food fight

Once upon a time my kids were great eaters. Emma would tell people her favorite food was broccoli. These days things are a bit different, and I've been searching for ways to get her to try different foods {other than letting her put sprinkles on her chicken!} Just look at these "food face dinner plates" over at perpetual kid. As a matter of fact, the whole site is pretty awesome.

itch

soooo i admit it. i've disappeared off the blogging radar and i can't say for sure how often i'll be back. we've been sick, busy, distracted... and lately i have been frustrated by the quality of every crafty or creative thing i've attempted. it almost feels as if i'm missing something important or like i'm anticipating something coming up {although i'm not sure what exactly that is}. for sure, i've been in a funky mood. i wonder if it has to do with not being able to hear out of my right ear still ?! just joking. anyway kids, i'll be back but i can't say when. have a lovely beginning of spring. i'm off to wander inspiring blogs. see you soon{ish}.

a PINK bedroom

When we moved into our new house, Emma had only two requests. First, she wanted a puppy {done}, and next, she wanted a pink room. I tried to convince her that pink accessories make a "pink" room. She wouldn't buy it, and so her room is a lovely shade of light pink with aqua colored accents {turns out, I love it}, but now what? Ashlyn has moved into her own room and there's this HUGE empty space forcing me to make a decision! Below is some inspiration I found around the blog world... will update soon!

{if you have any ideas or pics to share, I need all the help I can get}

I've always liked hanging lanterns and these tissue paper balls, but I couldn't hang them in a way I loved... until I saw this!

{all photos are from ohdeedoh.com}

A little bit of rain

So, this week we've had the biggest storms they've seen in San Diego for 10 years! I love the rain. More accurately I love having a fire in our fireplace, wearing cozy clothes, and the way the weather can make things slow down! Tonight my dear husband had a class and the baby went to sleep early, so Emma and I had a hot chocolate and movie date. We tried out a chocolate filigree topping I saw in this month's Martha Stewart. It was SO easy! Just melt the chocolate chips, and pipe out onto a piece of wax paper in the pattern you like. We just did hearts and a few letters. We also put them in the freezer to make them harden faster {about 5 min}. It made the hot cocoa a bit more special!

finally!

It's been a long summer {and fall, and half of winter}, but I'm finally back in the blogging world! I've missed it, but with a new house, walking baby, and a puppy, the family has had a lot going on. I'll be posting not only the coolest kid/baby ideas, but also lots of do-it-yourself projects for home {as ours is old and in need of heaps of TLC}. Can't wait to see you around here more often!

Michelle my Belle...

"Michelle, my belle...." I guess she hates it when people sing that song! My dear friend, Michelle {who I'm pretty sure I've mentioned a time or two} just sent me something I'd never heard of before... Muffin Tin meals. Apparently it's a cool new mom thing that I hadn't picked up on in my current zombie-like state.

pictures courtesy of flickr

How awesome are these?... thanks Michelle!

and they lived happily ever after

The last few weeks have been a blur to say the least. I won't get into details, but practically every extra moment has been spent making sure we are actually going to get the house we are under contract for right now. We're supposed to close escrow a week from today and my fingers are STILL crossed. So, until then, here are some things which reduce my stress level...

puppies... I, I mean, Emma, is getting one for her birthday or Christmas

gorgeous tablescapes by Carter & Cook

inspiration for the 65th wedding anniversary party I'm planning

and fall... today is the first day you know!