Summer Play Time

I am one of the fortunate that gets to play this summer! Using our vacation home on a fairly regular basis brings us together as a family and lets the creativity flow. My Little One is taking up painting- she's actually quite good, and I am "thinking " about my craft room/office. My husband is catching up on some much needed R&R. But back to the craft room...

For the next month, give or take, I will be blogging from various sites and working on my craft room. It is now just an empty shell of a room- and it definitely needs help! The trick for me is storage! I am basically without closets, basement or storage area in this house and its scaring me. Yes, I am a self confirmed "pack rat", and I have a lot of stuff! Follow the progress this month of July (or maybe this year, if the weather is too nice to stay inside!) as I tackle the "EMPTY ROOM"! Send any ideas, and I will post pictures of the room later this week!

Happy Monday!

Summer Blooms

I have been so busy with my weekend "To Do" list, that I have walked past this beautiful climbing clematis numerous times! Thought I had to share it with you before it fades away. Enjoy the summer sun! By the way- my front door is now the color of this clematis. Show Stopping!

Weekend "TO DO" List

Has your week been as crazy as mine? When does school start again?
I am giving you a Weekend To Do List that I hope some of you will try and ENJOY! This is a "fun only, no work allowed" list!
Isn’t that what weekends are all about anyway?

Happy Weekend!

Weekend "TO DO" List

• Read a good book (Sail by James Patterson is my new favorite this week)


• Paint a piece of outdoor furniture- I am doing my front door PURPLE!


• Swing in a hammock


• Browse through that pile of magazines


• Make blueberry pancakes after sleeping in- they are in season and oh, so good


• Have a bonfire, complete with s’mores (graham crackers, toasted marshmallows, and chocolate)


• Cut a pretty bouquet of fresh flowers from your garden


• Visit the local Farmer’s Market


• Run through the sprinkler with your Little Ones


• Wash the car


• Make a Flower Fairy Garden with the Little Ones


• Help out at the “local” lemonade stand


• Lawn bowl or play croquet


• Watch the sunset


• Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride- not for exercise, for enjoyment


• Fly a kite


• Go to the beach


• Have a picnic in your backyard


• Play Flashlight Tag after Dark


• Really listen to the birds chirp


• Splash in the kiddie pool

Do you have some that you want to add to the list? Let your imagination play this weekend and live summer to its fullest!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

As a family, we celebrate most major holidays with the deep frying of a turkey. The tradition is now being passed to my husband and the next holiday will be ours. Deep frying the turkey keeps it moist and succulent with a great crispy skin. I, myself, really like all of the fixings that go with the traditional turkey dinner- I am a glutton for dressing/stuffing, as my jeans tell me this morning!

Some pictures to highlight the event:

The Road Not Taken: My Favorite Poem.

This has been my favorite poem since elementary school, and has really defined me as a person. Re-read it with new eyes and different life experiences- it still is powerful!

The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and
I— I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Summer Laundry

Doesn't white sheets flapping in the breeze scream SUMMER?!

Happy Monday, and enjoy the sunshine!

IKEA Shopping Trip

It's raining, it's pouring- the perfect day to visit my favorite big box store- IKEA!

From storage solutions to creative merchandising and design, if Ikea does not sell it, you probably do not need it! European influence and a modern look gives Ikea their own look. Clever design makes ordinary pieces stand out and work in most spaces. Even everyday objects are given a twist to make them less mainstream. Of course, you also cannot go wrong with Ikea prices. I admit- what I really like- are their awesome escalators for your shopping carts! They transport your goods right next to you on their own escalator line- great idea!

Check it out!

Miscellaneus finds and creative displays:

Ikea carries a great selection of funky fabrics and rugs as well as furniture, bedding, kitchen needs, lighting, and accessories. Seasonal items are also available- right now its a bit more garden settings than at other times of the year.

Office and creative outlets:
Storage, storage, storage! Also some great funky to useful office chairs and desks.

Bedrooms and closet solutions:

Small space, large space- you can still have a closet according to Ikea.

Kitchens and in-store restaurant:

Ikea is known for creative kitchen solutions. They also carry a wide variety of china, utensils, and kitchen accessories.

Living spaces:

Build the bookshelf of your dreams- this one was about 25 feet high!

Botanical Garden Fair

I spent a beautiful Sunday morning visiting our local Botanical Garden Fair. This was, of course, nestled between graduation parties- it is that time of year, after all!


My early morning stroll through the fair was rewarded with beautiful displays of blooms and some creative ideas. I adore the succulents in an antique frame- that seems to be the newest project around here. I will have to try it soon. They just took an antique frame and attached it to a wooden box on the back. Filled it with dirt and moss and planted. (see picture). I would assume that it needs to be watered often, just like a succulent wreath.

Enjoy your Monday!