Happy New Year!!!

It's 2014!

Plans for 2014:
I have big plans for this blog in 2014!!  I have 30 topics and posts all lined up for January and I am committing to this blog for one reason: to help women, especially moms!  I am a Bible-believing follower of Jesus Christ, and I want to encourage other women. 

My Life: the good, the bad….and all in between!
I had some challenges in my life in 2013 that related to motherhood, and I want to help others who may be going through similar struggles or just daily stresses. Being a mom is not easy! But it's very rewarding! I hope to share the real stuff from my own life and experiences, not a candy-coated social media perspective (AKA lie!) that we often get from celebrities or even our own friends!

Just an ordinary Mom!
This blog is for all women, all ages!  I'm just an ordinary wife and mother of two, but I think that it's often the most "ordinary" people that we can relate to the best.  I know the url is fashionablemoms, but I will be covering a large number of topics, not just fashion!!!

Please leave your comments.  I want to hear from others just like myself!

NEW BLOG COMING SOON!!!

As you can see, I've started to revamp this whole blog with a new look! Coming January 1, 2014, I will have daily posts, and more tips, pics, and helpful info!  Stay tuned.!!!!!!

Kids' Chore Charts - FREE Printable

Free Chore Charts for Kids!  These are completely customizable Word documents.  You may add your own clipart, additional chores, kids' names, etc.!

Click to download:
(Permission is not required to download the file.  Please see download instructions for details.)

Our Home Projects

I'm in the process of posting pictures of our home projects.  I failed to take before pics of some of them, but in the more recent ones, you will see both before and after. 

Click (HERE) to see projects or click on the tab under the blog header.

Home Project: Goodbye Brass Fireplace Surround!

DECEMBER 2013
We hated the ugly brass fireplace surround!!!!  So after some online research, I discovered an easy, inexpensive fix (as opposed to purchasing a new surround with doors that would cost about $300-$400!)

BEFORE (ugly brass!)

AFTER one coat of black Rust-oleum high-heat paint 

($13, Home Depot) I used a sponge brush to paint it on, taping off the brick with paper tape and painter's tape.

2014 Calendars

Here are some 2014 Calendars.  Click on image to download and print!

Project: Half Bathroom Makeover

I think some people call them "Powder Rooms," but we refer to them as half bathrooms (bathrooms with no shower/tub). Ours was pretty boring when we moved in.  The mirror and lighting were original to the house back in the late 90s.  Fortunately, it didn't take much money or effort to update it to the modern times!!
-New Paint -New Mirror -New Lighting -Painted Cabinets -New Towel Holder -New Cabinet Hardware

(These pictures are awful, I know!!!  It was very difficult to get a good shot with the new lighting, not to mention the tight space!!!)

I used 3 coats of Java gel stain (and 3 coats of polyurethane) on the cabinets