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for sale on monday!

March 15, 2015

on monday at 7:30 PM all of these amazing ruffled aprons go up for sale in my shop!!

www.megduerksen.bigcartel.com
coming soon after that… a ruffled apron KIT with all the pieces and the pattern to make one of these aprons on your own at home!

the pattern will also be available separately to make it with your own fabric.

the flowered pins will be for sale when the kits are ready.
🙂

aren’t they all so pretty?!
i can’t choose a favorite.
they are all my favorites.
AND i will have more Happy Craft House Mini Scrap Bunting!!

it’s 13 feet long with 100 mini flags in at least 25 different patterns.

Monday at 7:30 pm – central time zone.

YAY!!!

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The lovely one - I love the idea of selling a kit! I hope the instructions are super detailed and easy to understand for the craftily challenged like me!

Any chance you’ll have contest and give a kit away? 🙂

Kelly - I cry too. Especially during worship. Or hearing a testimony. Or sharing a testimony. Or reading about something God’s been doing……..I have just decided it is my spiritual gift 😉

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - buntings are from heaven. thank you heaven.

Liz R. - I love them all, but Ruby is my favorite. 🙂 Can’t wait for the kit and pattern! SUCH a good idea to sell these! Absolutely beautiful.

Jenny B. - Yay! I was bummed when I saw the post title because I figured I had already missed the sale. LOVE that you’re opening it in the evening!

KirstenP - I like the white edging on each of the ruffles! Can that be done using the Singer Sewing Machines you’ve mentioned buying at Amazon?

Alice H - I should probably buy the ALICE one!! Great name! LOL

Jacci in Ohio - Hey, Meg 🙂 Just wanted to let you know your Big Cartel link is goofed. It has your blog link connected to it at the beginning so it just goes to a page not found.

Looking forward to the open shop! I’d love some of your bunting!

Molly - I have a daughter named Edith Louise….so your names of your aproms made me so happy to see. Wanna make an Esther Minnie, too? Love your blog!

Lori - LOVE the bunting!

Lisa McCracken - Oh I hope I can get one. I’ve been waiting for these!!

Heidi Durant - I need the Louise for my daughter Emmah Louise, and I need both the Lucy and Edith for my daughter, Lucy Edith!!! You just made my choice so much easier. Now hopefully I will get them before anyone else!

Adrienne - Prices so I can prepare?!!!!

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sweet potato & black bean chili

March 13, 2015

i rarely post recipes here any more… i think all the food blogs scare me away from it.
but i made this the other night by throwing things together and it was delish!
and of course chili is not your typical spring-is-coming recipe but i always just blog what is current and THIS is happening in my house right now… 70 degrees outside or not. 🙂 Like i am literally eating a bowl of this… in my pajamas at 2:17 in the afternoon right now.

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i had all of this in pantry so i threw it all together. 🙂

after you brown the ground beef you can add your onions to the beef to cook or just toss it all in one big pot.
all the ingredients.

i don’t think it’s possible to take a pretty picture of chili….
but i did clean my stove top just to take these pictures.

stir it up and let it come to a boil.
then turn down the heat to low, cover it and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes.
When the sweet potatoes are tender then it’s ready.
You can add more spice if you need it.
or more water if it’s too thick.
and if you have a packet of chili seasoning… you could use that instead.

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Of course you can top it with cheese, sour cream & chips if you’d like too.
but just avocados is so good too!

here is the recipe all rainbowed and pretty!

chilirecipe

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Nette - Looks delicious – looking forward to try the recipe

Linda - Please don’t stop posting your recipes. My family has fallen in love with your pancake recipe. This chili recipe looks so good.

Mindy - My husband would love this. I make a black bean/ sweet potato chili often but it is a vegetarian version. I love it with cornbread (hello carbs!). I add sour cream on top but your idea of avocado sounds delicious!

Gemma - I’ve always really enjoyed your foodie/recipe posts! We always make your Apple bars in the autumn and your blueberry buckle in the summer months. Please carry on sharing 🙂

Gemma x

Kimberlee Jost - Sounds and looks GOOD!

Rachel - Well, we never got a winter, so I have been living vicariously through winter food. This looks amazing. Thank you for the recipe!

Kristin S - Oh, Meg, this looks delicious! I’m about to embark on a 28-day eating plan that is a beef-once-a-week dealio. Oy. I think the “no dairy” will be the hardest part. BUT I think I’ll try this recipe with ground chicken. Yummy!

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - AND avocado on top? licked the screen, died and gone to heaven.

jamie - that looks and sounds so delicious! i know i would LOVE more recipes from you! don’t let all those other food blogs keep you from sharing if that’s what you want to do! and {high five} for cleaning your stove top. not a fun task!

Julie - Looks delicious – definitely something my family will eat come the winter months..

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trail mix, a playlist & crazy strong abs

March 10, 2015

three quick things today.

1. this is my trail mix i made up for when i want a little sweet and still be getting the good stuff.
i buy the Cranberry Delight trail mix at Dillons (Kroger) which is by the chips at our store.
and a bag of dark chocolate covered raisins.
i dump those two into a bowl or a ziploc and then i add some golden raisins too… not a lot.
sometimes i add unsweetened coconute flakes.
and as i eat it and the bowl emptys out… i add in more whole almonds.

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occasionally if the chocolate raisins are low i will throw in some dark chocolate chips if i have them.
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it’s super yummy… great little snack.
of course you shouldn’t eat much at a time… moderation and all that, you know.

i have been doing Les Mills Pump for 6 weeks now.

love it.
LOVE IT!!!
but with all dvds i get tired of the talking… how could one not get tired of the same words over and over??
so i turn on my music loud and mute them.
this is my playlist i have right now for PUMP:

no judging!
i like to jam.
i am not tech savvy enough to give you a playlist that actually plays…. i wish i was.
if someone knows how to do that… feel free to tell me how.

and then yesterday i came across this video of a core workout routine.
holy cows.
kind of looks like fun… wish i was 16 again so i could do this EASILY!
i would’ve loved it.
but even though i am 39… i am going to try it.
because why not?!
remember my word was ACTION.
this video is a lot of that.

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Kathy - I LOVE your playlist!!!! Fun songs! I mix a little of the new songs just like these with some fun dance songs from the 90’s – just love to have upbeat fun songs playing, helps the workout be more fun!!

Lola - MEG!
You just inspired me to make a playlist!!!!!!!!!
It’s called SPRING15!

Thx
Hearts!
Lola

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - dang, girl, you got it going on with that playlist!

Carin - Do you feel or notice a difference in your body from doing the Les Mills?

Maclaine - Great playlist! I’m loving https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL_EXAyGCkw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q right now too.

Alicia - There has never been a time in my life where that workout would have been EASY!! But it does make me want to try it!!

Iris Brown - OMG! Just watched that ab video. Is my eyes suppose to water while watching? I’m out of breathe from sitting. I will try it too and hope to just make it to the chorus. Thanks for the inspiration. Bless the Lord O my Soul . . .

Bridget - Choreography + plank = amazing!! Thank you for inspiring us today, Meg! I’m going to try choreography + sitting @ my desk and see what happens. :o)

Alice H - That ab workout makes it seem like the song Uptown Funk is REALLY REALLY long. LOL! And that trail mix looks delicious!

Carrie - My daughter’s gymnastics team does that workout! That must be where they got it! They just updated it to that. They used to do a really similar one to the song Power. It’s hard, and my daughter is really tired when it’s done, but I think it makes their conditioning a little more fun.

Beejay - So cool you have Les Mills dvds to follow. I live in New Zealand where Les Mills gyms started and I go to one…..just home from a Body Balance class tonight. They’re the best! 🙂

Becky - That video makes me feel like I could do anything! I mean, I couldn’t actually do THAT, but it makes me feel like it. What inspiration!

Jennifer @ Ellison Lane - Wow, that was awesome. I think I’ll try it though I will likely not be able to do it like those girls did! Ah, youth! 🙂

Meredith - Love that playlist. Can’t Hold Us is one of my all time workout faves. Sounds like you’re having fun:)

Stephanie Wilson - LOVE your playlist! I started doing Blogilates on Youtube at the beginning of the year and it is kicking.my.butt. At 39 (40 next month) I am realizing I have to take things a little slower than I used to. But I love when it hurts the next day because I pushed myself. I need to make myself some trail mix now….

Michelle Whitlow - That made my stomach hurt just watching that video!! haha I don’t think I could’ve done that even back when I was 16 but good for them!!! Holy super abs Batman!!

Barbara (WA) - You should try all this at 60+, haha! And moderation with trail mix is even harder!

Melissa - why don’t they go those workout videos with two options: one for just starting out with pauses and talking and one that just works straight through with no pauses or talking. I would love to buy a workout video like that.

jamie - doesn’t that core video inspire you? they do it so flawlessly! i told one of my instructors at the rec center that she should do that routine with her summer classes! yikes!

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february Craft weekend sponsors

March 7, 2015

title
each Craft Weekend we ask our favorite companies if they would like to be sponsors.
our sponsors are artists, authors, small business owners and big businesses too!
some have brick & mortar shops… some are completely online… some travel to markets and fairs.
they are hard working creatives that i adore.
thank you to each sponsor for the generosity that you give to Craft Weekend.
thank you for taking the time to make it… to ship it… and for the discounts for all my readers!

please enjoy shopping in ALL of these shops…. follow them on IG… read their blogs.
these are awesome people!

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yourwords aren’t these the cutest?! each one had a different word and all in the same perfect yellow color!
Your Words Cuffs makes metal stamped cuff bracelets in so many different cuff patterns.
She stamps “your words” onto the cuff of your choice. They are rad!
Use the code: WCW10 for 10% off your order through March 31st.

@tracicuffs

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organic
i think The Organic Bloom is now my favorite frame company!
every single color was amazing! i wanted ALL the colors!
You can follow them on Instagram @theorganicbloom to see their products and get great ideas.
They are a wholesale company BUT if you go to the Vendor Locator on their website you can find a Photographer in your area to purchase from!

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ike
We love these rainbow bracelets from Ike & Co.
the little Kansas & sunflower charm is so cute!
Use the code: MEG25 for 25% off your order.

@ikendco

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Jennifer Dahl Designs makes very fun jewelry!
You can choose your charms to fit you perfectly.
Use the code: CRAFT25 to get 20% off your order.

@jenniferdahl

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salty
OH MY GOODNESS i have loved Salty Bison signs for several years!
they are artsy and fun and primitive at the same time.
They sent this cute little signs for our guests and we set them on their beds to welcome them.
Follow their Instagram account @saltybison to see everything they are working on… i love their feed!
Use the code: whatevercraft for 10% off your order.

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curly
Is there any cuter chocolate bar you’ve ever seen in your whole life?
Curly Girl Designs makes fabulous cards, artwork, gifts and now… chocolate! 🙂
She has a unique and cheerful style in all of her work that always makes me smile.
Go check out all the goodness in her shop!
Use the code: CGDCW2015 for 15% off your order (excluding the Love Delivered subscription)

@curlygirldesign

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hello
these these cute signs are made by Maddie and her mom at Hello from a Girl.
100% of her proceeds go towards Maddie’s mission trip to Haiti!
How fun to be a part of helping her dreams come true.
Use the code: CRAFT25 for 25% off your order through the end of March.

@hellofromagirl

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stella
Stella Bella Boutique makes sparkly pretty jewelry.
she sent our girls these druzy earrings in all different colors… so fun!
Use the code: whatever15 for 15% off your entire order!

@stellabellaboutique

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Kellyn from Blessed Moments Studio sketched these drawings while she was at the Craft House!
each one was so sweet and captured so much of the “FUN” at the House.
go check out her other work in her shop!
Use the code: CRAFTWEEKEND to get 20% off the Craft House prints.

@kellydon

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Dayspring is awesome! They send us the best books!
I love being able to send home these kinds of books with my new friends… knowing they can pick it up and read about how much God loves them anytime makes me love Dayspring even more!
Use the code: WHATEVER25 for 25% off your order at Dayspring through april 1st.

@dayspringcards

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i love the different cuffs jennifer at The Turquoise Tomato comes up with!
These are so colorful and happy!
Use the code WHATEVERCRAFTWEEKEND for 15% off your order.

@jenniferallred

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clean
Crunchy Clean makes earth friendly, all natural detergent.
All of our CW girls got their own bag to take home!
It smells SO good!
All the proceeds from this sale go Jeremy & Ashley Brummer (the creators & makers of Crunchy Clean) adoption fund.
Use the code: whatever20 for 20%off your order!

@crunchy_clean

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burlap
The Burlap Bag makes the yummy smelling and creative candles.
They sent these two scents to help The Craft House to smell even more lovely.
You have got to see what other kinds of scents they have made… you will love it.
Use the code: CRAFTY for 20% off your order.

@theburlapbag

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spunky
Spunky Fluff is not only fun to say but they make really cool signs!
each sign is painted in the most fun colors.
Kristen’s 100+ signs are inspirational, humorous and look AWESOME!
Use the code: MEGBLOG for 20% off your entire purchase.

@spunkyfluff

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lemon
Sasha is the Lemonade Makin’ Mama who makes pretty water color art!
Go check out her shop to see her pretty designs of farm life & quotes.
Use the code: CRAFT20 for 20% off your order.

@lemonademakinmama

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pitter
Laura is a rad blogger… amazing artist… super mama!
She is the artist at Pitter Patter Art.
You can contact her about custom work on her website.
and trust me… you’re going to want to read her blog. it’s good. 🙂

@pitterpatterart

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linen
isn’t this so great?! I love this print from Linen & Ink!
Her shop has mugs, prints and notecards with Carly’s hand lettered designs.
You can use the code: CRAFT20 for 20% off your order.

@linenandink

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school
THIS BOOK!!! you need this book. 🙂
Shea Henderson wrote this book for anyone who wants to learn to sew.
she broke it down and made it fun while keeping it beautiful.
you need this book. (did i say that already?)
You can order her book School of Sewing right here on Amazon!

@emptybobbin

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jenni

Jenni Horne Studios sent prints of her happy bicycle paintings.
i love Jenni’s style!
i love her color and whimsy!
Use the code: Craftweekend for 15% off your order in her shop!

@artsyorange

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natalie
Natalie Creates is a blog filled with farm life… creating… and happiness.
Her shop is ever changing with cute colorful goodies that sell out almost immediately.
She loves to gift our guests with her talents. 🙂
Her blog is worth the click over… Her Instagram @nataliecreates is too!
Thanks Natalie!

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GGT
Gabriel’s Good Tidings makes the cutest lip balm holders for your keychain.
she is also making essential oil holders too!
Her shop has loads of design choices!
Use the code: WCW40 to save 40% and free shipping! WOW!

@gabrielsgoodtidings

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lori
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Lori Danelle defines herself as a Maker of Art & Things. 🙂
i like that.
she makes lovely artwork with pen and ink and also she is a fabulous paper cut artist!
Use the code: CRAFT20 for 20% off your order.

@loridanelle

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crave

have you ordered CRAVE Popcorn yet?!
The white chocolate oreo is craaaazy good!
i’m thinking that this popcorn would be perfect to snack on during the NCAA tournament coming up!
or maybe you need it for your spring break adventure?
Use the code: CW15 for 15% off your order.

@cravepopcornco

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katy
this new design from KatyGirl is so good! i love it all… the colors.. the words… the flowers!
her shop has beautiful prints in lovely colors with such encouraging words!
there are several prints i need to order like this one… and this one… and this one too. 🙂
Use the code: WHATEVER15 for 15% off your order.

@katygirldesigns

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Stacy - After reading this post and then reading the wrap-up of the Craft Weekend/February, I’m going to go out and purchase School of Sewing so I can learn to do a cute ruffle apron! Looks like y’all had a BLAST!

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craft weekend – february

March 4, 2015

what a beautiful group of ladies!
they were each so kind to each other and had a happiness about them.
i like meeting all these women each year.
Craft Weekend makes for some great friends!

there was major EPIC swag in february too!
the post about each one is coming later week filled with discounts.

this is the “christmas morning” part of CW…opening all the swag.
we go over each item sent and talk about the fabulous companies that sent them.
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my sister painted that cow for me. she oversees all that goes on at the CH. Moooooo.
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and then we get down to business.
friday night is for new friends, margaritas and ruffle aprons!

so many decisions to make… fabric patterns and colors and the ribbon… full or a half apron… what other details to add… what time to stop and go to bed… how to sew for the first time (for some).
it’s a big project that takes much longer than it seems like it would.

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kimberlee makes the dessert while we are apron making just after dinner.
like… starts and makes the whole thing right there!
what a gift she is to all of us.
having someone bring you a plate of warm bread pudding just out of the oven… covered in carmel sauce… while you craft is probably in my top ten good things about life. HA!
this dessert is to die for!

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finished… at 1:00 am.
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The Burlap Bag sent some candles to make The Craft House smell amazing.
you wouldn’t guess but Unicorn Puke smells pretty awesome.
like… starburst? skittles? we couldn’t pin point it but it was close to that.

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creme brûlée french toast with homemade raspberry butter… cheesy potatoes and strawberries.
i mean… WHAT!?
amazing kimberlee!

we were sure that saturday would be freezing but it turned out to be blue skies and sunny!
which made shopping at Bearly Makin’ It and the Mill so much more enjoyable!
i always like to see piles of old things whether it’s locks & sanders or green dishes, potato mashers or scoops.
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the blue sky was much needed!
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Mhairi is die hard… she searched through all those cubbies!

does anyone need a salt & pepper shaker??
i liked the silver toaster on the second from the bottom… the salt was a piece of white bread and the pepper was dark bread.

CW2
several of these metal gold letters came home with me.
i spelled out c r a f t and f u n.
dianna got M e a t.
ha ha ha… she did! but the M will be displayed separate from e a t 🙂

sarah was shocked to see a banner from her hometown in this little kansas antique shop!

those look like happy shoppers!
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there was show-and-tell when we got back.
i love seeing what caught people’s eye.
and it’s sweet how everyone says “ohhhh this is cool! who got this?”
or “i never saw this! i LOVE it!”

we get right back to crafting on saturday night.
keri taught us how to make string & nail art.
not a quiet craft… but a really fun project!

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i took more pictures but my pictures look weird so this maple leaf is the one i will share.
it is super cute!

the stamped metal cuff bracelets are so fun to make that we made them again!
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stephanie didn’t want sarah to go home with out her cuff completed so she finished it quickly for her.
new friends are awesome.

we made pillow shams too!
we cut circles from scrap fabric and sewed them down in a line on the front side of a pillow.

every ruffle is awesome!
so much color and happiness. 🙂

these are the roomies at the big Craft Weekend slumber party!
our friend keri came from california to be a helper & our friend Dianna came from across town to be our helper too!
it was so fun to have friends from near and far!
kimberlee made us such great food all weekend & takes care of all kinds of details.
our helpers keep so busy cleaning up and making sure everyone has what they need.
this month they even fixed a toilet!?!
you never know what might happen at Craft Weekend.

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the california and arizona girls were loving the snow… for a minute.
then they were cold.
🙂

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wishing we were still crafting together girls!
thank you for letting me have the world’s most awesome job!

if YOU would like to come a Craft Weekend someday… all the information is HERE.
there is a reeeeeeeally long waiting list but we use a lottery system to pick so everyone has the same chance to get in.
but you will never get a chance if you don’t get on the list. 🙂

Also… you and your friends can reserve The Craft House for your own weekend getaway!
All the details on using the house with your friends is HERE.
it’s perfect for a church group… quilting/sewing groups…. crafters… or just a girls getaway.

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Susanne - A craft weekend may be added to my bucket list – and I don’t even know how to sew – but you make it look like SO MUCH FUN! (I sewed in home ec once – I made a pair of kids pajamas. I got a C- because she knew I tried really hard.)

Tracey - Would you please, please tell me where you found the nesting doll fabric?

Amy Woods - Swoon. Just swoon.

I’m on the waitlist…but, I’m such an introvert, I’ll probably back out if I ever get picked. I hope I don’t though..back out that is! 😉

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Hey beautiful girls! So awesome. Miss you guys. Especially Kim-Burly’s desserts.

leslie - Hi Meg-

Can you do a quick rundown of how you make the name badges. The obvious part is cut scraps and quick stitch together. What I want to know is- do you use a special ink, and does it bleed when wet? Do you stiffen the back and how do you attach the pin (hot glue? hand stitching?). Just curious, they are adorable. Thanks!

Renice - Even before I read which salt and pepper shaker you liked, I was looking for the little toaster. My grandma had a salt and pepper collection and the little silver toaster with white and black slices of bread was always my favorite. Before she died she asked me if I wanted to pick one and that’s the one I picked. I just love it! I noticed a few others she had too. I’d love to search through those antique stores you have there. They look like so much fun!

Pam - I would love to make those aprons with my girl scout troop. Would you email me the measurements for the ruffles, and do you use a premade apron to start with?

thanks a million
pam creech
pea ridge, AR
Troop 5780

tiffany day - So fun! I am on the list and keep trusting/hoping that when my name is picked I will be able to go – it will be perfect timing!

But just so you know, I would LOVE – LOVE – LOVE to come as a helper for sure! I have NEVER used a sowing machine – i know! I am willing to try/learn but honestly – I have a heart to help, no matter where I am – so being a helper at a Craft Weekend would be SO great! Just sayin’ 🙂

also, for the shopping at the flea market – are there arrangements to ship your stuff home?? I would so over buy and not be able to bring it all back in my suitcase!

Love your blog – your IG and well you! So glad I found you on the “internets” 😉

xo
Tiffany

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happy monday.

March 2, 2015

so far it’s been a good one.
i got myself into workout gear and did my Pump workout.
i really wanted to skip. but i had skipped the day before so i couldn’t do that again.
i knocked that out of the way and now i’m working at the Craft House.

last week we had the best date night!
and it was for craig’s work… so technically not even a date.

Avett Brothers came to wichita again!
they are in our top five favorite bands. (probably in the top two…)
this was our third time to see them in concert.
i was smiling all night.
i love those avett boys.
i just watched a ton of youtube videos trying to find the perfect one but i always end up back to the 15 minute session on NPR.
it’s just my favorite.
the BEST part is Seth at 4:30 (ha ha ha)
they don’t sing it like that on the album but ever since i saw this video a few years ago i insist to craig that it be sung that way in the car and with great volume.
🙂
and at the concert… THEY DID!!!

and i bought my first concert t-shirt!

wait….that’s not true.
i bought one at a sandi patty concert in 6th grade… i borrowed money from a friend to buy it…and still owe her that money.
and oh how i wish i had a photo!!!
it was a GIANT oversized shirt with i think a rainbow colored scribbly kind of drawing of SP singing.
it went fabulous with my perm and stir-up pants.
i feel like i’ve shared too much….

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anyway…
craig left the next morning for a ski trip with his friends.
i asked for group selfies and he sent me several. 🙂
i have decided the my love languages are (i have several)
1. going to the movies
2. going to concerts
3. group selfies
4. bringing me hot coffee in the morning

HA.
i am so darn happy that he is out having a good time!
he works hard at everything all. the. time.
this guy deserves a break and time to just have fun!

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with him gone i was in charge of getting annie to her first basketball tournament.
oh boy.
the weather was AWFUL and i was a mess but we made it.
i may have even started crying in the car when we finally arrived safely.
i was mad for several hours at the weather but that does no good does it?
annie did great!
i can’t believe the love that has built in my heart for kids basketball in the past 10 years.
i am so grateful for that.
because if i didn’t have it… these tournaments could be great dividers instead of uniters.

they are 10 years old so everything is still about learning how to play.
everything she said about losing or frustration or missed shots i would answer with some form of:
“you’re learning a lot in every game”
“i liked how you stayed feisty”
“just keep trying”
because you know there are so many parents out there that break your heart at those games.
it’s rough you guys.
they get craaaaazy.
it’s the most bizarre thing to watch go down.

bottom line: she loves basketball.

_______________________________________________________________

this is what happens when you forget to collect the eggs in freezing weather…. bummer.

_______________________________________________________________

lastly…. i HAVE to tell you about a big giveaway with Marta over at FourFitSisters.com!
They are giving away a Les Mills Pump program!!!
that’s worth A LOT of money and also… it’s no longer available!
what a super prize!

Go over to FourFitSisters and enter to win the whole PUMP program!
it’s my favorite workout i have done.
i am getting stronger every workout!
i love knowing i will be strong enough to add all the weight on eventually.
i KNOW IT.

hope your monday is going well.
craft house laundry is half done… planning my meals & workouts for the week… waffle has a haircut today… and a huge list of emails need to be written.

blerg.

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Mindy - Oh for the love of stir-up pants. I had a red pair that I wore with an over-sized white shirt that had red, blue and green full sized handprints all over it. I seriously hope there are not pictures…I can still hear Sandi Patty talking about wanting to be Barbara Streisand – so funny. My first (and only) concert T-shirt is a Steven Curtis Chapman. I wore it out. Lucky you with your recent concert! Since it is far from Monday I will wish you a happy weekend : )

Melissa - Hey Meg,

I wanted to get your real opinion on this workout. I have been over to their site and I was looking at the Pyro workout. My friend which is an exercise instructor said it was really hard.

Do you really like this one you are doing now?

I am not a fan of exercise, but I feel better when I do it. I need to find an exercise program that I can do five days a week just to stay in shape and be able to eat sweets!

So I would appreciate your thoughts.

Warmly,
Melissa

Michelle Deckert Richmond - Kids sports….where we spend a good chunk of our time. I read somewhere the best 6 words to say to your child….”I love to watch you play.” They smile everytime I say this to them. I have 3 girls in hockey and one girl in horseback riding. Michelle from Canada.

jen - Stir up pants! I totally forgot about those….I wore them A LOT and loved them! And I totally agree with you, some of these parents are CRAZY! My son is 9 and into basketball and some of the parents are jumping up and down screaming at the poor kids. It’s insane.

Barbara (WA) - I always cried at Sandi Patti concerts – and I was already an adult 🙂

jill - I think “stay feisty” is going to be my new life’s mantra =)

Lynn - Use those eggs to make hard boiled eggs. They will peel SUPER easy!

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thursdays…

February 26, 2015

i like thursdays because they are close to fridays.
i used to love thursdays because of must see tv… but i don’t really watch much anymore.
Parenthood is over and i am feeling like I’m through with series.
greys will finish up soon.
madmen is almost done… and i think I’m done.
is it my age? what is it?
is it the new era of dvr and internet where i can pull-up anything whenever i want?
i don’t love anything like i did when i loved my fave shows.
it’s probably just that i miss those too much.
Seinfeld… Friends… ER…. Office… 30 Rock…

everything else is just those same stories over again.

moving on…
annie started piano lessons again.
by choice.
talby starts this week.
i love hearing them practice.
(although if i hear “All of Me” by john legend one more time i may die)

the other night annie was stalling before bed time and i walked in and caught this:

i love her rainbow room so much.
(and she loves stuffed animals a little too much!)
but to be sure i am always “keeping it real” over here she told me recently that she can’t wait to re-do her room in a complete basketball theme because she is going to play in the WNBA and wants her room to look very sporty.
OY VEH!
i can remember my first lesson in humility regarding room decor with lauren.
she was probably 8 and we had painted her room just the prettiest way i thought it should be.
yellow floral Martha stewart bedding… matching curtains… i even painted plaid on the wall!
and then… she taped magazine photos of animals all over the walls.
ALL OVER.
and that did not match.
i tried to tell her how these pictures did not flow with the look i was going for.
ha ha ha
but SHE thought they looked really nice.
she chose her favorite animals and knew why they were here favorites.

i think that’s when i learned that it was going to be ok.
(it probably took many more lessons but i do recall that night)
my home should reflect all of us… not just MOM’s idea of pretty.
everything doesn’t have to look like a magazine.
and no matter their style is… it’s OK! it’s GOOD to have an idea!
it’s GOOD to know what you like!
if you like animals… GREAT! if you like basketball… GREAT!
i hope someday annie gets her dream room.
although it’s pretty darn great right now… maybe we should switch bedrooms…. what do you think craig? want to bunk up in the rainbow room with me? ha ha ha

wednesday likes to sit in the sun… especially on the hood of my car.

i made Marta’s meat muffins the other night at 8 pm.
(the recipe she shares now is a little different… eggs, zucchini and lots of spices… maybe she will blog it?)
i make them for me… not the whole family.
i COULD feed it to them…. but then i don’t have my stock.
i freeze all but 6 and then eat two at a time for meals during the week.
when my 6 in the refrigerator are gone i pull another container from the freezer.
it’s great protein when i want to eat cookies. 🙂

and then when i was done… i made pumpkin waffles at 10 pm.
i used this recipe by paleomg.com.
they are definitely gluten free & dairy free as far as taste but i am trying to eat that way so when everything tastes that way then you get used to it.
i freeze these also except for a few.
i heat one up and spread a little almond butter and strawberry jam on them.
i make strawberry jam by putting strawberries in food processor.
nothing else added.
🙂

so those are two things i am eating to help me stay on track with my health.
remember my 2015 word was ACTION.

although… this week i have been sleeping like a bear in hibernation.
im not sure what the deal is but i am so tired.
hopefully it will go away soon.

this was yesterday morning at our house.
i just said “enough!” (not in a mad way… just exhausted)
i am feeling tired and this does not help.
i mean… this is normal when 6 people share a space.
this is 6 people each leaving one or two or five things out.
and if it doesn’t get picked up… it multiplies.
and this is with the dishes done.
it’s so much worse when the sink is overflowing with dishes.

so i made a new chart.
it was time.
we used to have a whole system when the kids were younger just for sanity
but when we moved to the farm i never made it again.
now it’s back in a newer simplified form.

annie’s charts are her own personal movitation charts.
she gets to choose a treat of her choice when she completes it…not just the .99 ice cream cone.

yesterday was the first day.
i walked in at 9 pm from the garage and the smell of bleach was overpowering.
so i learned that i had to teach HOW to do these jobs.
we went over which cleaners to use… tools to use… what “put stuff away” means…. and how a counter top FEELS when it’s clean.
🙂
and this morning it was so happy to walk out to a clean kitchen.
they agreed that it felt nice to have it clean too!
ahhhh.

so if you got your kids started on their laundry…. maybe the kitchen is the next place.
your kids are going to hate that “Meg from Whatever”
HA!

my kids also load and unload the dishwasher.
scott & sean alternate loading and talby & sean alternate unloading.
(i step in and wash pots and pans… and load or unloadload when kids have been busy and having it done is better than waiting.)
no one likes this job at our house.
but who does?!
this is good for them.
we’ve been doing this for YEARS too.
it used to be lauren & scott loading and talby & sean unloading.
annie was too short.
but when lauren moved out… annie moved up.
it’s working.

chores are good.
they are!
i love being a mom so much.
but i don’t want to wait on them hand and foot.
my kids are able to help and we think they should.
they still have so much time for fun.. this is just life & helping each other out.

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misty - I’d LOVE to know your breakdown on teaching kids to do laundry. I have a 6 1/2 year old & she wants to help with everything 🙂 I LOVE that, but how did you start with Annie doing laundry??

Renee - i love seeing the piano ones 🙂 I teach piano lessons VERY part time (like 7 students only part time) just for fun on the side. so so so fun to see glimpses of when kids like it 🙂

Kristi - I love reading your posts! They are so refreshingly real! And can I just say that I can’t wait until my kids are old enough to clean on their own?!! Can.not.wait!! Hope you get your pep back soon. I am being spring will put a bounce in my step. No more jackets weighing me down.

Lisa - Love that your systems aren’t complicated. I need to revamp our chore list and your post was the reminder I needed to just keep it simple. 🙂

Jenni - Meg, you’re awesome in so many ways. And, interestingly enough, my husband is applying for a job in Lawrence, KS. We currently live in California. When I think of life in Kansas, one of my first thoughts is , “how could I become friends with Meg Duerksen? If I have to move to Kansas, hanging out with her would make life easier. ” 🙂

Lisa - Great! I love the chores. I do the same (I’m a mom of 3 soon to be 4). Any way to get them involved is good and worth it in the long run. Laundry & toys need to be put away before they get to watch their show at night. Works for us.

Loved your comment about Lauren changing her room, too! My oldest (almost 8) does the same thing and hangs posters and tiny pieces of paper that are oh so important all over her room and it secretly drives me crazy! I am regularly reminding myself to chill out… House Beautiful is not coming to photograph my home. Perfectly imperfect, right? 🙂

Carrie - My girls are 4 and 7. It is the small toys and my 7 year olds books ( she reads 3 to 4 chapter books a week, guess I should not complain about my voracious reader). That stuff I pile on the stairs and threaten them. I wanted to start my 7 year old doing laundry and she was on board but she still can not reach down into the washer to get her clothes and I need to problem solve it. Quite honestly I need that chart for my husband!!! The girls help to unload the dishwasher, clear the table, clean toilets, and make beds. My 4 year old loves to make her sister’s bed!

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - A clean, beautiful white kitchen makes Everything better, -in every department 🙂

Kathi - Your counter looks similar to mine just add a bunch of tools the hubs didn’t put away and you’ve got mine.

Amy Woods - I agree! It’s great the kiddos help with the chores. Their future roommates and families will so appreciate it. My poor son is an only. He thinks he has too many chores. I say whatever. What does he think, that I took him to raise? Oh. wait.

😉

Alice H - I miss ER!! Oh George Clooney!!

My 5 year old LOVES to help unload the dishwasher. He also likes to do laundry, mainly the towels and washcloths. He has a helping heart for sure. And I am doing a lot better at encouraging him than I did with my 14 and 16 year old back then. Ha! They have to do their own laundry, help clean up after dinner, and they are in charge of the upstairs (their bedrooms, bathroom, and hall). If it isn’t all cleaned up and presentable by Friday, they don’t get to do anything during that weekend. It works!! Love your kitchen chart and I have a chalkboard, may have to do that too!

jennibell - Agreed! On everything. . .except the eating part. Meg, you look GREAT and I know it’s taken you a lot of time and sacrifice and YEA FOR YOU!!! I just *can’t*, no matter what, get on the “eat food I don’t like” wagon. I got a FitBit and when my calories are up, they are up. . .I’m not being picky about how I use them. Exercise is key anyway.
Youngest does the trash every single time it needs to be taken out. Next youngest unloads dishwasher (expectation is that it is to be done by 7 a.m. every day) and 2nd oldest loads. Oldest is in charge of the yard, taking trash to the dump. . .he gets of “easy” in the winter months but works very hard spring/summer. It works for us.
The kids have naturally begun to do their own laundry. Things weren’t getting done as quickly as they liked (ha!) so they will, many times, do their own. I’m glad they know how. And every one of them (ages 11, 12, 14, 16) can make a meal for the family. So. . .parenting is the *greatest* job (http://jennisseasons.blogspot.com/2011/09/greatest-job.html) and I am so happy that God blessed me with the challenge!!
Enjoy your weekend 🙂

crissy - i love that you keep it real! it isn’t any less inspiring – but it’s hopegiving 😉

do you make your strawberry jam when you want it or do you make a jar and refrigerate it? i love the idea of making it and am wondering if that is one less thing i can buy from the store – and less sugar. thanks!!

Nanette - Thanks for the motivation! We are struggling right now with chores and responsibility. And I’m going to try those meat cupcake/muffin things.
My boys decorated their shared room the other day by taping over 100 hockey cards to the wall. At first I wanted to make them take it down…but they love it. And they actually did a good job by getting them spaced and straight. I figure someday they will talk about it when they are old…”hey remember when we taped all of our hockey cards to the wall? That was the best!”

Julie - My dishwasher has just died on us, so each morning the sink is filled with hot soapy water, and we all wash our breakfast dishes and leave them in the rack to drain while we are at work and school. Then in the evening my two children have to wash and dry all the dinner dishes. Certainly won’t hurt them, that is what I had to do as a child.

Heather S. - Our girls have quite a few chores and expectations around the house (dishes, mopping, laundry, cat care, etc). They have to – I homeschool them! I can’t be their teacher AND the lunch lady AND the bus driver AND the janitor as well as being mom. They have to pitch in. And they do. Like champs. You are SO right. You have to actually TEACH them how to do these things first, but then it reminds me of potty training. A bunch of hard work up front for a few days, but then sit back a bit and enjoy watching them grow up. I always say I’m not raising children – I am raising future adults. It takes constant training to get there, but every once in a while we get to just admire their growing responsibility and maturity. That’s what being a mom is really about – training them up, not waiting on them hand and foot.

kassondra - The end of this post almost sounded like you were defending your reasons for having your kids do chores. MEG, stop that! Our kids chores are much easier than when we were little and a thousand times easier than generations past. Your not causing damage to your children your teaching them valuable lessons in this chore system. Keep it up!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - My 11 year old does her own laundry. Her job is to also keep the bathroom clean. My younger two have to put away their clothes and keep their room clean. I give them each a list of chores to accomplish every Sat. Otherwise I do everything else. I find it cathartic when I clean my home. That, and I may be a little OCD.

Michelle Deckert Richmond - Welcome to my life…..I hear yah.

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