potty like a rock star

All you need buy are these 3 things: 

Fabric- I got my mine from here it's a durable duck cloth and was $10/yard.

Tension Rods- you can get them anywhere from Amazon, target to walmart.  They're spring tensioned so they'll fit to whatever width you're trying to cover, just be sure to measure your width and to get the right one as they come in size ranges. Since they're hardly visible I got the least expensive ones I could find. I think they were around $4 a piece.

Fray Check - this is the easiest way to ensure the edge of your fabric stay put and won't come apart over time.  Just follow the instructions on the bottle.

I measured the distance between the two walls added a half an inch on either side and hot glued both sides under so that it looked finished.  I then hot glued it to the top rod, figured out the placement for the bottom one and then hot glued that into place as well.  This by far has been the quickest, cheapest, and easiest room transformation.  The simple awning balance completely changed the look and added so much character to their little bathroom!  This can all be done in under 25 min and under $25 bucks!  Simple, affordable, and fun!  Can't wait to see how cute yours turns out!

The Struggle Is Real

You are more than your failures just as I am more than my millions of FAILed moments, countless FAILed pregnancy tests, hundreds of FAILed unfinished projects and at least a dozen FAILed diets.  For those who assume I don't keep it real on social media... I would agree to disagree.  This is my backup memory, and as we all know memories are selective.  So why not be SELECTIVE on something so personal yet so public?  Oh I have documented my failures 😂 but that's not where my heart wants to stay.  Sad moments are often much harder to forget than than happy ones are to remember.  So as I remember selective bits and pieces I want to look back here and see a whole reel of highlights.  I believe there is wisdom in putting your best foot forward especially in front of the world.  I believe in seeking light, shining, and then rekindling that light in those around us.  You attract what you reflect and I choose brighter, sunnier, baby filled days that I hope are in our future.  So until then I'm going to try to pick up a mess behind my kids before I post a photo and wipe the food off our faces before we smile for one... At least most of the time. 😜  Not because I'm trying to be someone I'm not but because I'm trying to be who I feel I should be.  Call me old fashioned but I believe there is no greater title than that of womanhood, and 

• I don't believe it suits us to put ourselves down in order to be likable or real. I

believe w

• e are all stronger than the struggles we face, the comparisons we make, and standards we set for ourselves based on our society, circle of friends, or news feeds.  So next time a

friend posts a picture of the creative bento box meal, the amazing party she threw, or how put together her family is... remember that what took her hours you may have haphazardly thrown together in two minutes.  Neither of your accomplishments are better or worse than the other's, they're just different.  Beautifully different.  Neither is a rose prettier than a tulip.  If blooming next to one another I doubt either flower would compare itself to the other, they would just bloom right where they are, as unique as they are, in the space they were given.  Those who spend time on things that we wouldn't don't have more time than we do, it just means they prioritize their time and show their love differently.  We are all doing the best we can with what we have.  Join with me, @todaysthebestday & other real women as we acknowledge our need to stop conforming to society's pressures and celebrate our differences.  I appreciate and marvel at every post I see of yours.  May we choose optimism over comparison.  We are enough.  💛

Come uplift and inspire the women you know, the struggle is real, but we're all in this together.  Grab your printable below:

Back To School Printable

These little printables would be cute attached to any bagged cookies!  No I did not make these gorgeous ones... and now that we have a Kneader's close by I didn't even attempt to!  For all my domestic friends with time you can make them, but if you're running short on time and domesticness as of late like me :) you can even get a yummy one at Chickfila, Panara Bread, or Subway too!  Their teachers loved them and I'm sure your kids' would too!  Happy New School Year Friends!  Wishing you and your little a fun start on the right foot!  🍎📚✏️

They see me Rollin'... they Apron - GIVEAWAY

Just because you guys are the sweetest family & friends ever... all you have to do is leave a comment here naming a single item you'd like from www.crazydogtshirts.com and you can earn an extra entry to win one of these aprons!  I love mine and haven't a doubt you, your friends and family will get a kick out of it too!  See my Instagram for all the deets!  Good luck friends! 

follow in His footsteps

Heat a ceramic bowl or dish in oven or microwave on high for 1 min.  The heat will last & melt undersides of the mini Charlie Chews perfectly!

Hold just long enough till the bottom is melted and stick it right on the cookie!

Press the "buckle" balls right in!  

Tada!  Easy peasy.   There you have your very own Birkenstock sandals cookies!  

I made these as handouts to coincide with today's lesson in church found here. I placed several paintings depicting Christ's life around the room with descriptions of what He did over them (ie: learning carpentry from his father Joseph, healing the sick, raising the dead, telling truthful stories/parables, feeding the hungry, leading by example, rebuking sin, comforting the weary, being baptized, atoning for ours sins, etc.)  You can spread out lots of different types of shoes which they'll walk by on their way to choosing which picture they want to stand under.  I then walked around the room pointing to each and asking how we may find ourselves in "shoes" similar to those He wore by being in similar situations.  Whether helping those in need, being baptized, being teachable, leading by example, telling the truth or standing up for what's right, we can always emulate and follow in the footsteps of our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ.  Even though we often times fall short, by putting ourselves in other people's shoes we can better understand the perspective of others and love them more fully.  

I then pointed out the different types of shoes there were; most were for everyday purposes, some were for work, others had been worn on perilous persuits, others were more glamorous, athletic or just down right unfortunate looking and looked like they'd perceived by some to be better suited for the trash.  I told them the importance of not judging unrighteously even if you've walked a mile in someone else's shoes.  I explained that throughout our lives we will need to figuratively wear many people's shoes, some of which may require hard work, effort, humility, stature, humor or patience.  

"If we follow in [the Savior’s] footsteps, we can live by faith rather than by fear. If we can share his perspective about people, we can love them, serve them, and reach out to them—rather than feeling anxious and threatened by others." Spencer W Kimball

The following image has been formatted to print on a standard sheet of paper.  

Quick Father's Day Gift Idea!

For a quick instructional video visit:

www.instagram.com/shavonneupdike

New Year - New You - Swimsuit Giveaway!

Sun happens.  While it's amazing, brilliant, and glorious it also brings truth to the statement that too much of a good thing isn't always best.  Which can become rather worrisome seeing as our daughter is allergic to commercial sunscreens and breaks out in rashes and hives that can last for weeks from a single use.  Sunscreens are supposed to be safe right?  Unfortunately in most cases those chemical laden bottles touting to be "all natural" wander far from the truth.  Have you ever seen what it does to women's painted or acrylic nails, or to the elastic in swim suits or rubberbands?  Yikes.  I'm no rocket scientist but judging by how quickly it degrades sound substances I'd rather not slather our bodies' largest organ with it, literally forcing it into our pores and bloodstream in mere seconds.  Nah.  There's got to be a better way and along the way, as many of you our friends and family know we've been trying to bring another little into our family for years... and have such met with countless doctors almost everywhere... spending thousands of hours and dollars learning about health.   Along this journey we have been warned of the danger of the ingredients in typical sunscreens and have since tried dozens of different brands of sunscreens which can't seem to stand up to the tried and true method of physically blocking out sun rather than relying on chemicals to limit exposure.  Living in one of the sunniest places on Earth we realized we needed to try and find another solution.

After many unsuccessful internet searches and returning from multiple shopping trips empty handed when trying to find long sleeved SPF rashguards... not to mention easy to take on and off via the zipper,  with timelessly adorable styles... matching bottoms and cover ups?!  ... I was instantly smitten when I saw these on Sharktank.  Which is the only show we ever watch, when we can find the time, as the kids enjoy watching it along side us.  We love trying to guess who will get deals, shaking our heads at how uncongenial "Mr Wonderful" can be, and clapping for those with amazing ideas and inventions.  Needless to say when I saw this adorable mom and skin cancer survivor Betsy Johnson introduce her line of protective swimwear called SwimZip I fell head over sunny heels in love with it all.  So what are the odds that not knowing any of this that she would've wanted to team up with us?!  I don't know how the stars aligned just right but I'm so glad they did, as it's now giving two of our friends the opportunity to try these amazing creations for themselves! 

They make adorably protective swimwear for women, children, and men and are currently updating their looks for this coming season!  Be sure and check out their cuteness at swimzip.com, follow @swimzip and @shavonneupdike on Instagram, and tag a friend(s) who you think may like to try them out for your & their chance to win any suit combo or item from their site!  Two winners will be selected at random and will be announced on our Instagram account tonight... at Midnight!  I promise I'll keep my narcoleptic self awake till then!  Ha!  Here's to a New Year!  A New You!  And A New Suit for you or someone you love!  Share goodness friends!  Happy New Year!

It's E-W-F-I-A! No L cause L's are EW!

Elfia obviously knew how much our littles loved Jimmy Fallon's EW! episode when he had Taylor Swift as a guest... 'Cause they were so excited to see Elfia dressed as SARA!  Hopefully yours will be too!  

The following pic is formatted to print on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper...and yes in the spirit of Christmas Elfia even turned Taylor Swift's pegicorn into a reindeer.

Merry Christmas friends! 

Haven's Bedroom Makeover

We are so excited to officially announce that Haven's Bedroom is finally finished!  It went live on Mom's Best Network's Website last week so we're posting it on here for our family and friends to see!  You can view the original giveaway posting here and the official reveal here.

It's been a labor of love and a great excuse for a lot of family time working in one room together!   Plus working with the specified products included in the giveaway almost felt like a reenactment of the TV show Chopped... but with a home edition twist, as we had the 8 items to work with and got to make them our own.  I also learned that my husband Greg has mad carpentry skills as he built the a couple things I dreamt and sloppily sketched up (ie. the Monogram Abacus and Jumbo Peg Board Shelf).  I'm so proud of him!  That boy never ceases to amaze me with what he can do in the zero free time he has.

Haven wants to be a teacher when she grows up so we anchored the theme around that combined with the midcentury modern bed from Newport Cottages here.

We put together this spin on a modern reading chaise lounge and posted a tutorial here.

We hired Jeremy Marks with Absolute Flooring to come in and do a wide planked natural hardwood floor to accent the rug, bed, and accessories.  They did an amazing job as always.  I love how the tones in the floor warm up her room.

 Jumbo Peg Board Shelf Wall Art - yeah babe!

 Taking a celebratory soar over her floor!  She's one happy girl!

  LOVE this nod to a vintage alarm clock by Edifier that is iPod compatible you can view it here

Going modern I wanted keep the window treatment and art as simple as possible while also framing the window.  2 of the prizes won were an ampersand from Junk Art Gypsyz and four wood letters from Sweet Grace Art.  So to keep things simple I thought it would be fun to combine the theme, marquee lights and letters.  Thankfully we were lucky enough to be able to have the vendors make them to the exact specifications so we could combine them into one whole fixture on our own.  So the center 5 letters (LIGHT) were made by Junk Art Gypsyz and the letters by Sweet Grace Art we just cut wood to match and then painted and attached the letters.  

The window treatment itself I felt just had to be the epitome of mid modern with none other than a simple roller shade with a touch of black and white pom pom fringe for a pop of girlie flair.  We also had our favorite handy man Jim Ash make a simple custom wood cornice to hide the components.

Who loves her new room?  

HAVEN DOES!!!

 It's a good thing she LOVES reading... she just wrote out her Christmas list and guess what she asked for?  Chapter books!  I'm like seriously?!  Happy mom right here!  Love this little book worm!

 We are also the biggest fans of this amazing Beckwith FAN by Fanimation.  You can view it here.

It has all the bells and whistles including a remote and seriously turns a lot of air despite its size and sleek look.  

While looking straight at the window I love that the stripes almost read as a valance up top and panels with the lined books... in a FUNky way, as they frame the window.

 This fun first lessons in penmanship enlargement and vintage hangers were a gift from a good friend Teresa Anderson.  You can view her adorable blog here.

 We got the lockers from Sandusky though after shipping and handling you can probably get a better deal at PotteryBarn Kids especially being Cyber Monday!  With their 20% off today.  SCORE!

I wanted the wall to be triangled, textured, and monochromatic so I came up with this idea... and although it's not perfect... we love it!  So if anyone's interested I'd be happy to explain how or post a tutorial on how we did it. I won't however volunteer to ever do it again. :) Just lmk if you're adventurous and would like a DIY in the comments below.

 We scored these vintage school desks that we had painted and turned into night stands.  We found them at a Treasure Trove in Scottsdale.

 I was emailed the file for the map from The Rusted Arrow, which I had enlarged and attached to a simple roller shade from Ikea to achieve the pull down map look that is so nostalgic of my elementary school days.  I bought the yellow felt garland from the blushing fig.

 We were mailed the three lower prints on sheets of paper which I mod lodged onto pieces of wood that I cut to size and also drew an arrow to complete a square vignette to complete the bathroom space.

We're also loving the Triangle Toilet Paper Holder... with TP this plentiful it makes refilling new rolls a breeze!

 Had to add the fun awning to keep the bathroom from yawning.

She absolutely loves her lockers and so do we!  As digging through drawers isn't exactly Haven's favorite thing to do... now she can see where all of her shirts are without digging!  Fingers crossed that she keeps it this organized!  Three weeks and counting.  YAAAAAY!  Happy Mom moment!

A heartfelt thank you to ALL of you who made this possible by voting for our Haven to win!   Especially Mom's Best Network for hosting such a fabulous giveaway.  

Here are the links to where we got everything!

Items included in the giveaway:

1. London Pendant light from Bratt Decor

2. Skoope Home modern art prints

3. Custom bedding and pillows for a kids space from New Arrivals,Inc

4. Devon twin Bed from Newport Cottages

5. Jagges Yellow Striped Capel Rug Available at Layla Grayce
6. Marqee Letters from Junk Art Gypsyz

7. Black and White world map from the Rusted Arrow

8. 4 Wooden letters in various sizes from Sweet Grace Art

All other items used in the room space:
Retro Industrial Light/Fan - fanimation.com
Vintage iPhone/iPod compatible Alarm Clock - edifier.com
H Monogram Abacus - Updikeupdates.com
White polkadot sheets - polyvore.com
Retro Rccollershade – blinds.com
Pom-Pom tasseled fringe – Joannfabrics.com
DESK ACCESSORIES-Mid-mod Desk – wayfair.com
Mid Mod chair – dotandbow.com
Hanging Cups (on Pegs) - Potterybarn.com
Jumbo Peg Shelf Wall Art - Updikeupdates.com
Pencil Sharpener- Amazon.com
Test tube Desksessory holder – target.com
Modern washi tape holder – updikeupdates.com
Scrabble pieces – joann.com
Polkadot stapler – hobbylobby.com
Modern wood tape dispenser – target.com
Children’s cash register/calculator – ikea.com
CHALKBOARD AREA-
Felt Ball Garland – theblushingfig.com
Chalkboard-amazon.com
Bulletin Bar – Cork – amazon.com
Map Rail ClipChalk Eraser – Melissa & Doug
Chalk bucket – Target.com
Roller Shade (holding map) – ikea.com
LOCKER AREA-Lockers – sanduskycabinets.com
Gold and white scratch off globe was dotandbo.com
Chalkboard Globe - drexelheritage.com
“Dreams Don’t Work unless you do” Art – Homegoods.com
Arrow Jewelry Holder – Hobbylobby.com
Bathroom Essentials Containers – HomeGoods.com
Triangle Towel – myurbanchild.com
Personalized Polkadot Bath Towels – Potterybarn.com
“Think Happy Be Happy” Art Work – HobbyLobby.com
you are loved + arrow print – skoop home + updikeupdates.com
Black and White Stripe Canopy – updikeupdates.com
CLOSET-Wooden Arrow - updikeupdates.com
Shoe locker – ikea.com
Pendant light in closet – lowes.com (polkadots added by updikeupdates.com)
“Lessons in Penmanship” Art Work and Vintage Hangers – andersonseven.typepad.com
Adhesive Chalkboard Strips – Pickyourplum.com
READING NOOK-
Black and White Stripe Paper - HobbyLobby.com (Used to cover books and wallpaper the upper return on bay window)
White wire book baskets x 10 - Amazon.com