Occasionally, I do write more than 2,200 characters (thanks for the limit, Instagram), and when I do, you will find those words here. I also love participating in Calling It Home’s One Room Challenge, which happens every spring and fall. You can find past rooms I’ve worked on here. Want some help with your own One Room Challenge? Let me know so that we can get planning for the next round!
It’s week 2 of the One Room Challenge and it is time for a game plan. Last week, we discussed why I am working on this room. Quick refresh: our family needs a play space that is slightly out of the way, but close enough for kitchen time supervision (not hard in 1,100 square feet). We would also like to keep the TV out of the main living room.
Read MoreConfession time. I’ve been stalking the One Room Challenge for the last couple of years. It is the source of some pretty amazing ideas – both from professional and amateur designers. This challenge seems to feed really good design. It showcases places that you really want live in. And I want to accept the challenge. I almost have. But putting yourself out there is tough, especially when you are putting yourself out there with something as personal as your home or even something as personal as (gasp) your dream job. What if no one likes my room? What if no one even reads this?
Read MoreWe’ve been down this road before. You know the drill. First, I apologize for being missing in action. Then I say there’s a new plan in town. Then I write about food anyway. Or I don't write at all. Same old, same old.
Read MoreI don’t know about you, but in my house, we often find ourselves saying “no excuses” when we talk to our kids about communication. You know the drill.
Parent: So. Where have you been?
Teen: Uhhh.
Parent: Is your phone broken?
Teen: No. I was going to call you but…
Parent: What about your fingers? Are they broken?
Teen: No. I was uhhh…
Parent: So, you were just MIA? No call, no note, no nada?
Teen: <blank stare>
Read MoreLast summer, on a random Thursday, I threw a cowboy party for the kids. I gathered up some hats and bandanas, made some cookie dough, added balloons, and it was a party.
It was not a big deal in terms of preparation. It was certainly no mermaid party. But it was a fun surprise for the kids and all of them – even the teens – had a great afternoon.
Read MoreI’ve spent the last couple of weeks trying to get more organized. I bake a lot when I'm trying to get organized. Clears the head.
I’m trying to let go of things that don’t excite me (goodbye 150 people I’ve been following on Instagram) and embrace things that fuel creativity and enthusiasm. I’ve been actively cutting down on purchases and pairing down items at home and online. Case in point: I went to IKEA with my mom a week or so ago and only spent $35. That may be a record. But I did get a couple of really cool dishes and a raspberry tray. I’m not claiming to be a minimalist here.
Read MoreThis post is sponsored by the fine folks at Wayfair who asked one simple question: tell us about your dream patio. All opinions in this post are my own. As if you had to ask.
Do you know who is in need of an outdoor space makeover? My mom.
Mom moved to Idaho from Louisiana two winters ago. The house she purchased had been sitting vacant for quite possibly forever, which meant that most of the backyard landscaping had gone to weed. We are talking nothing but dandelions and dirt. Not a single blade of grass. Mom has invested some serious energy getting her yard in shape. It is high time for her to enjoy the space that she’s worked so hard to clean up.
Read MoreEvery time I throw a party, there is at least one point in the preparation stage, typically two or three days before the party, when I think to myself that I must by absolutely crazy to be doing whatever it is I am doing at that very moment. Last week, that moment came when I was painting glitter scales on a cardboard mermaid photo backdrop. For a birthday party. For five-year-olds.
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