StC: The Clean Sweep

I don't know about you, but this is totally what I look like when I clean my house...NOT!!! When you are short on time, and people are on their way over, you just can't do a deep clean. However, you can take about 15 min. to spruce up your house, without feeling like your guests are walking into a pig sty. Here are four simple steps to what we call at my house...

"The Clean Sweep".

1. Enlist Troops.

My kids are awesome at our clean sweep. They get really into it, and help put away quite a few things. When they know that they are your "helpers" and maybe that they'll even get a "treat" at the end, they are absolutely on board with the idea!

2. Set a Timer.

When you know that you only have a certain amount of time to complete a task, there's something about it that presents a fun challenge. It also limits you to spending hours on something that you know you don't have. For me, it allows me to get the task done, without feeling overwhelmed by it. It also helps the kids feel like it's more of a game. Depending on the chores, we usually make it a tangible goal of 5 or 10 min. Sometimes, we'll add 5 min. and make it feel part of the game. I'll announce, "We've just been given an additional 5 minutes! Hurry, there's not much time left!!"

3. Focus on the Eyesores.

Clearing tables, making beds, and putting away toys are all basic things that don't take a ton of time, but really add to the cleanliness factor. By having less clutter, and more things put away, there is a more spacious feel to your home. People might not see the dust bunnies hiding under the bed, but they'll notice how nice the bed looks made up. Same in the kitchen...it won't matter if the dishes in the dishwasher are dirty, if the table is cleared off. Stack the dirty dishes that won't fit in the dishwasher in the sink, and rinse them. That way at least the table is wiped down and looks presentable.

4. Clear the Clutter

Go through your house with a large basket. Put everything that needs to be put away in the basket, and then put the basket somewhere out of sight. That way, you can go through later, and put it all where it goes, but for now, you've straightened the area where your guests will be.

What are your cleaning secrets? I can always use the help!

StC: House Warming

One element of design that can instantly add warmth to your home is candle light. Whether you group candles together on a simple tray, or have them placed intentionally around your home, they give such warmth and elegance to your home.

Whenever I want my house to feel more like a home, I go light my candles. Or if it's a nasty day, full of cold rain, and blustery wind, I light my candles. If my kids are around (which is always) they always ask if they can blow them out. I have to keep them from making wishes to be able to keep my candlelight!

*Make sure if you use them at your dinner table you use unscented!

StC: Give Away Winner...

The Homeward Bound giveaway goes to...

Connie!!

You will have so much fun with Laura Redd. She will reinspire your home in amazing ways! Thanks so much for celebrating with me this week, y'all. Can't believe that we only have a few more days until Thanksgiving!

StC: A Few of My Favorites

There are so many things that come to mind when I think about what "home" really means. But more than anything else, it is the shared experiences that we celebrate there. And being together, is always accompanied by eating good food. We like planning menus, fixing it, baking together...we'll even be at one meal, and before you know it we're planning the next! And, when it comes to Thanksgiving, I don't really feel right without having at least 3 pies as dessert options. I'm so embarrassed, but that really is the truth. Usually, I make a pumpkin and a chocolate pie, and my sister makes her pecan pie...so so good. Here are our beloved recipes! (You still have time to add at least one of them to your Thanksgiving day line up...maybe all three!)

Chocolate Pie

(recipe makes 2 pies)

2 deep dish pie shells

3 c. sugar

1/2 c. cocoa

1 stick butter

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 lg. can evaporated milk

Mix sugar, cocoa, butter and eggs together. Beat lightly. Then add vanilla and evaporated milk. Beat together. Pour into 2 unbaked pie shells. Bake at 350 for an hour.

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

(recipe makes 2 pies)

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. cloves

(hint: you could always use 2.5 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice to simplify the spices)

4 large eggs

1 (29 oz.) can pumpkin

2 cans evaporated milk

2 unbaked deep dish pie shells

Mix sugar, salt, and spices in a small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shells. Bake in preheated 425 oven for 15 min. Reduce temperature to 350 and bake for an additional 40-50 min. or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hrs. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

The Far Superior Pumpkin Cheesecake

(adapted by Smitten Kitchen)

Pecan Pie

Ingredients

1 c. white corn syrup

1 c. dark brown sugar

1/3 tsp. salt

1/3 c. melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs

1 c. heaping whole pecans

Directions:

Combine syrup, sugar, salt, butter & vanilla. Mix well.

Add beaten eggs.

Pour into 9” unbaked pie shell.

Sprinkle pecans over all.

Bake at 350˚ for 45 mins.

Cool and top with whipped cream or ice cream.

And since the first two recipes make two pies, you can always use one to bless your neighbors! They'll appreciate it...I promise. :)

StC: A Sale I Have To Tell You About...

Ok, I'm really trying to not break my rule of waiting to celebrate Christmas stuff. But I had to tell you about this...because the sale ends this Sunday!!! I have several things that are 30% off right now at our online boutique. Go shop and let me know what you need! And, personally, gifts truly do make my home more cheerful, so technically, it's still "something to celebrate". (i know, it's a stretch. lol)

Here's a sneak peek of what's under $15 with this sale...

mini market tote

long hammered necklace set & earrings

faux pearl bracelet

camo carry all

black & white dot carry all

And, let me just say, that everything you see is even cuter in person! If you haven't registered under my sign in code, make sure you do that first! Then, proceed to shop...even in your pjs and slippers! I love online shopping.

StC: A Simple Shoebox

There are lots of ways that as a family, we can become more thoughtful, and more thankful at this time of year. However, one tradition, that we try to do every year is a Shoebox Gift. We head to Dollar Tree, and each of our kids, gets to pick out a few things to put in "their child's" box. They even have the shoebox size tubs that you can purchase there. (That's always helpful, because my kids always want to get a ton of things, and I say, "we can only get what will fit in your box.")

My daughter usually does a box for a girl in her age group, and my son does the same. We talk about how this child on the other side of the world is just as special as they are. Just as loved. Just as precious to the Lord. And what a gift that we can bless them with a fun present filled with goodies and treats. That this might be the only gift they get for Christmas. And, they begin to see how much they truly have. They piece together in their little minds what is taking place with a simple shoebox.

I don't know if you've seen this yet, but Southern Gal had this video up on her blog yesterday. I almost skipped watching it, being in my usual hurried state of life. But, miraculously enough I stopped, and took a few minutes to watch it. I'd encourage you to do the same...

I think what hits me the most, is that if all my kids got for Christmas was a pair of shoes, they'd be so disappointed and almost insulted. Not because they're just ungrateful kids, but because their Christmas list is comprised of things like An American Girl Doll, and new lego sets. We have so much. So much, that even as I type I think about how much I complain on a daily basis about what I don't have, and how dare for one second should I ever doubt His love for me. But, because of our culture, and because of our life style, a simple pair of shoes, almost seems like nothing.

But, this simple pair of shoes, brought one little girl to know the power and love of God. And that is something absolutely amazing. That He brought her exactly what she needed, in the exact moment she needed it.

Just think if we each did one shoebox. If we each took a few minutes out of our busy lives, and took the time to think about that child on the other side of the world, who might only get that one gift for their entire year. Just think.

Check to see where a drop off location is close to you. If you're local, and interested in putting one together, I'll even volunteer to take your box with me this Sunday. Just email me, and I'll get it from you, and take it with mine. This is the last week to collect them.

Linking up to Imperfect Prose and Simple Pleasures.

StC: Simple Centerpieces

One thing that I enjoy creating are focal points in a room. And, to do that, centerpieces come into play. Whether it's for an event, or just your family, there are plenty of places to have centerpieces in your home. Definitely on your dining room table, but also, on your front porch, or possibly in your foyer, on your mantel...wherever you feel there needs to be a splash of color and life. These DIY projects are eco friendly, inexpensive, and YES, BEAUTIFUL!

Two words when thinking about simple centerpieces: fruit (and) foliage.

Fruit

Instead of hiding all your produce away, find ways to use it as decor! You can get clear vases or bowls for only a couple bucks and fill them with an arrangement of seasonal fruit and veggies. Even if you put them in a dish or bowl you already have, it's still a great way to bring color into your home.

Foliage

A lot of times when I don't have the money or time to go buy fresh flowers, I'll grab an array of branches from the yard, choosing a variety of textures and colors.

Of course, I'm spoiled, because our local Farmers Market is only about a mile away from my house, and I can go grab beautiful bouquet like this one for $5 on any Saturday of the year.

Combination

I love mixing fruit and foliage together. It looks so lush! Here are a couple examples of using the two together. And it's actually really not hard! Just layer, switching from branches, to fruit mixed in here and there.

These look so extravagant, and look at those colors!!!

Here's a fun link for 20 5 min. centerpieces! Go be creative, and see what you come up with! What are some of your favorite centerpieces? It's definitely a way my house feels a little more like a gift to me.

Linking up to Tuesdays Unwrapped. Go visit to see other great celebrations!