Homemade Cleaning Products - Fabric Softner

Happy Tuesday Blogger Friends - Being a tad bit OCD I tend to cycle through different interests very quickly, some interests stick and some come/go quickly.  Over the last 2 months I have been on a sewing frenzy for small and easy projects, due entirely to my Pinterest obsession.  In my opinion, Pinterest this is the best thing since indoor plumbing and central air conditioning (I like my modern stuff...haha).  To me, Pinterest is photos, links and lots of great information that I can keep organized on-line however it works for me.  Here the link to the Pinterest main page so you can read about it, if you are so inclined. http://pinterest.com/about/

My latest frenzy has been on the Pinterest postings for homemade cleaning products.  I found this via The Frugal Girls blog. They have an excellent blog with lots of homemade cleaning recipes. Check them out: http://thefrugalgirls.com/homemade-cleaners

What You’ll Need: 

• 6 cups HOT water 
• 3 cups white vinegar
• 2 cups Suave Refreshing Waterfall Conditioner (I used "Ocean Breeze" but chose your favorite)

What You’ll Do:

• Mix conditioner & hot water well, until conditioner is dissolved completely.
• Add the vinegar, and mix well.
• Store in a large container (empty fabric softener container, empty large vinegar bottle, etc.; I used a large plastic cereal type container with a pourable lid)
• Pour into a downy ball (I don't have one of these cool things)… or use approx. 2 tbsp. in the fabric softener spot in your laundry machine… then wash!



Items you need:  hot water, conditioner, vinegar, pourable container, measuring cup



Hot water with conditioner added, stir until dissolved

Finished product with my ugly handmade sign (I'll type up a  pretty recipe for my next post)

Enjoy the blessing of this Tuesday!
Hugs, Erin

Happy 2012 my Blogger Friends

Fabulous people - I am surprised that I still have 21 followers since it has been a full year (this month) since my last blog post. 

What can I say, life got away from me and family time became a priority.  But I am pleased to report that I currently have some available time and would like to begin writing and sharing with you again.

My plan is to create posts at least weekly but am not ready to commit to a specific day yet.

I hope everyone had a wonderful 2011 and I look forward to what 2012 will bring us.  

"Sunflower"
acrylic paint on an 8 x 8 wrapped canvas


This is my newest piece of art, created in the Fall  of 2011.



Happy Wednesday!

Hugs,  Erin

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Check out this link.......it is worth the 7 minutes to watch the video.  It will definitely make you smile.  Enjoy blogger friends!

http://www.caregiverstress.com/2010/07/a-reminder-that-laughter-is-the-best-medicine/


Hugs, Erin

Ten Points to Ponder (good for a Monday laugh)

Number 10:  Life is sexually transmitted.

Number 9:  Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.

Number 8:  Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny.  If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich.

Number 7:  Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day, teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.

Number 6:  Some people are like a Slinky .. not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.

Number 5:  Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals, dying of nothing.

Number 4:  All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

Number 3:  Why does a slight tax increase cost you $200.00, and a substantial tax cut saves you $30.00?

Number 2:  In the 60's, people smoked weed to make the world weird.  Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

And The Number 1 Thought:  Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers; what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.


- - -and, as someone recently said: "Don't worry about old age; it doesn't last long."

TGIF!!!

I just have to say.........TGIF!!! 

Enjoy the weekend,  Erin

Art Rage: More Digital Art Pieces

More digital art pieces, this was done with a paint roller with thick paint on a marbled paper.  Not my favorite pieces but nice to use differnt paper and technique.

Marbled Abstract 1

Marbled Abstract 2



Hugs, Erin

Art Rage: Another Digital Art Piece

This is another digital piece done on "Watercolor" paper with a "wet brush".  This was interesting to me as I haven't done any real water color painting yet.  It has a completely different look than Acrylic painting.



Watercolor Flowers - Digital



Hugs, Erin

Art Rage: New Digital Art Pieces

I have started working with a new Digital Application on my iPad called "ArtRage".  It is really great and has lots of painting tools to mimic Oil, Acrylic, different paper types, brush types, dry, wet paint, etc.  So here are some experiments so far. 

Abstract 1

Abstract 2

Abstract 3

Hugs,  Erin

Snow Woman Painting - New

Here's a new acrylic painting (not digital) I did over the holidays while I was vacationing at home.



Snow Woman Painting



Hugs, Erin

2010 Year in Review for a Blonde Girl

I'm back friends/followers....hoping to free up some time to start blogging again.  I thought this was cute (as I am a natural blonde but accept assistance from Clariol, Garnier, Loreal, etc.) and it would be a great start for the new year.  Looking at this person's year....it makes mine seem really great. 

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.  Enjoy!
-------------------
January:  Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight.

February:  Fired from pharmacy job for failing to print labels..... Helllloooo!!!.......bottles won't fit in printer!!!

March:  Got really excited.....finished jigsaw puzzle in 6 months....... Box said ' 2-4 years!'

April:  Trapped on escalator for hours ...Power went out!!!

May:  Tried to make Kool-Aid.....wrong instructions.... 8 cups of water won't fit into those little packets!!!

June:  Tried to go water skiing.......Couldn't find a lake with a slope?

July:  Lost breast stroke swimming competition.....Learned later, the other swimmers cheated, they used their arms!!!

August:  Got locked out of my car in rain storm.......Car swamped because soft-top was open.

September:  The capital of California is 'C'.....isn't it???

October:  Hate M & M's....They are so hard to peel.

November: Baked turkey for 4 1/2 days .....Instructions said 1 hour per pound and I weigh 108!!

December:  Couldn't call 911......'Duh'.....there's no 'eleven' button on the stupid phone!!!

Hugs,  Erin

More Fall Photos

Here are some more pretty photos for your viewing pleasure.

This free photo is courtesy of Susie B. at "Freedigialphotos.net".  More photos from Susie B. can be found at: 

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=179

 

This free photo is courtesy of "Freedigialphotos.net".   

This free photo is courtesy of Graur Codrin at "Freedigialphotos.net".  More photos from Graur can be found at:  

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=982

This free photo is courtesy of Paul at "Freedigialphotos.net".  More photos from Paul can be found at:  

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1526

Hugs,  Erin

Fall is my Favorite Time of Year

Oh how I love the colors of Fall leaves.  Sigh.........so beautiful.

I didn't take this photo, this is a "free" photo found on "freedigitalphotos.net", courtesy of Paul Bird.  You can find other images from Paul at:  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=86


Hugs,  Erin

Painted version of sketch 2- Happy Hearts

Painted version of sketch 2- Happy Hearts, originally uploaded by frenchieredhead.

Sketch 2 for new series of paintings

Sketch 2 for new series of paintings, originally uploaded by frenchieredhead.

Painted version of sketch 1- Happy Tweets

Painted version of sketch 1- Happy Tweets, originally uploaded by frenchieredhead.

Sketch 1 for new painting series

Sketch 1 for new painting series, originally uploaded by frenchieredhead.

I'm a Smart Ass....find out why

With time, women gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy.

Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think: "Good grief, look how smart I am!"

Must be where 'Smart Ass' came from!

Hugs,  Erin

Look Out Satan

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning, the devil says,

"OH SHIT, SHE'S UP!"

  

Loved this little passage send to me by a friend today and the photo is beautiful.  Enjoy my friends!

Hugs,  Erin

Baby Lamb prints

These paintings were commissioned for a friend who was expecting a baby (her baby girl almost a year old now) and her last name is "Lamb", hence the paintings for the baby room.

Hugs,  Erin

Sitting on a Wire

Here's a piece I did a few months ago but never shared.  Aren't they cute little birds?

I hope everyone is having a great "Last Day of August".  I'm ready for fall weather.

Hugs,  Erin

Etsy Store Name Suggestions

Bloggers and followers - I need help so please comment and toss any suggestions my way.  Please!!

I am stuck on opening my Etsy store due to indecision with the store name.  It would be nice to use words that are already in my life in some fashion (but not necessary).  Like:  Frenchie, DuFrane, Erin, Hummingbird, Mom, Single Chaotic, Art, Crafts, Chaotic, Sassy,

Here's some basics, things I plan (or hope) to sell (in the future):

• Art Work
• Paper craft projects
• Scrapbook layouts
• Handmade cards
• Other craft projects

I have read the Etsy suggestions for "New Shop" names and still can't seem to come up with an appropriate title.  Some of the ones I really like are already taken (boo hoo).  Etsy says your store name should represent what you sell, be unique and short. 

Here are a few of the titles I've tossed around:

• Chaotic Mom Creations
• Chaotic Crafts and Art
• Witches Cellar or Closet or Attic (suggested by a friend)
• Sassy Sister Designs
• DuFrane Doodles and Crafts
• Doodles and Crafts
• Erin's Art and Crafts
• Frenchie's Designs
• DuFrane Designs
• Sassy Design Diva
• Expressions by Erin

• Erin's Sassy Sensations
• Sensible Art and Crafts by Erin
• Sensible Designs
• Single Sassy Mom Creations
• Sassy Mom Creations
• Sassy Woman Creations
• Passion for Design
• Passion Creations
• Love to Design by Erin
• Love to Design and Craft

Okay I could go on and on but I really would like some suggestions OR tell me if you like/dislike any of the above names.

Thanks for your input.  Hugs,  Erin

Staff Art Show

Well I made a huge leap and submitted one of my painting to the "Staff Art Show" at work.  The following photos show my art piece hanging with a variety of others who also submitted pieces.  This show allowed any type of art work, photography, crafting, painting, metal and glass work, sculpture, pottery, etc...basically anything less than 36"x36" and displayable.

Photos of my Orange and Peach Lily

(hanging in one of the many art galleries at work)

This the little tag that was placed next to my piece.  My name in print....LOL

Pretty cool to see your piece of art hanging with many other talented artists. 

Hugs,  Erin

These are a few of my favorite things........

Beautiful Images of the Iowa Sky...

I get the same wonderful feeling every time I see a glorious sunset like this one.  I don't have a fancy camera but you can see the colors as the sun sets and the reflection of that color reflects against the clouds.  Truly Amazing!! 

"As the sun sets, as the bees sting, when I'm feeling sad,

I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad...."

 

 Song sung by:  Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music

Yes, I know I'm goofy but one of the things my Mom, my sister and I did every year was watch "The Sound of Music" on TV.  My mother loved musicals, my sister was taking voice lessons and I was taking piano lessons at the time, so it became a yearly tradition to watch musicals together.  We also watched "The Wizard of Oz", "West Side Story", and many others.  My Dad managed to remain sane by hiding out in the garage or in the family room watching man-shows and ignored us while we watched our favorites...LOL. 

Take some time in August and September to watch the sunset....it is worth the time.


Hugs,  Erin

Organization Part 2 - Hallway Shelves

Here is part 2 of re-organization in my house.  Unfortunately the before photos got deleted by mistake but trust me, these were a catch all for anything and everything.

These are the upper shelves after reorganization........how pretty.

Top shelf: pretty stuff
Next shelf: tote on left has flashlights and batteries;
tote on right has candles and holders, scented liquid and bamboo sticks
Next shelf: pretty candles on square mirror;

tote has books for family to read

 Here are the lower shelves.....so neat and tidy.

Shelf below green candles: tote has miscellaneous gift items that I pick up on saile when I see them

(note pads, journals, pretty pens/cups/mugs, etc.); green vase from a friend;

books recently bought that have yet to be read

Shelf with two totes: tote on left has miscellaneous school items bought on sale; 

tote on right has items for cell phones, camera, ipod, ipad, etc.

Bottom shelf: Recipes books; 

tote has recipe box and recipes printed or given to me but not yet put in notbook

I got the pop-up canvas totes from the Dollar Store, $1.00 each.  Doesn't get much better than that.  Everything is findable with a designated spot.  This was a much needed spot to organize after moving to this house over one year ago.

Hope this inspires you to find a small place that needs some help.

Hugs,  Erin

Art - Abstract of Green and Purple

This painting was done on 8x8 gallery wrapped canvas squares with acrylic paint........just trying some new techniques with paint brushes.

Hugs, Erin

House Organization - Junk Drawer Overhaul

Hello all - I'm back with many posts coming your way. 

Nothing like back to school that makes me want to organize...I started with two junk drawers in the kitchen that have become a catch all for everything that doesn't have a specific place.  I started by heading to the Dollar Store for small organizational things. Found a few and then over to JoAnn Fabrics for more. 

So I forgot to take a photo of both drawers before I started pulling stuff out of them but you can see that my kitchen counter is covered with stuff.  Not sure how all that "stuff" managed to fit in those two drawers.

Here is the BEFORE PHOTO........

Can you believe all that suff (minus the baskets and totes) were in these two drawers?

This is just to show you the size of the drawer. 
They are narrow but very long, which is why we can stuff so much JUNK in them.

Here is my FINISHED PHOTO....

Here's the neat and tidy version. 
After this photo was taken I actually used an empty "check" boxes,
 that work great for each person's medication.

Check back tomorrow, I also organized my built-in shelves in my first floor hallway that were storing all sorts of miscellaneous stuff.  Hope this inspires you to find one drawer, surface, shelf, etc. to organize.

Hugs,  Erin

Toasted Roast Beef Italian Sub on French Bread

Here's another great recipe that is easy, filling and fairly low in cost.

Toasted Roast Beef/Italian Sub on French Bread

Ingredients:

1 - 6 to 10 oz package of Roast Beef
1 - 8 oz package of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 - jar spagetti sauce (or pizza sauce)
1 - large loaf of fresh french bread (or 2 smaller loaves)





We like this brand of Roast Beef too.

This is the package label from the loaf of french bread.

Instructions:

Cut french bread loaf into 3 equal pieces or 4 equal pieces depending on your family.




Slice each of 3 or 4 pieces in half, like a sub sandwich.


Toast for 4 mins under the broiler.






Add spagetti or pizza sauce on both sides of bread







Add roast beef on top of sauce (3-6 slices per sandwich, depending on the thickness of your beef)





Cover both sides of sandwich with shredded mozzarella cheese


Toast for 4 mins under broiler





Let cool 2-3 minutes. Serve with lettuce salad and fresh fruit.






Cost:
Total cost around $8.50 for 3- 6 inch subs. 
     $2.00, mozz. cheese
     $1.50, spag. sauce (you will use half of spag sauce for recipe above)
     $2.50, loaf of french bread
     $2.50 roast beef for approx. 1/2 lb

This recipe is enough to feed 3 adults (or two male teenagers and Mom).
But I make everything in bulk these days since I live with teenagers and always have extra teenagers to feed.

I think this is a pretty good price for 3 sandwiches and I try to buy the ingredients when I can find the cheese and roast beef on sale. 

Hope you try it! Enjoy!

Hugs,  Erin

Getting to know you (Part 1 of 3)

...getting to know all about you.... (Can you hear me singing?) 

 My Kickass, Coolass, Awesome Chick "Amber" over at Amber: Kickass Wife, Coolass Friend and All Around Awesome Chick (http://scrappinamber.blogspot.com/) has tagged me in a getting to know you post. Basically she's giving me 8 questions to answer, I then pass it along to some people with 8 new questions I create.

Note that she was tagged by another one of my Favorite bloggers, Sara, over at Welcome to Sara's Organized Chaos (http://strandupdate.blogspot.com/).  Check them both out, the blog often and are full of Sass and Spunk.   

So here are Sara's questions posed to Amber (that I thought I would answer these first as I'm still thinking of answers for Miss Amber's questions):


1. If you could spend the rest of your life doing only one thing, what would that be? Anything that involves creating something, i.e. scrapbooking, cards, painting, baking, blogging, paper crafts, etc.  These are the things that fill me with pure joy.

2. What is the best thing you can bake/cook?  I make a kiss-ass Chocolate-Chocolate Fudge with chocolate chip cake with Fudge frosting that is to die for.......but only if you love chocolate.

3. What household chore is your least favorite? Seriously?!  I don't like any household chore but my least favorite would be dusting........it is the most worthless chore that exists.  Dust today, returns within the hour cuz you just stir up the stuff in the air and it falls back onto every surface.  I vow to NOT DUST unless I have company coming.  So if you arrive unannounced at my house, do not comment on the state of my chaos.....I have better things to do than clean.

4. If you could bring three things to a deserted island, what would they be? Well this question doesn't say it has to be realistic so:

1)  a magic house with every possible luxury and necessity I could imagine

(food, clothes, A/C-cuz I think a deserted island would be hot, cook, maid, etc)

and replenishment of all items are automatic,

I don't have to lift a finger

2)  cool technology (cell phone, laptop, iPad, mp3, etc.)

3)  a man of my choosing that, of course, worships me

5. What's the next big thing you are thinking about splurging on? Well I don't have a next thing as I bought an iPad in April with my tax refund and it is AWESOME!  And... I have been thinking about buying a new vehicle and have had my 2004 Nissan Quest (a mom Van) in the shop twice recently as the transmission was slipping.  So I took the plunge last week and traded for a 2005 Honda Pilot......and it is Awesome! 

And the bonus to the vehicle splurge......my teenage boys think I'm cool.....cuz "a big white van is NOT COOL MOM"!! 

6. Post a current photo, if you wish to be elusive, an abstract of closeup will do just fine.

Yeah that's me sitting in traffic taking my own photo with my cell phone. 

I really am pathetic.  LOL

7. If you could have ANY pet EVER, what/who would it be? Realistically? I don't want any more pets, ever.  Unless there is a pet that will feed/water, walk/exercise itself, clean itself and all messes and is QUIET. Pets are too much work, it is like having another kid in the house.  Many years ago (when I was married) we had an indoor farm (my term for it) of 12 animals.....all of which needed continuous attention is some fashion.

5 Cats

(I like cats just fine but the amount of potty stuff they produce

and cleaning a litter box is downright NASTY, ugh!)2 Gerbils

3 Chincilla's

(Yes we did.  These are rodents that people used to make coats out of. 

They are very cute and soft but not meant for house roaming. 

They love to chew on wood, wires.....anything and like rabbits.......they poop alot!)

2 Dogs

(Both Rat Terriers who are "wound" like tazmanian devils but great with kids.)

(Cage cleaning is "gross", messy and bedding stinks unless emptied weekly,

which I was not fond of.)

AND we also had a 55 gal fresh water fish tank with lots of special fish

that I was NOT responsible for (thank heavens)

but took up a huge wall in one room.

Getting to Know You, Part 2 of 3 coming soon (Answers to the questions Amber posted)......to a blog near you.

Hugs, Erin

p.s. I have had my fill of pets. Last year we saved a pregnant 1 year old cat and things were fine until the babies left. She then proceeded to pee and poop on the living room carpet, NOT in her litter box. That cat cost me $584 in carpet replacement for the living room plus vets bills for shots, spay, etc. Probably around $1,000 total.  We have NO pets right now and I am GOOD with that.

Another New Flower painting

New 16x20 Acrylic painting, done on canvas, originally uploaded by frenchieredhead.

This one is also done with acrylic paints, on a 16x20 canvas.

Hugs, Erin

New Lily Painting # 2, acrylic paints on canvas

New painting # 2, acrylic paints on canvas, originally uploaded by frenchieredhead.

I have been on back rest (bed/couch rest) for the last two weeks but i am finally feeling better. I managed to paint and scrapbook this past weekend, in short sessions, which was wonderful.

Hugs, Erin

Hello from Stressed and Sad.......

Because I LOVE LISTS, this is what you get today.....something short and sweet (well, not really short or sweet but an explanation).

I plan to continue my blog as it is a great outlet for me.  I have been conflicted about sharing the details of my challenges so I will share the pieces I'm comfortable with and leave out the details that are better left quiet.
Who:  Erin

What:  has been stressed to the max (so I've been on hiatus from blogging or even reading blogs)

When:  since forever (or at least since the last post, and the post before that and.....!!!)

Where:  right here in Iowa City, Iowa (stress and thoughts run my brain in vicious circles......round and round which of course affects my regulation of emotions.......which in turn affects my body......so Guess What.....my back is on STRIKE for the last two weeks and I am SOOO not impressed!!!!!!!!)

Why:  because I was born to worry, because my aging parents' health has me freaking out, work, kids, money, life, relationships, my future, decisions that need to be made......all which cause me to be happy one moment and sad the next.  THEN remember that I have teenagers (who I love unconditionally and would die for them without hesitation but.....oh my......they really make a single mom want to drown her thoughts with alcohol some days).  And it's summer so they need to be kept busy which means I always have a houseful of teenage boys that results in lots of noise, slamming doors, muddy shoes, wet clothes, empty dishes and LOTS OF cooking and cleaning (but when they are in my house, I know where they are and what they are doing...but feeding them NEVER ENDS, they are always STARVING!!!) and I'm just getting into the summer rhythm of complete CHAOS and

WHAM...BAM...

(I do not thank you mam') 

I am slammed into INTENSE QUIET, I'm alone...the boys left to spend 16 days/nights with their father on Friday, July 2.  Regardless of all the other things I'm stressed about.....this event by itself is enough to send me to the looney bin.  I know, most of you are thinking, "Enjoy the quiet, enjoy the alone time, do what you want, when you want to do it.  Eat out, have fun, enjoy your time alone or with friends."

I agree, every summer I try very hard to plan things to do and reach out to my network of friends that are wonderful, understand my challenge and my intense emotions during the kids absence.  This is my 5th summer without them for over a week and this year is only a smidgen better than previous summers.

On a happier note, I am very blessed and thankful for the special friends in my life (and my Man) who understand my many challenges and have been very supportive. They listen to me rant, ramble, cry and then make me laugh.......and accept me despite my faults.  :-)

Hugs,  Erin

p.s.  Good news, I have done two large paintings (very good for me to do those) and have the photos taken and uploaded, just need to post for you.

p.s.s.  More good news, I have a number of topics I want to share, I just need to put them in writing.