How to Get Your Family to do Dishes, And Be HAPPY About It

The other day, the man and I sat in bed discussing life.  You know DISHES.  How to do them?  He felt like the kids should do the dishes, and he and I should go for a walk together.  That sounded really nice to me, but it also sounded like a recipe for contention.  I contended that we should work together, and do the dishes as we had been.  But, truth be told, I was mostly doing the dishes, and the kids were lending a hand (here and there), while the man was looking at me, like...you shouldn't be doing all the dishes.

That wasn't really working either.  After much discussion and brainstorming, and some prayer, we found the answer.

The answer is this:  Are you excited?  Too excited?  You should be.

Okay, each night, a different person is in charge of coordinating the dishes for that evening.  What does that mean?  It means, they are the boss.  Usually, the boss is the one scrubbing dishes, but it can vary.  Anyway, the boss of the night hands out the assignments.  Clearing the table, sweeping the floor, wiping the table, putting away the leftovers, etc....  

Strangely, this method works like a charm.  No one complains, we all pitch in, we all work together, and I kid you not, it gets done in about 5 minutes.  And since we all have a turn to be the boss, no one feels picked on.  And, if someone feels like one person has it easy, on their day to be boss, they can remedy that.  But honestly, this has pretty much cured anyone of feeling like things are unfair.  We all work together, until it's complete.

Maybe the way you do dishes needs an overhaul?  Try this out, I'm pretty sure all your dreams will come true.

Creative Eye Thursday - Baby Says Sew

Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

The title of this book isn't lying.  There are 20 different patterns perfect for babies and great for your budget.  As I was looking through all the patterns, I silently lamented that no more babies are gracing our household.  Sad.  But, not I have a ton of ideas for my friends having babies.  

From toys, to diaper bags, to super hero capes...there's something for everyone here.  She even shows you how to make your own fitted crib sheet.  Whatever you are looking to make for your sweet baby, there's a pattern for it in here.  So many things, and so sweet.  Check out a number of her patterns below.  

And go here or here to buy the book.  You won't regret it.

 Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

 Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

 Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

 Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

 Martingale, 2014; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved

Herbs

Because I'm one of the nicest people in the world, I thought I would share with you one of my latest finds.  

The other day I was perusing the freezer aisle at Walmart, (not really my favorite place to peruse), but I came upon these little numbers.  What are they?  Herbs, all cut, and frozen to keep them fresh. They are in 1 tsp. squares, all ready to use.  To start out,  I picked up basil, garlic, and cilantro.  I seriously love fresh herbs, I don't seriously love picking leaves off stems, etc.  So, this was fun to find.

I used them yesterday while I was making dinner.  It was kinda awesome.  I just wish they had more herbs to chose from. I mean I love the basic herbs, but I promise, getting thyme off the stem is not a favorite of mine.  I want that next in the freezer section.  Check out your grocery store, and try it yourself.

You're welcome.

Creative Eye Thursday- No Review. Just a FREEBIE.

It's supposed to be a book review day.  But my life hasn't allowed such a thing to happen.  It's the end of our school year, and I have a few fairly large deadlines looming.  

Something has got to give.

Instead, I'm going to share a little something I made last weekend.  Using some Groupon purchases from awhile ago, I needed to order some canvas prints.  I had one more left, that I didn't know what to do. So, I made this little number. 

 I LOVE this quote from Mother Teresa.  Long ago I remeber someone speaking about how we should never let another's behavior determine our own.  If your neighbor is grumpy and mean, don't let that stop you from being happy and welcoming.  For some reason, that idea stuck with me.  I never want another's issues to become my issues.  Teaching this principle to my kids has been a little bit of a challenge, but it is so true. My behavior, my kindness, my love…are all determined by me, I get to decide to follow my Savior's example, and act the way I should.  Someone else's bad day should not affect mine.

Maybe, just maybe, this little quote will touch a heart in my home.  Change an angry word, to a kind smile.  Inspire courage. Or kindness.  Here's hoping, I need all the help I can get.

Want your own print of it?  You're welcome to it.

Here's the .jpg.

And if you want to mess with it on photoshop, here's the .psd.

 (I may want to mess with it more if I was designing for a different room, or had more than 5 minutes at a time).

***You may use this for PERSONAL USE, any business uses need to be cleared with me.

Winners....Announced!

What a delight it was to introduce my little block.  It was even more fun to read about everyone's favorite foods.  I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people have some of my favorite foods.  Pizza, raspberries, cheesecake, fresh baked bread, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, berries, tacos, and more.    I seriously just love food.  I'm a big fan.  I wish I was one of those people that didn't love food, but I do.  It's a serious love affair.

So, onto the winner.  We have one winner of the magazine, and one winner of the goodies.  Are you ready?  I know the anticipation is killing you.  Right?  I wish.  

Okay, here it is.

The winner of the magazine is:

Mine is Pepsi and Chips. Shame on me but it is my treat and something that I crave which is a substitute for chocolate.I love your block and really appreciate showing us different placements as well as color options. This really helps as you can see how this block can look. Thank you for being a part of the QM's 100 Blocks, Volume 11 blog tour and all of the goodies we could win.

Sandi Timmons

The winner of the other quilting goodies is:

Deborah DeBerry

Really like your Broncos Star. Love HSTs. Food wise, head spinning, to pick just one something, it would be Hershey Kisses. 

Thanks everyone for making your comments.  It really was so fun for me.  Follow my blog, for other fun giveaways, tutorials, and tips.  For the winners, please contact me at mamabisel(at)gmail(dot)com with your information so we can send you your items.  Congrats.

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour...it's TODAY!

Welcome! Welcome!  What fun it is to be part of the blog hop for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour.  We've had a pretty exciting week, with lot of giveaways, and beautiful blocks.  I have loved getting to know some of these designers better.

Today I get to introduce my little block. Broncos Star.

I love to make quilt blocks that can be totally different depending on color choices, and changing the value placement.   So, let's see what this block would look like another way.  Here's orange and blue with different placement.

Or maybe put together a quilt of all different things?  I love all the possibilities.  So, do you like the modern colors, or do you long for something different?

maybe something like this

I can see some really cute appliqué to go with this as well.  We all have different styles when it comes to quilting, and that's why I like quilt blocks that anyone use for their own style.

But for the fun stuff....

the giveaway

Today, I'm giving away a magazine.  

And some more little goodies.....

{my book, a little charm pack, and thread}

how to enter?

Leave a comment (here on the blog),  and share your very favorite food. (mine is chocolate)

For an extra chance to win...head on over to my Facebook page, Milk and Honey Designs, like my page...and comment with your favorite food, and you'll get another entry.  

You know you want to. Just do it.

Make sure you check out the other blogs on the blog hop today, it will be a blast.

TOMORROW....it's my turn.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow...I finally get to show my little block.  There are tons of fun blocks in this issue.  Be sure to go get a copy today.  Or come back tomorrow for a chance to win a copy of your own.

It's here.

Blog Tour starts today.  My own little block doesn't make it's entry into the blogosphere until May 7, but check out the link, and enjoy all the fun.  There's give aways, and goodies, don't forget to enter for your chance to win.

Go here to find the schedule.