Springy

As I look outside on the freshly fallen snow, I pause to dream about spring. Then snap out of it as my kids chase each other around the dining room table. I am home base.

Here's the background. This chair is so comfortable. It is the spot where we gravitate. I don't think the wood quality is high but it was passed down from my husband's grandparents. We decided to make it our own.

We re-covered our chair with Heather Bailey's Garden Pop. I am thrilled with the color selection. Still need to finetune our 're-upolstering with a staple gun'. That being said, I think some upholstery tacks will fix.

On my list - I would like to take a class on real re-upholstery. Love our new addition. Looking forward to springtime.

My winter therapy

Made a lovely Natural Lemon Cake from Jane Brocket's Gentle Art of Domesticity (found originally by author in Baking with Passion by Dan Lepard.

I've been drying citrus peels and found some time to make this Citru Peel Scrub. I all about DIY especially when it is for home and beauty with products i have in the pantry. This natural exfoliator is from Janice Cox, Natural Beauty at Home.

• 1 Tbsp. dried citrus peel chopped and grounded in processor
• 1/2 c plain yogurt (I used vanilla because that is what i had on hand)
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1/4 c vitamin E oil
• 2 Tbsp. cornmeal.

Busy, Busy holly days

We've been running around enjoying the holidays. Here are some snaps:

Seeing Santa

Holiday concerts wearing our Sunday best.

Selling items in time for the holidays

A last-minute gift for mom, lover of many things including Strawberries. I (HEART Cath Kidston MAKE)!

Lots of applique.

Off to finish some pj bottoms while kids are in school/play date. merry, merry

Wall art

With both kids at school, we were finding a lot of art all over the house. I like my order. We made the following display in our family room. I like the idea of featuring different works throughout the year.

Up and Away

We're home. restored. I am breathing better. Actually, I've picked up a chest cold but nonetheless I have been rejuvinated. The stress is gone from the shoulders and I have re-charged. We've even had hints of fall weather and I am loving it.

Lots of reflection so here we go.

I have a tendency to raise the bar too high for myself and then I get overwhelmed. viscious circle. I am always checking in on the balance. Seasonal shifts are great. Although I'm not returning to school, I find it necessary to thank summer for a great, although hot, time and look forward to fall and new beginnings.

Bits of reflection.
 - I want to cook more and better. Nothing elaborate. I've also come to the realization that easy is the key on certain week days.
 - As much as I am enjoying blogging, I am finding it is taking a good percentage of my craft/inspiration time. Looking forward, I want to prioritize doing rather than writing about it (realizing though, that that is cool too!)
 - letting things go. I wanted to do some preserving/canning this summer and maybe there is still time but realistically there might not be. And that is ok. there's always next year.
 - I realize I am a continuous learner. And that is a good thing.
 - I am glad to be crafting monthly with my friends. I look forward to this time and revel in their creativity.
 - My kids are growing fast. Life is full of moments. I know I can be doing more and creating this 'perfect' childhood. who am I kidding? I'm doing pretty good. I love the imperfections.
 - With our new home (it's been a year!), I get overwhelmed with how I want things to look and the energy/money associated. baby steps. prioritize and plan. Can't do it all. It wouldn't be fun.
 - There a lot of creative people out there and it is not a competition. I do what I can. If I get ETSY up and some craft shows, great. If not, oh well. There's always tomorrow. I'd rather make things I am proud of. I need to start doing. And I am...
 - I need to schedule more fun time for me. Otherwise, days go to fast and robotic mode sets in. not so fun heading toward burn out.
 - I'm working on finding the cozy spots in our home. It's important. Just takes more than snapping fingers.

Phew. It feels good and right.

Our watering hole

Inspired by Ashley on her blog: Small Measure, I wanted to try making some herbal sun tea.

This batch: Lemon balm, rosemary and chamomile. Very refreshing.

Mirror, mirror

My newest addition to the craft room.

O and I found this frame at a garage sale earlier this summer - a $2 find! Ayd Hardware, our local hardware store, inserted a mirror and this frame has new life. I primed, applied a mixture of red and silver paint and sanded for a bit of a rough, worn look.

Through the mirror you can see the new dress I picked up at Filene's Basement while in Chicago. Love it!

On display

I'm a visual learner and lover. That comes to organization too. My necklaces have been jumbled in my drawer. I get frustrated and know I am forgetting about a necklace. Who has time to untangle especially in the morn.?

I bought a frame at a craft store and removed the glass. I covered foam board in some berry velvet I had in my stash. With sewing needles, I have hung my necklaces, in rows. My private masterpiece displayed for me in my bedroom closet. They're really beautiful, all framed.

I'm enjoying the success of this project daily. I love when a project is simple and oh so gratifying.

Bathing in the mud

I have decided to reclaim summer. We've had a variety of detours but all will be fine. By saying it, I will make it true.

A constant flurry of projects keeps us engaged. During a weekend, G re-did the office/creative space. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. I function better in this welcoming space.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

Gingham happy

Inspired by Farm Chicks, I recovered this wooden desk top with a vinyl (flannel back). Now the kids can draw all they want. This desk was a freebie find at a garage sale last summer in Ohio. We found a perfect nook, with a perfect view for inspiration.



This fabric was leftover from our backsplash in our old house. Seeing this picture makes me miss that house.

Spring painting

The Painter
This house has cabin fever. We are ready for spring. To make our new home more ours, we've been painting some of the rooms.

Our latest paint makeover, work in progress.





While were watching Parks and Recreation this past Thursday, noticed our new wall color matches Tom's golf pants (can see a bit of green pants in this picture).

Coaster needed

We added a couple side tables to our family room recently. The joy of sitting near a light and reading. Simple but true. Realized we were lacking coasters. Off to the craft boxes we go to make with what we have. Cut cork and layered paper, rick rack and fabric scraps. O sealed with Mod Podge.

 
Such a simple addition makes our already great mornings a bit better.

Our Elf

Our kids are the ideal audience for Elf on a Shelf. Last year, I found this little guy in TJMaxx. We told the kids that this elf is a direct helper to Santa. He (or she?) watches them and then reports back on what he saw. Next morning, you can find Elf in another spot. With so many things to do and buy, I'm glad we've added this guy into our holiday tradition. O & V wonder where he's positioned himself to watch our family's chaos.

I need to start somewhere

Okay. I have a tendency to procrastinate until I am inspired. Although fall is here, we recently put up a clothes line. On my favorite lists of lists is the scent of sheets that have been dried outside. Love it. Now is time to make the clothes pin dryer. Found the following project by Luv & Stitches. I'm getting ready to tackle her DIY Clothespin Holder. Found some oilcloth in my stash.

I love the vibrancy of oilcloth. And gingham - what's not to love? Can't wait to get started.