{quick tip}: plastic grocery bags

I'm here today with a simple little tip - what to do with those plastic grocery bags that seem to multiple at an alarming rate!

We keep MK's diapers in the top drawer of the dresser that I spruced up.  It takes up a drawer, but since we hang a lot of her clothes, it hasn't been a space issue for us yet.

One little tip I have to share is to keep one of the plastic wipe "boxes" and stuff it full of plastic grocery bags to stuff those unusually stinky diapers in before they go in the trash can.

It is SO handy and helps keep the plethora of plastic bags under control!  Do you have any great tips for storing those plastic grocery bags?

Don't forget to enter the "31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality" e-book giveaway!  Today is your last day to enter!

instagram highlights: february

I know we're halfway through March already, but here are our Instagram highlights for February.   I'm mjsmith723 on instagram if you want to follow along!

waking up to this face every morning = priceless// seriously good home-made cookie cake // Lego hold-up

flowers from a sweet neighbor // sweet baby face // a little snuggle time with both kiddos

my kitchen smells SO good // cape + popcorn + Peter Pan = afternoon date//I "lov" him, too

such a good big brother// watching the snow plow - he wants one on his ranch when he grows up // Snowman Grayson and Snowgirl Mollie

31 days to a heart of hospitality ebook {giveaway!}

I have a treat for you today!  I was recently given the opportunity to read Edie's new e-book, 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality, and y'all...it is SO, SO good!

Edie's book is full of practical ways to show hospitality to our friends, neighbors, and our own families.  Here is one of my favorite quotes that Edie uses to describe the core of her book:

Hospitality isn’t about inviting people into our perfect homes, it’s about inviting them into our imperfect hearts.

I know that the blogging world often talks about our homes not having to be perfect (insert the Nester's famous quote "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." here) to be HOME.  And Edie definitely stresses that in her book, too.  I guarantee that your friends won't care about the crumbs on your floor or the dog fur in the corner, but will be touched by your hospitality...at least I'm hoping that's true with MY friends! Ha!

Edie has graciously agreed to give 2 copies of her awesome e-book away! If you'd like to win a copy of 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality, please use the rafflecopter widget below to enter!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Downton obsessed...

How many of you are as into Downton Abbey as I am?  I have to admit that I was totally late to the game, but started watching Season 1 while Scott was out of town for a week in January and literally could not stop watching!

I am eagerly awaiting Season 4 (I heard it's not airing in the US until January 2014?!  Come on, PBS!) and eating up the hilarious Downton pins on Pinterest.  I came across these 7 Beauty Lessons Learned from Downton Abbey on Daily Glow and had to share!

• 1. Your complexion always looks better in candlelight.

  
  
  
  
  
  Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE
• 2. For an instant anti-aging trick, stand next to someone who's at least 30 years your senior.

  
  
  
  Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE
• 3. Don't underestimate the power of a red lip.

  
  
  
  
  Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE
• 4. If you're going without makeup, make sure your skin is flawless.

  
  
  
  Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE
• 5. When in doubt, wear a hat.

  
  
  
  Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE
• 6. You'll never have a bad hair day if you stick to braids and updos.

  
  Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTER
• 
  

  7. A blushing bride is a beautiful bride… as long as she's not left at the altar. (Sorry, Edith)

  
  
  

Were you into Downton Abbey? Or did you come to the party late like me?

Treat others....

‎"I was raised to treat others how you want to be treated." LOVE this!

link love: 03.02.2013

It's been a while since I've posted my weekly "link love" post, but I'm officially starting the posts up again!

Here's a collection of links that I've found around the web (and Pinterest!) this week...

DIY Confetti Party Backdrop via A Bubbly Life

Think of all of the cute color combinations you could use with this?!

DIY Chalk Paint Recipe via I Heart Naptime

I DIYed my own chalk paint using baking soda but will definitely be trying this recipe!  Now to find a piece of furniture (or two) to paint.

Vintage Numbered Crates via Lolly Jane

I am thinking these would look adorable on the shelves of the built-ins in our family room!

Master Bedroom {Before & After} via Dixie Delight

I love this bright and airy master bedroom makeover!