the blackest of days

Last year was the first year I decided to go shopping on the blackest day of the year - the ever so evil "black friday" The day after the day of thanks. Here's the deal kids. there are two types of black friday people: the one who stands in line, combat boots, cargo pants, pony tail, and shank in hand... maybe even slept in a tent after leaving their family festivities early the day before. and then the one who REFUSES to ever step foot in a store on this evil day, and completely judges those who shop, claiming that the shoppers are the reason why America is so "corrupt" and that they are so hypocritical for giving thanks just the day before the madness.

What really is black friday anyway?
a day that huge and small corporations all throw all of their entire store on a ridiculous sale. There is no other day like this in the entire year and the timing is perfect, Thanksgiving is over and it is officially time to prep for Christmas.
What better day than to stock up on some great deals for Christmas gifts - there is no reason not to! If people want to pitch up their tents, miss a night of sleep after a busy family day, fight the crazy crowds, and buy other people in their lives Christmas presents, I think that is pretty darn sweet of them. Last year I went to Old Navy at midnight and scored some great winter clothes for myself and my toddler - I saved my family a whole bunch of money by doing this in the middle of the night on this black "holiday" and I would absolutely do it again. It's no different than clipping coupons in the Sunday paper for your family's groceries. These shoppers are saving a ton of money!
There are people who wouldn't be able to get their children the gifts they wanted if it wasn't for black friday.

So before you start judging all these "crazy soccer moms" who are just out shopping for their loved ones, shut up and think about it for a second. If you're not the black friday shopper, that's fine... just pay full price on days that are less busy. If that's what you want.
I will continue to save my family money and fight the crowds.

turkey hands, yo

Working with a group of 2 year-olds is never boring that's for sure.
But my absolute favorite craft is painting their hands and/or feet! It's such a cute keepsake for the parents to remember how small their hands were and it's always a cute way to decorate for any holiday!
As I refrain from putting up all my Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving, I try to do a little crafts with my two-year-old  for Thanksgiving and just have fun with it!
For her first Thanksgiving, she was barely one month old, but I wanted to document our first holiday as a little family.

Obviously being an infant, there was no way I was going to get her hand print, so I improvised with a foot turkey!
But this year, I know I could get her to cooperate!

I had some fun with this one!
And so did she! She loved doing this! I was pleasantly surprised.

Stay tuned for what I will be bringing to Thanksgiving dinner - including turning a few Thanksgiving favorites into gluten free goodness!

never too old... for a chore chart

As most of you know, my younger sister joined our family over the summer after she graduated high school. She needed a change and wanted to move out but wasn't really ready for life on her own quite yet, so we gave her our guestroom. We are loving having her here and I'm sure the change has been nice for her!
There are many challenges with having a roommate while you are also married and have a child of your own to begin with.
The biggest challenge we have faced is the cleaning.
We all suck at cleaning.
At the end of the day, I end up getting mad and just start anger-cleaning all throughout the house and who wants to step in and help the crazy mad lady?? No one.
SO
This is the chore chart I have made for our family of three adults. You can't really tell by the picture but there are three different colors marking which chore goes to which person.
The rules of the chore chart are as follows:

1. RESPECT the chore chart.
2. You may switch chores with someone but they must be done on the day they are scheduled.
3. If you miss a chore for the day, then you have to find someone who is available to do the chore and pay them for it! Prices are negotiated at the time of discussion. If the chore isn't done at the end of the day, cash money must be given to "the jar". (that jar full of money will be used for bills or groceries, nothing fun!!) 

I think three grown adults in their twenties can handle this. We shall see....
Also, not pictured, on the back I have written the daily chores that go without saying.
Everyday one load of laundry must be washed and put away, one load of dishes must be washed and put away (including the handwashing) and picking up of everyday clutter at the end of the day is done by everyone.
Hopefully this can work for your family, make it your own and make adjustments along the way.
Share your experience and let me know how it went or how the chart can be better!
Happy cleaning!

i'm not good at these

Every year or so, I get this sudden urge to blog
"I have lots to say"
"I'm witty... I can make people laugh"
"I can be crafty.... sometimes....."
honestly, those things are true, but also I wanted everyone to be involved in our lives as we have left all our close friends and dear family to live in a different state to pursue our dreams.
At least this way we can somewhat stay connected a little more than just by reading facebook statuses.

It was pretty cold here in South Alabama - for the first time of the season! All the homes had fire places going and everyone was posting selfies in their scarves that they have been waiting to wear for months now.
So tonight we got into the spirit and I made soup!
ohmygoodness it was delish.
An old high school friend of mine is quite the blogger and she actually posted her recipe for a healthier version of Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana and my whole family loved it!! Get the recipe here
Then I majorly got into the holiday spirit and completed a couple of decorations for Christmas!
I have been wanting to go with themes for decorations but never have actually done it. So this year I am determined.
I am decorating around these pieces

 

They were super simple to make! Just canvas, reindeer stencil from Michael's, mod podge, and glitter! I did the Oh Holy Night freehand, as you can tell.... but it turned out pretty well! So my Christmas theme this year will be a rustic gold and silver with touches of burlap all throughout my home.

As for now, I hope you are staying warm for the night!
Stay tuned for more DIY Christmas decorations on a budget

Night y'all