you want to turn them into delicious points (tee-he-he). These are recipe's my daughters and I enjoy making together on a regular basis. Especially for holidays and birthdays. They are great gifts. Just fill a little "Chinese take-out container". You can purchase them from the Dollar Tree for a buck.



The first recipe is the almost never fail no bake cookie recipe. The reason we call them almost never fail no bake cookies is...... if it's raining the humidity is extremely high and they don't seem to want to set. Any other time viola easy.

Hollie Kate's No Bakes

 





 

Ingredients:

2 C. sugar

3 Tbsp. of cocoa

1/4 C. butter

1/2 C. milk

1/2 C. peanut butter

2-1/2 C. quick oats**

1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1.  In saucepan, bring to a boil: sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk.

2.  After is starts boiling, remove from heat and add: peanut butter, quick oats, and vanilla.  Stir until oats are coated well {about 1 minute}.

3.  Place immediately on wax paper in a size of your choosing to cool.  Yields: about 3 dozen

 

**Warning:  Don't try to substitute regular oats in place of quick oats.  The regular oats will not get cooked and you will essentially be eating raw oats.  This didn't seem to bother my husband, but it did a number on my jaw.  Quick oats are the key to this one!  

 

Memaw's Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

 

 

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups cake flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened

1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

4 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 12 - ounce packages semisweet chocolate pieces (4 cups total)

3 cups chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt and baking soda. Set aside.
2. In a very large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until mixture is combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Add eggs one at a time, beating on medium speed after each addition until combined. Beat in vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can with the mixer on low speed. Stir in any remaining flour mixture with a wooden spoon until combined. Stir in chocolate pieces and pecans.
3. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons or by using a rounded #40 ice cream scoop 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and center is set (may appear underbaked). Remove from oven. Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute; transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Makes 78 cookies.

 

 

These are our go-to cookies recipe's. We love them both, and think they are equally delicious. They are very easy, and as mentioned before great gifts.  We hope you enjoy some of our favorites. Sending blessings you way.

 

 

Remember God is great and coffee is your friend,

Hollie Kate, Kielee Joy & Madison Faith

 

 

 

Socail Media and Security.....

Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Vine, Twitter, LinkedIn, SnapChat, Foursquare, YouTube, Pintrest. I could keep going. There are over one-hundred social sites that catch not only our attention. But the attention of our children as well. They consume our time. For every minute/hour we spend on these sites/apps must be very important and productive. Because, we are exchanging a minute/hour of our life for it.  But this blog today is not about the social media time exchange (that is for a later date).

Today's blog idea came from a Facebook debate between my thirteen year old daughter and myself. One on how fast and far a status and/or photograph will travel via social media in one twenty-four hour period.

 I shared a photo. I asked for you ALL my "friends"  to like and/or share it. In the first 12 hours this photo made it to almost all states (thousands of ...cities) within the USA, Japan, and Germany. Today will hit the 48-Hour mark and it is still going. It has traveled so fast. I've not been able to keep track of how far and fast. There is nothing I can do to stop it. Other than delete my account (the photo will still be out there, just not linkable to me).  In this time frame in just a few clicks someone has access to where I work, go to church, where she attends school, even where I buy groceries or eat. This was even a big eye opener to me!

As parent I allow my children to have accounts to certain social site. I only have a few rules.

1.  I must have the log-on and passwords to all of them. At all times.
2. They were subject to random online searches.
3. They were allotted a particular amount of time on these sites.
4. All pictures and status must reflect a uplifting Christian attitude and modesty
5. All safety features must be in place at all times. No, public posting. All must be accessible by friends, ONLY!

Very sweet short and simple rules to follow. However, breaking any of these rules would result in deactivation of the account. The time of account deactivation was dependent on the severity of the infraction. I thought I was being a safe mom. A good mom. I was protecting my children. Little did I truly understand about social media.

For starters when you have the location on for GPS purposes on your smart phone. These apps post your location even if you are unaware of it. Even when you a strict privacy settings in place if a "friend" likes a status, photo, check-in, etc.... It posts to their wall that they liked it. If they share it or you tag them in it, everyone can "see" it. Not to mention the infamous #hashtag. At this point it is no longer private at all. And little did I know your lap top comes with a location feature. This is turned on by you the very first time you start-up the lap top and set it up. (no not all of the lap tops have this feature). Therefore no matter how strict your privacy filter is, you are potentially allowing the whole world access to yours and/or your children's social media sites.

Before I challenge you I want to make it clear. I DO NOT think of it as bad parenting. Nor, am I calling you a bad parent if you allow your child/children to have these accounts. I think each family is unique and each family does things in their own way. And, what I am doing is what I think uniquely fits our family.

So, my challenge to you today as a parent, guardian,  friend, aunt, uncle, grandparent etc...... Is how far are you will to let it go before you do something to protect your loved one. From predators and pedophiles, that seek out these children online. First watch the following video at www.takethislollipop.com
It will ask to access your Facebook page. If you chose to let your children watch. I suggest you do it one at a time. For the effect it must be logged into each account.

 

*Remember, safety is our first priority*

 

If you do this please give me feed back on what you think. I would appreciate all the feed back, I can get.

 

Thank you all for stopping by and reading, today's blog.

Remember God is great and coffee is your friend,

Blessings Hollie Kate.

 



 



Random Acts of Kindness

(Graphic compliments, Anna Nimmity)

The idea to write this particular blog today was sparked from a stranger, yes a stranger. One who bought my breakfast this morning. It was a random act of kindness. He asked only for me to have a great day. Wow, my faith in humanity is somewhat restored. Okay, not quite. But, it did help. It completely made my Wednesday morning. And, yes it absolutely made me want to pay it forward.

See my daughters and I started a tradition where we give money to homeless (not a lot), we give coats, blankets, scarfs, gloves, hats... I think you get it. To homeless or less fortunate than we are. We volunteer Christmas morning to serve at the local Salvation Army. It is a blessing. Last year my youngest was seven. I distinctly remember her reaction while whipping up mashed potatoes. She was overwhelmed (in a good way). So, we are not strangers to holiday and “winter” kindness. However, I never really gave a second thought to daily kindness.

Then this morning I thought...... How many times have we been in the rush of our day and not even been nice to someone? All because we are in a bad mood or had a bad day ourselves? I know if I had to ask for a show of hands. I'd have to raise mine. Not that we are purposely rude, short, snippy, or whatever you would like to call it. It just happens in the chaotic rush of our day.

But, just what if we all did one random act of kindness everyday? Just one! It doesn’t' have to be expensive or even cost anything at all. Do you think it would make a difference in the world?

Maybe not the whole world. But it would make a difference in that one persons day. Random acts of kindness are unconditional no-strings attached acts. And, the reaction or pay it forward is out of your hands. However, they are proven to be contagious.

So, I challenge you. Yes, Y-O-U! To do one random act of kindness a day for 30 days. The act of kindness can be anonymous (it's your choice). It can cost any amount you want. Or it can be, FREE!

That choice is yours as well. Let's face it. I am a single mother so it is most likely going to be FREE!

I am going to provide a list of cheap, some not cheap, easy, fun and some free random acts of kindness you can do.

1. pick a car to leave flowers on at Walgreen’s, CVS, Wal-Mart or even work.

(They can be hand picked, yippee it's FREE!).

2. 100% tip for a server at one of your favorite lunch spots (total cost of your check)

3. Paying for the coffee in the car behind you at Starbucks

4. Leave a quarter in the gumball machine at the grocery store

5. Leave a five dollar gift card on a random car, desk or give to a random person.

6. Buy a dollar menu item for a homeless person or make a sack lunch from home (DO NOT invite a stranger into your home, make and take)

7. Unable to help anyone financially? Visit people in a nursing home. (also, FREE!)

8. Take comfort food to wounded warriors

9. Volunteer with meals-on-wheels one day a month. (FREE!)

10. If you have money buy new tires for a random car

11. Leave an envelope taped to a vending machine with enough money to buy a snack and/or drink

12. Compliment a stranger. It's free and makes their day. (FREE!)

13. Notice a kid being well-behaved? - Tell their parents how good they are while the kid is standing there. It will encourage the kid to continue being good, and will make the parents feel good.

14. Buy cold drinks and pass them out to construction workers on the corner.

15. Leave five dollars in a public place with a random act of kindness note attached.

16. Buy a needy family a bag of groceries.

17. Fill up a gas tank for a single mother

18. If you have a business like myself. Offer a one time free service to someone in need. (FREE!)

19. A simple smile can sometimes do the trick (again, FREE!)

20. Take a co-worker to lunch

21. Place an anonymous note or card of encouragement of someones door, windshield or desk (homemade or cards are two for one dollar at Dollar Tree and Dollar General) (can be FREE!)

22. Offer to babysit for a young couple or single mother you know, for a date night (does not cost you anything) (FREE!)

23. Mow a strangers yard

24. Leave or add extra time in the parking meter

25. Leave or add time on a dryer in a laundry mat.

26. Write a letter to a child who could use some extra attention. Kids love getting mail. (only the cost of a stamp, almost FREE!)

27. Say please and thank you and really mean it. (BIG IMPACT & FREE!)

28. Make cookies or muffins for someone at church (pastors love treats)

29. Offer to clean the house for an elderly person. Or a single mom who works two jobs. (FREE!)

30. If you have the money pay a monthly utility bill or rent for someone in need.

This a list of Random Acts of Kindness. For stranger and/or loved ones. They range from free to hey if you have the money, GO BIG! It doesn’t matter the cost only the thought. Only ask that they enjoy it. Remember, weather they pay if forward or not is out of your hands. You did the right thing. Enjoy the feeling and possible blessing coming your way.

Have a wonderful blessed day!

Remember God is great, smiles are free and coffee is your friend)

Hollie Kate