Reorganize

I was running out of room in my jewelry box. Not that I have a lot of jewelry. (I am acutally a jewelry amateur and don't really know how to wear it.)

I like to be able to see it. That way I can remember to wear it.

Kitchen tip

Here is my favorite cleaning tip of the year, given to me by my sister-in-law. Steam cleaning courtesy of the microwave. (Not how to clean a microwave - we all know that trick.)

Let's say you have a stainless steel cook top with dried on food. If you use any kind of cleaning product on this it streaks and even with cleanser it takes a lot of scrubbing.

Get a clean washcloth really damp.

Cook in microwave for 1 minute.

It will be steaming hot. (I use a dish towel to get it out of the microwave because it is so hot.) At this point your washcloth is a steam cleaning machine.

It will get your stainless steel cook top spotless in less than a minute.

It only says hot for a short amount of time but really gets any job done while it's hot.

I use this to clean off spots on my granite counter tops, stubborn goop on my floors, etc. Eco-friendly, super fast, and works every time.

Love Requited*

You may remember my drooling over some jcrew kid's clothes on this post. I hit the crew cuts in St. Louis and scored some deals.

You might recognize the sweater, head band and flip flops from that post. Now sitting in my daughter's closet. Along with a skirt and a tank.

*I like to think this proves the importance of making lists to accomplish goals.

I hope I win!

http://www.designmom.com/2009/03/ask-design-mom-week.html

This is for a contest, wish me luck.

News on the fam

For your bi-monthly skinner update click on this if your cool enough to have an invite:
www.carie-list.blogspot.com

Books

For February's book club we read: Which I loved. But then again, I have loved all of Malcolm Gladwell's books.

Last night at book club, we discussed this:

Yes, another NON-FICTION book (two in a row is a record for our book club.) This was another fantastic read - highly, highly recommend it. Can't wait to see how Michael Oher does in the NFL draft.

April's book is light-hearted and fluffy:



My friend Eric just notified me of this book:



I have no words. But am definitely going to check it out.

Reasons Why I Need a New Cell Phone

Please note that the screen is both backwards and upside down.


This just happened today.



And my volume is broken, so I can never hear. But for all intents and purposes, it still works.

My contract is up with my current provider in 3 weeks. On that date I will be getting a new provider AND new phone.

If this one can last that long.

Fashion Faux Pas

I was really excited to go to the temple while we visited St. Louis.



I brought my Garnet Hill dress which is so easy to pack (no ironing.) But somehow forgot my shoes (cute little black sling-back pumps with bows.)

So, I had to wear these beauties (canvas navy skimmer tennis shoes, with bows):

I'm not sure the pictures do it justice for just how silly I looked. I looked like the Amish or Mennonite women I see occasionally here in the Midwest: long dress with tennis shoes. (no offense to these lovely women but I just don't think tennis shoes go well with dresses, call me crazy.) I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to be seen in public in such an outfit but couldn't miss the chance to go to the temple.

I had a wonderful session

Easter Decor

I went to an Antiques store today and got a few little decorations for Easter.

Two bunnies and two plants. All for $16.

Project

I got some flowers today at Hobby Lobby and am ready for a couple of new projects.

I would really like to make a couple of flower belts:

and some more hair clips for the girls.

Shoes

I think these shoes are adorable. I couldn't resist them for $19.99.

Plates

Cruising through Target today and I saw these lovely dishes . . .

It may not surprise you to know that I love the plain brown ones the best. (Is that sad?)

The very best part for this mother of 4? They are acrylic - as in hard to break, chip or shatter.

I scouted around online and saw these too:

I heart Target.

Uniform

I saw this on Gweneth Paltrow's website GOOP, and love the idea of having a uniform. You know, so you don't even have to think about getting dressed.

Click on the link and read the article. It's short and it's got me thinking.

Her uniform:

My uniform would be considerably less glamorous, expensive and well, TALL. But it's got me thinking . . .

1. I would love to come up with few "uniforms."

2. I would love to take pictures of my outfits, for future reference. (We did that with a couple of friends once, I post about this idea more a little later.)

Family Update- Early March-ish

www.carie-list.blogspot.com

Light Silver Sage

In my effort to add color to my tan-brown-taupe-gray color scheme, I decided to paint my powder bath blue-green. But it had to be the perfect blue-green.

And I found it: Light Silver Sage.

(Makes sense I love it since all my other paint colors are Restoration Hardware too.)

Things to do with Wallpaper

When we moved to the Midwest 8 years ago I was shocked with all the wallpaper. Everywhere. Like it was still the 80's. Vines and Fruit. Mauves and Forrest Green.

Not cool wallpaper like my friend Jessica:

I found some wallpaper on clearance at Target (I know, Target, right?) and today put it to good use. Lining drawers:

It even makes my Tupperware look pretty:

Here is my favorite use, lining a bookshelf I use in the dining room for my dishes.

I haven't finished yet. I will post a completed picture soon.

P.S. I am not actually gluing it, just stapling. I just can't commit to it long term.

It's Not if you Win or Lose, it's How you Play the Game

I think you can see by the smiles on our faces it was an incredible season.

Good times.

How To Make Mark's Cake

Mark's mom taught me how to make this cake. It is legendary. Every Skinner is genetically predisposed to love this cake.

Start with a store bought Devil's Food Cake mix. Bake it according to package directions in 2 round pans. Once cooled, remove from pans. Cut each cake in half. Use a serrated knife, it's easier.

Lift off the layer, and add a HUGE spoon of Cool Whip* defrosted in the fridge. (*if you are not Skinner you can use real whip cream. It is way yummy.)

Spread the Cool Whip around.

Repeat. Repeat.

Repeat.
I add a big dollop on top.

Then, you must put the cake back in the fridge for several hours (preferably overnight.) It helps the Cool Whip settle. Next, frost the sides of the cake and the part of top not covered with Cool Whip.

Then rock your the world with a fantastic cake.

Jeans

A few thoughts on jeans.

I wear jeans pretty much everyday. I am a stay at home mom, it's kind of my uniform. They match everything. I can get them dirty. They are easy to wash.

My favorite fit of ALL TIME is Gap Long and Lean. These jeans were built for me. I - all 5'4" of me- actually do look long and lean in these jeans. They give a little extra room in the backside and thigh. I just recently purchased this pair on my trip in Chicago.

New flirtation: I bought the American Eagle True Boot jean several weeks ago when they priced all their jeans at $29.50. They are fantastic and casual. A little lower rise then I normal go for, but the waist doesn't gape open in the back like most low-rise pants. Also, they stretch out quite a bit so after a few days wear they feel nice and loose.

I know some women love designer (expensive) jeans. I have actually never bought a pair. Shocking but true. Two reasons:

1. A lot of designer jeans have funky back pockets: embroidery or flaps with metal buttons. I prefer plain.

2. Let's be honest: I can buy a pair of Hudson jeans or Joe's jeans, or 7 For All Mankind, for say $180. Or I can buy Long and Leans for $60 and spend the extra $120 on shirts or shoes.

I'm curious: what kind of jeans do you like?

Family Stuff

www.carie-list.blogspot.com

Getting Ready for Spring

Even though we came home from Chicago to 5 inches of snow, I am thinking about spring.



I love this skirt at Old Navy. I can't wait to try it on. It just looks like the perfect summer skirt.

I adore the red too, plus love the blue shoes with it.

And check out this darling dress from Old Navy.

These next are from jcrew. I wonder if this suit would not accentuate the fact that I have no curves? (how's that for a double negative?)

I probably need this jacket.

Gorgeous.

And finally to me, the perfect tee. Love the color. Love the ruffle. This is a must own.