I love Ana White. To be more specific, I love Ana White's woodworking plans! Her plans are easy to read and easy to build - she lists it all out for you. Most of my furniture is from her website - www.ana-white.com. 

This dining room table and benches are from her website. Check out the plans here: http://www.ana-white.com/2012/11/plans/farmhouse-table-updated-pocket-hole-plans
I have a horrible habit. I love her plans so much because of the pictures. I'm a visual person. That being said, I'll read the shopping list, cut list, and then look at the pictures and build. If I get stuck on how to do something (since I'm still new at this woodworking) I'll ask my friend, or just guess (not the best idea). I should just read her site on how to do things.
​I LOVE how this table and benches turned out. I learned a lot of new techniques from it, and used tools I've never used before!

I did not know how to make 1.5 inch notches out of the 4x4. My friend told me I needed to chisel them out, so he came over to help. Thank you, C! He had to work harder though, because the only chisels I had were from my wooden spoon making kit. Tiny and not good quality. He didn't know till he got to my house. My bad. I bought a bigger chisel the next day to make it easier for me. Scotty loved helping! She is going to be a woodworker. :)

For the top, I used wood filler and a sander for the first time! It was easier than I thought! I always get nervous using new power tools because before my first blog post (the prayer board), I've never touched a power tool. Sander was easy and not as intense as I thought! I guess I was nervous I wasn't strong enough and I wouldn't be able to control it. It was easy! I bought the Ryobi brand, because the other Ryobi tools I have are great - I trust the brand. I also used Spax screws. They gave me samples, and I'm in love. I don't like pre-drilling, because I feel like it's a waste of time. Which it's not, because you need to do that so your wood won't split. I didn't know with Spax you don't need to pre-drill!!! What?!?! Why did nobody tell me?!? I'll be using Spax from now on! Oh, and thanks for the samples!  
I then made two benches. Of course, plans from www.ana-white.com -  
http://www.ana-white.com/2011/01/plans/farmhouse-bench

I wanted to make the benches before my daughters 4th birthday party, so I rushed in making them. I made a few mistakes ;), I fixed them though! 
Also, I didn't end up following Ana's plans. I made the top of the benches, just like the dining room table. I used pocket holes. Ana's plans for the farmhouse table started out without pocket holes, then she updated the plans with pocket holes. You just use the same technique as the table for the benches. I love pocket holes because it's a strong hold and brings the wood closer together, so I didn't have to use wood filler as much.

So happy with the end result. I love this table/benches! I bought the end chairs on sale at Target. Love love love it! Spent less than $200 on the table and benches. 

What do you think? Let me know! 

I do most of the furniture by myself, with the occasional help from a friend. This table was HEAVY. I got help from the niece, nephew, and son - Connor. Follow my snap chat to see what I'm working on! You'll see a lot of bloopers haha. 

Thanks again for checking out my blog! 


LOVE,

​KQL

One of the first things I built for the new house is my queen size headboard. I wanted a simple headboard that was durable and "farmhouse" design - so I put together this easy headboard! It took me less than an hour to build, and less than $50 (that's on the higher end). 

Supplies:

• 10 -  1 x 4 x 6 
• 3 - 2 x 4 x 6
• 3 inch. screws - heard of SPAX? They gave me samples and I LOVE them. No pilot holes/pre-drill. AMAZING.
• wood glue

This plan can be easily modified to have pocket holes - probably a better idea then my plans for a sturdier headboard.

My headboard is for a queen size bed. I cut the 1 x 4 x 6 to 64 inches; cut 2 - 2x4 to 57 inches tall. The last 2x4 I cut 34.5 inches. 

I glued all the 1x4s together, then put the two 57inch 2x4s on the edge, glued and screwed them to the 1x4. I screwed every 1x4 to the 2x4 - this is where the pocket holes would have saved time and be a better plan. Also, if you have a bed frame that you'll be attaching the headboard to, make sure the 2x4s are the right width apart. My frame screwed to the 2x4's with them on the edge. I then glued the last 2x4 in the middle and screwed to each 1x4. 

I stained the headboard to my favorite stain - dark walnut, then screwed the frame to the headboard and to the wall. 

Finished! What do you think? I used the extra 1 x 4 for the frames I made in my previous blog post - engineering print and wood frames. 

Excuse the garage mess, I built the headboard when I was living with my parents - I had to move all the kids and my stuff from Abilene to their garage. Didn't have much space to work with. 

Also, room is not finished! The side tables are not painted :) and I'll have more decor! Work in progress. 

What do you think?

Thank you for stopping by! Let me know if you built a headboard! I'd love to see it!


​KQL

What's one of the first things you buy when you move into a new house? Well, other than furniture, for me it was cleaning products. I'm a clean freak. I wasn't like this till recently. One cleaning product must is Goo Gone! Especially if you have kids! 

I bought new dishes, glasses, etc. and I hate when the label leaves a gooey residue! With Goo Gone, you just spray and wipe! It's that simple. I can't believe how easy it was! What I was even more impressed with was how Goo Gone takes off crayon from walls, stained wood, etc!!! Having a creative toddler, means messy walls, or dining room table! I had to test it out. For some reason I doubted it worked, I was very wrong! If you saw my snap chat (@kristi37), I sprayed and wiped in less than 10 seconds and it wiped off! 

Before (above) VS. After (below)

I found Goo Gone at Target in the cleaning product isle. It was hard to find, because I bought the last one and it was pushed way in the back. That's how popular it is ;). Thank you Goo Gone for sponsoring me, it's now must have product for me! I can't wait to try out their other products. Goo Gone is safe on carpet, finished wood, sealed stone, painted surfaces, glass, fabric, metals, plastics, and ceramic. I'm going to try Goo Gone on stains and see how well it works! I'll probably be surprised again - they haven't let me down! 

Let me know what you use Goo Gone on! This is weird, but Connor gets bloody noses once in a while and the other night he sneezed on the wall. Blood was all over and by the time I noticed it, we were going to be late to school so I left it. I actually left it for a few days, world's okayest mom, I know ;). I used a sponge to get it off, but it wasn't working, so I tried Goo Gone, It worked! Got the blood off the wall. Sounds bad that I had to get blood off the walls, but that's my weird/personal Goo Gone story for you. Again though, it worked very well!

Thanks for stopping by!

• Click here to check out their other products!

Thank you all!

KQL

I'm not a morning person. This back to school is extremely hard for me, especially since I've been a stay at home mom (temporary thing). I'm half asleep and my kids are asking a million of questions, what do I wear? Where is the toothpaste? What's for lunch? Are you picking me up? Are these socks clean? Did you sign that form? What's for breakfast? ....What IS for breakfast??!? Since we just moved into a new house, a lot of my cooking supplies are in boxes or storage. Okay, let's be real. That's just an excuse. I really don't function at 6:30 am and shouldn't be near a stove or oven. I want to give my kids something fast, tasty, and healthy. I'm the worst at deciding if something is healthy or not. I'm that one mom that's like, oh it has milk so it's good for them. Wrong. Brownies are not good for you. 
So what should I give my kids for breakfast?!? I tried a few things, but Connor is my health freak child. Is it weird when your 8 year old says, this has too much sugar? It's too sweet. What?! That's my kind of breakfast! Scotty on the other hand is like, can we add chocolate syrup?!? To compromise, I finally found a brand I really like! ​

Annie's Berry Bunnies is Connor's fav! He loves the flavoring of real fruit! What I like about this product is no artificial flavors, synthetic colors, preservatives, or high fructose corn syrup - Connor would know. Scotty's favorite is Annie's Cocoa Bunnies, probably because of the perfect amount of sweetness. The cocoa is made with Fair Trade, which helps provide sustainable incomes for farmers and their families - love that! Also, did I say they are certified organic? We miss our chickens in Abilene (gave them to a friend that has land), we miss the fresh eggs! Have you ever tasted fresh eggs? No added chemicals, fresh, etc. You can tell the difference. I love how Annie's has a "Certified Organic" label on the top, easy to spot!

Other quick, healthy, great tasting breakfast ideas - the oatmeal granola bars and strawberry yogurt. Scotty is a huge yogurt fan and the tubes are easy to open, eat, and dispose. ​

I pack Connor's lunch the night before - I make better decisions at night. Well, most nights. The cheddar snack mix is a must for lunches. Connor loves the mix! It's great in Annie's Tomato Soup too! Adds a great crunch! ​

Check out the video above :)

Thanks for stopping by!

​KQL

Our little family of three has had many problems with our skin. Both Connor and Scotty had extreme eczema. It was horrible. As a mom, it hurt to see my babies hurt. I'd cry knowing I can't do anything to take away their pain. People would stare, or ask what's wrong with your child? Nothing. Nothing is wrong with my child. When Connor was little, he was at a clothing store and everything he touched, a worker would spray something on what he touched. We've also had a caretaker say that what Scotty has is not eczema and that we need to take her to the doctor. At that time, we took her to two dermatologist, plus an amazing children's hospital - Cook Children's. Thank God that Connor and Scotty's eczema is healing. They still have flairs once in a while, but I know God will heal them.

I've tried many soaps/body wash for the kids, but there is only one that has worked. Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash. I love it. Scotty doesn't itch after her bath or break out in pain. When I heard that Burt's Bees has a sister company, Burt;s Bees Baby, a baby/kids clothing line, I knew I can trust their brand. They are big about organic, nature, chemical free products.  

With Scotty's skin so delicate, we have to really watch what touches her skin - from detergents, clothes, pets, etc. I buy non fragrant detergent, special creams, etc. Now I'll be adding Burt's Bees Baby clothing! The clothes are 100% organic cotton, pesticide free, and super soft! Scotty loves her outfits! It looks super comfy, I'm wanting an adult version ;).  

Check out www.burtsbeesbaby.com - Scotty is wearing some of their fall collection below. I love this collection! Loving the Poppy flower! They have cute baby bundles that would make a great gift! They even have a baby neutral category for the families wanting the gender to be a surprise! Check out their clearance too - I'm loving the crochet dress! Adorbs! Let know what you think! Send me/tag me on social media handles! 

Thank you Burt's Bees for sponsoring my post and thank you for caring for my family - nurture naturally, organic, and skin sensitive! 

Thanks for stopping by!

KQL

​"Baby you don't have to rush
You can leave a toothbrush
At my place
At my place
We don't need to keep it hush
You can leave a toothbrush
At my place
At my place" - DNCE

That song is so catchy! I love it! Of course, my first thought was, the place better be clean for me to leave my toothbrush there ;) kidding! But seriously, I'm always on the go - from hiking, sleepover with friends, or family. The thought of leaving my toothbrush out in the open where there are tons of bacteria, especially in the bathroom area, disgust me. I recently came across this product called IntelliDent Toothbrush Shield. It's great! 

It's disposable and effective up to seven days! The material reminds me of a surgical mask, which is great - breathable and quick to dry! It was easy to put on, my three year old can do it! 

One of my recent hiking trip was hot and humid. I used a plastic toothbrush cover and my toothbrush was moist the whole day. At night, I felt like I was brushing my teeth with mold. With the Toothbrush Shield, it's breathable and has been tested to have a 99.9 percent effective barrier against surface and airborne bacteria. 

My last sleepover was fun! My friend has a cute dog, but she sheds like crazy! With the Toothbrush Shield, I didn't have to worry about dog hair or any other things that shouldn't be on your toothbrush or in your mouth. 

With my kids going back and forth to their dads, having the Toothbrush Shield protects against germs in the suitcase or their backpack. 

Also, how gross is it to leave your toothbrush out in the bathroom where people pass gas. Let's be honest. You don't want to think about it, but it happens. Having the Toothbrush Shield helps clear my mind and protects our toothbrushes! Thank you!  

We love snapchat, selfies have been so fun! Scotty's loving her Toothbrush Shield, and this momma doesn't have to worry about airborne bacteria floating around! 

For more information about their product check out https://www.intellidentproducts.com/​

​**I was not paid for this review or endorsement. All opinions are honest and of my own.

Love,

KQL

Snapchat: Kristi37

'A diva is a female version of a hustler' - from Queen B herself. (Beyonce) Now I'll have that song stuck in my head. 

I asked a few girl friends what 'diva' meant, and here are their answers:

Eva: A diva is a queen.
Dianna: A diva is someone who lives elegantly/classy. Someone who lives in opulence. 
Christi: High maintenance.
Holly: a diva is someone who can't be bothered with common/ordinary things. She needs bigger and better.

I'm pretty sure they all were thinking about me when answering, well maybe not Christi! Just kidding! We all have an inner Diva, right? This blog is for the ladies haha. Sorry men, come back another day ;) or check out my other blog post. 

So heard about The Diva Cup? Bigger and better than tampons; lives elegantly/classy - non- ick alternative to feminine hygiene product; For Queens :) ; not high maintenance :)

I always call my period my monthly gift. My friend pointed out that she's glad someone thinks it's a gift. haha It is, but yes sometimes...you just want to punch someone in the face while eating ice cream and listening to Taylor Swift. okay, kidding! One thing that can help is The Diva Cup. I've used it for three menstrual cycles, and I love it. 

So a friend introduced me to The Diva Cup (they now sell at Target! Click here for store finder or you can buy it on their website). My first experience was very awkward. Just as awkward as writing a blog post about periods. Kidding! It went in easy (you just follow the instructions it came with), fold, insert, twist. The hard part was getting it out. I guess I didn't have it as low as it should have been, and I had a OMGosh moment. It ran though my head, what the heck! What am I suppose to do...am I going to have to ask someone for help? and WHO??!?! Don't worry, I got it! Phew. After that, I wanted to give up, but I didn't have tampons, so YOLO again. The next time, it was easy. Then the time after that, easy. The next month, I got it! I'm glad I didn't give up after the first try. I won't be turning back. I'm switching to The Diva Cup! Plus, long hiking trips planned? Yes, I can wear The Diva Cup for up to 12 hours! 

Other features:

• 12 hour leak-free protection!
• Made from the highest quality healthcare grade silicone to assure comfort and durability.
• Does not contain any of the following: latex, plastic, PVC, acrylic, acrylate, BPA, phthalate, elastomer, polyethylene, and free of colors and dyes.
• Reusable and eco-friendly – no waste, no chemicals.
• Features extra grip ridges for easier removal.
• Cleared for marketing by the US FDA and the Australian TGA and the only reusable menstrual cup allowed to be sold in Canada by Health Canada.
• Diva International Inc. is the only ISO 13485:2003 certified menstrual cup manufacturer and head office in the world!

 When on your period, how many times have you thought, did it go through my tampon? Or how many times did it go through? Embarrassing, but it's happen to all of us. With The Diva Cup, I don't have to worry about that at all. Sleeping over at a friends house? Diva Cup. Life changing. 
​
Okay, so what awkward questions do you have for me about it? I'm an open book. It's funny how my friend just told me about it randomly. It's great to have friends you can talk to about anything! You can also check out their website for questions and answers:

Be sure to check out their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

**I was not paid for this review or endorsement. All opinions are honest and of my own.

So Divas, wanna chance to win one? Enter below! To US and Canada Residence only. 

WE HAVE A HOME! Yay!!! Praying it all works out! So excited! I've been living with my parents for the past few weeks. It's been great to have such wonderful support. They love my kids and are great role models for them. As much as I love them, it'll be nice to have some space. They probably would say the same. I don't think they are use to stepping on Legos as much as I am. 

I have so many ideas for the new house. We won't move in till next month, but I've already started planing. I'm very frugal and since I sold most of my furniture from the divorce, I plan on making a lot of things. So get ready for DIY woodworking blog post! Yay! 

One future blog post is a DIY headboard. I can't wait to show you all, but for now, here is a DIY wood frame with these AWESOME 'engineering prints.'

In my future dining room there is this nice big wall space. I wanted to print a picture to fill that wall. Unfortunately, the size I want is very expensive to print on canvas, poster, etc. So I looked on Pinterest to get other ideas. I came across a blogger that used 'engineering print.' Check out her blog: http://www.chrislovesjulia.com/2014/10/honey-i-blew-up-the-kids-tips-for-making-engineer-prints-look-their-best.html.
​
I love it! I took three pictures from a blog photo shoot I had with the very talented, Jessie Goggans of Jessie Goggans' photography. 

I then changed the exposure and contrast, made the picture black and white and then uploaded it to Staples :http://www.staples.com/sbd/content/copyandprint/engineering-prints.html. The kids pictures were 18" x 24" and the family one is 30"x 42." I paid to rush the order (same day), because I'm impatient, but my total came to around $13 for three big prints!

I love it! To make an easy frame, I used extra wood I had from the future DIY headboard post. I used 1x4" wood slats. I'm not good at 45 degree angle cuts, so I just made the frame simple and easy. I cut four wood slats 16' and four 24." I then used wood glue and glued them together to make two frames. I stained the wood a dark walnut. After everything dried, I used a Kreg Jig clamp and Kreg Jig r3 to make pocket holes for a stronger hold. Lastly, I just turned over one frame, put the print on it, put the other frame on top and drilled them together using 1 and 1/4' screws. I can't wait to put it up in the new house! I'll have to update this post of the prints on the wall! 

God is great.

Thank you for stopping by, Come back to check out pictures when they are up on the wall :)

​KQL

I can't wait till our little goldendoodle is ready to come home! We've already gone to a few pet stores to prepare. I don't like clutter and mess, so I wanted a creative way to store dog food and have a raised feeding station. I looked up on Pinterest for ideas, then went to Walmart and Lowes for supplies! I first bought a storage container - 16 3/4" L x 11 1/8" W x 7 " H - 16 Qt. or 15 L. I bought a taller one at first, but didn't think about the food bowls sitting on top. I then went to Lowe's and bought 3 1x4x8 wood boards, 1/2 pint of wood stain (dark walnut), 2 count 2 inch. brass hinges, and wood glue. I had extra wood for the top (just a 4 ft x 4 ft wood board, I'd buy a small one that works for the top) and 1 inch. screws at home.

Measurements: I cut 9, 18 in wood boards with my Ryobi handsaw. I then glued the three wood boards together. These 18 inch W x 10.5 inch H will be used as the front, back and bottom of the dog food station. I then cut 6, 12inch. wood boards and glued them together. These will be for the sides.

Next, I had a wood board lying around so I cut it to fit the dimensions for the top - 18" W X 13.5" H. I measures the diameter of the food bowls, drew two circles, and then used my Ryobi scroll saw to cut them out. 

Next, I glued the box together using Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue. After it dried, I drilled screws to the front and back of the dog food station and storage. You can use drill pocket holes using a Kreg Jig R3 for a better bond. 

I then added the hinges to the top, and screwed them on to connect to the box. 

I made sure the storage container fit, then I stained the wood. I sprayed a clear protective coat in case our pup (or me) gets water on the wood. 

Have no clue what I did or what I'm talking about? Don't worry, Try one of these Home Depot Do-It-Herself classes: www.homedepot.com; July 21, 2016 there is a DOG FEEDER class!!! I wish I saw it before I built this ;). 

Thank you for stopping by!

KQL

I love animals! My first pet was Fender. Funny story how I got him. I'll have to share that some other day. Long story short, I hid him from my parents for a while because I wasn't allowed to have a dog, at least I think so. I just didn't ask. I lived by that saying, "it's easier to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission". I've also hid a sugar glider, kitten, fish, etc. Sorry Mom and Dad! :) Hiding Fender was the summer after freshman year of college and of course, they found out about every pet I hid. Years later, Fender was my partner in crime. He was my everything! He was with me through college life, heartbreaks, fun times, all the way through the birth of Connor and Scotty! They loved him! Unfortunately, he passed away due to old age this past year. Love you, Fender! We miss you so much!

My ex wanted a Doberman Pincer, but at the time, Connor was little and we lived in a small apartment. My co-worker at that time bred miniature pincers. I thought, how perfect! It's a compromise!  So on Father's Day (years ago), Connor and I surprised my ex with Concho. He is an amazing dog with so much energy and love! He is with my ex. I'm so glad the children still get to see him! We miss him! We have a framed picture of him here, and Scotty kisses it every night. 

I've always wanted a big dog, but timing was never right. Now that I'm staying at home with the kids, it's a perfect time to get a dog! When I woke up this morning, I had great news! My puppy was born!!! Everyone seems to be doing great! Exhausted, but great! 
Also, my parents know about him!! haha :)

So we are excited to announce, we will be getting a boy early September! The family that we are getting the dog from, is so sweet! The mom texts me immediately and you can tell the puppies are very loved! Their Facebook page is so cute, so much love. Check them out at Honey's Doodles! They are far from Austin, but worth it! I can't wait to hold my baby boy! Thank you Michelle! 

I need your help! Go to my Facebook page and comment on my post of Boy names! I need ideas! www.facebook.com/kristiqle 

Please and thank you!!

Love,

KQL

​Thank you for sharing this journey with me!