Yesterday was one of those days where I struggled through home school with more than five death threats, climbed out of a mount vesuvius of laundry and cleaned up multiple dog voms. (I can’t bring myself to write the full word because it was so traumatic, shortening it makes it a little less so. It was total dog owner karma as it was obvious I was being punished by the puppy gods for sneaking her a few pieces of my leftovers, so touché.)
There was this entire list of other things and then to top top it all off, I almost failed to hang streamers for a certain birthday girl. It was the one thing she was looking forward to. The ‘one thing’ is a bit of an optional word, because it was probably on a short list of must-have family traditions, like birthday pancakes and presents. Really, the nerve to have such high expectations (and insert other dismissive statements filled with sarcasm here). Long story short, I remembered in the middle of the night, and so enter us, stage right, perched in front of her door hanging streamers while Jamin threw balloons haphazardly into her room. She woke up and stared us down in her sleepwalk state while I pulled an awkward tuck and roll like a mutant ninja and Jamin stood stock still. Because hiding behind her dollhouse just wasn’t going to work for a 6 ft 2 man, and he momentarily forgot our daughter isn’t a t-rex.
My point? sometimes our life is a little awkward… okay. A lot awkward. And sometimes, while we do our very best to answer questions and emails, we can also stink at it just as much because we’re distracted by voms and streamers. Variety. Spice of life, and other clichés that fit the bill at the moment.
We had so much fun with our last session a few months ago, we thought it was time for another round. We love hearing from you. So if you’d like to say hi, want to know what a certain paint color is, or why our garage is still so messy… Ask away! Maybe you have a question you’d like answered, and maybe another reader has the answer – we know for a fact that you guys are more knowledgable than we are… we just happen to be the dorks with a website. So feel free to talk it up! We’d love to hear from you, and we’d love for you to hear from each other. It just feels like an end-of-the-week-festive thing to do. We’ll do our best to answer today, so without further ado… take it away!
TGIF!
Kyla F says
Hi Ashley, thank you for doing this again! I have two questions for you today:
1) What are some of your favorite pieces of scripture? I am trying to familiarize myself with new ones and I would love to hear your favorites!
2) Do you have any recommendations on online sources for discount fabric and craft materials? I am currently not working, aside from my Etsy shop, due to waiting for the next steps with my back injury, so my craft sourcing has fallen to the wayside for the time being. I have been creative and resourceful with what I do have, but I like to treat myself to new materials every so often.
Have a wonderful day! I loved reading about you and Jamin’s adventures in decorating for Emerson. Y’all seriously sound like great parents, from what I can see: you are doing a GREAT job. Pat yourself on the back, friend!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey sweet Kyla! Thanks so much for the kind comments the questions!
Hate me, but I’ve never been one for favorites…I think it’s all kind of how you’re geared and what appeals to you – As a whole it’s an incredible thing itself ;} but I do really love Psalm 139. I especially love the way it’s written in The Message. It’s a nice reminder, so say the least – when I get caught up in silly things. I just asked what Jamin’s is, and he said Genesis 2:25 – weirdo. ;}
As far as crafting resources, I love http://www.save-on-crafts.com and I usually just peruse the web for good prices on things like fabric. I don’t have one good source for discounts, I just keep an eye out for codes and discounts and free shipping. So sorry about your back! Praying for a swift recovery!
Kyla F says
Thank you, friend! I will check all of those out š
April says
You guys do a wonderful job of making your cookie cutter house look custom built. I was wondering how big is your house really? How many rooms do you have because it seems like it’s very big to me at least.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey April! It’s a 2300 sq foot home… We have four bedrooms – Our master, with its bathroom Emerson’s room, The boys’ room and the playroom (which is supposed to be the fourth bedroom but we turned it into a space for them, since we don’t have a bonus room.) Those three rooms share a smaller bathroom. Adding the back porch – turning it into an extra room has helped immensely. We have a kitchen, A dining room, and a laundry room. We’re very grateful for it all. Space is all relative, I guess! We’ve learned to be content where we are, even though once upon a time I wanted a larger home – I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this one. ;}
Anna says
Okay I’m asking-sorry if it has been asked before. How do you say Jamins name? š
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Anna! That’s actually a very popular question! It’s Jay-men. We get Hameen, Jasmin and Jammin a lot. Oh, and the other day on his coffee cup, it was Jaylen. ;} HA!
Fara Poe says
Not so much a q+a…I love your house, what you do to it to make it a home is beautiful.
And you are hi-lar-ious! Can we be friends :)? We’re neighbors (sortof), just an hour up the road!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe, Thanks so much Fara! Yes we can be friends because you’re really nice, you think I’m funny, and your name is awesome. Those are requirements I have for friends. You made the cut! Squeeeeeeeee! Seriously though, maybe we should have a meet up! That would be a blast! ;}
victoria g says
Hi!!
I’ve been thinking lately about how grateful I am for my little handful of sweet blogs that greet me in the morning and start my day out so happily! THANK YOU for that!!
That being said, what’s the hardest part of this gig for you? Always needing to have “new” stuff to share? Or finding the time to get it written up?? It’s such a taken for granted given to me that you guys are here regularly with wonderful stuff, but I know it’s a ton of work! Thanks again for sharing your talent with us.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Dearest Victoria – (because your name is so awesome, I think it’s only right to start with dearest based on your comment) You are the sweetest person ever. ;} No really. It just means so much to know that you actually read and know that it DOES take a lot of work! Thank you so so much for that! Thank you for your kind kind words. I realize that sometimes having a website may seem silly to some, but its actually become a full time job and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
I think that the hardest part, personally, right now in this phase of life, is being all that I need to be. It can actually be kind of exhausting, at the end of the day-sometimes it feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to do what I need to do. Honestly, home schooling has thrown a wrench in that, but my kids come first and it’s a blessing, too. It’s kind of awesome to get this time with them. I think I live in fear a lot that I’m not enough… that my kids will need therapy, and I struggle with guilt. It’s finding enough time in the day. that’s the hardest part. So I don’t cook. And right now, that’s okay. ;} Somethings gotta give. I always have ideas… I feel like I was meant to do this… it’s the time factor. ;} If God could just add like, three hours on, that would be greeeeaaaaaattttt. Just kidding. It would probably never be enough. So it is what it is and I make do! ;}
Heidi says
My question sort of piggybacks on this – how do your organize your blogging so you stay on top of things? You always have great ideas and posts with nice pictures and I’d love to know more about how you work things behind the scenes to stay on top of it.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey girl! I am just now seeing this – sorry.
While I wish I was more proficient in this, we usually know by the Friday before, what will be going up the next week on our site. Unless it’s a post that we planned as part of a series well in advance, or a sponsored post, we just schedule them out that Friday and work from there while staying flexible. To stay on top of it, that means that I usually end up working a little through the weekends. It’s the only way I can keep it manageable with three little ones and homeschooling right now. I’m usually armed with our planner, and a giant sketchbook, and it’s where I write those ideas down as they come to me, and where I try to keep them as organized as possible.
If we have something like a shoot that needs natural light for photos, then we plan around them for plenty of editing time, etc. But usually I’m so excited about sharing it all I will sometimes work at night until it’s finished. But depending on what goes up that week, we’re working on them 1-2 (usually the day before – because it’s a lot of posts in a week) days in advance. Is this clear as mud? Let me know if you have any more questions – I’ll be glad to answer them! ;}
Julie Owen says
I LOVE the free printables you do and share. Thank you. Question…I’d love to create my own quotes with fun backgrounds to use in my home. I am graphically inclined (with the eye; I work in marketing) but I don’t have enough knowledge in Adobe to make cool stuff. Is there some free program that’s easy to use you know of that would help me create these fun wall quotes w/ fun images/backgrounds? What do you guys use? Thanks so much!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Julie!
I’m probably the worst person to ask because I kind of stink at other ideas. We use photoshop and illustrator. Graphic design was my major, so it’s what I’ve always known, and all I will ever know… probably. I know that you can take online tutorials for these programs to help… I also know they are pricey, so if you’re an educator (know someone who is? – We just started home schooling and that counts- we just purchased the new versions. Or if you have a student… etc.) you can get them at a discounted price. I think that pic monkey is a great online resource, but it’s also limited in its capabilities. You may want to give that a whirl if you haven’t already.
It depends on the extent you would like to take this, but if you think you would seriously love this, I would absolutely recommend an online course and investing in these programs. They’re a real game changer for everything… I’d kind of be useless without them. I use them for everything. I do our website, so the graphics you see were created here by me. All the free printables as well. But I also use them for ‘silly’ things like birthday invites and things for other people like signs, logos, etc… It’s one of those why not? kinda things. And honestly, all the money we’ve saved by doing it ourselves has been worth the price of the program, so I think that’s the general idea… I think its all about where you want to take it. I hope that helps – I think it’s all about deciding what you want to do with it! ;}
ashley @ the handmade home says
I also wrote “I think” like fifty times in that one, so there’s that. ;}
Tania @ Run To Radiance says
Yay I love Q & A day! I would love to hear your thoughts on how to make an entire house feel cohesive. As you probably know by now we are remodeling a ton, and I want different “vibes” for some rooms- for example, I feel I can get a little moodier with the guest room, and want more calming for our own master. Yet I want the entire house to feel cohesive- even if I want some rooms to be painted white and some gray and some navy! š
Also- I’m going to my first essential oils party next week- are you all still liking them? What are your favorites?
Thank you! š
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Tania! That’s a great question. ;} I think one of the best ways to make your home feel cohesive is through color. You can have different styles throughout your home, but if you see subtle repetitious color, that’s the ticket. ;} I use a lot of the same colors, in different ways. The same white you see on our kitchen cabinets, is the white on our living room walls, is the white on Emerson’s bed, is the white on the boys’ dresser… you get where I’m going with it… Or the blue you see in our tree house is the blue on our coffee table, and similar to the blue in our playroom. You can even use one main color repeated a lot, and then bring in fun splashes of different variations throughout. I hope that helps a little? You can have all kinds of fun patterns and funky items, but as long as you bring in hints and touches of a unifying color in different ways… you’re golden. This has happened naturally over time for us, too, because we had leftovers sitting in our garage. ;}
I am still loving the oils! I am learning so much and still lack so much knowledge its kinda sad how green I really am, but right now I love love love breathe for the kids at night – our smallest has had some real sinus issues lately and that seems to be helping… and I love lemon for me personally. It gives me a boost of energy in my water, and helps fight anxiety – something I tend to struggle with personally – it’s kind of a big deal for me to have something that works so well. ;}
If you’re looking at getting started, the physicians kit is killer from doterra. WELL worth the investment. It’s a great way to mix them and try different concoctions. I have just kept adding to that one!
Allison says
Hello! Question/Advice…I have a dining room table that was my Grandparents and the chairs are thatch ladder back. The thatching is breaking and peeling up and I am over the dark wood color of it. Would you recommend painting the table/chairs (I’m iffy about it since they were my grandparents, nothing expensive but just memories)? Do you have any clue how I might go about changing out the thatch bottoms to cushions!? I haven’t really been able to find any inspiration and I am not all that creative on my own š
Thank you and LOVE your site!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Allison! I am a little hesitant to tell you to paint it… and I guess it all depends on your budget and what direction you want to take, but my first inclination is to look into having them restored. If your gut is telling you you’re hesitant and it’s a classic set, then don’t. The way you’re describing them sounds just gorgeous, and if they’re in pretty fair condition, the original look of that could be just gorgeous. Do you have a local person you could contact that does that kind of work? I would ask around, and get a few quotes… probably cheaper than buying an all new set but to have that original look restored… priceless. Probably not what anyone wants to hear… but I am just picturing it and it would be so pretty! Let me know what you decide to do – I’d love to know!
Bethany says
What do your mornings look like from the moment you get up? My oldest went to kindergarten this year but we are pretty sure that we’re going to homeschool next year. Our mornings currently look like this: 3 littles wake up, I get them dressed, get their breakfast for them and let them watch TV while they eat (terrible I know) while I get my bed made (it’s a compulsion) and get myself ready. And then we make a mad dash for the door.
Do you guys hit the ground running first thing with school? Do they watch TV at any point in the day? When do you get yourself ready?
Also, I’ve been wanting to start chores with them (they are 5 1/2, almost 3, and 16mo). Any recommendations on how to do that well? Where do chores fit in your schedule?
Thank you so much!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Bethany!
First of all, letting your kids watch television is not bad. Sorry it’s just not. It’s how we have survived. ;} Not that I always stick them in front, nor is it a lot of it, but some days, they get a movie and that’s okay. No need to say it’s terrible because I just don’t think it is. It’s reality. ;} You are my people.
On an ideal day, I wake up, and do a little work on the computer while Jamin does breakfast with them. They usually wake up before we do, so we let them play. They also get iPad/tv time if they want ;} By 8:00 – 8:30 we’ve started school. We usually stay in our pajamas because just want to get started. {You can see a little about a day in the life, here with that – https://www.thehandmadehome.net/2013/11/a-day-in-the-life-of-home-school-the-sonlight-curriculum/} if that helps. I usually get myself ready by after lunch – if I decide to (something I’m trying to get better at but it’s usually a yoga pants kinda day ;})
As far as chores, every day we clean the house before bedtime. It’s their number one job from playing during the day. They’re getting better at making their beds but the boys especially is a little difficult so most of the time, as long as it’s straightened, I let it go. Also, we’re working on everyone putting up their own laundry (see this post here for free labels ;} https://www.thehandmadehome.net/2014/01/how-to-organize-kids-clothing/) And they pitch in with the dog – keeping her fed/watered. Also, they clear the table after every meal. That keeps it manageable. ;}
Let me know if you have any questions – I hope that helps give you an idea as to what they’re responsible for! Thanks for the question!
Bethany says
I’m so glad you let your kids watch TV, ha! š You just made my day. I’m trying to break free from people pleasing and own the decisions we make in our family and not worry about what others think, but sometimes voices and opinions are so loud. I think that I’ve worried that if I let them watch a little TV at breakfast when we homeschool that it would make moving into school mode more difficult. It sounds like that hasn’t been an issue for you guys. Is that right?
Thank you for reminding me of the importance of living in freedom and that we will have the freedom to figure out what works for our family.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey girl! Absolutely. I struggle with the same thing. Working on it. ;}
Yes, TV/games in the morning is actually a good way, for us, to start the day. Because in a way, they have their free time in the mornings before we start, and they know that when that time is up, it’s up. They may get a little more time in the afternoons, if they work hard on school. But only after working hard and doing all their assignments. It’s like this little agreement we have, and it’s working. ;}
Do we still butt heads during school time? Absolutely. It’s not always unicorns and butterflies. But one day at a time. You can do it! – Major props to you for even considering it – you’ll be just fine!
Jennifer Baker says
Ashley,
Could you just come visit us out in California and tell me what to do with our house?
Y’all should come out for Pepperdine lectures and then do consultations all over campus.
Just kidding. (actually I’m not. Ok, I am. maybe.)
It is good to keep up with you after our move out here. So glad you do what you do.
(Jenn Baker- library volunteer last year)
ashley @ the handmade home says
You’re so sweet, Jennifer! We would come out there in a heartbeat! ;} Miss you guys! Hope it’s going well?
jen says
Hi Ashley! First off, thanks for your hard work on your blog and for sharing so much. Your site is always an excuse for a bit of ‘me’ time during the kids quiet time. š
So, we just moved and have been on a painting marathon, it seems. The house was stuck in the 80’s so we just had to revive her a bit with a makeover… we don’t mind old…just not a fan of the dark, dreary wood..as my aunt says ‘the wood has lost its sense of humor’. Anyway, one of our last projects to tackle is painting the main door…. they are french/double doors and the trim will be white… any suggestions on a fun color that is welcoming, cheerful, distinctive, but not too trendy? We need a color that can appeal to the masses as well, since we’ll have renters in the future when we move.
Our current colors in the rest of the house are BM Silver Crest, Chantilly Lace, Lucerne and Gray Owl and Clay Beige.
I’m burnt out on colors and painting and would love any sweet recommendations!
Thanks again, Jen
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Jen! It’s so hard for me to choose a color, sight unseen … for me it’s more about the feel of the space, and then choosing a color from there based on the colors you’ve already given… shoot me an email with a quick shot of the doors? I’d love to see them! [email protected] -waiting with my paint swatch deck! ;}
Sylvie says
Hi Ashley! I so love reading your blog. It’s such a great inspiration. I’m a homeschooling mom of two and just love it when you share about the joys and challenges of daily life …. and just never enough time. I am amazed at how you do it all! I loved your daughter’s room makeover… just precious! Afterward, i picked up a bottle of liquid gold….it’s still in my office waiting for me to do something fabulous! š I wanted to ask a few things- 1). Could you share some of your homeschool printables? 2.) How do you manage dinner time (do you cook every night?). Also loved your Christmas star garland….actually, I love it all!
Thanks for inspiring on so many levels!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Sylvie! Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s definitely a challenge but very rewarding. ;} As you know. Can’t wait to see what you do with that liquid gold! It’s addictive!
Which printables were you looking for me to share? I have some here ( https://www.thehandmadehome.net/2013/09/freebie-of-the-month-positive-printables/ ) and some with the free planner, here that are also usable for incentives and reading charts, etc. here ( https://www.thehandmadehome.net/2013/12/free-planner-calendar-2014/ ) Have you seen those? I hope this helps! These are the main ones that I use.
Actually, to make things manageable since we both work full time and I home school, Jamin usually manages dinner. It’s just something that has to give with me, so I have enough time to put out content. He enjoys cooking, and prefers it, actually. It’s just how we roll. Not to say I don’t help him when I can, but when the kids are hungry, they ask Daddy. We’ve been trying to eat better in general, so he’s been cooking a lot so we can expose our kids to different things. It’s how I’m able to do what I do, and it works for us. ;} That probably doesn’t help-But he’s actually very good at it and enjoys it! I have a lot of help to be able to do what I do. ;}
Jenny says
Hey Ashley,
Thanks for all the great content! Love reading about your family and all the great ideas. We currently live in a craftsman style bungalow and have a long narrow living room. I want a rug to go on the hard wood floors and love the look of a tan cowhide. What kind of rug would go best under that? A sisal- pottery barn type, or a pattern of some sort? I have a cream sofa and darker wood antiques. Will be getting a new chair and want a glass top narrow gold coffe table. Also want Chiangmai dragon pillows and some black and white art perhaps. Thoughts?
ashley @ the handmade home says
OOOO Jenny I like where you’re headed! I would probably lean towards a natural fiber rug like seagrass (we have a huge pottery barn one in our living room and it has definitely withheld the tests of time : see dog pee. and human pee. ;}) Or, a fat stripe rug underneath with something like tan/gold and white alternating… or some stripes that bring out the color in those pillows – that could also be a little unexpected and fun. Just a thought. Good luck rug hunting! It’s probably one of my favorite elements.
Charity says
You definitely made me chuckle on this one. Life can be crazy sometimes….in funny ways.
Ruth says
Love your blog Ashley and think it’s great you are taking time to respond to questions. My son and his wife are purchasing their first (teeny-tiny) house–very small/older ranch in Sarasota. It has good bones–nice oversized tile throughout and freshly painted neutral walls. They are asking for my help with furnishings/decorating because they know I am a DIY addict. They have purchased some great wooden pieces at second hand stores for painting…..they like blues and lime green shades. So, do you think it best to go with color on the wooden pieces and purchase neutrals in couch and chairs OR paint the wooden pieces white/cream and go for color in the overstuffed furniture??? They are ready to go to furniture stores to shop for overstuffed items, but are confused as to what to look for…..one more question. Do you think it is important that they shell out the big $$$ for a sofa, or can they go the Ikea route? Hope you can understand my babbling– I value your input–thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Ruth!
Thank you so much for reading. That’s a great question – I think it all depends on the pieces though. It’s so hard to give an all encompassing answer with this one without really seeing anything.;} I’ll tell you a few things I usually stick to, though.
Natural wood can be so beautiful, so I usually seek a balance of both painted and natural/stained woods in our home. If I piece can be restored, by all means, strip and re-stain. If it needs to be painted and can be given a fresh look with that, then a nice blue or green piece is oh so pretty.
Also, if you’re going to fork out money on a sofa, neutral is usually smart because pillows are inexpensive (relatively) to change out often. I would probably stay neutral with my main sofa, if I plan to have it for a while.
But a colorful piece like a stuffed chair or side sofa can be fun, too. It all depends on the price, their budget, and what they think they will still love ten years from now.
I usually save money for big purchases like a sofa, because I know they will last longer. If I love the shape of something (see: our chesterfield) and it’s classic – it’s worth spending money on. It’s something that can be re-upholstered down the line and will still be worth it, in my book.
I also know that the slipcovered sofa is super fabulously comfy from ikea, and they can wash the cover (if they want to deal with that.) There’s a lot of variables to consider… Kids. Pets. Location. Budget.
My point? I think a nice balance and contrast in both areas is always smart, so they can swap things out, switch rooms, and change things as their home evolves and grows with them. This is the way I always approach it. ;}
I hope that helps? Or is it clear as mud? ;} Looks like you guys are headed in a fun direction! Very exciting!
Jessica @ GG&G says
Hi, Ashley!
I have been really inspired by your “Lazy Gal’s Guide to Housekeeping” series. I feel like, for us, the #1 thing is to purge and organize. I certainly don’t want to keep clutter JUST because it’s organized. However, we don’t have kids with tons of crazy stuff to get rid of…no Happy Meal toys or outgrown clothes…so what do WE do. We both still work outside of the house so I need some like, “professional” clothes and my husband is a minister and works at a funeral home (morbid? at times) so he needs to have dress clothes ALWAYS, but also regular day-to-day clothes for, ya know, living. haha. I’m just kinda at a loss for what else to purge, but we still have TOO MUCH STUFF. Where would you recommend we get started and/or how did you figure out what systems worked best for you? We’ve tried to observe and figure out what was going on in our home as far as working/not working, but we can’t figure out how to fix it all.
We just sound undisciplined, am I right?! Haha. Anyway, I would appreciate any/all tips. š Thanks for doing this q+a! š