Extraordinary Wives, we run the house, manage the kids and keep it all together -even with the flu. Is it just me or is February the hardest month on us moms? Sick kids, sick husbands, and then the worst injustice of all -we succumb to the flu. On behalf of taking care of myself and newly acquired Ebola Virus flu, I’ll be back on Monday.

Here is a sneak peek into exactly what is going on in my house this weekend. I hope your weekend is much better!

Love, Allison

Extraordinary Wives- Keep the fun going at the League!

Not only is it the highest form of flattery it’s also a great design tool!

My sister did it in a moment of panic. I saw it the other day on Tracey’s blog.  She was inspired by Tracey at Notes From a Cottage Industry. I tried it too and mine turned out lovely.  Then Jennifer did it and mixed it up a bit. Crystal at Little Bit Funky did her thing and made it super funky!  Lastly, Mrs. Wilt over at the Sparrow’s Nest decided to give it a whirl and boy did it turn out great!  Where will you use it?

We all lined the inside of a bookcase, cabinet or hutch or something unexpected with something pretty!

*scrapbook paper
*pages from vintage books
*fabric
*wallpaper
*sheet music
*wrapping paper
*maps
*love letters
*contact paper
*dictionary in a foreign language

I adore this YouTube video. I have been brainstorming all the fun things the boys can make lapbooks about. My Nine year old is already planning his ‘Mythbusters’ lapbook.

It’s said the kitchen is the most lived in room in many households, unfortunately this means it can also be the messiest!  Here are some quick kitchen cleaning tips to help you keep the mess and clutter to a minimum.

* Clean the kitchen cabinets, stove, refrigerator and counters with baking soda. 
* Sweep and mop your kitchen floor.
* To remove skid marks on linoleum rub the spot with toothpaste before washing the floor.
* Remove all clutter from your countertop; that includes dishes, glasses, utensils cups and other items you may have lying around.
* Store as many appliances as you can in the cabinets.
* Clean your sink with olive oil.
* Replace your dish rag regularly, as well as the sponge or scrub you use for washing.
* To remove hard-water build-up in a teapot or kettle, pour in two cups of vinegar and bring to a boil. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, then rinse well.
* To clean the coffee maker: Pour straight vinegar into it as if you are making the coffee, no filter is needed. Turn the coffee maker on as if you were making a pot of coffee. Repeat this with a new batch of vinegar until it runs clear of calcium deposits.

Cleaning is a matter of preparation, determination and time management.  As you can see, all your kitchen needs now is a light once-over, and you are ready for the marathon of cooking and baking to begin.

Being a room mom I am always looking for something that I can do with the class. I usually try to find something that’s easy to make, fun for the kids & memorable for the parent.  In doing so, I came across these lilies made from the child’s hand prints.  It makes a GREAT gift, especially when done in a colorful bouquet & it’s beauty never dies.

Supplies needed: