DIY TIP: Perfectly clean caulking line + how to fill in gaps

Hi all! Long time no see... Uh...rrr... I mean type? Blog? Well, however you say it, I have been starring at this HUGE gap between the crown molding and ceiling in  our dining room for way too long! It's not nearly as noticeable in the picture though.

It bugged me from day one of being in our new home but alas it was NOT near the top of our to do list. Well, today, after a very eventful morning, I found myself sitting in the afternoon once again starring down the GAP! Dark ugly space where bugs can hide... Or even a mouse??!! Ok probably not but my dear husband spotted, caught, and discarded our first mouse ever today so I have creepy crawly things on the mind. Yuck!!! Probably why I HAD to fix the gap PRONTO! 

(P.S. If you have a mouse issue- buy the sticky trays! Totally worth it!)

So it's pretty easy to get a straight caulking line if you didn't know! Took me some learning at first but I've got it down now.

Here are my quick steps:

(as shown in the pictures)

Step 1: tape off the trim AND the ceiling(or wall if that's what you are working with) Make sure to lay the tape straight(no wrinkles in it) 

Step 2: Use PAINTABLE caulking. Cut the small tip off at an angle. There are usually 3 little cutting lines on the top, big to small, you want the smallest. Trust me. Do a little length of caulking then smooth it out with your finger-yes they are they best tool for this. You'll quickly noticed just how much extra is on your fingers, add that to the uncaulked area...no wasting here.

Step 3: Pull off the tape BEFORE caulking is dry. This ensures a nice smooth line! Then stare at that gorgeously straight caulking line and NO more gap! 

**if your gap is as big a mine was, you'll need to do a second(maybe even third) line of caulking after the first. 

Now Go! Fill those gaps!!!

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CRAFT: Kids snack organizers

For our trip to Hawaii I wanted the kids to have a cute easy to use snack organizer... that wouldn't cost much and would last for hours on a plane... These worked great!

Super fun and easy! 

All you need is:

 *about 1 fat quarter of fabric(or two halves for coordinating fabrics) depending on the size you make, 

*snack or quart sized zip lock baggies(with zippers-easier for the kids)

*A closure:Velcro like mine, or a button loop closure, or no closure if you prefer.

1) Cut fabric to size. It needs to be at least twice as long as the baggie size you chose, preferably twice as long plus 2 inches to provide for the flap closure.

2) Lay fabric back facing out(like sewing a seam for a skirt)... sew all three sides and leave fourth side open.

3) Turn inside out, sew shut. 

4) Take a handful of Ziploc baggies(I did 5) and lay them with the zippers at the end of the fabric.

5) Sew on Velcro tabs to ends, fold over to make sure they align correctly. Add any embellishments- we did ruffles for the girls.

 6) ADD SNACKS!!! Eat and Enjoy!

Once the bags wear out or are dirty, simply tear them out and sew a few new ones in! So easy! The rest of it can be thrown in the wash too!

**You could also use this for crayons and markers. Think Sunday church activities. Help keep the kids quiet:) That is one of the hardest things to do in our family! We are noisy!

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