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Staying Home Sawyer

Real Life Living on a Real Life Budget

DIY, Home Decor

Desk Makeover: File Folders!

7.10.2014

DIY Desk File Folders // Desk MakeoverAs much as I wish it weren’t true (say it isn’t so!), I spend more time at my desk at work than anywhere else. While I love my job, I do not oppose four day work weeks (three day weekends here I come!). One day for errands/chores, one day for crafting, and one day to relax! My husband has a pretty ideal schedule…four days off one week, three days off the next. Wouldn’t that just be the life? While he spends his at the golf course, can you just imagine the crafting I would get done?!?

While my desk is already a little more decorative than some, I wanted to add a little bit of new sparkle. I can’t change too many elements, but file folders?! Anything disposable can be changed! I have to display several folders on my desk and before I gussied them up, they were quite an eyesore. I bought some matching scrapbook paper at Michael’s (4 for $1 this week!) and went to work!DIY Desk File Folders // Desk Makeover

Just take a plain file folder, Modge Podge the front, and cover it with paper! Super easy. You’ll either need a razor or scissors to cut the excess from the edges. I did the front of each folder, cut the edges, and used the remaining piece to cover the inside tab. You could easily do all four sides of the file, but I found it unnecessary. This way they’re easily disposable and super cheap. I let mine dry under a stack of books so they would stay flat, and they were ready to go the next morning!

I loved my little elephant paper, even if was designed for babies! Let’s be honest, I may as well get the “cuteness” from my files because there will be no other new additions in our family anytime soon (unless you count cute cuddly kittens, I could totally be talked into that). This new addition to my desk is perfect; it doesn’t cry or poop, it just sits there and looks adorable.DIY Desk File Folders // Desk Makeover

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Lifestyle

Create

7.09.2014

Creativity When I was 12, I was obsessed with The Baby-Sitter’s Club. I mean, let’s be honest, who wasn’t? I jumped on the chance to get my baby-sitting license; who didn’t want that little card that says you’re responsible (looking back, they handed those things out like candy)? I couldn’t wait to start baby-sitting and being just like my ‘friends’ from the BSC. I put together a box full of crafting supplies and got my name out there. Once I started sitting, I couldn’t stop. I was in high demand; all the neighbors wanted me! Me, and that box of crafts that is. The “kids” I’m in touch with to this day still talk about that box.

My crafting started young and really defines a large piece of me. But, there are times in my life when I actually have a social life. When these times happen every few years or so, a few days can pass without any crafting. This weekend was one of those times. Nevermind that it was the 4th of July, but I just didn’t get around to creating anything. So today, in order to keep my blog afloat, I designed this fun little image (if I must say so myself) of an awesome quote I found online. Anything to keep these creative juices flowing. I need to step up my game and get some serious crafting on. I promise a craft coming soon!

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DIY, Holidays!

Light up the Night!

7.03.2014

Fourth of July Favors // Glow Sticks // Party FavorsAs much as I love the 4th of July, I wish it was always on a Thursday. Then those of us 9-5er’s would get two days off work! This Friday/One Paid Holiday is just not cutting it. How am I supposed to get mentally prepared for a pool day tomorrow if I have to work all day today? I’ll keep living in a dream world.

Another holiday, another favor for the co-workers. Since I’ve been hearing through the grapevine that they don’t want to eat as many ‘treats’ – I decided to search for a different type of favor. A lot of my co-workers have children, so when I found this printable, I knew it was going to be the winner! It was soooo easy to make, that I feel bad giving you step by steps, but what the hell.

Print the free printable here. (Great blog with free printables)

Cut them out, and use a razor to cut two one inch slices where the sticks will pop through.

Stick the glow sticks through the slices. Done.Fourth of July Favors // Glow Sticks // Party FavorsI know the Dollar Tree sells glow bracelets, but I happened to find Red White & Blue bracelets in Target’s Dollar Spot. I used three sticks per favor. They turned out cute, and hopefully my co-workers enjoy them!Fourth of July Favors // Glow Sticks // Party Favors

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Lifestyle, Travel

Take Me to Capitola!

7.02.2014

Capitola, CaliforniaWho doesn’t love the beach? Surf, sand, and sun. Crying babies and old men in speedos…it’s all part of the experience. I go to the beach to people watch as much as I go to relax. I need a break from crafting every once in a while. All that glitter gets intense!

Day trips aren’t the best trips, but they can be pretty fun. It’s nice to get out and do a little exploring in your favorite places every now and then. Or every weekend. Okay I’d settle for every day. The things I would do if I didn’t have a 9 to 5.

We recently moved from San Diego (ahhhhhhhmazing) to San Jose, California. We love our new digs too, but San Diego will forever be in our hearts. So whenever I can get away from the bustle of city life, I make my way to Capitola Beach. It’s a little slice of heaven. A quaint little downtown of shops, restaurants, and dessert stops make up a few square blocks, surrounded by the beautiful calm beach.Capitola, CaliforniaOne of the most popular Capitola destinations has to be Pizza My Heart, right on the beach (see above). The line is down the block, but it passes quickly. People seem to love to pick up a slice (or a whole pie) and eat it while enjoying the beach. Your whole visit to this beach will be filled with aromas from these pizzas, so come full if you don’t want to splurge! Ehhhh…one slice won’t hurt anyone. If you’re anything like me however, you’ll pick it up on your way home. No one wants to see this girl in a bikini shoving pizza in her face. With my luck I’d drop it in the sand anyway.

My favorite shop in Capitola is the Capitola Beach Company (see below). I have to stop in every time I visit, just to see if there’s something I can’t live without. Which is obviously everything. Last time I couldn’t help but to buy an adorable California hat that I now wear every weekend (shown below). If I find something that I love, I try to sneak it into the house so my husband doesn’t notice. He already thinks I have too much clothing for a single human. This coming from the man that has more golf clothes than Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods (combined).Capitola, CaliforniaMy favorite part of the day, by far, is just sitting in my beach chair with a book. It is such a relaxing way to spend the afternoon (or morning…or evening), that time seems to fly by. I wish I could spend every day this way…twenty-one years to go until we can retire!!Capitola, CaliforniaIf you’re up for a good drink after a day in the sun, there are plenty of restaurants that have patios with ocean-views. Take your choice, tip back a drink, and relax again before you have to return to your own reality, whatever that may be.Capitola, California

 

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About Me

About Me

Hi Mamas! My name is Shauna, a 30-something (big emphasis on the 'something') new mama and wife living in Southern California. I've become a Stay At Home Mom to Sawyer, and I would do it forever if I could! I'm originally from Wisconsin and am a total Cheesehead! I'm here to share DIY's, travel tips, and baby stuff I'm sure!

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stayinghomesawyer

A core memory I didn’t know I’d be making… This w A core memory I didn’t know I’d be making…

This weekend at church, my daughter got to light the candles for the first time. At the end of the service, when she went up on her own to extinguish them, proud tears dropped from my eyes. And as I looked around at others, I noticed I wasn’t the only one. 

If you had asked me in my early to mid twenties, I wouldn’t have imagined how much this community, this faith, and these little traditions would come to mean to our family. There was a season of my life, long before I became a mom, where I drifted away from actively going to church. Now, getting to watch my girls grow up surrounded by faith, love, and a church family who knows them and celebrates them feels like such a gift.
Hot take: We’ve convinced ourselves kids need bigg Hot take: We’ve convinced ourselves kids need bigger backyards, when what they really need is neighborhood kids.

I used to think about more square footage, more land, more privacy. Now? I’d rather my girls have friends they can run to than an acre they have to play on alone.

A bigger house isn’t always a better childhood. For us, built-in community has been worth more than an extra bedroom ever could be.

I know this won’t be everyone’s opinion, but I think for elementary-aged kids, having friends next door is more valuable than having a huge yard. Anyone else change their mind about what “dream home” actually means?
It’s all fun and games until you marry the comedia It’s all fun and games until you marry the comedian of the family…

#funnyhusband #husbandgoals #shsfloats #poolfloats
I’ll die on this hill: kids birthday parties SHOUL I’ll die on this hill: kids birthday parties SHOULD feel magical.

Before anyone comes at me, I’m not talking about spending thousands of dollars. I’m talking about picking a theme, hanging the decorations, baking the cake (or buying it and decorating at home), planning the games, and making your kid feel like the most important person in the world for one day.

That’s the stuff they’ll remember.

You don’t need a huge budget to make childhood feel special. Agree or disagree?
Even with the bathroom trips. 🤣 Listen. Social me Even with the bathroom trips. 🤣

Listen. Social media tends to make traveling with children look glamorous, and the truth is, it usually isn’t. Are some kids professional travelers? Of course. But reality is that there’s always pitfalls and unexpected turbulence that you just have to mentally prepare for before you travel. And in the end? I promise you, it’s worth all the hassle. 

#summertravel #travellingwithkids
Do you ever just look at your spouse and think, I Do you ever just look at your spouse and think, I really nailed it? 

Why yes, I do. 🤣🤣🤣

#husbandgoals
One of my favorite things we get to give our girls One of my favorite things we get to give our girls is perspective. To see new places. To meet different people. To experience cultures outside of their own.

Not so they grow up thinking one place is “better” than another — but so they grow up curious, grateful, and grounded. And the more of the world we see, the more thankful I become for home, for the freedoms we have, and for the life we get to build together. 

Flag tees from @sweet_peas_and_sweeties - they’re selling fast so grab yours before they’re gone!
I might be the world’s worst “influencer,” because I might be the world’s worst “influencer,” because I’m here to tell you this: you do not need a whole new wardrobe for vacation.

Social media makes it feel like every trip requires new outfits, a new summer closet, a new date-night dress…but honestly? It doesn’t.

I’m willing to bet you already have plenty of great options hanging in your closet. And instead of spending a bunch of money on clothes you’ll probably only wear once, maybe it’s enough to just wear what you already love.
One day, instead of hearing little feet running th One day, instead of hearing little feet running through the house all day, I’ll be leaving voicemails hoping they call me back when they have time.

The sticky fingerprints will wash away, the car seats will come out, bedtime routines will end, and the house that once felt so loud will get quieter little by little.

It’s strange how the things that exhaust you in the moment become the very things you ache for later. 🤍
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