cutest little things

Playhouse Feature!

2012-01-27T10:14:00.002-05:00

I'm always happy to learn that some little project or post on my site has been an inspiration to someone else! Aside from community and friendship, that's the best part of blogging!

Our backyard playhouse {above} has always been one of my most popular posts. I'm always excited to hear people's feedback on it and to read all of the features that others have done it.

So I was elated when Anette Snarby emailed to ask me if she could feature my son's playhouse on her popular parenting, Norwegian blog Foreldremanualen.no!

She was looking for inspiration on building a boy-themed playhouse for her two, adorable sons and came across my son's playhouse. You can check out her blog post here: A fantastic playground - for the guys!

It's absolutely AMAZING to me that I could inspire someone, anyone - let alone someone so far away just through a simple little blog post!! Totally makes it all worth while! :)

Anette, thank you so much for reaching out to me,

and for the nice email and post!

I hope you'll share your finished playhouse with all of us!

Beating the January Blues

2012-01-24T11:19:00.003-05:00

Between the warmer than normal temps,

post-holiday blahs, cabin fever,

and the holiday/party hoopla at a temporary end...

Autumn, our Golden Retriever, taking a winter's nap.

January doldrums can set in...

It can get pretty boring with too many rainy/dreary days,

and being stuck inside with not much to do.

The best way to stave off winter doldrums

is to get out and have fun!

Winter Fun Ideas — for kids and kids at heart ;)
....

First, Bundle up {light layers work best}...
Take a {brief} winter walk,
Build a snowman,
Make a snowfort,
Have a snowball fight,
Go sledding or tubing {helmets required for little ones},
Take your family on a snowy sleigh or carriage ride,
Fill empty squirt bottles with food coloring for colorful snow painting,
Freeze empty plastic containers with food coloring for colorful ice blocks,
A weekend getaway to a romantic cabin in snow country would be lovely,
Go ice skating {take lessons to learn},
Take your family skiing {there are plenty of bunny slopes for beginners},
Make a soup bar to warm up ~ {plenty of soup varieties, flavored croutons, grated cheese, etc...},
Beat cabin fever with indoor blanket forts {with bundles of pillows to lay on},
Have a family movie night ~ lots of buttery popcorn, snacks and candies for munching,
Have a late afternoon winter campfire with hot cocoa and toasted marshmallows,
Set up a hot chocolate buffet ~ include plenty of toppings {and don't forget the whipped cream!},
Hang suet to feed non-migrating birds,

or just...

Get out and Have fun!

We finally had our first significant snowfall of the season,

and we couldn't wait to get out and enjoy it!

Acting like a kid again is an instant way to chase away the winter blues.

"The pursuit of truth and beauty is a

sphere of activity in which we are

permitted to remain children

all our lives."

- Albert Einstein

2011 - What A Year!

2012-01-06T12:51:00.001-05:00

~ Happy Twenty Twelve ~

Looking back over 2011, it was quite the year.

From snowball fights and snow painting in January...

to celebrating that crazy love thing in February and my 10th with my hubby in April...

picnics and trips in the summer to see the Duke and Duchess,

to the return of the school year and a new family member in the fall,

and finishing out the year with a thankful heart and a peace-filled home :)

There were projects and parties throughout,

and each season brought its own unique celebrations.

I thank each and every one of you
for following along on this passionate journey of mine :)

I love sharing my enthusiasm for beauty, for blissful moments, love of family and friends,

and my heartfelt joy in celebrating life's random, ordinary moments...the seasons, the holidays, and all of the other little things that bring us happiness.

It really is the little things in life that matter.

Having lost my parents younger than most,

I live with the life philosophy to make each moment count...

to love with abandon,

to bring beauty to the ordinary,

to create fun out of the mundane,

to live life passionately,

and to surround my loved ones and friends

with joy, charm, and sweetness :)

2012 has just begun.

A new year is filled with hope...

a clean slate as Anne Shirley would say,

"...with no mistakes in it yet."

happy new year!

Heavenly Peace

2011-12-28T10:47:00.001-05:00

The older I get,

the more I enjoy the week following Christmas.

The hustle and bustle is over. The crazy crowds are beginning to die down. The parties have ended (at least until New Year's Eve!) and the guests are packed up to go home. While some rush to pack away Christmas and move on, at our home, this is our time to cozy up on the sofa, turn on the lights, pour ourselves a steaming cup of coffee or brew a pot of tea and savor the seasonal splendors.

Do yourself a favor ~ don't rush through the season just because the day has come and gone. This is the time to enjoy all of the things that you were too busy to get around to while you were preparing. Watch those holiday DVDs that you skimmed through while cooking or wrapping. Turn off the lights and plug in the tree lights and read a good book or leaf through a holiday magazine {let your mind file away ideas for NEXT year!) Curl up with your sweetie and children and reflect on special holiday moments that you want to be sure to remember.

This is the time to reflect, enjoy and relax as we move into a new year.

So tonight, I plan to enjoy my Christmas decor {just a little longer!}, curl up with my favorite guys {my husband and son!}, have a warm mug of cocoa in front of my newest love! One of my favorite presents!!

and savor the Christmas season ~ just a little bit more :)

Elfin Magic

2011-12-27T12:53:00.000-05:00

Christopher Pop-in-kins spent the Christmas season hiding in various spots in our house. Like Elf on the Shelf, this little fella appears in children's homes and keeps a watch on their behavior, reporting back to Santa! My son loves this tradition!

Christopher left him small treats in our various advent calendars for him to find each morning...like this one:

And of course we had to get the Elf on the Shelf DVD, this year because my son's so into elves.

So when it came time for baking, I had an idea!

These jolly North Pole Christmas elf cookies were perfect! He loved their crooked little smiles and happy expressions!

A simple and cute way to add a little elfin magic to any holiday celebration!

From my home to yours

2011-12-23T10:29:00.001-05:00

From my home to yours...

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Today I'll be in the kitchen, finishing my baking...

immersed in flour, icing, and sprinkles!

I hope you're {nearly} ready, too :)

Home for the Holidays

2011-12-20T16:33:00.000-05:00

We're just days away from Christmas!

I've been so busy preparing at home, attending parties, finishing shopping, sending packages and cards, and baking ~ all the while trying to find those little blissful moments to soak it all in, that I've completely neglected all of you!

Why is it that no matter how organized you set out to be, you always find yourself running ragged before a holiday?? (if it's just me, please don't tell me!!)

I switched up my decor this year to include some new pieces, including these pretty, glittery paper mache houses that light up! (I'm a sucker for anything that sparkles and twinkles) I love seeing their little, frosted windows all aglow.

Enjoy these final days before Christmas!

I hope you're more prepared and organized than I obviously am!

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-08T15:20:00.001-05:00

Is there anything more reminiscent of Christmas

than something homemade, fresh from the oven?

Looking for some Christmas baking inspiration?

I have an archive full of adorable and delicious Christmas cookie and sweet treat ideas!

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas

without the holiday scents of gingerbread, cinnamon, sugar cookies,

and spice filling the house!

So click on the links below for recipes and tutorials

as well as some eye candy inspiration sure to bring a smile to your face!

Christmas Baking Archives:

♫ Christmas Caroler Cookies ♪

Glad Tidings

Christmas Cookies!

Christmas fun for kids

Frosty, Merry and oh so Sweet!

Baking Week

Little Gingerbread People

Holiday Baking

Happy Baking :)

St. Nicholas Day

2011-12-06T10:29:00.001-05:00

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there..."

A Visit from St Nicholas

by Clement C Moore

Every year on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, children leave their shoes, slippers or stockings out to find them filled with candies, nuts or fruit by St. Nicholas. Our son eagerly anticipates this annual tradition by leaving his slippers outside his bedroom door to wake to find them filled with a sweet card from St. Nick and special candies.

The sweet card from St. Nick writes to tell our son that St. Nick's elf, Christopher-pop-in-kins reports that our son's been a good boy (so far!) this year and encourages him to keep up the good work!

Glittering snowy sprinkles and glistening stars pepper the surrounding floor, leaving a magical trail from this special visit! Chocolate coins, special hot cocoa mix, peppermints and other candies overflow from his cute little polar bear slippers.

It's an Old World tradition that keeps the religious focus on the Christian aspect of the holiday which is important to us.

But you don't need to be religious to keep this tradition alive. We explain to our son that St. Nicholas (St. Nick/Santa) visits before Christmas in order to check in on how he's behaving and to scope out where to leave the presents! It's a wonderful prelude to the hoopla of Christmas and stretches out the anticipation (the funnest part!) just a little bit longer!

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2011-12-01T11:13:00.001-05:00

Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight,

Make me a child again just for tonight!

~Elizabeth Akers Allen

As any child can tell you,

Christmas is magic.

The sights and sounds, the sweet fragrant smells, the anticipation, the joy...

everything seems more alive, brighter, and vibrant.

And what is more magical than a visit to see Santa, himself!

Each year our little family looks forward to an annual tradition of going to see Santa in our little town. The main street trees covered in tiny white lights. The walkways lined in white, candle lit luminaries. Firepits on each street corner to warm your hands. Carriage and sleigh rides through the street as you shop. Store-front windows festively decorated with their lovely wares on display. Vibrant fireworks filling the night sky with explosive color and thunderous sound. Cups of steaming hot cocoa and sweet sugar cookies to munch as you wait your turn in the seemingly never-ending line to see the Big Guy ~ SANTA!

Ready to see Santa!

It's thrilling even for me, as an adult!

For my young son, the anticipation is almost too much to bear!

Shopping during the holidays can be so much fun, especially in a small town main street instead of overcrowded malls. You can take a break from the over-heated stores to venture out into the brisk evening air amidst all of the twinkling tree lights lining the sidewalk.

The cheery store-front window displays are always a delight to behold.

Little eyes filled with wonder and longing at all of the precious treasures within!

A little ice cream parlor beckons us in for a sweet treat.

Always seize the moment

to stop during the hustle and bustle

to let little ones take it all in.

The world seems so fast-paced and overwhelming to children.

Taking time to listen to them, and let them savor the moment is so important.

It helps them feel secure and valued...

and it gives you both a chance to make some extra special memories together!

Horse-drawn sleigh ride throughout the town...

Jingle all the way...

But the highlight of the night is, of course,

a visit with Santa!

Whispering all of the wishes that a little heart can hold...

ever hopeful...

a little timid...

with sparkling eyes filled with wonder!

My wish for you during this busy Christmas season,

as you ready your home for guests and festivities,

is that you take a break, if even for a moment - to savor the magic,

the splendor,

the sights, sounds and smells,

and let Christmas joy fill your heart and home this season.

May your days be merry and bright :)

Thanksgiving Joy

2011-11-25T17:45:00.001-05:00

Did you have a wonderful Thanksgiving?

From start to finish, our holiday was absolute perfection!

It started off with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

while I was getting started in the kitchen.

Delicious pies, cranberry orange relish, roasted stuffed turkey,

freshly steamed green beans and brocolli,

roasted vegetables, homemade dinner rolls,

turkey gravy, and so much more!

The trick was keeping my 5-yr. old occupied while waiting for dinner.

In his turkey chairbacker, he found a handmadeThanksgiving activity book along with a new box of crayons. He didn't waste any time getting right to work on the various coloring pages and activities inside.

Using various scrapbooking supplies that I had on hand,

I whipped together this homemade activity book.

It was so simple!

I went online and printed off an assortment of coloring pages

and activities for him to make and do.

Voila!

We made teepees the night before out of paper plates and sticks.

And in his activity book were Pilgrim and Indian finger puppets to color and cut out.

And we used the Pottery Barn Kids Mayflower treat holder for the Pilgrim finger puppets.

Coloring and making things was a great way to keep him occupied.

It was a tradition in my house that every Thanksgiving

my brothers and I received an early Christmas present.

So in keeping with tradition,

Andrew received a little gift bag at dinner,

containing two diecast cars

and a Jingle All the Way book and dog from Hallmark.

Because he knows how much his mama loves to make things cute,

just as dinner was about to be served,

Andrew ran to get the crafts he'd made at school...

I just loved his placemat!

And his rustic napkin ring was perfect!

At dinner, as we talked about what we're thankful for,

Andrew said this was the best Thanksgiving ever.

I couldn't agree more :)

Hope it was yours, too!

Gobble Gobble Turkey Cookies

2011-11-22T21:44:00.001-05:00

Take time to savor the moments this Thanksgiving.

Laugh often and out loud.
Smile widely.

Listen to the whispers of children and the wisdom of the old.

Give everyone big, warm arm-stretched hugs.

Relish your favorite foods with delight.

Count your blessings ~ you'll likely be surprised at how blessed you are!

Enjoy the lovely sites, delicious smells and familiar sounds that surround you.

Savor this holiday and those that are celebrating with you.

For this Thanksgiving will never come again.

Cherish every blessed moment of it.

Thanksgiving {Natural Elegance} Tablescape and Birch

2011-11-20T13:06:00.001-05:00

As I spend this weekend baking and relaxing,

I thought you might enjoy seeing our tablescape this year.

Let me preface this by saying that I marvel at you tablescape mavens that pull a look together so effortlessly! I don't seem to possess the gift, although I ultra love seeing a beautiful seasonal table!

This time of year, we all long for peace and reflection. With the year winding down and nature going into slumber, Thanksgiving seems the perfect time to repose and relax. I wanted to bring that natural elegance to our tablescape this year. Warm, rich chocolate brown, heavenly creamy whites, rustic wood and burlap, oak leaves, pinecones and acorns ~ texture, warmth and natural elements abound.

I love the rough, texture of the burlap and woven fabric of the placemats. With my wheat bundles flanking the table, and hurricanes filled with real, preserved oak leaves, pinecones and acorns, the table pulls in so many of the woodland elements that one would find on a November nature hike.

I can't tell you how much I love my table runner!

I bought this from a talented etsy seller,

and I just adore the screenprinted Thanksgiving message.

We've been enjoying this on our table throughout November.

Everything has to have a touch of whimsy in our house with a 5-year old. So rather than set a seperate kid's table for just one child, I adorn his placesetting with whimsical (but also coordinating) decor.

This little treat bag from Pottery Barn Kids will hold healthy pre-dinner snacks.

The turkey chairbacker will hold homemade goodies

and Thanksgiving books.

Having a special place to sit,

makes an intimidating adult table seem more welcoming to a little one.

But other decor

like these Byers' Choice Thanksgiving figures

on the table also makes for an unexpected surprise and fun conversation piece

even for adults.

Who says kids get all the fun stuff?! ;)

Pie, anyone?

More turkey?

I am in love with my ruffle bowl.

This makes such a dramatic statement on a table!

A little touch of feminity offsets the rough textures of burlap, wood and tweed,

and turns up the sophistication!

Natural elegance.

Rustic sophistication.

Thanksgiving perfection :)

And speaking of rustic elegance,

A great big thank you to my darling husband for taking a pile of old birch branches

and turning them into these

chic, charming

Birch Bark Candleholders

for little ole me :)

In my hurry to display them,

I couldn't find my white tealights,

but I did happen upon some pumpkin spice ones that fit

just perfectly!

Yay!!

Pure bliss.

Happy Turkey Day tablescaping!

This post is linked to Tutorial Tuesdays with Hope Studios.

Pilgrims on display

2011-11-19T15:13:00.001-05:00

We're spending this weekend relaxing before the holiday.

The turkey has been bought.

Table linens are ready to go.

We're just about ready.

Little guy and me are doing some pre-Thanksgiving baking...

just for the fun of it :)

I don't do much by way of decorating for Thanksgiving.

My fall decor is still up (for now), but Christmas stuff beckons!

I do have a few Thanksgiving pieces,
like this Byers' Choice Pilgrim and his turkey in our foyer.

He's a fun little conversation piece to welcome holiday guests.

I love my wreath {below}!
It's a little different than the traditional orange and yellow autumn wreaths.

With a welcoming candle to lightly fragrance the entryway,
this little display just makes people smile.

Off to work on a couple of fun projects ;)

Hope you're taking a break this weekend before the big day!

Count Your Blessings

2011-11-18T10:52:00.001-05:00

Counting our blessings is the focus of being what it means to be thankful. These colorful Pottery Barn Kids Thankful Tree Countdown Calendars are not only adorable, but they're so helpful in getting little ones more involved in the Thanksgiving celebration.

Thanksgiving should be more to our children than just a turkey dinner and a day off of school. I want my son to always have a grateful heart for all the many blessings in our lives.

The calendar came with insert cards for each day of November. We filled each day of ours with a note of something that we're grateful for...followed by a corresponding activity for our son to act upon.

For example:

I'm grateful for my puppy, Autumn.

Take Autumn for a walk.

The turkey in the photo was one of his school crafts! I love, love, love all of the beautiful treasures he brings home. I've mentioned in previous posts that I use them in my seasonal and holiday decor year after year. It never ceases to bring a smile to everyone that sees them.

I hope as you're finalizing your Thanksgiving plans that you can find time to include some valuable lessons on gratitude with the little ones in your life. Children learn by what they see us adults doing and saying. It's easy when we're rushed to be harsh. Lovies, it's not the succulent turkey or the creative tablescape that our familes will remember. What truly matters is letting those we love know how thankful we are for them in our lives.

Seasonal books are a focal point in our home.

This weekend as I get things ready, I'll be sure to take a few extra moments with my baby. I promised him that we'd make cookies and do Thanksgiving crafts together. Pure bliss!!

A headband we made last year with hand tracing feathers

I'm so very blessed to have my handsome, precocious, sweet boy and my loving husband, and I intend on counting every one of my blessings ~ not just on Thanksgiving, but always :)

Looking for an easy and cute Thanksgiving cookie idea?

Try making my Pilgrim Hats

they look darling on the kids table ;)

For more Thanksgiving posts, click here.

Preparing for the feast

2011-11-14T16:33:00.001-05:00

My most favorite holiday is approaching - Thanksgiving!

As a child, I didn't care much for it. Stuck between Halloween and Christmas, Thanksgiving seemed a total bore! I'd spend the morning reading through the comic section of the newspaper while my parents pored over Black Friday ads, and I'd leaf through the Sears catalog while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

As an adult, Thanksgiving seems perfect to me! A day for counting one's blessings, eating delicious food (if one is so fortunate) and being with loved ones. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Christmas, Thanksgiving's pace is relaxed and tranquil. No gifts to buy (well maybe just a few for my son *wink*), not much by way of decorating (although I do have a few things to show you), and not much prep other than a fantastic home-cooked feast!

Are you busy prepping at your house? Are you doing the cooking this year or going over to a family member's house? What do you do to celebrate and prepare?

Remembering, Lest We Forget

2011-11-10T13:26:00.001-05:00

In this month of Thanksgiving,

let us not forget to take a moment

on 11/11/11

to give special thanks

to the brave men and women,

our fellow citizens and our loyal allies,

that have sacrified all

for our freedoms.

Veteran's Day and Remembrance Day

Taken at the War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario Canada

If you have kids like me and want to impress upon them the importance of marking Veteran's/Rememberance Day (so that they realize there's more to it than just having a day off of school!), there are wonderful books that you can read together.

Two of our favorites that are simple enough for a young child to understand without graphic detail:

We visited the Canadian War Museum this past summer in Ottawa. All of us were very quiet as we toured the exhibits, taking time to explain to our son the devastation of war and the heroism of those that stand up to evil.

It was a very sombre experience.

My husband Tom reading through one of the exhibits

I encourage all of you to talk to your children so that they appreciate the bravery and sacrifice of not only our own heroic veterans, but those of our allies that have fought loyally by our countrymen's side during wartime.

Model of the War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Take in a Veteran's Day/Rememberance Day parade or ceremony if they have one in your area. If you have loved ones that have served in the military, take a moment to talk to them.

The War Memorial

And please remember to give your heartfelt appreciation to the men and women that have served.

Home of the Free

Because of the Brave.

We will never forget.

Halloween 2011 Recap

2011-11-01T12:26:00.000-04:00

Halloween 2011

Whenever a holiday passes, it's a good opportunity to take stock. As you pack away costumes and decorations, take a moment to reflect for next year: what worked and what could you do to make it more fun and less of a hassle?

Did you wait too long to buy your children's costumes? Did you break your diet eating all of the Halloween candy?

Like all of you, I strive to create a beautiful and peaceful home. As I mention often on my blog, I work outside of the home full-time. Being a working mom, if I don't stay on top of things by planning carefully, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out.

It may be old-school, but keeping an old-fashioned calendar to record party dates really keeps my family on track.

My Gooseberry Patch wall calendar

Little ones eagerly anticipate holidays so it's always fun to encourage their sense of excitement! We had so much fun with our Pottery Barn Kids Halloween countdown calendar. Instead of filling the pockets with candy, I wrote little notes for each day of the month with an activity to do for that day (create Halloween masks, read a Halloween storybook, decorate pumpkins with stickers, bake cookies, watch a Halloween movie, go on a hayride, collect fall leaves, etc...)

My little guy loved going to the calendar each day for some holiday family fun.

Even our fur kids weren't left out.

We bought some special Halloween doggie cookies for Ollie and Autumn.

We decorated indoors and out to create a spooky and festive atmosphere. Even the playhouse was decked out with orange icicyle lights and whimsical decorations.

I'm more a fan of the cute than the creepy at Halloween - especially with a young child.

We made a few of these wooden pumpkin luminary boxes years ago.

Of course Halloween wouldn't be Halloween without carving pumpkins...

These were my son's pumpkins

I drew the simple designs, and he (with help from his dad) carved them.

Our big one was a bit more sinister

with marble eyes and fang-like teeth.

little touches inside look magical, too...

Magical scent of the season

Candy Corn Candle

Eerie mouse silhouettes running along the stairs...Eek!

And all dressed up for trick-or-treating...

We hope you, too, had your best Halloween ever!

Spooky Graveyard Cupcakes

2011-10-28T22:49:00.003-04:00

We're getting ready for Halloween at our house!

I love this time of year...

All of the spooktacular decorations, the candy, the fun!

No matter what time of year, there's always something yummy baking in the oven.
I never need a reason to get creative in the kitchen, and these little treats were no exception!

SpOoKy GrAveYard CuPcaKes!!

Aren't these super cute?!

I made them for my son's school Halloween party...

Ghoulishly delicious devil's food cupakes

With eerie sugar cookie tombstones,

candy pumpkins, fondant skulls and ghosts.

These cupcake liners have a surprise greeting when you turn them over.

Trick -or- Treat!

I accented my wire tiered tray with real, preserved oak leaves.

Decorating for each holiday can easily get expensive,

but by re-using things you already have on hand,

things you find in nature, and things you can make inexpensively like my cheesecloth ghosts,

you can give your house a spectacular and festive touch without breaking the bank.

We'll be watching Halloween specials this weekend,

and getting ready for trick-or-treating on Monday.

Are you all ready for the little ghosts and goblins that will coming to your door?

Happy Halloween!

October Eves

2011-10-16T19:48:00.001-04:00

“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”

~ Humbert Wolfe

It's been a typically fallish weekend in Pennsylvania, blustery, overcast and brisk. Football and festivals are in full swing. Neighborhood yards are decorated with haybales, cornstalks, and plump, orange pumpkins. Halloween will be here before you know it!

For a little afterschool treat, I've made old-fashioned, buttery popcorn balls {with itty bitty Reese's Pieces candies in them in autumnal shades of orange, yellow and brown}. Each homemade treat has been wrapped carefully in a cellophane bag and tied with coordinating fall ribbons. I love this recipe because they stay nice and chewy (unlike the dry, crunchy ones in the store).

The kitchen beckons this time of year, and the smells of something yummy being cooked fill the entire house with warmth and delicious smells.

I hope you're enjoying this bewitching time of year!

want a bite?

5th Birthday Movie Party

2011-10-10T15:30:00.004-04:00

Lights! Presents! Action!

5th Birthday Movie Party!

My baby boy turned 5 recently!

Turning one whole hand is a milestone event!

The fun festivities kicked off the week beforehand by attending his first ever NHL game between our own Pittsburgh Penguins and the Minnesota Wild. Because it was his birthday the following day, he was choosen to ride the zamboni prior to the start of the game!

The staff of the Penguins gave us the all-out royal treatment!

We were given free tickets to see the game, and got to see the players warm up!

One of them even was so kind as to give Andrew a practice puck

(thank you, Matt Cooke)!

On his big day, his dad and I took him to see the Pittsburgh Pirates!

After the game, we went out for dinner at one of his favorite local restaurants, Quaker Steak and Lube! Perfect place for a car-loving boy!

The following week was his birthday party with his friends!

He chose a movie theater party to see

Dolphin Tale!

Adorable magnetic invitations from Deb Den Designs

I loved his invitations!
They were created for me by etsy seller, Deb Den Designs!

I can't recommend her highly enough! She worked closely with me to get everything just right!

Right down to the coordinating "ticket" Thank You cards!

Movie-theme cake from Faithfully Cakes

His cake (topped with REAL popcorn, coated in delicious white chocolate and drizzled with buttery-looking yellow candy melts) was created by a local cake designer named Tammy. She was so friendly and helpful in creating the movie-theme cake I envisioned with movie reels and fondant licorice (oh and the chocolate chip flavor was DELISH!)

His cookie favors from Bee's Knees Creative

In keeping with my movie-theme, I had these adorable cookie favors for all of the kids at the party. Darling tubs of popcorn and directors clapboards were a huge hit! The cookies arrived in perfect condition (packed with lots of care) and were even cuter in person!

For favors: I purchased popcorn boxes and filled each one with a cookie favor, movie-theater candies (dots, rainbow licorice, tootsie rolls, rainbow lollipops, and gummies) - along with a Dolphin Tale movie poster!

Each guest received their own movie poster in their popcorn favor box!

Giant mylar balloons helped give the party room

extra cuteness!

Mixed in with theatrical red, pearlized gold and pearlized black latex balloons in
classic movie theater colors, the mylar balloons jazzed up the room's decor instantly!

I wrote party details on the directors balloon with a poster paint Sharpie!

The birthday boy on his extra special day!

His adorable popcorn shirt was from mini Boden.

Before the movie, each child and parent was given a movie meal consisting of popcorn, taffy candy and choice of drink in a cute, portable box to carry into the theater!

I made each child their very own

V.I.P. All Access Movie Pass!

I wanted everyone to feel special, not just the birthday boy!

A party is a celebration and guests should feel pampered and included in the festivities!

They looked so cute walking into the theater together

with their VIP passes into our own special section...

like they were attending their own Hollywood premiere!

** Please note: I would not recommend lanyards around smaller children's necks.

Please use caution. You could substitute stick-on passes instead.

It was SUCH a fun day!

Popcorn, an inspiring movie, pizza, candy, and presents!

Giant buckets of popcorn lined the party tables.

The kids felt so grown up getting to sit together in a darkened movie theater

(with their parents in the row behind them, just in case!)

What a magical way to celebrate turning 5!

Chocolate Chip Golden Retriever Pupcakes

2011-09-29T14:21:00.004-04:00

My son was snack leader again at preschool in celebration of his 5th Birthday!

His request: Chocolate Chip Golden Retriever Pupcakes (to honor his new puppy, Autumn). It was also Show-and-Tell day so he brought in a poster-size print of her to show his classmates.

I found graham cracker "Scooby Doo" biscuits (for kids, not dogs!) that I included for extra cuteness.

Chocolate Chip eyes

Marshmallow peanut tongues

Caramel ears

and lots of delicious whipped chocolate buttercream frosting!

All packaged up to take to school!

All of those adorable sweet doggie faces...

what child could resist?!? ;)

Happy Autumn

2011-09-11T19:33:00.003-04:00

I know the start of fall isn't officially here, but we're already celebrating Autumn!

Meet our new Golden Retriever puppy

named Autumn!

Well, technically my son named her...

Apple Autumn Sunset Falls

but he wanted to call her Autumn, for short :)

And what a perfect name, too!

WIth her golden brown coloring,

she looks right at home outside,

like the sunlight as it's setting in west.

Look at that sweet, trusting face!

She's already stolen our hearts!

Back-to-school

2011-09-07T12:41:00.003-04:00

School bells, backpacks, pencils and books...

It's back-to-school time!

Wishing all of our little ones a safe and fun-filled new school year.

Study hard.

Be safe.

Have fun.

Make friends.

Be good.
Play nice.

Try your best :)

click here for more posts about school.

September has arrived! {and party planning sneak peek}

2011-09-02T11:32:00.003-04:00

"By all these lovely tokens

September days are here,

With summer’s best of weather

And autumn’s best of cheer."

- Helen Hunt Jackson, September, 1830-1885

In my last post I mentioned how something in the air has changed,

whispering softly that autumn is coming.

The calendar page has turned ~ September has arrived!

My little guy returns to school next week. His enthusiasm to learn is positively infectious! I love how he approaches things with such passion and optimisim. My husband and I are doing everything we can to encourage those feelings. I want him to view new opportunities as adventures filled with possibilities :)

Along with school starting, September brings his birthday. I can't believe my little man is turning 5 this year! Gone are the baby and toddler days. He's a boy now...full of curiosity, a little mischief ;) and lots and lots of sweetness and imagination.

We're planning some wonderful surprises for him on this milestone 5th birthday! Lots of things in the works. And I'm busy putting together his party plans. Yes - it's that time of year again!!

Want a sneak peek at his invitations this year? :)

Happy September!

click here for a previous September post.

Garden Harvest Fresh

2011-08-30T15:21:00.003-04:00

It's so hard to grasp that summer's end is already here. The familiar sound of school buses have been heard in our neighborhood, and with that means that harvest season is here!

My Gooseberry Patch wall calendar (above) features one of my many summer loves - Farmers Markets! I live in the country (well the 'burbs, technically) but work in the city...so no matter where I go, there are wonderful farmers markets to be found! We look forward to them each week, not only for farm fresh produce (which is locally grown - so much better for you to know where your food is coming from - and also to support your local farmers), but also for beautiful plants, herbs, honey, freshly baked pies and cakes, and beautiful flowers!

One of my adorable farm farm tea towels - perfect for this time of year!

Farm fresh dinnerware is perfect!

More garden fresh tea towels ~ I love these with the recipes on them.

With the abundance of garden produce available on store shelves, from backyard gardens and farmers markets, there's virtually no excuse for not eating healthy this time of year! Our vegetable garden is brimming with yummy veggies and herbs, just ripe for the picking.

Plump garden pumpkins are growing in anticipation of fall!

Each evening the air has been just a tad cooler, with that certain unexplainable nip in the air that whispers the season is about to change. A few scattered leaves pepper the lawns...some of which have already begun to change their color.

And with the calendar page about to turn to September, I've been gradually pulling out my favorite fall books to dream and plan :)

Curled up in the backyard with seasonal ideas swirling around in my head, I'm just overjoyed that my favorite season of all is nearly here - AUTUMN!

With fall brings so many things that I love: cheery pumpkins, cozy soft throws, colorful leaves crunching underfoot, savory comfort foods to warm the soul, fun holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, chilly evenings spent around a bonfire, seasonal scents of apple and pumpkin pie, blustery autumn winds, and warm, toasty sweaters.

Sigh....pure bliss! :)

Don't you love our little backyard campfire sign?

As I sit by the giant sunflowers swaying in my garden and let my mind wander, poring over fall magazines filled with inspiration, I realize just how special this time of year is! There's something so thrilling about the fall and a start of a brand new school year ahead... so many possibilities...so many new adventures await!

I hope you're taking time to savor this exciting time of year and all the beauty of the season.

What are you looking forward to this fall?

Summer Dreams

2011-08-25T13:43:00.007-04:00

While I apologize that my blog has been stagnate for much of the summer, we've been having so much fun offline that I neglected to share with all of you. I always say that just as we bloggers love our photo ops, we should also love life ops! And some of the favorite life ops are so special and fleeting that I just want to savor them - and not take the time to document them to share.

One of the adventures that I do want to share was one we had this summer to fulfil a lifelong dream of mine.

Don't ask me why, and yes it may sound silly, but I've always wanted to see a moose in the wild! So my sweet husband took us to Algonquin Provincial Park in Whitney, Ontario so we could try to spot moose :)

I'd been told that there was a good likelihood of seeing them - but the chances were better either early in the morning or at dusk. We didn't arrive until early afternoon so I was a feeling a bit worried. I think my husband thought we didn't have much of a chance at all, but he tried to keep me optimistic.

But just spotting one of these moose crossing signs (below) along the road made my heart skip a beat!

We stopped to picnic and enjoy one of the lakes - not to mention the incredible, breathtaking view!

There's something so majestic about mountains and lakes. I decided then and there that I needed to win the lottery so I could build a beautiful cabin somewhere in the mountains and retire! :)

After our picnic, we continued on throughout the park on my quest. Just when I was feeling rather discouraged and ready to give up, I saw it! In the brush along the road...a LARGE dark animal!!!!! It could only be one thing!!

MOOSE!!!!!

Not just one - but two of them!!!

Maybe I'm strange, but I think they're just incredible to behold!

We didn't just get to see moose though,

we also spotted a cute beaver working on its dam...

a beautiful painted turtle lounging on a rock...

and this sometimes rare to be seen American Bittern...

My son, the little naturalist, enjoyed everything!

We took him on a hike and he was amazing - didn't miss a beat!

I love encouraging him to appreciate nature!

There's so much beauty all around us.

If we don't take time to stop and be still once in awhile, we just might miss it.

Taking family trips to soak in nature's splendors is a summer MUST.

It's so important to take all of those opportunities and make the most of them.

Taking a dip in the lake in the afternoon...

It was so hard to leave, but we promised ourselves that we'd be back...

and we will!

Because the memories we made will last a lifetime.

and I finally got to see my moose!!

I hope your summer dreams came true, too :)

Fostering Creativity

2011-08-15T11:12:00.001-04:00

I lost my mom to cancer when I was a teenager, but her many lessons of love, nurturing, and creativity keep her memory vividly alive in my heart. She always stressed the importance of art and creativity with children.

Before they can even write, read or speak, children have an innate desire to express themselves. Coloring, drawing, scribbling and creating allow children to have a safe outlet to communicate their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Our home is filled with things to foster a little one's imagination and creativity. In every nook and cranny, you can find books, easels, arts and craft supplies, paper, etc... so I was absolutely tickled pink to find a couple of treasures at garage sales this month to help organize our creative endeavors!

Just in time for back-to-school,

I came across these adorable items at local garage sales:

For just $2.00 I found an adorable pencil table that holds three shelves of creative supplies. The nearly matching, little pencil-legged stools I purchased separately at another garage sale for $3.00. How adorable for a child to sit on while leafing through a favorite activity book.

Designating a little area for arts and crafts not only keeps things nicely organized, but it also creates an appealing place that encourages little ones to explore and create. You don't need special furniture to make an aesthetically pleasing craft corner - even a simple bookcase filled with containers of markers, stickers, crayons and colored pencils will more than suffice.

An inexpensive Phineas and Ferb bucket from Target's dollar section holds colorful markers.

Stores are having awesome back-to-school supply deals right now which makes this the perfect time to stock up! Set out buckets, cans, baskets and containers of glue sticks, papers, activity books, paper, folders, notepads, rulers, crayons, markers, etc.... all within easy reach for your kids to find.

Empty aluminum cans (with the labels removed and the sharp edges bent under) make great little containers for holding markers and pencils. Target's dollar section always has mini buckets, as well as other plastic containers, too. Tin lunchboxes and pencil boxes can hold a variety of items.

The idea is to make it accessible, colorful, and fun!

With school starting soon, we want our kids to be enthusiastic about returning to the classroom. As parents we want our kids to shut off the TV and do something that nurtures their development. What child doesn't enjoy creating something of their very own?

Simple mini bucket filled with colorful crayons

So as the summer winds down and you're out and about shopping for back-to-school supplies, pick up a few extra while the deals are hot, and create your own special spot for your kids to color, draw, and paint. So when the temps get too cold or the weather is too harsh to venture outdoors, your kids will have somewhere extra wonderful to retreat to instead of on the couch in front of the TV :)

....

this post is part of Making the World Cuter Monday.

Holiday Planning

2011-08-04T13:34:00.002-04:00

There are two things you should know about me:

1. I'm a born planner

and

2. I adore the holidays

I know, I know - you don't even want to think about back-to-school let alone Christmas.
Believe me, I completely and wholeheartedly understand.

BUT...

Planning ahead makes life SO much simpler!

Maybe it's due to working full-time and being stretched for time, but I always try to plan ahead.

My friends and family jokingly call it seasonal schizophrenia,

but it's not uncommon for me to be shopping and planning for events and holidays

months in advance.

With a preschooler and a career, I have to stayed organized!

First, take assessment.

Dig out last year's Christmas photos and for 30 minutes, reflect on what worked well for your family - what needs improvement? Were you too stretched for time? Didn't budget well?

Well the good news is that it's still early enough for you to develop a plan for this holiday season!

Second, make a plan.

I've found that keeping a holiday journal can be so helpful.

Your journal can be as ornate or simplistic as you'd like.

In it, you can keep a record of everything to keep you on track:

Calculator
Budget (for gifts, cards, wrappings)
Shopping lists (sizes, wish lists, fav. items)
Calendar (events, when to ship gifts, send cards, party plans, cleaning)
Recipes (tried-and-true and wanting to try)
Decorating ideas
Record of last year's decor (what to purchase, where it's stored, how it was laid out)

etc..

There are many websites to help you set a plan for everything from budgeting

to cleaning schedules so your house is picture perfect.

I've found that it's so much easier to do things when you set goals for yourself.

Summer is the perfect time to off-season shop for the holidays.

While everyone else is shopping for back-to-school,

look online for great deals on holiday items!

Want to try out a particular craft or idea that you've seen on Pinterest?

Now is the ideal time to find those ideas you've been aching to try,

buy the materials and get to work!

Love handmade items but you're not crafty?
Summer and fall are the seasons for craft festivals,
tag/yard/garage sales, and outdoor markets of all kinds.
Check out sites like Etsy to commission artisans to create those unique,
handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items
that your friends and family will cherish and adore.

Want an adorable photography card of your family this year?

Good photographers get booked well in advance.

This is a great time to book early.

If you're taking the photos yourself, start gathering ideas for location/outfits/poses.

With a little pre-planning now, you'll find that your holidays can be much less stressful,

much more enjoyable and a whole lot more fun!!

Turning the BIG 4-0

2011-07-29T10:39:00.003-04:00

From the movie When Harry Met Sally...

Sally: "...And I'm gonna be 40!"

Harry: "When?!?"

Sally: "SOMEDAY!!!"

....

My birthday is coming. Let me rephrase that - my 40th Birthday is coming (I don't even like typing that)! While there are those that might say that age is just a number, 40 seems like an awfully BIG number :( I didn't think turning the big 4-0 would bother me quite so much, but truth be told, I'm less than thrilled about it. But I won't bemoan the reasons here...suffice it to say that I've made my peace with it :)

I've never done much to celebrate my birthday. I'm excellent at celebrating for others - but my own is typically low key.

A beautiful cake from my Sweetie ♥

This will sound quite sad, really, but I've only had a handful of birthday cakes in my lifetime! Like seriously - I could probably count them on one hand. Truth be told, I'm not much of a sweets person, and only until recently have I learned to enjoy a really decadent, delicious cake :)

I know more and more women are making big party plans for their 40th, but that's just not my style. However, if I could plan the ultimate "turning-40" girly-girl party, my dream birthday cake would look exactly like this...

Source: maggieaustincake.com

That may be the very prettiest cake
(and believe me - I could stare at beautiful cakes and baked goods ALL day)
I have ever seen.

Do you do your own birthday up in lavish style or are you more like me and keeping it simple?

Ingredient of a happy childhood ~ sidewalk chalk

2011-07-27T12:45:00.005-04:00

"It is never too late to have a happy childhood." ~ Tom Robbins

Are you soaking in these carefree, fun-filled days of summer? Isn't there something so reminiscent of childhood about this glorious season? Barefoot, carefree, popsicles and ice cream, swimming holes, and swingsets...it's a season of endless play, sunkissed and happy :)

And what can be more fun than pulling out a big 'ole bucket of inexpensive sidewalk chalk? Summer fun needn't be expensive. I'm all about old-school activities that build creativity, get kids off the couch and outside, and that foster their imaginations.

After a long day in the office, plopping down on the cement sidewalk with my bucket of chalk along with the little guy and his friends and sketching out scenes of summer just makes my mommy heart happy!

You don't have to be an artist to have fun! Write out goofy stories, with one person writing and the other doing the corresponding drawings. Draw an old-fashioned game of hopscotch. Write out a person's name - one GIANT letter at a time on each slab. Play tic-tac-toe, draw a map, trace your hand and footprints, how about a favorite quote or the lyrics to your favorite song, or draw a family tree!

There's virtually no end to the fun possibilities! Let your mind wander, scribble away and let your kids get messy! Grab the garden hose after and hose off those dusty, creative hands.

How adorable for people walking by your home to see your colorful, whimsical sidewalk :)

Have a wee little one that can't do more than scribble? Draw some easy shapes that they can help color for you!

*Tip: If you're having a summer yard/garage sale, write some of the wares you'll be selling to attract passersby to stop at your house.

Don't have sidewalk chalk? Do a quick search to find the easy recipe to make your own from plaster of paris and tempera paint! (I'm SO going to try this!)

Grab some chalk and get outside!

Each season is all too fleeting.
Savor each of these moments that life has given us.
Childhood never comes again,
but it's never too late to enjoy every blessed minute of it!

I'll end on one of my favorite quotes:

......

Walk in the rain, jump in mud puddles, collect rocks, rainbows and roses, smell flowers, blow bubbles, stop along the way, build sandcastles, say hello to everyone, go barefoot, go on adventures, act silly, fly kites, have a merry heart, talk with animals, sing in the shower, read childrens' books, take bubble baths, get new sneakers, hold hands and hug and kiss, dance, laugh and cry for the health of it, wonder and wander around, feel happy and precious and innocent, feel scared, feel sad, feel mad, give up worry and guilt and shame, say yes, say no, say the magic words, ask lots of questions, ride bicycles, draw and paint, see things differently, fall down and get up again, look at the sky, watch the sun rise and sun set, watch clouds and name their shapes, watch the moon and stars come out, trust the universe, stay up late, climb trees, daydream, do nothing and do it very well, learn new stuff, be excited about everything, be a clown, enjoy having a body, listen to music, find out how things work, make up new rules, tell stories, save the world, make friends with the other kids on the block, and do anything else that brings more happiness, celebration, health, love, joy, creativity, pleasure, abundance, grace, self-esteem, courage, balance, spontaneity, passion, beauty, peace, relaxation, communication and life energy to ... all living beings on this planet.

~ Bruce Williamson, It's Never Too Late To Have A Happy Childhood

Dual Patriotism - Celebrating Canada Day and the 4th

2011-07-15T15:17:00.004-04:00

I consider my son to be extremely fortunate in many regards - one of which is his dual citizenship between the United States and Canada.

I'm proudly American. I love this country for its ideals and freedoms, it's beauty, it's melting pot of people, its resilence, its history, and its independence. I joyously celebrate each 4th of July, reveling in patriotism along with my fellow countrymen. As a child, the 4th was one of few occasions when my brothers and I were permitted to stay up late. What child doesn't marvel at the sites and sounds of fireworks and sparklers?! The 4th of July was completely magical to me! Fireworks and patriotic songs still manage to give me goosebumps!

My husband is proudly Canadian. He loves Canada's diverse beauty, its multicultural melting pot of people, its unique culture and customs, its tolerance and freedoms, and its focus on the welfare of its citizens. Canada Day for him meant an all-day celebration along with his family and friends in his hometown of Ottawa ~ Canada's Capital. Dressing in red and white, taking in the festivities on Parliament Hill, and partying well after the fireworks were over.

Our son has the distinct hono(u)r of celebrating both!

With the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate) visiting Ottawa on July 1st for Canada Day this year, we decided it would be a very memorable time to visit. With estimations of more than 300,000 people in Ottawa, we (bravely) celebrated Canada Day this year on Parliament Hill.

My son getting a Canadian flag temporary tattoo.

Seeing the Canadian flag being raised that morning amidst a sea of red and white was an amazing and breathtaking event!

Changing of the guard...

I'm all about dressing for the occasion! Along with our Canadian t-shirts, I found Canada jibbitz for his crocs (he loves Canadian Mounties)!

I can't begin to convey the excitement of the crowd as we caught our first glimpse of the Duke and Duchess as they approached the Hill in their carriage!

Here was our view of them once they made their way to the stage.

Canada's Governor General and his wife (left) along with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (right).

Canada's famous Snowbirds flew over so fast, I barely could snap a photo of them - only managing to catch one briefly! The sound of them and the fighter jets that flew over us was just incredible!

It was an intensely sunny and hot day to be crammed together with hundreds of thousands of people, but it's an experience I wouldn't trade for the world!

Prime Minister, Stephen Harper addresses the crowd.

It was so difficult just getting from one place to another in the massive crowd.

There was such an air of excitement throughout the city. It was so awe-inspiring to see people come together to celebrate their pride and love of their country!

The nighttime show was equally as exciting as we waited for dusk to fall!

As we made our way back up towards Parliament Hill,

We listened to the musical performers as we waited for the fireworks to begin.

Newfoundland band, Great Big Sea performs for the crowd.

Will and Kate returned for the night show, as well!

* Holiday Tip: stake out your spot for fireworks in advance.
If you aren't sure where they'll be shot off, ask a volunteer or a local for guidance.

It was extra special for my husband to celebrate in his home city along with his son on this very momentous occasion!

We returned back home in Pennsylvania just in time to celebrate America's Independence Day!

Our plans for the 4th were much more subdued after our trip up north.

We BBQed, went for a bike ride,

and took things easy until it was time to head out to see

fireworks!

Decked out in American patriotism!

Fireworks!!

* Holiday Tip: buy your own glowsticks well in advance at discount or dollar stores.
I purchase them every year for both celebrations
as opposed to paying a ridiculous, inflated amount at the fireworks venue!

...and then back home for sparklers and firecrackers in our own backyard,

toasting marshmallows and making s'mores around our firepit!

Contrary to what some believe, celebrating our patriotism unites us and reminds us to put aside, if even for a day, our differences and quarrels as a nation. It's a day of pure celebration, a break from the mundane drudgery of life when the sky is aglow with lights and our hearts aglow with pride!

Whichever patriotic holiday you celebrated,

I hope you and your family had a wonderful and safe celebration!

Sweet 15

2011-07-12T12:55:00.001-04:00

Happy 15th Birthday

to our beloved, faithful, loveable Westie,

Oliver!

I adopted Ollie as a puppy back in 1996, and he has been my treasured, loyal companion ever since. For those of you that are furbaby moms and dads, you know how a pet truly does become part of your family. And I can't tell you how delighted I am that Ollie has made it to the ripe old age of 15 today to become BFF (best friend forever) to my son, too.

Happy Birthday, Ollie!

xoxoxo

there will be an extra special celebration this weekend with cake and treats!

Summer Reads

2011-06-17T14:44:00.006-04:00

You can read more about my adoration for author and illustrator, Susan Branch here.

{her comment on my post sent me over the moon!!}

......

I reach for her Summer Book time after time for inspiration!

It's chock full of her darling, watercolor illustrations (not to mention her mouth watering recipes) and all of her charming stories, quotes, and ideas for enjoying this glorious, sun-soaked season to the fullest!

If you haven't already done so, do yourself a great big favor and grab a copy and head for the nearest porch swing, hammock or adirondack and be prepared to be delighted {oh and psst...check out her charming new blog, too!! }

Summer wouldn't be summer without some great books, a trip to the bookstore/library, and a few great inspirational magazines!

What are you reading this summer?!

I spy with my little eye

2011-06-15T12:43:00.001-04:00

Remember playing "I Spy" when you were little?!

This is fun & modern twist on an old classic!

As anyone watching little ones knows, finding new ways to occupy them with quiet games is a constant challenge! Since summer is the season for vacations and travel, it's always a good idea to be well prepared for anything.

I'll be featuring a few of my favorite must haves that are portable, adorable, and fun —

but the best part is that they help us moms to stay organized!!

I love these clever (and adorable) little "I Spy" bags from etsy seller, Those Greathouse Women. The bags come in a variety of darling shapes and sizes to please just about anyone.

I bought a cute little whale "I spy" bag for my son {above}, but they come in so many different styles from ice cream cones, sharks, robots, cupcakes, etc...

On the back of the whale is a list of all of the tiny items

the child has to "spy" inside the window of the bag!

It's so helpful having portable travel toys onhand for taking kids on trips to the doctor's office, dining out at restaurants or over family and friends, attending church services, or any other time you're craving a little peace and quiet time {That way we all have fun!} ♥

Happy Flag Day!

2011-06-14T11:59:00.004-04:00

Don't forget to show your patriotism today!

June 14th

The Boy and The Flag

I want my boy to be the best,
I want him to be great;

I want him Life's distant West,
Prepared for any fate.

I want him to be simple, too,
Though clever, ne're to brag,
But, Oh! I want him, through and through
To love his country's flag!

~ Edgar Guest

Summer {safety} Essentials

2011-06-13T12:14:00.015-04:00

Schools out

and

Summer is just about to officially kick off!

A couple of important safety things that I think are worth mentioning...

Sunscreen!

We all know we should be using it...

So don't forget to slather it on yourself

and the kids every time you're outdoors.

I love the Neutrogena spray for my son {photo above}!

It's waterproof, sweatproof, and goof proof!

Just spray and go!

The other summer essential for us...

an on-the-go First Aid kit!

I love my little kit that was made by etsy seller, Pillow Sew Cute.

It's called - what else - but the

Ouch Pouch :)

Just fill this handy (and adorable) see-through pouch with all of your first aid essentials...

Don't have an Ouch Pouch?!
You can easily make your own little toteable first aid kit using any little bag or pouch
(a zip top makeup bag would work great or even just a plastic ziplock bag).

Some ideas to fill your own kit:

:: Sunblock ::
:: Insect Repellent ::

:: Bandages ::

:: Neosporin ::

:: Medications (Allergy, pain reliever, diabetes, etc...) ::

:: Inhaler ::
:: Travel-size tissues ::

:: Thermometer ::

:: Antiseptic wipes ::

:: Burn ointment ::

:: Sanitizing hand gel ::

:: Sunprotecting Chapstick ::

:: Tweezers (for splinters!) ::

and don't forget the lollipop to soothe the pain! :)

They come in a variety of sizes and you can choose your fabric pattern.

I choose a cute, kid-friendly hiking print called Happy Trails Camping.

I love that I have a handy little kit to drop in my bag or suitcase and go!

Summer fun should be(or at least seem) effortless!

And we don't want anyone's good time to be ruined by a scape, burn, cut or splinter!

If you're like us,

you'll be spending a lot of time outside this summer,
on the road, or on the go.

Simply toss one of these
portable first aid kits
in your bag
and you're ready for anything...
camping, hiking, fishing, biking,
swimming, vacations, road trips, etc...

Make the most of every blessed, joy-filled summer moment!

And be safe while doing all of your favorite activities!!

Lazy summer days, fishing lakeside :)

The fun part about ordering an Ouch Pouch

is that once a week she holds a drawing from her orders...

the lucky winner gets their pouch delivered

already filled with first aid essentials!

(I should know - I was one of the lucky winners!!)

Have a fun and safe summer!

This post is part of Tutorial Tuesdays

on Hopestudios.blogspot.com

and Monday Playdate
on http://beneaththerowantree.blogspot.com

and Tip Me Tuesday
on Tip Junkie

Teddy Bear Picnic

2011-05-31T14:29:00.008-04:00

Parties shouldn't be saved for birthdays, anniversaries,

and graduations...

Every day should be a special occasion...

Just like grabbing your camera for a photo op.,

one should seize the moment for life ops!

We love picnics.

Whether it's a backyard campfire, BBQ, or a snack at the picnic table

at home or somewhere out and about...

eating outdoors in beautiful weather is one of life's great joys.

And who doesn't love teddy bears?!

The children's classic Teddy Bears Picnic is a fav of ours.

My 4-yr. old son loves it, too.

He grabs his favorite stuffed animals,

his little play picnic basket and felt food,

and he and his stuffed animals have a pretend picnic.

So I decided to seize the moment

(because they're only little for so long)

and have a special Teddy Bear Picnic!

He gathered up his stuffed animals and all of his special picnic play things

and I gathered up supplies for us to have our own REAL picnic :)

I whipped up some luscious little treats,

some cute table decor,

a few of my favorite bears,

and voila!

An adorable, woodsy bear picnic!

The Menu:

Tiny little cheesy bite herb sandwiches

Toad stool hard-boiled eggs topped with tomatoes

Sunflower oreo cupcakes

Crunchy peanut butter stuffed celery sticks

Baby carrots in ranch dressing

Bear claw cookies

Chocolate cupcakes with whipped buttercream frosting

Maple acorn cakelets with maple frosting

Mixed berry salsa

Sweet bear sugar cookies

Baby Bel cheese

Red little Hug juices

Beary good trail mix

Beary good trail mix in snack-size cups

Maple acorn cakelets with maple frosting

Imagine a little one's joy after an active day of playing at the park and bike riding, coming home to find a bounty of sweet snacks ~ and all of your favorite playthings!

Bear Claw Cookies

While we enjoyed our picnic...

his stuffed animals had their own felt food feast!

Cupcakes galore at this rustic woodsy picnic!

With handmade flag picks for added cuteness :)

Cute little sunflowers made from Oreo cookies (with teeny little ladybugs)

Not all treats have to be sweet to be adorable!

Healthy fruit salsa and cute toad stool eggs with tomato caps add plenty of color

and cuteness, too!

These tiny wooden picnic baskets add charm galore and hide a hidden treat -

mini Babybel cheeses!

What's a Teddy Bear Picnic without more bears?

These sweet, 3-dimensional bear face sugar cookies are too cute!

Enjoying the day.

Traditional picnic "red and white" tied the theme together...

and lots of adorable stuffed bears and friends, of course!

A fun and delightful way to make an ordinary meal magical and memorable!

Happy Picnicking :)

.....

This post is part of

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

and Making the World Cuter

Words of Advice from Susan Branch

2011-05-17T13:14:00.002-04:00

If you haven't discovered Susan Branch yet,

you simply don't know what you've been missing!

I've been a HUGE fan of hers for many, many years!

I don't know which of her delightful books that I love the most...

all of them useful, charming, and inspirational!

And all of them chock full of recipes and her adorable watercolor illustrations!

I had to pass along her sage advice for finding happiness ~

after all, life really is all about the simple pleasures :)

No More Pencils, No More Books

2011-05-12T13:17:00.000-04:00

Today is my son's last day of preschool for the year! This was a monumental year of firsts for him. He really thrived having more educational structure. Just one month into the new school year and he learned to recite the entire Pledge of Allegiance!

But it seems like just yesterday it was his very first day of school...clutching his backpack, ready to burst through the doors! And now that first year is just a memory now...

Last night he made each of his teachers a handmade card (sorry, but I'm an old-fashioned kinda gal that still believes in a handwritten note of thanks and appreciation) ...and we stopped at the dollar store to get some supplies to make each of them a little gift.

Gift checklist:
6 packs of colored pencils, some double stick tape, leftover ribbon from other projects, two empty soup cans, and some flowers from our yard and the grocery store and we made these:

I wanted them to be able to remove the pencils

if they actually wanted to use them at some point,

so I affixed them with double stick tape and a rubber band

the ribbon hides the rubber band!

Little gifts to say "Thank You" in really big ways :)
And now we look ahead to a sun-filled summer of fun!

This post is part of Tutorial Tuesdays on Hopestudios.

Love & Appreciation

2011-05-10T11:02:00.001-04:00

We all have a need to feel appreciated.

It'd be nice if we took the time every day to let those we love,

and those that work so hard to make our lives easier,

know that they're valued.

Then maybe we wouldn't need the greeting card companies to nudge us

to make time once a year to say,

"Thank You."

I'm so grateful to have a very special little boy that loves me almost as much as I love him!

Now that he's 4, he has a much better comprehension of special occasions.

This year, he took great pains to hide the Mother's Day presents that he had worked so hard on at school so he could give them to me on the actual day.

He made his dad carry them behind his back

so I wouldn't see them when they came out of the school.

And he announced that he was putting something in the spare room,

and I wasn't allowed to go in there for a few days.

So come Mother's Day morning,

this is what I awoke to:

Beautiful gifts of appreciation & love!

Handmade (from my son) and store bought (from my hubby!)

followed by a Mother's Day brunch together...

an afternoon of bike riding,

followed by a BBQ...

but most importantly,

time spent as a family,

lots of hugs and kisses

XOXOXO

surrounded by

love & appreciation.

Happy Mother's Day!!

I hope all of you were treated like queens for a day

and recognized for all of your many sacrifices

for everything you do!

Blessings and Resurrection

2011-04-26T12:47:00.004-04:00

This was an Easter unlike any other. As a mom, you try your very best to make each holiday extra special and magical. You want things to go perfectly so you plan and plan down to every little detail, but life has a way of throwing a curve ball or two that you just can't plan for unfortunately.

In the weeks leading up to Easter, we were extra busy with holiday things...my son's Easter program at preschool in which he had an important, solo line to recite. He'd practiced and rehearsed for weeks. We were so tremendously proud of him!

The program was followed by days of holiday crafts, parties, egg hunts and visits with the Easter Bunny (and lots of shopping, planning, and work for this mom!) The anticipation mounting as Easter Sunday approached.

Coloring dozens of Easter eggs at home together...

And this mom had BIG plans to surprise my little guy with giant Easter eggs (purchased from Michaels) for him to find along our annual backyard hunt...

Ginormous Fillable Easter Eggs!

With special messages from the Easter Bunny!

And carefully lining the Easter egg hunt route with adorable signage just for added fun (too bad it POURED Easter morning)!

and then a treasure hunt to find his Easter basket!

Grass green Easter Bunny Tracks lead to the first clue!

After five clues, he found his basket!

My husband and I were up every night stuffing plastic eggs with assorted candies, money, tiny (and not-so-tiny) toys. Our plans were right on track!

He had a blast opening all of the little and giant eggs filled with Hot Wheels cars, toys and candies - not to mention his basket...

Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars in the eggs!

E.B. from the movie, "Hop"

But then that curve ball came...

Saturday night we went out for a lovely dinner in honor of our 10th Anniversary and Easter, and just as the food was served, my little guy became violently sick (projectile vomiting all over his plate). We didn't think much of it at the time - maybe he'd eaten something earlier in the day that didn't agree with him, poor guy.

He seemed to feel instantly better, and didn't throw up again until late that night...but then it didn't stop.

All of Easter Sunday, he was sick (along with my husband), until it became extremely worrisome that he couldn't even hold water down so we took him to the E.R.

There's nothing scarier for a parent than seeing your little one so unlike himself/herself that they need to go to the hospital. Needless to say, it was a long, scary night for us. His blood sugar was dangerously low when he arrived. It took some time for him to return to feeling "great as new", as he would put it.

There's nothing like a scary incident like that to put everything into perspective. Decorations don't matter...having the perfect holiday table doesn't matter...having the perfect Easter basket filler didn't matter...even the rainy morning didn't matter...all that mattered is that my little 4-year old boy was well again!

And that to me is the true meaning of Easter ~ the love of one another that was so extraordinary that Jesus died and was resurrected for our sins. The eternal love that God has for each of us to have life everlasting by His Grace.

I hope your Easter was truly blessed ~ beyond the baskets, beyond the ham dinner and desserts with loved ones.

I made another Easter Bunny carrot cake with cream cheese frosting that no one ate.

For what truly matters is this life is love...and those precious moments that we have with one another.

Happy Easter

Celebrating 10 years

2011-04-20T13:42:00.006-04:00

Happy 10th Anniversary

to my best friend and confidante,

my lover and hero,

my handyman and shoulder-to-cry-on,
my champion and motivator,

my partner and friend :)

We made it to double digits!!

XOXOXO