Inspire, Create, Love

Entitlement Trap Giveaway

2011-08-22T05:58:00.000-07:00

In May, I attended a great Power of Moms retreat at Linda and Richard Eyre’s home. The retreat was perfect for me. Among other things, I came away with an increased determination to be a deliberate mother.

The Eyres discussed their soon-to-be-released book, The Entitlement Trap, which helps parents raise children who are responsible and do not feel entitled. By teaching this principle, we help our children develop the motivation to work for what they want in life.

The book will be released on September 6^th and today, the Eyres are reaching out to parents by establishing a National Entitlement Awareness Day. They are hosting a giveaway where, if you pre-order the book for about $12, you can email your receipt and receive:
1. a link to a free audio children's book about honesty;
2. the chance to win amazing prizes like two tickets to a Power of Moms couples retreat, or dinner with the Eyres.

Sounds like a wonderful book and opportunity for prizes as well. You can read more about the giveaway here.

Shrimp Cobb Salad

2011-05-09T20:50:00.001-07:00

For Mother's Day, Jeremy made this delicious Shrimp Cobb Salad, which can be found in Cooking Light Magazine. He made a loaf of No-Knead Bread to go with it and Belle surprised me with a fun Spring cake. The only thing I'd add to the salad would be more dijon mustard in the dressing and maybe a little garlic. Yum.

Shrimp Cobb Salad

Ingredients

4 slices center-cut bacon
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon whole-grain Dijon mustard
1 (10-ounce) package romaine salad
2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 cup shredded carrots (about 2 carrots)
1 cup frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
1 ripe peeled avocado, cut into 8 wedges

Preparation

1. Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; cut in half crosswise. Wipe pan clean with paper towels. Increase heat to medium-high. Sprinkle shrimp with paprika and pepper. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add shrimp to pan; cook 2 minutes on each side or until done. Sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon salt; toss to coat.
2. While the shrimp cooks, combine remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, juice, oil, and mustard in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add lettuce; toss to coat.
3. Arrange about 1 1/2 cups lettuce mixture on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with about 6 shrimp, 1/2 cup tomatoes, 1/4 cup carrot, 1/4 cup corn, 2 avocado wedges, and 2 bacon pieces.

The Power of Moms

2011-05-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I was lamenting to my friend about how I couldn't seem to get it all together. Having five little kids ages 2-8 can be a little crazy at times. She mentioned that her good friend had started using Mind Organization for Moms, which can be found on The Power of Moms.

I have implemented a few of the ideas so far (love it) and am considering attending their retreat on May 20-21 in Park City. I just learned that my friend, Emi Edgley, will be speaking at it. She'll be fabulous, as always.

The Power of Moms is dedicated "to inspire and empower you to become the mom and person you are meant to be while giving you the opportunity to help other mothers grow into the mothers they are meant to be." Sounds like something from which we can all benefit. I'm happy to see a new organization with the purpose of supporting women in their most influential role.

Saving the earth one less Ziploc at a time

2011-02-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

I want to buy my kids reusable sandwich bags for their lunch boxes. So I did a little Google search and spent waaaaaaay too long looking through options.

I think I've decided one of these at the Container Store:

Klip-It Lunch Cube

Colorful Klip-It Lunch Cube

But you can see others at The Might Nest, Lunchskins, Reusies, WasteNot Saks, SnackTaxi, Jaq Jaq Bird, Itzy Ritzy, Kid Konserve, Wrap-N-Mat (or here), EasyLunchBoxes.com, Goodbyn, and Lock & Lock Lunch Set.

And, this is a great blog post on Stephmodo about going trash free.

Thank you and a look ahead...

2011-01-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

Where has the last month gone? I meant to finish up posting about The Hope Project weeks ago. Alas, I'm finally getting around to a final update.

What started out as this:

became this:

Most of the bags, packaged and ready for delivery.

Our final total was 51 gift bags for women at the following hospitals:

University Hospital in Salt Lake City
St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City
Intermountain Medical Center in Murray
McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden
Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo

Each bag had an attached tag and "I can." necklace. The tag read:

Merry Christmas
from mothers, daughters and friends
who hope this small gift
lifts your spirit.

We wish you
peace and comfort
during this difficult time.

You can do this.

Trust us.

The week of Christmas, I found out that St. Mark's would like gift bags for their moms. I had already given out the last of the bags so I made these bags with fabric I had in my stash and filled them after a quick trip to Target.

A few hours before I was going to St. Mark's, I found out that they had one more mom than I had bags. I picked up a few more things at the store and packaged them into the basket pictured above. I didn't have time to sew that mom a bag. I ended up meeting the recipient of this basket and having a really memorable visit with her.

During our conversation, she said, "This just made my whole Christmas." It made my my Christmas too.

Thanks to everyone for helping to make The Hope Project possible. I met many of the women and they were very appreciative of the gifts as were the staff at the hospitals.

In addition to many of my friends and family members, the following businesses contributed to The Hope Project:

Amy Butler Design - fabric
Contempo Tile - tiles for the quotes
OPI - nail polishes
The King's English - books
Ruby Snap - cookies
University of Utah Young Alumni - chapsticks, fans, and t-shirts
Kelly Anne Sansom - necklaces
Cactus & Tropicals - poinsettias
Pilot Pens - pens

I know you're not thinking about Christmas 2011 yet, but I hit a couple of post-holiday sales and picked up cards, Sudoku books, mugs, and notebooks for the 2011 bags.

I emailed Deseret Book about the book, The Mother in Me: Real-World Reflections on Growing into Motherhood. It is on sale for $2.99 (down from the original price of $20). I loved this book and included it in about 35 of the 2010 bags. However, since they are clearancing the book out of their inventory, I knew it wouldn't be around next Christmas. They were so generous and donated 60 books for the 2011 bags! I'm so thrilled.

During my communication with Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, I became aware of ongoing service opportunities for their hospital's pediatric patients. Their greatest needs are:

- gowns for the buddy dolls that they give to kids to explain their upcoming procedures
- pajama pants for the kids
- craft kits

I loved the positive energy at our girls' nights out and wondered if anyone was interested in coming to my home for a night of service in February. The projects are really simple. I'm still looking over dates and hoping to gather more supplies. Please let me know if you are interested.

Thanks again for making The Hope Project 2010 a success!

Girls just wanna have fun...

2011-01-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

At least that's what we were saying before we struggled through the vinyl. We had no experience peeling vinyl and we had a few problems. But, we seemed to get the hang of it after awhile and really enjoyed chatting while we did it.

Contempo Tile donated the tiles and my sister mailed us the vinyl quotes from Atlanta. When we struggled with some of the transfer, two other women provided more vinyl to help us finish them.

The finished product. The quote says:

Once you choose hope,
anything's possible.

- Christopher Reeve

Cute mother-daughter duo, Andrea and Olivia, with one of the completed tiles.

Packaging the lotions, body washes, nail polish and chapsticks.

Many women brought their daughters to help. It was so much fun to have a mix of people. Here the girls were putting the toiletries into little cellophane bags and tying them with ribbons.

The last of us were working hard until midnight. Thanks, ladies!

More goodies for the bags

2011-01-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

I've needed to wrap things up for weeks but until this weekend, I haven't felt like my life has slowed down from the Christmas rush.

Here are the final goodies that were put together for the ladies...The King's English graciously donated thoughtfully-chosen books and a gift certificate which I used to purchase another book for the bags. It's difficult for small businesses to donate to a cause that isn't an organized charity (501(c)3) because they can't take their donation as a write-off. I appreciate The King's English's kindness and willingness to help.

And, Dawn, the woman I talked to, gave me great advice about setting up a charity and told me about a charity she founded called, The Book Wagon, that provides books to children living in low-income housing in Salt Lake City.

One lucky mother received this cute Simplify frame in her bag. Most bags received a Sudoku book and about 35 women received copies of The Mother In Me: Real World Reflections on Growing into Motherhood. It's a collection of essays about young motherhood, on topics such as infertility, adoption, birth, and raising children up to age 5. I read it while I was on bed rest with the twins and found it to be so uplifting.

Cactus & Tropicals donated six beautiful poinsettias. I gave them to the moms I saw at the U in early December. Have you ever been to Cactus & Tropicals (located in Holladay and Draper)? Every little detail of their store is so inspiring.

Two kind women sent me checks. I held onto them until the very end so I could fill in the bags with whatever we needed. I purchased 20 great picture frames from Wal-mart for $2.50 each! I know I loved having a picture of my family nearby when I was in the hospital. These frames had "LOVE" in large cut-out letters, and short phrases like "Laugh out loud" and "Live in wonder".

Contempo Tile donated these 6x6 inch tiles and my sister, Ali, sent me the vinyl from Georgia. When we struggled with the vinyl transfer, two women stepped in to help us cut more vinyl. Thank you!!

More donations of cards, notebooks, nail files, and slipper socks from kind friends. Thank you!!

More body washes and lotions were donated by fabulous friends. They were then packaged into these little bags below.

Each bag had nail polish, lotion/body wash, chapstick, and a nail file.

Ruby Snap donated delicious cookies for each bag. Thanks to Megan for working with Ruby Snap for that generous donation. I bought a dozen cookies when I went to pick up the donation. It's hard to pick a favorite but I'd probably go with the Virginia, which on their website, is described as:

"They’re REAL good, so says Virginia. Robust ginger and dark molasses in a chewy cookie, rolled in raw turbinado sugar."

That's one seriously amazing cookie.

My Quote of the Day

2010-11-29T22:25:00.000-08:00

Wherever you go,

no matter what the weather,

always bring your own sunshine.

~Anthony J. D'Angelo

"I can." Necklace

2010-11-24T22:53:00.000-08:00

As soon as I saw this posting on the talented Kelly Anne's etsy site, I knew it would be perfect for the gift bags.

The "I can." message is what I hope these women will gain from this gift. Each of these women is unique. They each have a story. They each have challenges unique to them.

Some of these women come from out of state and have no local support. Some may lose the child they are carrying. Some may spend months supporting their baby in the NICU. Some may know that their own lives are in danger during their pregnancy. I hope they know that they can.

Just as Kelly Anne put it on her etsy listing, "Whatever it is, you can do it."

Because this beautiful necklace was completely out of my price range, Kelly Anne offered to donate all of her time to make necklaces for these women. What an amazing gift of time.

What do we have?

2010-11-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

My dear friend, Camille, sewed bags too. S and B wanted to be in the picture with her.

Here's a list of what we have so far for the gift bags:

Updated 12/5
- 43 gift bags handmade with Amy Butler fabric
- 43 "I can." necklaces
- 43 slipper socks
- 43 tiles with vinyl quote (Need to be assembled. I will post about these.)
- 43 cookies (Thanks to Megan for helping to get these donated!!)
- 45 draw-string bags with granola bars, bookmark and magnet
- 43 fans, chapsticks and t-shirts (I will post about these.)
- 43 card sets
- 43 nail polishes
- 35 pens
- 43 notebooks (Need a little work.)
- 43 bags of candy
- 43 lotions / body washes
- 29 books (post to come about these)

Wow! Thanks to everyone who has helped me with this. It's been a truly amazing process.

What do we still need?

2010-11-24T22:09:00.001-08:00

Kind friends have asked me what still needs to be done.

Here's a brief list of what I'm still trying to gather:

Updated on 12/3:
- 14 books (Sudoku, novels, etc.)
- 43 Poinsettias or live plants

A few things I was considering but will probably drop:
- Picture Frames - When I was in the hospital, I loved having a picture of my family next to my bed. It made it feel like home and when the medical staff asked about my family, I could show them. There are many picture frames at Ikea in the $1-2 price range but I haven't made it down there to check them out.
- Knit Hat / Headband - Many of these women will only leave their room once a day for a wheelchair ride. It's their only chance to be outside and since it's cold, a cute hat would be both fun and practical. I think I'll learn how to knit these for next year. Anyone want to learn with me?

Another project night - 12/2

2010-11-24T22:02:00.000-08:00

I still have a few things that need to be assembled and finished. I know December is really crazy but if anyone is interested, I'd love extra hands on Thursday, December 2nd (7 PM) at my home.

Here's what I have planned:
- group chapstcik, nail file, nail polish and lotion/bodywash into the same cellophane bag.
- attach pens to notebooks.
- cover initials on some of the notebooks.
- put the vinyl on the tiles - By far the biggest project of the night. Then place in cellophane bag.
- sew handles on 6 bags.
- put necklace and card into cellophane bags.
- put everything in the bags! Done!

Slipper Socks

2010-11-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

When I was in the hospital, it was cold so my mom brought me some warm slipper socks. One night, my feet warmed up too much and I discarded them in the middle of the night. The next morning, while I was in the shower, the aide came in to change my sheets. Unfortunately, she didn't notice my slipper socks and by the time I came out and saw my newly made bed, my socks were long gone and not retrievable.

Since these moms are in the hospital during the cold winter months, I thought a one-size-fits-all slipper sock would be helpful. My friend, Andrea, and my mom donated these. Thank you!!

Wal-mart had these slipper socks $3 for 2. Not bad. I should have picked some up for myself to replace the ones I lost in the hospital!

Lotion and Body Wash

2010-11-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

When I was hospitalized the first time during my twin pregnancy for pre-term labor at 29 weeks, I didn't have any toiletries with me. I had rushed from my doctor's appointment straight to the hospital.

When I was admitted, a nurse kindly gave me baby wash and that's what I used for soap and shampoo until I remembered to have Jeremy bring me my toiletries a couple days later. It was not great, to say the least.

So I wanted to include body lotion or body wash in the bags. I used a $10 Kohl's cash card to purchase two sets of assorted body lotions and body washes! Since they were $6 each, it only cost me $2.

I still need 29 more body washes and lotions but I think I'll check out the Black Friday ads tomorrow and brave the crowds (Yikes! I've never done that before!) on Friday if I see a deal somewhere.

Pilot Pens

2010-11-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

A month ago, I sat at my computer and brainstormed about what kinds of companies might donate to this cause. I emailed Pilot Pens and received an email back saying that they couldn't help me but would send me a "complimentary writing sample".

I smiled when I opened the package a few days later and found not 1 but 12 complimentary writing samples!" That puts a nice pen in almost 1/3 of the bags!

Notecard Sets

2010-11-24T21:37:00.000-08:00

My friend, Shellee, is a Stampin' Up rep. She kindly helped me with 150 custom, unique, handmade card fronts. During our project night, we made them into cards and packaged them in sets of 4 or 5.

The Talented Darcy

2010-11-24T21:23:00.000-08:00

I love to sew but after the twins were born, I didn't have any time to even consider sewing. I needed new pillows sewn for my living room last year so I turned to KSL (more popular than Craigslist here in Utah) where I found Darcy's listing for sewing. She has helped me with my sewing and mending ever since. Darcy is a fabulous seamstress and she's fast. For me, she has made pillows, a custom tablecloth, matching clothes for my daughter and her American Girl doll, and many more projects.

She's darling and I really enjoy her friendship. I think I'm busy with my 5 kids... Darcy has 11 children!! She truly is amazing.

Darcy not only donated her time to make 6 bags, but I learned that she is a poet too!

She made this Simplify poem into a fridge magnet:

SIMPLIFY

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

Return to the life of days gone by,

Feed our souls, as well as ourselves,

Reduce the things we have on our shelves

Return to Nature, from whence we came,

Find honor in life and bring no shame.

A great accomplishment it would be,

To hunger for less of the luxuries we see.

To value our friends, to see beauty in skies,

What we need to do is to simplify.

Darcy H. Jacobs

This Ripples poem she made into a bookmark.

Ripples

Drop a pebble in the water, just one plop and it is gone,

But there’s half a hundred ripples going on and on and on.

One loving act of kindness, one caring smile, and it’s begun,

Then, as one life affects another, God’s love goes on and on and on.

Darcy H. Jacobs

Then, as if that weren't enough... Darcy made 43 draw-string bags for the magnet, bookmark and a granola bar.

Thanks Darcy!

Friends + Projects = Fun

2010-11-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

After I received the fabric from Amy Butler, I emailed my friends, told them about the project, and invited them to join me for a night of sewing and card making.

What wonderful support from amazing women!

Candice was at the cutting table.

Andrea and Tracy ironed and surged.

Megan loves to sew. She's really good and fast.

Megan, a fellow twin mom, holding the first completed bag!

My daughter was so thrilled to help with the sewing and stuffing the candy bags. She even got to stay up waaaaaay past her bedtime! Marcy, my darling mother-in-law came and helped too.

The ladies put together bags of candy donated by Amy.

The completed bags of candy. They're filled with my favorites... m&ms and other chocolate goodies.

Kristy, Amy, and Linley worked on assembling cards.

The finished product was 35 sets of unique handmade cards. Shellee was so kind and gave them to me at less than cost.

We'll have another project night to finish up the bags.

OPI Nail Polish

2010-11-24T21:18:00.000-08:00

When Karen and I were in the hospital in December 2008, we talked daily about just wanting pedicures. So assuming other women feel the same way, I wanted to put nail polish and a nail file in these gift bags.

I emailed OPI about my project and they donated 35 nail polishes!!

Reusable shopping totes made from Amy Butler fabric

2010-11-24T20:56:00.001-08:00

It all started with an email. I love Amy Butler fabrics and noticed on their website that they support charities in their local area.

I emailed them and asked if they'd be willing to donate fabric or provide it at a discount for this project. A week later I received an email saying they'd donate home decor fabric from her August Fields line.

I was thrilled that they were willing to help but blown away when I got the package and it had 18 yards of fabric!

The woman at Amy Butler's company suggested using a reusable shopping bag pattern from Green Bag Lady, a woman who provides homemade shopping totes for free to people who promise to use it instead of plastic bags.

I made a sample bag before the project night so that we'd know what we were doing. I used Amy Butler fabric in my personal stash. I made it just like the pattern but we decided to make the straps wider and longer on the gift bags.

We still have 6 bags that need straps. We'll do those during the next project night.

Our goal was to make 35 bags but we've sewn 43 bags so we'll fill those and distribute the last 8 to another hospital in Utah.

Fast Friends

2010-11-23T21:57:00.001-08:00

Me and Karen the day before my twins were born at 37 weeks.
Karen's identical twin girls were born 6 days later at 32 weeks.

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another:

"What! You, too? Thought I was the only one."

- C. S. Lewis

The Parent-to-Parent group at the hospital supports the hospitalized mothers as well as the parents with babies in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Parent-to-Parent has a little luncheon with the moms on Tuesdays.

I was lucky to meet Karen there. She was also expecting twins and we became fast friends. We supported each other during our hospital stay and after the birth of our babies. I don't know how I would have gotten through the first few months without Karen. She was my Twin Mom Support Group.

H & B's first birthday party
One year later. We did it. We survived the first year with twins.

Karen and I went to the U for a Tuesday luncheon with the bedrest moms to deliver the gift baskets last year.

The Hope Project

2010-11-23T21:34:00.001-08:00

Home Sweet Hospital Home - December 2008

In December 2008, I spent two weeks at the University of Utah Hospital before the birth of our twins boys. Although I had great support from Jeremy, as well as family and friends, being in the hospital during the holiday season was really difficult.

The night before the twins were born. There's a lot of baby in there!
11 lb. 6 oz to be exact.

Last year, as December approached, I wondered if there was anything I could do for women in a similar situation. I put together about a dozen gift baskets and poinsettias for high-risk pregnant mothers at the University of Utah Hospital. Many of these women come from surrounding states and don't have the local support I was lucky to have. Some of these women are in the hospital for months. In the gift baskets, I put things like: nail polish, notebooks/pens, notecard sets, Sudoku puzzle books, candy, fuzzy slipper socks, etc. as well as a little message of hope. My goal was to provide comfort to these women during a very stressful time.

This year, we're putting together 43 gift packages and poinsettias for women at both the University of Utah Hospital and IMC. Our goal is to give a package to each woman hospitalized with a high-risk pregnancy during the month of December.

I'll update this blog with photos and information about our progress.

Here are a few pictures from the twins' first few days:

Now we call him Big H but then, he was a tiny 5lb. 6 oz., 21 inch long, skinny guy.

Our big Baby B. 6lb., 20 inches

Holding our boys for the first time - 12/14/08.

One week old - 12/08

Christmas Eve 2008. We did the nativity twice so both babies could be the Baby Jesus.

One year later - 12/09

Our view of the world

2010-11-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

My grandmother is moving out of her home soon and we were lucky to inherit three huge wall maps from the early 1980's. They're totally old school with the Soviet Union boundaries.

I'm planning on putting the US one and one of the world maps on the long walls of our downstairs family room and center that decor around our travels complete with travel photos and some of our favorite treasures.

The other world map will be perfect in my two big boys' bedroom with some of these pillows from PB Teen.

One of the maps is an ocean floor map of the world. This one would be cool with that map on the wall.

As for this one, I think I just need it somewhere in my home.
(found on DesignMom)

My new favorite thing...

2010-10-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

found here.

Boden's sale

2010-08-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

I love Boden clothes... just not their prices. I was thrilled when I few things a love went on sale in a major way. I had to buy them all.

Love, love love this Scallop Coat. I was so thrilled when it went on sale.
Originally $198. Now $79.

This Fabulous Clutch really is quite fabulous. I wanted it in gray but it was sold out so I bought the pink. It may be a little over the top in that color but it's still fun.

I bought this Ribbed Skinny Cardigan for my daughter just because I wished they had it in my size. So cute with her new Converse sneakers and jean skirt for fall.

This pink Silk Party Dress is perfect on my daughter's slender frame. The price was just right at $18 (down from $62).

I bought this Broderie Shift Dress in white (but the details don't show up well in white on the screen so I posted the poppy color instead).

Modern Office Chair

2010-05-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

AG Management Chair - $219

Jeremy has been wanting to buy me a new office chair. I've been reluctant because I haven't seen anything I like with a reasonable price tag.... until now.

After seeing this chair here and then here, I'm sold.

Life

2010-04-02T07:50:00.001-07:00

"It isn't the the great big pleasures that count the most;
it's making a great deal out of the little ones."

-Jean Webster

Redecorating the Master Bedroom

2010-01-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

Before: bed view

After: bed view

Before: dresser view

After: dresser view

We put our major remodel on hold but this year but we made changes to our master bedroom. The only thing left to do here is flooring and crown molding and that won't happen until the major remodel.

Here's a rundown of the master bedroom changes...

- We recovered the upholstered headboard, which is just a flat, hollow door we had lying around at our old home. We covered it with batting and navy blue fabric in 2008 before we put the old house on the market. Now, we've covered the navy blue fabric with a thick, textured tan fabric and put on nailhead trim. It was so easy and took less than an hour and about $30 in supplies.

- Probably my favorite change was replacing the series of 3 Italy photos above the bed with a 30x40 custom canvas with a 2.5 inch wrap. We used Blossom Publishing. Their service was amazing and fast.

- We moved a leather chair in here from the front room, added a small table and replaced my bridal portrait (I'm soooo over it) with two 11x14 canvas wraps of other photos from our 2007 Italy trip. We used Blossom Publishing for these wraps too.

- The whole house was fitted with new windows and we put custom shutters in the living room and master bedroom.

- We bought these nightstands and dresser shortly before the "Before" photo was taken. If you could only see the REAL "Before". I wish I would have taken a photo. Anyway, the new nightstands were so much bigger than our old nightstands so they needed more substantial lamps.

- I wanted to add more greens and browns and I wish the true color of the green showed better online. The pillows and blankets are from Pottery Barn and Target.

- We moved the desk into the kitchen. Yea!!

We wanted a calm place to rest our heads at night and this turned out just the way we wanted.

- I'll take close ups of the headboard and canvases and post them.

Refinished Hardwoods

2009-11-16T00:17:00.000-08:00

When we moved in a year ago, the hardwoods were in horrible condition. They were covered in a wax that just looked dirty. It wouldn't come off and we didn't even eat in the dining room because the room didn't feel clean. I felt like I had to explain to guests that our floors weren't dirty, just stained. :)

They just needed to be refinished and now they are fabulous. We are so thrilled. And, we eat in the dining room every day.

Before... hideous hardwoods.

After... the same angle as above. Don't they look brand new?!

The living room.

The dining room with the refinished chandelier.

A Newer Chandelier

2009-11-15T23:45:00.000-08:00

I recently bought this gorgeous Restoration Hardware chandelier (at DownEast Home) but it just didn't work without higher ceilings (or a shorter husband...).

So, I decided to make our current dining room chandelier work for now without removing it for painting.

Before... an old, brassy chandelier with loads of crystals.

After... a hipper, black chandelier with less crystals.

I decided to use the black spray paint that we already had. Jeremy and I stood on ladders. I held a black, plastic garbage sack over the chandelier while Jeremy (aka the freakishly tall husband) stood on the ladder above the chandelier. He held the can of spray paint into the garbage sack and let loose.

We did one coat of primer, let it dry for 20 minutes, and followed up with two coats of black spray paint.

Before I put some of the crystals back on. I like it this way too.

Total cost: $0.
Total time: 1 hour.

The Make-Shift Mudroom

2009-11-15T23:24:00.000-08:00

Our dream for this home includes an organized mudroom for all of our family's stuff. Although we don't know when this dream will become reality, we're using what we have to make our own reality now. Before...

When we moved in, this open storage was in the garage. Obviously, it was quickly filled with stuff.

After...

When we organized the garage, we had the handyman paint it white and moved it to the covered back patio.

I bought storage containers for $4 each at Wal-mart and my sister made vinyl names for the tubs. I had her make names for: basketball, art, balls, soccer, games, safety, roller blades, garden, and sand toys.

I left 6 blank so that we can add names as we determine what we need (at least one with outdoor trucks and cars!).

This bucket has helmets and knee and elbow pads.

A year ago, Hogle Zoo sold the banners they had up all over the zoo. We bought a few for about $15 each (can't remember the exact price). Anyway, this unit turned out to be the perfect place for some of this custom art!

Budget breakdown:
storage containers - $60
custom art - $30
vinyl words - free from one generous sister!

Total for our make-shift mudroom: $90

A Blank Slate

2009-11-15T23:21:00.000-08:00

Before...

After...

We hung shelves that used to be in the nursery in our old house. My sister used her vinyl machine to make the quote "Never Suppress a Generous Thought". And, for the shelves, I just used stuff we already had. I think it makes our dining room seem a lot more inviting.

A Cleaner Garage

2009-11-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

I know it's silly, but I LOVE a clean garage. And our garage was far from that. Here's our recent transformation...Before: it wasn't really horrible but needed a lot of sprucing up.

We had other ideas for this cabinet (pics to come), which we inherited with the house.

The bookcase behind all of that stuff has been refinished (pics to come) for I's room and the bookcase was concealing a charming little workbench and built-in cabinetry.

Our crazy staircase couldn't fit the queen boxspring so it was stored here for the last year. When the windows were replaced this fall, we had the installers move the boxspring and that large bookcase through the opening before the new window was installed.

The dingy, cluttered cabinet area.

Looks like there was a fire at some point?! And, you can see the built-in cabinetry and workbench. Here, the stuff has been cleared out for the painting.

After: the clean, well-organized garage!!

We moved our freezer into the garage, re-organized the pegboards, and just got rid of a lot of stuff! And, now we can easily walk all the way around our cars!

All of the cute cabinetry looks fresh with a fresh coat of paint.

We paid a handyman to paint the walls and ceiling. J and I epoxied the floor one night after the kids went to bed. We used a kit from Home Depot. We did it in our last house as well. It's so easy, affordable (about $130), and makes a big difference.

In our last house, we hung tennis balls from the ceiling so we'd know where to stop the car but the kids and their friends had fun with the tennis balls and they always ended up on the ground. So, J picked these little things at Lowe's and bolted them to the ground. You can see the epoxied floor here.

One of the panes of glass was missing so I asked the window guys to cut a new piece of glass for it. Now I just need to get the paint off the cute little, crystal knobs.

Ahh....

Bibs for two!

2009-11-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

My amazing friend, Megan, had twins in May. I am still trying to put my life back together but she, on the other hand, is already back to her crafty self. She recently mailed me not 1, not 2, but 8 bibs for my big boys! They are our favorites and I use them at every meal. For their first birthday.

Each bib has two designs and each has rick-rack, my favorite go-to embellishment.

It's fun to have generous, talented friends! Thanks, Megan!

Cards by Less Ordinary Designs

2009-11-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Last fall, I found Less Ordinary Designs on Etsy and used her to create our twins' birth announcement. For $15, she'll customize a design and email you the file, which you can have printed anywhere. She also has afffordable printing options, which we used. I think we'll use her again this year for our Christmas cards. Here's a style I like that I may use for the twins' first birthday party invitations but with some of the wording from this one below: Let's celebrate how far we've come ... as H & B turn one!

Triplets - yikes!

I think twelve photos of twins could be a little busy so I think the two photo design of this one might be perfect.

I love the design on it. This may be the one I choose for our Christmas cards.

I like some aspects of this one for B's baptism next summer but with the classic styling of the one below.

Love the simplicity of this moving announcement.

I'm loving...

2009-11-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

Ever since I saw Anne Marie Barton's home in Utah Style and Design a few years ago, I wanted photos of it for my files. I love her classic contemporary style. Her website has great photos like the one above of her kitchen.

As I'm trying to make my Christmas gifts more personal and thoughtful, this blog about gifting (ideas, etiquette, etc.) is a must read.

Maria Killam's blog, Colour Me Happy, is a wonderful collection of advice like her posts on creating focal points, painting the kitchen cabinets white, the secrets to selling your house, and hiring a designer.

Maybe it's because I'm updating our front door, or maybe it's because I love using initials, but I love this wreath from the Nesting Place.

I love modern design and this alphabet poster from Century Finds is just too much fun.

My crafty daughter would LOVE to make one of these Ragamuffin Garlands from Nesting Place for her newly decorated bedroom -- only in pink, of course.

This fur wreath is just so unexpected and fun for winter. And, with this easy tutorial from Nesting Place, I might actually be able to do it!

A New Front Door

2009-11-01T19:44:00.001-08:00

We're so excited! On Saturday, our new front door was installed. Our friend, Todd, put it in and did an amazing job. Before: The old 1950 door.

It wasn't horrible, just outdated. The style had grown on me over the last year... just not enough to still keep it. I hope it goes to a grateful new owner. I can't bear to think of it in a landfill. It has a really cool little magic window.

Now: The new 2009 door.

It brings our entryway into the 21st century. Hopefully this week, it will be painted black. I've ordered these numbers for the door too and I'm on the lookout for a modern door knocker like this (my fav so far), this (discontinued from this source) or this (probably a little too out there but cool, nonetheless).

Next, we're losing the 1950 white iron decor and replacing it with black, simple iron handrails. And, I'm looking for a new light fixture to replace our GIGANTIC brass one. It's so hideous.

Love this space!

2009-10-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

Love the simple table and chairs.
Love the herringbone design of the hardwood floors.
Love the light fixture from Ikea.
Love the bluish walls with the hint of grey. That's what I tried in my kitchen... Didn't work out quite like that.

And, I love the piece of furniture on the far right. Maybe I could find that at Ikea too?

(image from here)

Front Entry Makeover

2009-07-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

We're updating a few things in our house (mostly windows, shutters, hardwood floors, front door). But, we're also looking at new tile for the entryway and new artwork for that space. The look in our home will hopefully be fresh, comfortable, transitional in style, reflect our love of family, and have a peaceful feeling about it.

Here's one idea for our entryway:

I've loved NameYourDesign for awhile but their custom artwork was way beyond my puny budget. Not any more! They came out with a really cool garden silhouette print with an initial print accompanying it. So fun!

And, only $25. Might be just the right thing for my foyer....

Favorite New Design Blog

2009-06-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

I just discovered This Young House and I'm addicted. The blog is by a young couple who have renovated a 1300 square foot 1950's house on a budget.

Sherry and John have impeccable taste and an eye for inexpensive, well-designed furnishings. They answer design dilemmas and offer mood boards at a really great price. I love their before and after photos.

And, although I don't have lots of time for blogging these days, I check their blog daily. Check it out. It's so inspiring!

Kitchen Seating

2009-05-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

So, we're about to remodel our kitchen. It's going to have white, shaker style cabinets with long, modern pulls, dark grey counters, and a subway tile backsplash. I love the mix of modern and classic so the subway tile will probably be like the convex tile in the photo below.

We'll be replacing our current barstools and, hopefully, our dining room chairs as well. Here are a few of my ideas so far...

So I don't love backless barstools because the kids can fall off easily, but these Spin Barstools from Crate and Barrel have the right look (classic, a bit modern, easy to clean) and just may fit well in the possibly tight space. The price is great at $99.

I love these Delta Barstools from Crate and Barrel, but if the space is a little tight, would people be more likely to trip over the back legs as they walk past? $139.

If we go with the backless, here's a classic beauty that would pick on up on the dark table and white chairs nearby. Delano Barstool from Crate and Barrel. A bit steep at $179.
I love these Scoop-Back Barstools from West Elm but Jeremy doesn't like the thin backs. He thinks they don't look sturdy enough. $134.
He's probably right but I'll at least purchase one of these chair versions for the office or a few for our craft room.

I'd love to refinish our classic oval table and it's 4(!!) leaves. Currently, it's honey colored but I'd go dark and probably purchase white chairs to go with it ala these two photos.

From West Elm.

From my cousin Kellie's blog, Little Green Couch.

These are probably my first choice at this point. These Oval Back Dining Chairs from Crate and Barrel would be perfect because they would echo the oval table but take a modern spin on a classic. $144.

Confetti Crafting

2009-05-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

Max and Belle would love this project. It's just a large sheet of paper with Elmer's glue in the shape of a letter. Then, drop confetti on the glue and let it dry.

So fun for kids! We'll have to try it.

Found on Cookie's Nesting blog.

My Favorite Bathroom

2009-03-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

I know not everyone loves modern design but I just can't get enough of this amazing bathroom from Rock House Remodel. It has enough whimsy in the penny round tiles, intrigue in the gorgeous mirror, and aesthetically pleasing modern details to it.

I keep coming back to my computer just to look at it. I wonder if I could recreate some of that magic in one of our bathrooms. Beautiful...

A Girl Who Loves Pink

2009-03-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Belle choose this pink polka dot bedding from Pottery Barn Kids for her new room in our to-be-refinished basement. Since it was on sale, I bought it right away.

It's pretty bright so I suggested a light green on the wall to go with the light green blanket for the end of the bed. She insisted that it be pink. I think we'll use a very light shade of pink.

I love a girl who loves pink.

Fun Grandfather Clock

2008-12-06T21:18:00.000-08:00

We must find a fun space in our house for this Grandfather clock.
I wonder what color we should choose...

Check it out at blik.

found on Oprah.com

Personalized Word Art

2008-11-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

I first saw these cool photos of letters at our local farmer's market. Maybe I can find a place for one after our remodel. I'm thinking maybe our last name or the entire alphabet for our playroom.

They are $7 per small letter or $9 per large letter. More options can be viewed at CelesteWhitney.com.

Six-Word Memoirs

2008-10-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'm fascinated by the idea of this book. I need to get my hands on it.

Check out this description from SMITHMag.net:

Legend has it that Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in only six words. His response? “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Last year, SMITH Magazine re-ignited the recountre by asking our readers for their own six-word memoirs. They sent in short life stories in droves, from the bittersweet (“Cursed with cancer, blessed with friends”) and poignant (“I still make coffee for two”) to the inspirational (“Business school? Bah! Pop music? Hurrah”) and hilarious (“I like big butts, can’t lie”).

Hmmmmm.... I wonder what my Six-Word Memoir would be...

A True Woman's Heart

2008-10-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

“There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.” -Washington Irving

(found on c jane)

Toys for my Boys

2008-10-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

Max and Simon love anything with wheels. Simon's favorite vehicles include anything that pulls something else. And, Jeremy and I love the look and feel of wooden toys.

These toys from Craftbury Kids would be perfect.Car Carrier $34

Woodsy Pick-up Truck and Car $22

We're moving!

2008-09-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

As if our lives weren't crazy enough with twins due to arrive in about 10 weeks, we've decided to move! This week, we closed on our new house and put our current house on the market. If you know of anyone looking for homes in our area, please forward this link to them:

www.obeo.com/495432

So, here are the details:
2464 square feet
4 (or 5) bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
.19 acre
2 car garage
remodeled kitchen with custom cabinets and granite countertops

We love our home and have mixed emotions about leaving it. We love the neighborhood so much!

Fun Posters

2008-09-18T17:43:00.001-07:00

We must have a few new decor items for our new house. I love these three posters.

Maybe a Christmas gift for JJ?
Can be purchased here for $100.

The story behind this makes it even cooler. You can read about it here and purchase it here for about $20. After the twins are born, I should really wear it on one of their t-shirts (about $40). I'll need the reminder. :)

Love this poster by Made By Girl. Comes in a variety of fun colors. $25

Bathrooms

2008-09-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Oh Martha! I can always count on her to inspire me with beautiful rooms. I just received an email about space-saving ideas for bathrooms and loved all three bathrooms they had designed.

Love the pedestal sink, beautiful cabinet and three towel bars on the back of the door. Brilliant!

This tile is cool and I love this sink as well.

I'd probably use a wider mirror but love it with those sconces.

I'm not a tub person but this gorgeous tub and bathroom makes me feel relaxed just by looking at it. (I think this image is from Desire To Inspire).

Stunning. Love the rock wall and concrete flooring. (desire to inspire)

I love simple modern spaces. And without anything touching the floor, mopping would be a breeze. :) (desire to inspire)

This rug from Pottery Barn Kids is fine but the circle tiles in stripes underneath it is so fun!

Love the tile and beadboard from this home at last year's home show.

Love the tile again.

Love the beadboard tub enclosure, subway tile, and the fun green color on the wall.

This is from Hyrum Bates' home at the home show last year. (Sorry for the pathetically crooked photo). It's from Restoration Hardware.

This sink would be really fun but hard for the kids to reach.

White Kitchens

2008-08-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

I know I've posted about them in the past but I just love, love, love white kitchens right now. Here are a few images that inspire me.
I fell in love with the designs throughout this home when I toured it during the Parade of Homes last summer. It is the home of Hyrum Bates, who is an amazing designer. My photos don't do it justice so visit his website to see the kitchen in full view.

Love this door off of Hyrum's kitchen to the backyard.
This is one of my favorites too. Feels like a little bit traditional but a little bit modern too.
Love the bold color, the monogrammed chair covers, and the whimsical details. So inviting and fun. via DesignMom.
Gorgeous. And, it has a mobile from my old high school friend, Matt Richards.

I love little nooks and this toile patterned one from last year's home show was beautiful.
Love the combo of chairs and benches along the gorgeous windows. I'd want to eat breakfast here every day.
Love the laboratory feeling of this kitchen.

Love the light blue color paired with the white and gray.
via A Room Somewhere.

Horribly, I can't source all of these photos and ideas. Some I've had for months. I'll try to source the ones I remember.

Projects on my list

2008-08-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

When will I make the time to create these cute, useful things?Belle has the perfect pair of jeans that are too worn out in the knees but would be perfect in a skirt.
I'm hoping to make a few of these nursing covers for me and a few moms-to-be.

Two-Story Houses

2008-08-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's my East Coast and Midwest upbringing, but I have a love for two-story houses. My dream home definitely has a second floor.

Here are a few beauties I saw recently while in the Harvard-Yale area of SLC.

Sugar City Journal

2008-08-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

I've got design on the mind so be prepared for a plethora of my favorites that I've been meaning to post for quite some time.

The ladies over at Sugar City Journal are full of ideas. Here are a few that I love:

Really fun idea for a stairway. Can't tell in the photo above but the design on the steps includes small photos of members of the woman's family.

I love the little cafe curtain on the cabinet. It inspires me for my kids' small kitchen remodel that has been put on the back burner with the pregnancy.

I really can't ever get enough of Amy Butler's Full Moon Polka fabric in every color. It's featured here on the table runner. I love the simple centerpiece. The kids would love to put it together and would get a kick out of the miniature things in it.

Green is my favorite color. I love it in this room. The bed has been transformed into art using Little Red Riding Hood artwork.Love the drama of this headboard.

I am always drawn to polka dots and this bench is no exception. Beautiful!

Road Play Rugs

2008-08-10T21:51:00.001-07:00

Wow! Almost a month since my last post. Pathetic, but inconsistency is probably what to expect from me for at least the rest of this pregnancy. Once the twins arrive, blogging as I know it will probably be even more inconsistent for a loooooong while.

We are planning to rearrange our bedroom situation so I've been thinking about Simon and Max's new shared room. They both love cars, trucks, motorcycles, or anything else that transports people or stuff. I think we're going to buy them one of these play rugs for their new room.
This one is probably my favorite (sorry about the white space around the images - don't know how to fix it). The 3'x5'ish rug is sold for $49 on JustKidsRugs.com. I love the parking spaces, many intersections, etc. The possibilities seem endless.Max's favorite thing is Cars (as in the movie, Cars). This one would be fun too. It's around 3.5'x4.5' and is $22 on Walmart.com.

This 3'x7' rug is $48 at HodgePodgeGames.com.
This Giant Road Carpet seems fun too and could fit easily into different spaces since it is the size of a runner. It is 2'x7' and is $55 (but comes with the vehicles and signs shown) on Highlights.com.

A Birthday Bag

2008-07-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

My lifelong friend, Corey, sent me this amazing new bag made out of Amy Butler fabrics for my birthday. Does Corey know me or what!?! I was just thinking today that I didn't have the perfect bag for our Hawaii trip and then UPS delivered this cute new purse today, the day before we leave!

I LOVE Amy Butler fabrics and the bag is the perfect size for so many occasions. I love handmade things. I just absolutely love them.

This beautiful bag was made by anadeau and you can visit her Simply Handmade shop on Etsy.

A Better View

2008-07-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

When we bought our house over 5 years ago, we swore that these hideous ceiling fans with the short blades would be the first thing to go.

Instead, we looked at them every day and did many other things around our house. I didn't love most ceiling fans in stores and wanted ones that had a modern feel to them. Finally, I bought fans at Costco and we had them installed last week. I love the new look and they have a great remote that attaches to our lightswitch. Our new view. (It looks better in person but I took this photo at night.)

A beautiful new pincushion

2008-07-09T19:00:00.001-07:00

My dear friend, Sara, who constantly amazes me with her talents, made me this pincushion for my birthday - a perfect accessory to my new sewing machine. The detail is hard to see in the photo but, trust me, it is exquisite. The small strawberry has little beads in it so you can sharpen your needles.

I just love this gift and am tempted to put it on display as a work of art somewhere in my home.

The Runner's Cookbook

2008-07-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

Our friend, Jenny Crain, an elite runner, was hit by a car last year while running and is involved in a long-term recovery after suffering severe neck and head injuries.

This cookbook, which features recipes from world-class runners, benefits Jenny's Make It Happen Fund as well as the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund.

Ryan Shay was running in the 2008 U. S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon last November when he collapsed and died.

We just bought this cookbook to support these two funds. You can check out the cookbook here.

Homemade things for Babies

2008-06-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

I love to sew and because I'm not that experienced, nor do I have oodles of time, I love making projects that can be finished quickly and easily. Here's my latest... I love homemade things for babies... blankets, clothes, burpcloths, bibs, etc. Here are a couple of bibs I made for a baby boy and a baby girl using cotton flannel fabric from my stash. The fabrics are so much cuter in person.

Keychain for Dad

2008-06-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting much lately (although I have tons in my archives waiting to be posted) because I've been so tired. Who knew it was because I'm carrying twins?!?

Since I know my husband doesn't check this blog, I know I can safely post this photo.
Wouldn't this make a great new Dad present? I wonder if she could fit 5 names on it. :)

From Lisa Leonard Designs, via Room Somewhere.

Roman Shades

2008-06-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

My kitchen blinds are on their last leg and I'm thinking of sewing some bold new roman shades for both windows in the kitchen. The kitchen walls are green (specifically Fen, a Martha Stewart color at Sherwin-Williams) so I'm considering a bold, unexpected fabric that would be dramatic when they are down, and have a hint of drama when they are raised during the day. Here are two Joel Dewberry fabrics that I love from his Ginsing line.

Bloom - in Thyme

Orchid - in Thyme

Joy in Motherhood

2008-06-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

"Women need to find joy in motherhood.

If you aren't finding the joy, you are doing it wrong."

- Lily Anderson

found on paisley and polkadots

Makes me want to throw a party

2008-06-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Just heard about Pingg.com. They have great designs for email invitations.

Here are a few that I love.

Beautiful Bookcases and Art

2008-05-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

Love the vintage steel bookcases.

And, the large dot artwork is one I saw in a Martha Stewart Living magazine years ago. I loved it so much that I researched it at the time and discovered it to be permanently out of my price range. I had completely forgotten about it until now. I wish I could even remember the artist or name of the artwork.

Found on desire to inspire.

Map Scrap Art

2008-05-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

I love this Map Scrap Art at the Bombus shop on etsy.

The map pieces are from various times and locations. The finished piece is 17.5 x 17.5cm. And, as for me, I have no idea how big (or small) that is.

Maybe I should do something like this with some of our Italy maps from last summer...

Artsy Clutch

2008-05-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Last week, I used Amy Butler fabrics from my overflowing fabric stash to make a little Artsy Clutch from Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing book.

It was easy and done in less than an hour. Seriously easy (and I'm not super fast nor an accomplished seamstress).

Charm City Cakes

2008-05-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

Belle and I just finished watching the Food Network's Ace of Cakes show. Charm City Cakes, a company based in Baltimore, makes the most amazing cakes I've ever seen. I seriously couldn't figure out which photos to post so here are a whole bunch.
They can make anything you can dream up. I wonder what I would choose... I know my hubby would choose a snow skiing one like this or a waterskiing cake.

Isn't this cake just so beautiful? I love the different shade of green on each layer and the delicate flowers.

Just monkeying around.

M&M madness.

In addition to this Candy Land cake, they also had a Scrabble cake.

So whimsical and fun. And, I love anything with polka dots.
How fun would this be for Father's Day?!?

Modern Planters

2008-05-28T11:53:00.001-07:00

I love love love modern planters like these from CB2.

Now if only I could keep my plants alive...

What's not to love?

2008-05-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

Is there anything that Restoration Hardware makes that I don't just love?

The answer is no.

Always classic, refined, and just beautiful.

Sewing Inspiration

2008-05-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

Last week, my husband bought me a great new Bernina Activa 230 sewing machine. I've been so inspired to work on a whole lot of new projects from these books....
Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing has great ideas and suggestions. I'm going to make this artsy clutch on the cover with I have on hand as well as a few baby bibs for friends that are going to have babies. I think I may add a little appliqué to the bibs too.This pattern book has beautiful projects. I used their letters as a guide for a special phrase I appliquéd on a quilt for a friend. I'm planning to make their Diaper & Wipes Quick Totes and try their Bib ideas as well.
I love Amy Butler's designs and this book is no exception. I'm planning to make quite a few projects from it starting with a new pair of pajama pants made out of her Olive Lacework and Linen Full Moon Polka fabrics.

Great ideas in both of these "Last-Minute" books.

I don't have this book...yet. I really want to make that little purse on the cover but the library doesn't have the book. Guess I'll just buy it but I wanted to glance through it first.

Sew & Stow... a title and description that intrigue me. I'll have to check it out and let you know if it's as great as it seems.

Do you have any favorite sewing books or patterns?

I love Room and Board.

2008-05-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

I love Room & Board. It's worth checking out their website, ordering their catalog, or making a stop in their showroom if you're in one of the major cities where they have a showroom.
I put a stop at Room & Board on our list of things to do in Chicago last November. I loved this sofa - classic and yet so refreshingly simple and tailored. I love the pillows too. I just wish my pillows would always look so nice on our couches.
My dream outdoor furniture is modern and from their outdoor collection. Beautiful and simple. Love it.

Green Inspiration

2008-05-09T10:59:00.001-07:00

I love this glass bubble knob. This is my favorite color. Ever. I could design a whole bathroom around these knobs. And, the pink ones are just perfect for a little girl room.

From Anthropologie.

Another beautiful kitchen

2008-05-09T10:55:00.001-07:00

Apparently I'm collecting photos of beautiful, white kitchens. The backsplash is Cararra marble tile. Stunning. And, how would it be to have a low bookshelf for my cookbooks?!?

From HGTV.com.

Clean, Fresh, White Kitchens

2008-05-02T09:59:00.001-07:00

There's something about a white kitchen that just seems so fresh, clean, and classic.

I can see me and the kids in here making lunch. I love the high small cabinets with glass doors.
I love the wood accents and the loads of light.

Both photos are from Desire to Inspire.

A Bigger Kitchen Remodel

2008-04-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not one to frequent yard sales but a perk to early Saturday morning runs is sometimes, I spot the PERFECT little something at a fresh yard sale. Such was my luck on Saturday when I found this little cream hutch and stove.

I stopped and asked the woman how much they wanted for the hutch.
Really nice woman: "We're asking $10 but we're willing to take less if you think that's too much." (not much of a negotiator)
Me, trying to hold in my shock: "Um. That's fine." (not much of a negotiator either)
Really nice woman: "We have a stove too for $7."
Me, still trying to sound normal: "Um.... I'll take them both."
Then, I hurried home to get the kids and the car. I had to get back before someone else discovered she's asking barely anything for such cute things!
They are perfect with our first kitchen purchase on the right. After we refinish all three pieces, we'll have a cute little kitchen set for $29 plus supplies! And, the hutch came with a surprise: it was filled with adorable dishes, including the totally retro "Tupperware Toys" pictured in the hutch above.

Here's our inspiration from The Land of Nod.

Paint all three white with red stove knobs. Maybe green on a few accents. We have chalkboard paint we could put on the hutch doors. The hardware will be silver. I'm going to see if I can get two 13x25 scraps of linoleum for new countertops.

So fun!!

My dream craft room

2008-04-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Someday, my dream home includes an inspiring space where we can all create in our own ways...
Here are a few creative spaces I love:

This is Amy Butler's creative work space.
I love the idea wall and would love to post ideas and inspiration on a wall.
Another photo where you can see her idea wall.

This fabric wall would be so amazing.
Imagine a small scrap from every sewing project attached to the wall.

And, last but not least, Martha's craft room is, not surprising, perfect.
Great natural light.
Great use of otherwise useless space in an attic.
Craft supplies organized neatly and where you can see them.
If I can see my supplies, I'm more likely to use them.

Ahhh... Someday. :)

A Great Playroom

2008-04-15T10:59:00.001-07:00

I love this playroom. The colors, the storage, the magnetic and chalkboard cabinet doors.

So fun!

Beautiful Bathrooms

2008-04-13T21:45:00.001-07:00

I'm not a bath person but this photo really makes me want to soak in the tub while reading a great book.

When we finally remodel our upstairs bathroom in the next decade, the look will be inspired by photos like this one. Isn't it lovely?

I've had these photos for awhile and can't remember where they are from.

Apparently I love pink.

2008-04-13T21:31:00.001-07:00

When we drove home from California last month, I convinced Jeremy that we needed a bathroom break in Primm, Nevada so that I could shop at the Williams-Sonoma outlet. :) It wasn't until I was in the checkout line that I noticed everything I had in my basket was pink.

Pink apron, towels, dishrags, soap, and potholders. But aren't they all so pretty?

A Kitchen Remodel

2008-04-10T10:23:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine is refinishing a beautiful child-size hutch for her little girl. I felt inspired so Belle and I searched the local thrift shop for a similar project.

We found this little treasure for $12.

She and Max have grand ideas about paint colors. They've decided to paint it green. I suggested white as an accent color. Belle informed me the stove top will be black like ours upstairs. I suggested we lose the heart that reminds me of 1988. Belle wants to paint the heart red. The kids will have the final say and we'll all do it together. We already purchased new handles.

It'll be a fun little project! I'll post photos when we are done.

May this home be blessed...

2008-04-10T10:20:00.001-07:00

We were lucky enough to have my mom visit us a few weeks ago. She and I had fun shopping and she bought this as a gift for us.
The saying on it is exactly how we feel about our home and our lives.
I love it.

Read with me

2008-04-09T12:35:00.001-07:00

After seeing these Sarah Jane vintage-inspired prints on DesignMom, I've wanted one for Belle. You can even specify the hair color and overall color. I'd buy one in pink with blonde hair.

So precious.

Vista Pavillion

2008-04-08T20:47:00.001-07:00

Can I just put everything in this Smith & Hawken photo in my backyard (minus the pool)?!

The tall hedge, beautifully designed paver patio, amazing furniture, tall pots with boxwoods, pergola with fabric awning. I love it all!!

I love books.

2008-04-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

“When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food and clothes.”

- Desiderius Erasmus (1465-1536)

Walkways...

2008-04-06T19:42:00.001-07:00

So, it's finally spring and we have a few projects coming up... One of these projects is a walkway from our side patio to our back patio. I'd love for it to be a brick patio like this one...I love the simple, traditional design. But, the price tag will (I'm almost positive) be out of our price range.

I love the brick work here and really, the whole house and yard. But, sorry the actual brick work is hard to see in this small photo. I did, however, just start getting this magazine and it's lovely.

This photo was taken at my Aunt and Uncle's house. They did a beautiful job on a really cool concrete walkway. This would look so great and, from what we hear, is not that difficult to do.
I love the small pebbles and large stones. But, Jeremy thinks Max would have way too much fun with the small pebbles. We may, however, do something similar to this on the west side of our house where we have 1) no need for grass, and 2) need to minimize the water in the area.

Hmmm.... We'll have to see.

Anna Tunic by Amy Butler

2008-04-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

As soon as I get a new sewing machine, this Anna Tunic by Amy Butler is one of the first projects on my list of things to make.

And, I LOVE it in the Full Moon Polka fabric. Maybe I could make one for Belle in the Cherry color...

Bedroom Ideas

2008-03-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

These bedrooms all have one thing in common...

A solid cover bedspread with only a few bold, symmetrically-placed pillows.
I love it all.

This is my favorite. I think I got it from Desire to Inspire.

I especially love the bolster pillow and the chair.
Design by Amie Weitzman.

I've been holding onto this child's room photo (from Family Circle magazine) for months and finally scanned it so I don't lose it.

Wouldn't it be fun inspiration for Belle's room? And, with only a couple of decorative pillows, she might actually make her bed...

Ekko Mobiles

2008-03-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Matt Richards, my high school friend and former back-door neighbor in Texas, creates beautiful mobiles at his company, Ekko Mobiles.

I must own one (or two, or three!) for my home.

Here's a favorite:It's called Leaves. Wouldn't it be perfect hanging in the corner of a bedroom?

It's always fun to see where life takes people. In high school, Matt was into all things sports cars. And, now only twelve years later, he has a successful career as a talented artist and entrepreneur.

Pretty Playroom Storage

2008-03-14T14:28:00.001-07:00

My sister, Ali, is redecorating her playroom. I wish I lived closer so I could help. Since I don't, I'll just supply ideas. Here's a great storage area around a window from The Land of Nod. I think it wouldn't be hard to make it cheaper with items from Target or Ikea. I love the colors too.

Urban Life

2008-03-05T20:53:00.001-08:00

Someday, I hope to live in the middle of a big city. I'm not giving up that dream.
Wouldn't it be fabulous to live here in Chicago?
We took this photo from a boat while on an architectural tour.

Kitchen Beauty

2008-03-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

Isn't this kitchen by David Netto Design just so calming? I love the simple black and white color scheme, especially the subway tile and the sink. The green accents bring such a fresh, earthy touch. This is the look I want in my to-be-remodeled-someday bathroom.

Simplicity in modern design

2008-03-02T22:26:00.000-08:00

I know many people really don't like modern design but what's not to love about these gorgeous rooms found on Desire to Inspire!?

I love the wall color (Domino by Dulux) and the table and chairs.

Hmmm... Where could I use that color in my home...Love the black trim on the window. When I redo my master room, it will have simple white bedding, with two (or one long) bold pillows. The walls will have a few carefully chosen photos from our Italy trip last summer. Photos like these...

Can you find me in the photo?

I love Restoration Hardware

2008-02-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

It's pictures like this remind me why I could furnish an entire home with their beautiful things -- like everything featured here including the Delaney sofa.Beautiful. Sophisticated. Classic yet simple, modern lines. Stunning.

Spring Table Runner

2008-02-27T16:05:00.000-08:00

After visiting Hip & Humble last week, I was so inspired to make something--anything really! This table runner was made from Amy Butler fabric that I already had on hand.

Now, we're really ready for Spring!

Tooth Fairy Pillow

2008-02-27T15:40:00.000-08:00

I just made a tooth pillow for Belle when she lost her first tooth. But this one from Oeuf adorable in the shape of a molar. It has a little pocket in the back for a tooth and the money.

So cute! I may have to make one in this shape for Max in a few years...

Persistence Pays Off

2008-02-25T21:27:00.000-08:00

"That which we persist in doing
becomes easier to do,
not that the nature
of the thing has changed,
but that our power to do has increased."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Dress for Belle

2008-02-25T13:35:00.001-08:00

I love this dress on Land's End. Apparently, I'm not the only one as they seem to be running low on sizes.

I love it in pink. Belle prefers it in green.

I couldn't get the good quality picture to copy over so you can see the details here.