Nesting

Post also titled "Going Crazy!" So it's pretty obvious that this is going to be about my out of control nesting habits right now. But let me tell you before you judge, they are based on reality! This last week I had the amazing blessing of being able to stay home one day and watch Kalli and a friend of ours' little girl. She's 7 months old and adorable as can be! I had so much fun but at the end of the day, I thought to myself (and out loud to my husband) "I have to get ALL of my to do list done before this baby!!!" I had about a 45 minute over lap where both girls were sleeping and I used that time to straighten up and get the necessities done. I quickly realized there would be no more time for big projects once this baby gets here in October and honestly, I don't want to do anything but cuddle him and play with Kalli. So, here's my massive list of projects big & small. It won't hurt my feelings if some of these don't get done but I might as well put this crazy nesting instinct to good use and try!

Baby Stuff

- sew changing pad covers

- sew teething rail covers

- arrow wall decor

- ABC wall decor

- gallery wall 

- re-finish dresser
- find/cover boxes for closet storage
- pallet/letter wall decor (will have baby's initial)

Other Stuff
- fill nail holes in our bedroom and touchup paint
- fix our broken kitchen bench
- re-do the weather stripping around our front door
- make boxes for DVD storage
- cover some boxes for toy storage in our book shelves
- sand/paint headboard for Kalli
- sand/seal old door for our headboard
- fix wobbly dishwasher
- create play kitchen for Kalli out of old cupboard (Christmas present)
- build sliding shelf for clothes baskets
- caulk crack in cement by back door
- paint & put together corner door shelf
- frame our caricature
- stain back of porch bench

Pantry cupboard finally got shelves! Yay organization!

In progress baby dresser and adorable rustic old ladder that I will have to use for something!

*Mini-update before I actually had time to post this one... I had my monthly check-up and was given "take it easy" orders because I am having SOOO many Braxton Hicks contractions. Bummer for this nesting mama! I am not tackling this list one tiny project or one tiny piece of each project at a time. Slow & steady wins the race? I have gotten a few smaller projects done in the baby room that I will share later this week though.
Happy Monday!

Whistle While You Work & Save While You Clean

I've always liked the idea of making my own cleaning supplies. It seems to be better without the harsh chemicals and while it does take a little more work than just buying a product, it costs way less! Brand name products cost way too much and I'm really trying to keep our household spending down. I've successfully made and use regularly a homemade shower cleaner, laundry detergent and dishwasher tabs. All of my recipes are of course from Pinterest and here's my board dedicated just to Cleaning. So here's a run down of what I use and how I clean! (super exciting stuff!)

Laundry Detergent

I use the recipe found here and I love this stuff! Gets everything super clean in hot or cold water and smells great. The only "product" I buy for this is those scent crystals which I can usually find a coupon for. These could also be left out if you don't feel the need or want to spend $ on them. I also leave out the Oxy-Clean as that's not something I see a need for in our house. We don't use this on our cloth diapers or baby clothes just in case it would irritate delicate skin. We just use whatever free and clear detergent that I can find a coupon for.

Dishwasher Tabs

We've always just used the liquid stuff but I decided this was another thing I could probably make way cheaper myself. The website with the recipe, found here, says they are 3 cents a piece but I haven't done the math. We use these tabs and then just put white vinegar in as the rinse agent. Works great to keep spots off the dishes and no, it doesn't leave a vinegar smell. 

Shower Cleaner

I hated how harsh (and smelly) the store bought cleaners seemed and they really weren't cutting any soap scum. This is just sooo simple. I just squirt in maybe 1/2 cup blue Dawn dish soap and then probably 1 cup or more of vinegar. I spray down the shower, sink and around toilet. I leave it for about a half hour and then go back and scrub and wipe everything down. Sparkly clean! (vinegar doesn't smell awesome while cleaning but it is antibacterial and the smell goes away and helps deodorize everything you cleaned)

Other Stuff

For windows and tons of other surfaces, I use these Kay-Wos cloths that my husband's aunt gave me. You just get them wet and then ring out all the water. They clean EVERYTHING! I use them on windows, electronics, mirrors and even to dust if there's some really good smudges on the wood.

Finally, I don't use Windex or Pledge anymore. My mom bought me this Oxo brand microfiber duster which works awesome and is machine washable. You should be able to get it on Amazon if they're in stock.

So what are you doing to make cleaning easier, cheaper or healthier and safer for your family?! I'm always looking for ideas and would love to try something new if you've found the perfect *insert idea here*. Happy cleaning everyone!

*This post is not sponsored by any of the products mentioned. I just love using these things and wanted to share.

Oh Summer...

I don't know what to say about summer. It seems that I look forward to it but then it gets here and every year I'm like "nope!" I don't like you, go away now! It doesn't help that I've been pregnant for 2 out of the last 3 summers. Maybe I will change my mind again when I can enjoy a cold beer or margarita. In the meantime, we did our best to enjoy the 4th of July and long weekend.

We spent Friday and Saturday at the lake. Friday was gorgeous. It stayed semi-cloudy and never got above 85. It was nice enough to go down to the water after nap time and Kalli got to experience the lake for the first time. It even got a bit cool that night, but Saturday got HOT! The lake was packed with people and boats so I stayed at the campground while Kalli tried to nap. It was so hot that she only got an hour of down time and then we sat out in the shade & breeze for the afternoon. We filled up a shallow storage tub with water and she splashed in that. We decided to go home that evening though because the air in our camper took a crap on us. 

Kalli enjoyed the camping, swimming and being outside constantly. We ate lots of cool fruit, grilled over the camp fire and colored Minnie Mouse after breakfast. Chad and I also both caught some cat naps here and there. ;) He taught Kalli to drive the boat and I spun her around in the water, which she thought was hilarious. Mostly her experience consisted of her stomping the water and carrying sand around.

Wonderful weekend in the sun despite the heat. Sunday was just a lazy day at home catching up on laundry and looking through Pinterest at fall ideas to keep my spirits up and pretend that the humidity wasn't trying to kill me slowly. Can't wait to meet this little boy and cuddle up during the fall weather. I'm not sure what Nebraska has against the spring & fall seasons but I'm crossing my fingers that we don't switch straight to winter!

Hope you all had a great holiday and that you are surviving the heat wherever you are!

1, 2, 3...Can't see my feet!

Okay, I haven't been able to see my feet for a while now but with only 3 months to go til baby #2 makes his arrival my view looking down has definitely changed! Here's a quick list of me and baby boy right now.

How far along: 26 weeks

Gender: BOY!

Weight Gain: 23 lbs

Maternity Clothes: yes

Stretch Marks: no more than before

Belly Button in or out: out-ish

Sleep: better, still waking up a few times, can’t sleep in

Best moment this week: the weather cooled down & got some gardening done

Worst moment this week: hormonal mood swings

Miss anything: sleeping on my back

Movement: lots of kicking, now having Braxton Hicks too

Cravings: none

Queasy or sick: no

Looking forward to: camping on the 4th of July

Here's Kalli's festive little toes before she smeared them! Hope everyone has a blessed 4th with lots of family/friends, fireworks and fun! We're off to the lake early tomorrow morning.