i should be mopping the floor: October 2013
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How to Create a Sliding Barn Door

Sliding barn doors are quickly becoming fun indoor pieces.
Here's a tutorial on how we built ours. 

When we redid our laundry room last spring, I took off the door to add in the Hook Board. The plan all along has been to add a door of some sort to this little area in front of the laundry room and master bedroom {in front of that square area called a "hallway"}. After researching a bit {aka, Pinterest perusing}, I settled on a sliding barn door.

And as a lot of fun projects start around here...my dad came to town.

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Life is Funny: The Yucky Vegetable Edition

We're in for a fun treat today...a bit out of the norm, but such a nice breath of fresh air! My friend, Bethany, is here from Pot and Kettle Sessions, to give us a little humor and thought today.

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It isn't that I don't appreciate a good vegetable; I do. I'm just very picky about which vegetables I'm willing to appreciate. I have a preconceived notion that most vegetables are a varying degree of not good and should be called as such, making the appreciation process a tough one to get through. It's hard to love something that wears a repulsive name, such as, "a-gross-agus," even if the name is self-imposed by someone who hasn't ever even tried the vegetable. Normal people might use a more familiar name: Asparagus. But, from the smells the cooking vegetable emits, "a-gross-agus" suits it better. Immature, maybe. But, completely true, if you ask me. 

So, for much of my life, I missed out on vegetables that might have actually tasted good because I deemed them, at an early age, not edible. I was exposed to most vegetables as a child, encouraged and expected to clean my plate at each meal where at least a third was covered in some sort of vegetable. A combination of fresh, frozen, and canned, vegetables were present in my early years, but a struggle existed in those vegetables reaching full nutritional value because they were rarely actually consumed. Oh, the plight of parents who battle stubborn children at dinnertime. 

Eventually, childhood opens the door to adulthood, and there stands a grown woman who has adjusted her viewpoint of vegetables such that the basics (cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, and carrots) are staples in the grocery cart but who is not so far removed from the embedded suspicion of any other vegetable as to branch out to try new things. Not on my own, anyway. 

My friend, Amy, has a bit of an experimental chef for a husband. He specializes in fresh vegetables that I, formerly, refused to eat. But, somewhere in the midst of his sprinkling of spices and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and magic grilling methods, I have accepted the fact that perhaps I have judged a few vegetables too harshly. That maybe, when prepared in such a way, a-gross-agus isn't as gross as once determined. Brussel sprouts, fennel, eggplant. Perhaps these vegetables have gotten a bad rap from someone who is, otherwise, inexperienced in making such a bold statement as to determine worth, considering I'd never actually tried them. 

I'm not going to tell you that I head straight for the vegetables when grocery shopping these days. That would be a lie. But, I am going to tell you, proudly, that I bought cilantro the other day. On my own. Because I wanted to. And, for someone who used to ball her peas in a napkin to hide them from her parents in hopes of convincing them her plate was clear of all vegetables, this is progress. Mighty, mighty progress. There is hope for you weary parents of veggie-hating children. If I can be reformed, anyone can.


Bethany weaves together words of faith, life, and humor at Pot and Kettle Sessions.  She believes the best life lessons come from mistakes we make and detours we take along the way.  According to Bethany, there is always a reason to laugh.  You might have to look for it, but it's there!  She hopes her blog posts might bring faith out into the open, make life a little more understandable, and provide an avenue for humor to shine.




Neglect your chores like me and don't miss a thing:




Mile High, Three Layer Pumpkin Pie


This no-bake pumpkin pie has three layers of fabulousness!
It would be the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table.

I love a good no-bake pie. This one is a tried and true recipe that I tweaked with some delicious seasonal creamer from my friends at Coffee-mate...it took it to a whole new level of AWESOME! Coffee-mate is a wonderful addition to seasonally-inspired recipes. Check more of them out here or here.

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Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkins

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Cottonelle, but all my opinions are my own.
#pmedia #CottonelleTarget  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

Looking for a super simple last minute Halloween craft?
These toilet paper roll pumpkins couldn't be any easier...or cuter!
Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkins: these go together in five minutes and are the perfect last minute addition to your fall decor.
These covered rolls of toilet paper turned into the most fun lil' punkins'! This was a very quick, no-mess craft that would be lots of fun to do with the kiddos...perfect for some last minute Halloween fun. 

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Fall Pumpkin Printable

How about a little pumpkin printable for #fridaysfreebie? Free printables are the perfect way to decorate for the seasons. This one can take you all the way through the end of November.
This simple printable prints on a letter-sized paper, designed to be trimmed for an 8x10 frame...or however else you see fit to use it. This printable is designed with a slightly grungy overlay...perfect for vintage or any other fall decor. 

Cranberry Pecan Pie | Contributor Post from Julie

This post for a Cranberry Pecan Pie contains affiliate links. I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

Today, my darling friend, Julie, from Redhead Can Decorate is here to share some deliciousness for your holiday tables. This pie is classic, but definitely unique. And it will be the star of your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Cranberry Pecan Pie
Take it away, Julie...

Did someone say, "Pecan pie?"
Why yes, the redhead did.
Actually, she screamed, "TRY MY PECAN PIE, PEOPLE!"

I'm back today with Kristi to share one of our Thanksgiving traditions:
Cranberry Pecan Pie.


Doodle Pumpkins

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Sharpie
but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #NeonSharpie  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

Looking for a quick and fun Halloween decoration? 
These doodle pumpkins can't be beat!
Doodle Pumpkins: an easy and fun Halloween decoration. Made with Neon Sharpies And they glow under black light! #NeonSharpie #PMedia #ad
If you enjoy creating with regular Sharpies, you're going to flip for these Neon ones! They even glow under black light! These little doodle pumpkins were so much fun to make...just grab some of those {way awesome} Neon Sharpies and you're all set!

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How to Make a DIY Supply Board

A simple supply board will help keep a workspace neat and tidy.
With just a few items used, this is an easy half day project.

Easy and budget-friendly tutorial on creating a supply board. Perfect for a home office, kids' space or craft area.
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Halloween Chalkboard Printable

This post for a free Halloween Chalkboard Printable contains affiliate links. I make a small portion when these links are used, at no additional cost to you.

This sweet lil' poem on a Halloween Chalkboard Printable is a cute addition to your fall decor. It's simple to print out (the "chalkboard" effect is built in to the design), frame, and display. Download yours below.

Halloween Chalkboard Printable
Ghosts and goblins welcome here!
It's the frightful time of year.

This 8x10" print can be downloaded below.

Faux Deer Trophy Decor

Are you as into Faux Deer Trophy Decor as I am?
I'm proud to say I now have three of these new friends in my breakfast area.

I originally thought about titling this post "Ohhhhh, Deer" or "The Bucks Stopped Here"...but I refrained and kept my humor contained. I will say these new little friends sure do bring a big smile to my face, though!

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How to Make a Spooky Sticks Centerpiece | Contributor Post from Heather

Heather, from Southern State of Mind, is here today....
sharing something very fun and Halloweenie!

Booooo! 
Did I scare you?
Well, don't be scared because I am here today 
with a spook-tacularly simple centerpiece.

Using my favorite fall staple...Candy Corn!


This centerpiece is made with candy corn and "spooky sticks". 

It is super easy and perfect for a mantel, table, 
or just about any vignette in your home!

And it only takes a couple supplies!


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Golden Oreo Halloween Bark

Golden Oreo Halloween Bark is a fun treat for this time of the year!
Grab your favorite Halloween candies and you're ready to go.

Easy Golden Oreo Halloween Bark | Substitute your own favorite ingredients and make it different every time!
I like making bark because it's so customizable. This time, I let my youngest choose his favorite items for the festive Halloween one {although, it is quite sweet...I worry that we may all need to get fillings at the dentist after munching on this one}.

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Fall Leaves Burlap & Chevron Banner

I wanted a fun texture-y printable banner for this season. These chevron leaves on top of faux-burlap pennants go with with all kinds of decor. 

Free printable "faux burlap" banner with chevron leaves. Perfect addition to any fall decor. Mix & match...and make it as long as you like!
See this free printable fall banner below.

Mini Office Makeover

We gave my office a mini makeover last weekend.
A new arrangement, a new desk and new curtain panels made a world of difference.

First off, I should mention that I have never, ever shared a photo of my office with you guys. There's a good reason for it. It was in bad shape. Bad. But, I was ready for that to change. And I'm ready to come clean about the {what should have been on a Hoarders' episode} previous state of the office.

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Fall Owl Pillows | Contributor Post from T'onna

Hello, I Should Be Mopping the Floor readers!  It's T'onna {Navy Wifey Peters} from USS Crafty again, and today I'm sharing a couple fall owl pillows.


Recently, I made a Halloween Owl Pillow for my daughter, and my neighbor stopped by one day to sell us some donuts for a fundraiser. When she saw the Halloween owl pillow I made for my daughter, she wanted one. She also saw a bundle of leafy fabric that I had left over from a few other projects.  She asked if I'd make her an owl pillow using that leafy fabric, so I did. I also made an owl pillow using scarecrow and orange plaid fabric I stumbled upon during my last trip to Jo-Ann's.  So here are a few pictures I took while creating my fall owl pillows:

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Italian Supper Bake | Quick Dinner Recipes

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  
This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client.

If you're looking for quick dinner recipes, I've got you covered with this
Italian Supper Bake. This is an old family recipe that I've updated by doing a quick chicken saute in an incredible new flavored butter starter.

#SauteExpress #CAMPAIGN #shop #cbias

Looking for quick dinner recipes? This Italian Supper Bake is simple to prepare but tastes amazing. Big chunks of chicken in a creamy sauce with rigatoni and cheese make this a mouthful of awesome! #shop #SauteExpress
This recipe has been tweaked and perfected over the years. And I'm loving the latest spin I put on it this time! The chicken tasted amazing since it was sautéed in the new Land O'Lakes Sauté Express


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Inspirational Quote Printable

This inspirational printable just makes me smile...
and twist the ends of my fictitious Yosemite Sam mustache with a raised eyebrow.

Seriously, who doesn't this apply to? I love this quote. Kind of a girl power quote if you ask me...and perfect for my office that I'm reorganizing {it's like a bad episode of Hoarders in there, I tell ya}.


This prints on a letter-sized paper, to be trimmed and framed in an 8x10.
Click below to download yours now.










Neglect your chores like me and don't miss a thing:




Our Fall Home Decor

I tend to do holiday decorating on a smaller, simpler scale.
Easy to put out, easy to put away.
Simple and affordable ideas to decorate for fall.
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DIY T-Shirt Scrap Halloween Wreath {from the vault}

A T-Shirt Scrap Wreath is the perfect way to use up those old shirts...
and give them a festive touch!

I originally posted this about a year ago. I decided to retake some photos of it again and repost, since it's one of my faves.

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