Tutorial - Make Your Own Foam Soap

Hi everybody!

(all 14 of you if you're reading, ha-ha!)

I am so excited about this tutorial I stumbled upon

while browsing blog parties.

This one in particular I found on

Finding Fabulous' Frugalicious Friday blog party.

The post came from Stephanie's VERY appropriately named blog

Full of Great Ideas. 

I was so excited about this tip since

our budget has gotten extremely tight

(like a lot of families these days)

and literally, just yesterday, I was talking to my BFF/SNL, Tina

about how we have totally run out of our

favorite foam soap from Bath & Body Works.

What is a girl to do?

Skimp on the kids' lunches?

Not pitch in the $3 on their Harvest Parties at dance?

Go without make-up for a few weeks?

I think not...

so imagine my pure glee when I read this tutorial.

I actually jumped up from my computer,

ran into the bathrooms to find the empty bottles

of foam soap I had been long holding on to,

and wouldn't ya' know I had not 1 but 2

FULL bottles of Warm Vanilla Sugar shower gel!

(my FavOriTe scent)

After about 5 minutes I had myself  2 full bottles

of fabulously smelling foam soap in my bathroom and kitchen!

(Unfortunately I only saved 2 bottles but

oh the FrUgALiciOUs JoY I'm having over these!)

Hope you enjoyed the tip!

Blessings to you this fine Sunday!

Missy

My Nephew, PFC Kyle Oren Skimin

Today I am especially thankful for the many men and women
serving in our military.

My handsome nephew, Kyle Oren Skimin, is one of those.

I remember when Kyle was born.

I remember him babbling in his carseat while

Tina and I drove around in her little black car.

He was always trying to mimic what were saying,

sometimes that included a few, well, let's just say...colorful words.

I remember him playing with all the tiny Sesame Street characters

I gave him for Christmas when he was 2 years old.

I'll never forget how he let out a ear piercing squeal with each one

he pulled from the box.

He insisted that he was saying it correctly when he

called Oscar the Grouch "Soccer" the Grouch.

(He just loves that story when I tell it to his friends

now that he's 20 years old!)

I remember him going on trips up to Oregon each year

with his Uncle Wayne

(who is now my Husband!)

I remember how quiet and shy Kyle always was
unless he knew you well.

He was always a guy of few words,

except for talking to his Mom (my BFF, now SNL, Tina).

They have always been so very close. 

I pray I have such a relationship with my son!

Fast forward to today....

It is the 9 year anniversary of 9/11 and this young man
 is serving in the ARMY.

PFC Kyle Oren Skimin is scheduled to deploy

to Afghanistan in October.

We are so proud of him and honored

that he has chosen to serve our country.

As I remember the moments I watched
the horrific tragedy of 9/11 unfold on television,

I remember watching Kyle grow from an adorable, little boy

to a handsome young man with a certain confidence

as he wears his uniform with pride.

This summer I helped out with Kyle's wedding.

My Husband, Wayne, had the honor of officiating the ceremony.

What an emotional and joyful day!

Tears come to my eyes every single time

I look at this picture of Tina and Kyle.

Kyle and his bride, Shariya, were the epitome of young love!

So yes, we are so torn with sadness, to see him go and

pride, for his sacrifice.

We will continue to pray that sooner than we know it,

Kyle will be back home with Shariya.

We love you Kyle and can't wait until you're back!

Sincerest Blessings to All,

Let us Never Forget.

Missy

I Want to be Better

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So I know it's been a while. (Insert Embarrassed Emoticon HERE)

I've been neglecting my family blog, (among many other things.)

There, I admitted it.  No excuses.

I just need to be more organized, plain and simple. 

That's so easy to say isn't it? 

It may not be perfectly executed but I'm really going to try start to keep some sort of routine or schedule or whatever you wanna call it.  I've just never been that good at it.  There's probably some sort of psychological reason behind my forgetfulness, procrastination,  and serious scatter-brain-ness

but it doesn't really matter, right? 

These faces are what matter.

And so I just want to be better....specifically, a better Christian,

a better Wife and a better Mommie. 

I know that with the LORD's help, it is possible. 

I've got awesome kids, a wonderful Husband and let's face it,

there's nothing better than Jesus, and He is my Redeemer. 

So, when I'm worried about being so disorganized and

scatter-brained I need to remember this...

He cares about everything that I worry about.  Nothing is too small or simple or seemingly insignificant to Him. 

I know this because the Bible tells me so.

(That may sound childish but it's actually true and honestly, I am His child so if that's childish...fine by me!)

Anyway, this Scripture simply sums it up:  1 Peter 5:7

• Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  (NIV)

• Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)

• Throw all your worry on him, because he cares for you. (ISV)

• Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.      (King James)

I pray that anyone that might be reading this will be blessed and refreshed by His unconditional love, mercy and care.

With sincere blessings,

Missy

It Must Be In The Genes....

Believe it or not, my two daughters created this little one room house out of their LEGOs....

COMPLETELY on their own. 

How cute is that?!

Macy is 9 and Grace is 5.

The front view as you enter the LEGO cottage

through the rainbow columns.

They made sure I noticed the carrots and corn

growing in the garden.

Grace thought the house needed to be protected like ours

so the blue and white thingy is the alarm sytem.

Here is the luxurious, pink daybed. 

Notice the large, pink, fluffy pillow 

leaning on the grand headboard

and the little peak-a-boo arched opening?

I just love the vanity!  Two side lamps, a perfume bottle

 and an arched mirror with a jewelry box even! 

Of course they added a bench for the vanity. 

Check out the rose topiary in the corner!

No one room cottage is complete without

a BIG screen TV.

See the little pink drinking glasses on the bed?

And that footboard with the ornate, pink finials!

I may not be able to save their latest masterpiece from Little Man

(Jack, their almost 2 year old brother),

but at least it's preserved in BLOGLAND.

Because of His grace, I am my Kids' Mommie,

Missy

P. S.  PLEASE DON'T FORGET MY OTHER JUNKIN' BLOG...

http://ChateauChicBoutique.com/

New Space at Mission Galleria!

Why does everything take longer than I think it will? I've had the plans in my head for weeks now and of course not everything is going according to those plans. If money were no object my dream space would be realized... but I'm still excited and it is definitely coming along!


I found an awesome old, vintage showcase that my husband and I have been working on. I have big plans for it too so I think it will look beautiful when it's all done. And did I take before photos? Of course not. Oh, well, so is the life of One Blessed Mommie trying to live out her dream of having a beautiful shop one day, living vicariously through my little ol' space at the Mission Galleria I call Chateau Chic Boutique.

I will post pictures soon....please check out and follow my other blog for updates Chateau Chic Boutique.

Blessings,
Missy

Gary David Watson

March 19, 1969 to May 29, 2006

Not just today, but always, I remember and honor my first husband, Gary.  He went home with the Lord 4 years ago today.

There are so many things I miss about him.  I miss his smile, his laugh and the sound of his keys jingling from his belt loop as he walked down the hallway.  I came to love that sound, especially in the middle of the day when he popped in unexpectedly just to say Hi and give me and the girls a kiss.

Today we went to Olivia's, our favorite Mexican restaurant.  Of course I ordered Gary's Special.  (Gary and I ate there so often that in his honor they added "Gary's Special" to their menu...chicken and cheese flautas with beans and rice, just the way he ordered it - they didn't make it for anyone but him.)

Later on I took the girls to get balloons.  I always let them choose their own.  We all sat down and wrote our messages to Gary on our balloons.  We then went outside and said our little prayers and one at a time, we let them go.  The girls used to ask how he got them so I told them an angel comes down and takes them the rest of the way to Heaven and gives them to him.  For me, the actual writing is very theraputic and emotional.  It's almost like I'm talking to him.  I take pictures of the girls' messages and drawings each time.  I want to save these memories for myself and for them.  Wayne always has his own balloon as well.  I never ask to read his messages, I think it's important for him to say what he wants to Gary and just keep it between them.  But I am certain it helps Wayne as much as it does me.

I miss my Gary and I know I always will.  There will always be a part of my heart that belongs to him.  God's word promises we will see each other again one day and I bet I will hear that familiar jingling again.

Missy

Chateau Chic Boutique at the Long Beach Flea Market - Sunday, May 16th!

Hello friends!

Just a quick post to let you know
I'm going out on a limb and will be selling

at the Long Beach Flea Market this Sunday, May 16.

I'll be sharing a great corner spot
with my good friend, Arlene,
 from the Garden Gate Boutique.

We'll have garden, vintage, shabby chic,
 frenchy and primitive stuff -

something for everyone!

I hope you can stop by!

Blessings,

Missy

Happy Mother's Day!

My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching.  Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck.  When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

Proverbs 6:20-22

As my kids' Mommie, part of my job is to teach and engcourage my children in the way of the Lord.  I love my kids and I pray for them constantly.  I should also be a good example as a Christian, in my speech, my actions, and my faithfulness.  It's so easy to try to teach our kids how they should be but don't we all know by now that they learn better by example?  This is an area I need to work on.  I'm not the most patient person in the world.  I get a little snippy when things don't go my way....like not being able to find my keys while heading out the door, then realizing I didn't set the alarm after getting in the car, then getting back in the car and remembering I didn't grab the sippie cup, ugh!  It's these kinds of things that really test my patience, and I always fail miserably.

I want my children to grow up and remember what I taught them.  But I also want them to remember me being an example of what I taught them.  I want that to be binded upon their hearts, I want that to guide them and speak to them throughout each of their lives.

My kids are my life's sweetest blessings and being their Mom is the sweetest gift.  That is why I am One Blessed Mommie.

Blessings,

Missy

Changing With the Season

For those that know me, you know I hate the cold.  It just sinks into my bones and makes me miserable.  I know most people (it seems that way), would rather live with cool weather, love the rain or that crisp breeze hitting their skin when they head out the door in the morning.  Well, that's definitely not for me.

I absolutely love the feeling of the sun shining through my window warming up my arm as I drive in my car.  I love the sunshine when I wake up and I even more so when I come home in the evening after a long night at dance, karate, the store or wherever I've been all day.  It just motivates me to do more after I get home.  It makes me happy.

Spring is kind of right in between.  It's too rainy for one.  It's too crisp in the morning for me but warm enough during the day, most of the time, not like this past week!  I do enjoy the season change while decorating in my booth, that's for sure.  Don't get me wrong.....I totally love CHRISTmas.  It's just the weather I can't stand so that's why I LIKE Spring.  I don't LOVE it, but I do LIKE it.  Summer on the other hand, is my favorite season of all.

I know, I know....it's too hot here in Southern California.  I'm not saying I don't use my air conditioner like mad at home and in my car or that I don't get crabby when my shirt is sticking to my back.  But, I have a funny saying that sums it up for me...."I'd rather be in a Pinto with vinyl seats and no air conditioner in the summer than be cold in the winter."  Call me crazy but that's me.  (Of course, that doesn't include my kids all sweaty and cranky in their car seats....just me, driving around.  Ha-ha!)

So what's my point - you might be wondering by now?  There are some changes for me in the near future, right about the time summer (my favorite season) begins.  I will be moving into my own space at the antique mall beginning in June.  A front window spot even! 

I am very excited and looking forward to the change!

How Blessed Am I?

Tonight my 9 year old daughter, Macy, is testing for her BLACK BELT!  We are so very proud of her to say the least!  My 5 year old daughter, Grace, is also testing tonight.  She will be getting her recommended PURPLE belt!  How awesome is that?! 

I just love how my girls are such "Girlie Girls" and also love the go out and play in the dirt.  Macy would be the one sporting the light-saber and reading Star Wars books after coreographing a new dance to her latest favorite Taylor Swift song.  Grace would wear a skirt and princess crown every single day if I let her while she's digging up worms and accidently pulling the legs off of lady bugs.  Jack on the other hand, can make a tool or weapon out of just about anything, watch out when he gets his hands his little plastic baseball bat!  But what a sweet, little sensitive boy he is...just like his Daddy.

How blessed am I?

He Is Risen!

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live." John 11:25

Blessed be this day, the Lord is risen! It was finished on the cross. Jesus took the sin of the world upon himself. And as He promised, He rose again! He paid the price for us so that we may live. Let go of your burdens, lay them at His feet. The enemy has no power over us. Let Jesus calm your spirit and give you peace. He wants you to live life abundantly. Look for the blessings and stop murmuring about what's not perfect. I am certainly not saying this is easy, believe me! Let's just promise to try a little more each day.

This verse speaks to my heart so literally. Although I miss my husband, Gary, so deeply sometimes my heart just aches....I cannot imagine bearing it alone. The Lord knows me so well. He knows exactly how much I can take. I find such peace....true, comforting peace in my heart....that only Jesus can bring, knowing that Gary is in heaven, with Him.

So, at Easter time, I celebrate my risen Lord, Jesus Christ and all that He has blessed me with. At the same time, I am reminded of my husband's life that is no longer here with us but at home with the Lord. But again He comforts me....

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live." John 11:25

Friendly Inspiration

I am once again about to make more changes to my blog. As I've stated before, I'm really new at this blogging thing. And yes, I do realize that no one is even reading my posts anyway. At this point, it's a type of therapy for me I suppose.

I've spent some more time browsing other blogs that have caught my interest for various reasons. Whether it's other Moms I relate to, other Christians or other junkers (or a combination of all three!), I have also come to realize that most people start out the same why I am. That realization has comforted me and helped me understand that I shouldn't be so hard on myself and this will evolve as I go.

So....I've decided to save this blog as more of a personal one that "narrows" my ramblings to focus on my family and me. I was oh-so-inspired by another Mommie that said one day her daughters would read her blog about their lives and hopefully know their Mom a little bit more than they already do. How simple yet profound is that? I'd love to add a link directly to her post but alas, one more thing I need to learn how to do! But as soon as I learn that, I'd love to give her the credit for inspiring me. Oh wait! I found this button, I hope this works.... http://twoshadesofpink.blogspot.com/

I've also decided to create a new blog that focuses more on my love for junkin'. I'll include pictures and stories of my projects like painted furniture, accessories and the treasures I find while I'm junkin'. I hope to have an actual web-site one day but hey, one thing at a time. It's so like me to start 64 projects at once and none of them ever get done. I wish I could be like my husband and stay focused. Is there any hope for me? I know, I know, I can hear my hubbie now...."Don't be so hard on yourself. I love my crazy wife just the way she is and I love our crazy life." I love you, too, Babe.

Mis

One Blessed Mommie

Spring Cleaning!

I'm so happy and inspired since my husband and I spent two solid days in our space rearranging and organizing. What a difference! We aren't even half way done and the changes are amazing. We've gotten so many compliments already, we can't wait to finish it. Realistically, it will be a while before it's completely re-done but I have to say, I'm pretty darn happy so far.

We installed a bunch of old doors along the right side where there wasn't a wall. We moved several pieces of furniture of Arlene's to a few of her other booth locations. She was so happy that we changed it up in here and helped her rearrange her other spaces as well.

I just LOVE adding appliques to furniture, old drawers and boxes but especially children's furniture pieces! We had worked so hard on some new pieces and couldn't wait to bring them into our "new and improved" space. Finally there was room and it's so light and open now. I'm only posting pictures of the side we worked on. It's not totally finished but like I said....there's still along way to go but I am very happy so far!

Blessings to all,

Missy a.k.a. One Blessed Mommie
Chateau Chic Boutique

"Bare" with me!

Well, here I am...another attempt at making my blog look better and not be so bare. I have no idea what I'm doing! I tried one of those free backgrounds from the Background Fairy. I love it and her instructions are super easy to follow, bless her heart for those of us that are completely lame at this. She did say that placement and font options for your title are very limited. I just hope I can figure something to improve it and quick! Not that anyone actually reads my blog, but sometimes I'm such a perfectionist even when no one else will see it! ha-ha!