Question of The Day: Are You a Homemaker or Not, and Why?

 

Ok ladies, there's a question I wish to pose to you. WHY or WHY AREN'T you a homemaker? I want to know why you've made the choice that you've had, or perhaps you'd LIKE to be a homemaker but are needed to work. Either way I want to know your reasons for what you do and why you do it.

In case you're wondering why I do it, here it is:

To be honest I never wanted a 'career', at least in the typical meaning of the word. I always knew I wanted to be home with my family. Some of it is because I wanted to be in charge of my own schedule, I've never really liked being told what to do. I know some of you moms out there are shaking your heads because, yes, our children are bossy and often try to tell me what to do. But I've got that Mom Card I can play.

Another reasons is that I wanted to be sure that I was the person who had the most influence and contact with my kids (at least for now while they are still at home). If someone is going to teach them bad habits then that person is going to be me!

One final reason I'll give you is just that the idea of being that mom that has fresh baked cookies waiting for the kids when they get home from school always made me smile. I know I'm no June Cleaver, but I love sitting with my kids over a batch of cookies we've just made and some glasses of milk talking about our day. Even if my 3 year old's answer to "What was your favorite part of the day?" is always, "Playing with daddy!"

There are a lot of reasons I do what I do, some selfish, some idealistic, but now I'd like to hear from YOU. I know there are so many different ways to be the Matriarch of a family, and I sincerely want to know how you do it and why.

Inspiration Begats Creativity: My DIY Jewelry Display

 

So I took a trip to GoodWill last week and came away with some great finds! I went on my shopping trip because I'd been inspired by a good friend of mine and her jewelery display.

Jess at A Few Of My Favorite Things did a great post on her most recent decorating project and I just had to make one of my own. The above picture is a peek at her post, if you want to see more check it out here.

For my jewelry I found this little number for $8. I'm still piecing together the rest of my setup, but for my necklaces, bracelets, and watches I thought this would be perfect. 

I may paint the base of it soon, but for now what do you think?
(also, does anyone have any clue what this might have been meant for originally?)

Which SuperHero Would You Want As Your Super Boyfriend?

I'm not sure I could choose! I love them all :)

Green Lantern - Kind of a screw up, but one that always comes through in the end. He's powerful and capable of doing anything he can imagine!

Played by Ryan Reynolds - And you can't really go wrong with Ryan Reynolds. He is one of my favorites :) Funny, sexy, and HOT! If you want to know more about him and why I like him click here.

Thor, God of Thunder - Although he starts as the over-privileged and over-confident son of Oden, but his time on Earth teaches him compassion, humility, and the true meaning of honor. (Just a sidenote, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I really loved the movie Thor, it's really good! You can watch it on Netflix Instant)

Played by Chris Hemsworth - And Chris is no slouch himself. Heavily armed with muscles, looks, and just plain sexiness.

Batman - Somewhat dark and brooding, not to mention that he comes with definite baggage, however he's found a way to channel his issues into making the lives of the people around him better. Not to mention he's also a rich playboy!

Played by Christian Bale - Oh, I cannot tell you how much I love Christian Bale. He has been a favorite of mine since I saw him in Newsies when I was little, but I like him more and more as time goes on. He was incredibly awesome to go and visit the victims of the Aurora shooting! If you want to see more on Christian click here.

Spiderman - Poor Spiderman, nothing ever seems to go his way. Even his hardest efforts to protect the people of NYC get twisted and turned and somehow he gets portrayed as the bad guy! Even so, he's funny, witty, incredibly smart, and fiercely loyal.

Played by Andrew Garfield - This is the one movie I haven't seen yet, so I can't give you an accurate opinion on Andrew. I plan to rectify that soon! I will say the he looks promising :)

Iron Man - I will admit that I new very little about Iron Man until his movie came out, but as soon as I saw it I was hooked. He's a rich playboy who always gets his way and just happens to be incredibly talented, which only adds to his feeling he needs to get his way all the time. Either way, he makes me laugh.

Played by Robert Downey Jr. - I hadn't really kept track of Mr. Downey Jr. ever before, but I've gotta say that I love him in this role. I love his attitude :)

Hawkeye - Oh Hawkeye, you have always been a favorite of mine. I know he doesn't have any special powers or cool rings or robotic suits, but he's awesome! Like Batman he's got an edge of brooding about him, and he doesn't take well to stupid people. He's got deadly aim and he doesn't stop until he's hit his target. 

Mom's Chocolate Decadent Cake

So today I tried out this recipe for Mom's Chocolate Decadent Cake and it turned out really well! I found it on JustAPinch Recipe Club and I'm glad I did. My one complaint is that, while the recipe tells you to cook the cake in a 9x13 pan, mine came out uncooked in the center. So be sure to make adjustments if you're planning on trying this cake out. Which would be a smart idea! Here's the recipe:

 Ingredients

2 stk	unsalted butter
6 Tbsp	cocoa powder
1 c	water
2 c	sugar
1 tsp	salt
1/2 tsp	baking soda
2 1/2 c	all purpose flour
1/2 c	milk
2	eggs
1 tsp	vanilla
FOR FROSTING:
1 stk	unsalted butter
6 Tbsp	powdered cocoa
6 Tbsp	milk
1 Tbsp	hot water
1 tsp	vanilla
1 lb	confectioners sugar, sifted

 

Directions

1

For Cake: Melt butter in 2 quart or larger saucepan; add cocoa and water and bring to a boil.

2

Remove from heat and stir in sugar

3

Add salt, soda and flour, and stir well.

4

Blend in eggs, milk, and vanilla.

5

Bake in a 9x13, greased cake pan in 400 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes

6

For Frosting:

7

Melt butter in a medium saucepan; add cocoa and milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add water, vanilla, and sifted confectioner sugar, and mix well. This frosting is not stiff. Frost cake while cake is hot and frosting is still warm. Let cool before cutting.