Organizing 101 {Every Girl Link Up}

January is the month of a clean slate and making things better than the year before.  Earlier in the month, I wrote this post about my hopes for the year.  One major thing for me is to be more organized. 

 

Saying that I want to be organized is such a broad topic and I like to think in the now.  The best thing to do is start small.

 

When I think of organizing, I relate that to the home.  If you want to organize your house, start with the living area (or area that is most commonly used) and then pick certain areas within that room to work on for an entire week.  Clean out magazines, organize DVDs/CDCs, dust all surfaces, tidy up toys, put away non-seasonal items, baseboards, etc.  If you have curtains, this is a great time to get those washed as well.

 

After one room is finished, move on to the next.  I am a list person, so you could always have a list for each room and what needs to be done, and check off as the tasks are complete.

 

Sometimes it is nice to go off of a list that someone else has complied.  I know other people can think of things that need to be done that I never thought of.  Here is a organized tool broken down into the 52 weeks of the year. 

 

Also, remember that less is more.  I always have a pile to "throw away", "keep", and "donate".  This is an easy way to de-clutter your home fast.  I keep a bag in my closet year around for items that I want to donate, so if I come across something during the year that I no longer want/use, it goes in the donate bag. Easy and quick.

 

 

Once your entire home is organized, it is always nice to have things to keep it organized. 

 

Baskets for keeping throws and blankets.

 



Source

Bins to store DVDs and CDs.

Source

Places for toys to go when they are not in use.

 



Source

 

 

Linking up with these ladies for the rest of the year on the Every Girl link up.

  

Edwards Nest: An Update

 

It has been awhile since I have updated y'all on our home.  Things are still trucking along, but at a snails pace.  We estimated being in the home in late January, but the date was moved to late February, and it doesn't look like we will make in until March.  I am okay with that.  I have said from the beginning that I rather have a well built, quality home than a home that was rushed on just to get us in quicker.

Some of if has been our own doing though.  When picking out certain things we go back and make sure three and four times that it is what we want.  Sometimes we don't change a thing, other times we change one thing that leads to three more changes.  Get my drift?

 

It is so much fun seeing this house transform and become our home and a place where we will plant our roots deep.

 

 

Since we last talked, the rock as been started on the fireplace.  

 

 

I love the stacked look and am so happy that this is the focal point of our living room.

 



 

I wish I had better quality pictures of this because it is absolutely gorgeous.  This is our mantel for the indoor fireplace and I am already racking my brain on how I can decorate this beautiful thing.  We had a hard time finding something that would work for our larger fireplace and I am so glad my in-laws and hubby were able to find this one.  I can't imagine a fireplace without one.

 

 

All of the doors are hung and the trim work around that doors and windows are complete.  This is a picture from my walk in closet looking into the bathroom.  The opening on the left goes into the master bedroom and the water closet is in the middle.  The shower is to the right of the water closet, and the air tub is in front of the shower.  Sinks and vanity will be on the far left.

 

 Not pictured is the wood for our ceilings in the hallway, living room, dinning area, and kitchen.  Those are settling in the living room right now.

These are the crown molding for the downstairs.

I've said before how much I love to look out at a green open pasture and ours is my favorite.  There are still some bare spots but I am loving how amazing this looks right now. 

 

 

Next on the to do list:

• Pick out paint colors
• Finalize all cabinet work (for the 3rd time)
• Order flooring
• Pick out tile for bathrooms
• Pick our and order speciality lighting

 

 

Infertility Journey: Elena

Happy Monday friends!

As most of you know, I struggled with infertility before I finally got pregnant with Griffin.  This subject is very near to my heart because I found that infertility was something that was almost taboo and never talked about.  When I was diagnosed with infertility  I looked for other bloggers who were dealing with the same things I and looked for a community to be apart of.  I found some awesome blogs and some wonderful women who I could relate to.  The next couple Monday's I will have some guest bloggers here talking about their stories.  If you are wanting to share your infertility story, feel free to email me and we can chat.

 Here is Elena's story.
____________________________________________________________________

Hello Raising Southern Grace readers!  I have to take a minute to thank Sydney for this awesome opportunity to guest blog for her and the opportunity to share my story.  If you’re not familiar with my blog, Baby Ridley Bump, then it’s nice to meet you!  My name is Elena, I’ve been blogging for almost 3 years now, but my blog has really taken off in the last year.  Blogging has been an amazing outlet for me and has introduced me to some truly amazing women.  I had no idea the community I would belong to as a blogger would be so rewarding. 

When I started BRB I was laid up at home after a motorcycle accident that left me with 5 broken bones in my leg all the way from my toes, my ankle, my knee, and my hip, basically my entire leg was out of commission.  My husband walked away with 6 stitches!  I now have 2 screws in my knee after a major surgery and a lot of physical therapy.  The accident happened on April 1, 2012, about 6 months we got married.  Our wedding was September 24, 2011 and we quickly started trying for babies the following month.  I had been off birth control since June.  When I was laid up after the accident I found Little Baby Garvin and was immediately inspired by her to start my own blog of pregnancy and parenting.  Little did I know that almost 3 years later I would still be blogging about trying to get pregnant and the infertility battle that we have been fighting.

Did you know that 1 in 8 couples are infertile?  I had no idea it was that common.  After trying for about a year in August 2012 my gyno (she’s a nurse mid-wife) suggested we continue to try, but also that we might want to schedule anovulation blood work (to check for ovulation) followed by an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) and SA (semen analysis). The anovulation test came back that I was ovulating on my own.  During the HSG they insert a catheter and feed a dye into your fallopian tubes to make sure that they aren’t blocked by scar tissue.  Results of my HSG came back all clear with no blockage.  My husband’s SA came back with perfect results as well.  We were at a loss because everything seemed to be functioning as it should, but we continued to try despite not having any answers.  

Another year had passed and in August of 2013 my gyno told me I should make an appointment with one of the certified OBGYNs in the office to talk about treatment options, remember, my doctor is a nurse mid-wife and cannot treat infertility.  I made an appointment with one of the other doctors in the office and was devastated when I left.  She questioned why I was there and I told her to be put on Clomid for infertility treatment, her response? “You’re already ovulating on your own so why would you go on Clomid?”  She basically told me that she would refer me to a Reproductive Endocrinologist and there was nothing she could do for me.

I saw Dr. G in October of 2013 and he had me in for a laparoscopy a week later, he found some very very mild endometriosis.  I had my first IUI a few weeks later with Clomid to boost ovulation, it was negative.  We decided to jump right into injectable medications and I did my second IUI in December.  After waiting 2 weeks I got the results, a POSITIVE!  It was a low positive though at a 20 and I would have to go back every 48 hours & the number would have to double in order to be considered viable.  Unfortunately on the 3rd beta, the number dropped and I miscarried. 

Since then I have had 3 IVF cycles, all of which have failed.  It has been a very frustrating road for us, but I continue to try to keep a positive outlook and attitude because if I don’t, I will never beat this.  We decided to seek a second opinion and have an appointment on January 20th with a new RE. We have high hopes that he will be able to provide us with some reasons as to why we cannot get pregnant.  At this point my diagnosis is unexplained which is even more frustrating. 

What I like to portray to all of my readers, whether infertile or not, is first and foremost, a positive attitude really does work wonders and really is necessary.  It isn't always easy, but it's a pivotal part of success.  Secondly, how common infertility is and how important is to spread the word about education, when to seek treatment, and how to support one another or how to support someone you know who is infertile.  Did you know the worst thing you can say to someone who is trying to get pregnant is “just relax”… instead, say “how can I support you and be there for you”.  Having an amazing support system is a big piece of the puzzle of infertility and social media is a great place to find additional support whether it be infertility blogs, forums like Fertile Thoughts, or lots of other women who are TTC on Instagram, it’s out there and it is amazing! 

Lastly, if you feel like you might be dealing with infertility or you know you are you’re looking for support or have questions; I am always available via email (eridley92411@gmail.com) or through Instagram.  I am open and willing to share basically anything and if I’m not sure about something, I can certainly try to lead you to someone who can help.  Don’t be afraid to share your stories and your struggles, it WILL inspire someone!


Thanks so much, Elena for guest posting for me today.  Your strength is amazing and we will certainly be lifting you up in prayer on the 20th!  Be sure to head over to her blog and say hi!
Again, if you are waiting to share your story feel free to email me at {sydney.edwards22@gmail.com}

Five on Friday + Friday Favorites

Hello Friday.  Are y'all ready for the weekend?! I am planning a laid back weekend at home with possible shoe shopping for Griffin. The kid needs some sneakers.

-one-

 

 

 

 

Hurricane Spin Mop is one of those As Seen On TV products but can be purchased at Bed Bath and Beyond.  Now that Griffin spends 90% of his day on the floor I am a mad woman when it comes to my floors being clean.  I hate squeezing out a mop and with the spin mop you never have to touch dirty water.  It is great for baseboards, corners, and under any furniture. 

 

 

-two-

 



 



 

Sweet Baby Ray's.  Also, known as the best BBQ sauce on the planet.  My mother in law makes the best BBQ chicken in a roasting pan and it is out of this world.  I have never had BBQ taste as good until it was used with Sweet Baby Rays.

 

-three-

 



 

Green, green grass.  I love looking out on an open field with acres of pasture.  Be on the lookout for a house update next week. 

 



 -four-




YoYoBaby Yogurt is Griffin's favorite snack.  We try and give him this in the mornings to put the good bacteria back into his system.  As far as I know, they have Apple and Blueberry and Griff's favorite is Blueberry.

 

 

-five-

 

 

 

Copy this Erin Condren picture below, and save it to your phone for a new background.



Linking up with the Five on Friday ladies:

Darci, April, Christina and Natasha.

Lauren Elizabeth for High Five Friday

Jennie for Friday Favorites

Rebecca for That Friday Blog Hop

Leslie for Confessional Friday

Amy for Oh hey Friday

Amanda for Friday Favorites

Griffin {8 months}

Someone should of told me to get in tip top shape before Griffin turned 8 months old, because Mama.Is.Tired. 

The kid below is on the move and will no longer sit still so I can snap a few pictures.  I will now cherish all the blurry pictures from here on out. 

 

Eight months have brought us tons of change and growth on your part.  You like to shake your head no and you still mimic other people.  You also started crawling this month.  You went from rocking on your knees to fully crawling over night.  You hate to be still and must always be on the go. 
With you being so mobile now, you are also learning the word, No.  Boy, do you hate to hear that word.  You like to test my buttons try to do whatever I said no to, but I hope you are quickly learning your boundaries.  We shall see. 

You still take bottles, but we have moved you to yogurt in the mornings and added stage 2 baby food to your diet.  You didn't miss a beat when switching from Stage 1 to Stage 2 so I am glad we didn't have any regression in your eating.

Your personality is shining, baby.  You definitely do not meet a stranger and you still will go to anyone and give them your best smile. 

You are still my little water baby and we introduced you to a sink bath.  You thought you were hot stuff sitting in their like a big boy.  Baths no require Mama and Dada to wear raincoats and have lots of extra towels on hand from all the splashing.  But we are happy to have you happy.

This month was also full of sickness.  You had your 9th ear infection which resulted to you having surgery to have tubes place in your ears and we had a hospital visit with RSV.  Thankfully it did not require you to stay overnight.

 

Sleep this month has been a hit of miss.  There are some nights that you wake up every hour and some nights that you sleep straight until morning and I have to wake you up to go to school.  I blame it on all the sickness and stuffy nose that you've had off and on. 

You love your Dada but you have been a huge Mama's boy.  I can hardly leave the room without you getting your feelings hurt and poking out your lip.  Hopefully your separation anxiety will pass, but for now I am eating it all up.

We also started letting you sit in the shopping carts some on quick trips to the store.  You love being able to see everything and everyone.  You give your best squinty eyed smile and flirt with all the ladies. Such a heart breaker.

 

 

This month you celebrated your first Thanksgiving and your first Christmas.  Those holidays were so much fun with you in them.

 

 

I swear I have the new Mama syndrome because you get more cute and sweet everyday.  You seem to do something funny and you always have me cracking up at you sweet, sweet boy. 

Happy 8 months Griffin.  You are the light of my life and I am very lucky to be your Mama.  Now if we can just get you to call me Mama. ;-)

Hello 2015

We have said our goodbyes to 2014 and hello to 2015.  This is the time of year where everyone is making new year's resolutions in a way to start fresh.  I love when a new year comes around because it gives you a fresh slate to do what every you want to do.

 

I have never made any New Year's Resolution.  I like to make Hopes for the new year and here are a few of mine.

~ Budget, Budget, Budget~
      My husband and I do really well with budgeting, but there are too many "wants" mixed in there that are all unnecessary.  Time to dwindle down and get real tight.  With us moving into the new house too, I want to use any extra from our monthly budget to go towards making an extra house payment.

~Make at least 2 extra house payments during the year~  Hopefully the extra money from our monthly budget will take care of one of those extra payments, so hopefully it will only seem like we are making one extra.  Anything to get our house paid off sooner than later.

~Organize~  Organize my life in general.  House cleaning, bill paying, laundry days, car, etc.  I have been known to be a little OCD on this, but it has really been slacking the past few months.  I am fine to have a little of this OCD return. Ha!

~Meal Planning/Eat at home~  It is no secret.  I am not a cook.  I don't even enjoy cooking.  I feel like my cooking isn't up to par, so I get down on myself and cook "easy" meals.  My goal is to try one (or more) new recipe a month and add that to our monthly menu.  Also, eating more at home needs to happen.  I will have a beautiful kitchen and I really want to use it fully.  We will save eating out for weekends/special occasions. 

~Do the Whole 30 sometime during the year~ This is essentially a cleanse for your body.  There is no sugar,salt,extra additives, etc.  There is a lot of raw veggie eating in it as well as your meat, chicken, fish.  Certain grains are omitted to.  Basically eating as natural as possible for 30 days to rebut your system.  Excited to try this one out and have the Hubs try along with me.  He just doesn't know it yet.

~Continue to take pictures~  If you follow me on Instagram (sydedwards22) then you know I post a lot of pictures.  Mainly of my son.  I wanted to take at least one picture everyday for an entire year of his life.  But, I honestly want to continue that one picture a day.  I love going back and seeing certain things documented and see how he grows and see how we grow as a family.  I'd really like to get a better camera instead of every picture being from my IPhone.  Hint, Hint, Hubby.

 

I also want to say thanks to all my readers on this little small part of the Internet.  I appreciate all of your comments and I enjoy getting to know each and everyone of y'all through your individual blogs during 2014. 

 

So what are your resolutions hopes for 2015? 

Friday Favorties + Oh Hey, Friday

And just like that, it's 2015!  I hope each and everyone of you had a great New Years and an even better 2015. 
Let's get on with our Friday Favorites.

 

 

{One}

 

This honest organic healing balm has been a life saver.  With all the drooling that my little guy is doing and the food that gets on his cheeks his skin has become very irritated.  We lather this stuff all over him a few times day and it soothes and calms his skin.  If you don't have this, I recommend trying it out.  I've even started using it on my sensitive skin.

 

{two}

 

These bar chairs are calling my name.  I love the wood work and the fabric is right up my ally.  You can follow (cedarhillfarmhouse) on Instagram to look through more of her stuff.  It's amazing.

 

 

 

 

{three}

 

Oh this kid.  I am going to have to start Olympic training and fast!  It is a whole new ball game once he started crawling.  Lord help me when he starts walking.  He will always be one of my favorites!

 



 

 

{four}

 

Pipsquigz.  Also known as a lifesaver when you go to a restaurant or anywhere outside of your own home.  Griffin got these for Christmas and we have already put them to use several times.  It honestly keeps his attention and it is a perfect sensory toy.  If you have a little one search for these because they will not disappoint.

 

  



 

 

{five}

 

 

We completed #Griffins25dayofChristmas and it was so much fun to get ready for Christmas.  He looks like he has changed so much from Day 1 to Day 25.  If you want to see the entire months, check this post.

 



Linking up with the Five on Friday ladies:

Darci, April, Christina and Natasha.

Lauren Elizabeth for High Five Friday

Jennie for Friday Favorites

Rebecca for That Friday Blog Hop

Leslie for Confessional Friday

Amy for Oh hey Friday

Amanda for Friday Favorites