Bedroom Daydreaming

Here's some mid-week inspiration for my bedroom.  I'd love to introduce some new textiles and colors to our bedroom.  And of course a little houseplant!

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Sweater Weather

I've been going on a mad dash to clean and organize the whole house.  Why the rush?  Really there isn't one besides just wanting the house to be beautiful.  Or maybe it's the cold weather that is creeping up on us.  I know everyone always focuses on spring cleaning, but autumn cleaning is just as important.  Especially because we'll be closing up the windows for the cold winter that's coming.

Part of the organizing is making lots of lists.  I love lists.  I make them practically everyday and get a strange rush from crossing off things that have been done.  Since it's finally getting chilly around here, we made a list for all the fall fun that we want to have this year.  We want to make sure that we savor all that this time of year has to offer.


Hay ride

Pumpkin patch.  We are thinking about going here.

Bosque walks

S'mores.  This trick looks awesome!

Coffee date

Picnic

Make pecan pie

Carve a pumpkin

Balloon fiesta



P.S. Here's my fab new notebook for making lists.

Fresh Grape Juice

Step 1: Pick grapes

Step 2: Stem the grapes and rinse in cold water

Step 3: Smush the grapes with a potato masher. Keep smushing.

Step 4: Strain the grapes through a colander. You can also use a cheesecloth.

Step 5: Enjoy deliciously fresh grape juice! The juice will be thick. Dilution with water and sweetening with sugar or honey are optional.

Banana Bread Muffins

When the seasons start to change from summer to fall, out comes the muffin pans.  Banana bread (and baking) is a great way to start autumn off right.



I use this recipe when I make banana bread and I find that the bread comes out deliciously moist.  The key is to add the flour last.  I made muffins instead of bread this time, using baking papers and keeping it in the oven for 20-25 minutes.  If you want, you could go wild and add nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon.  I was feeling crazy so I added ground flax seed.

Photo Book

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Click here to create your own Shutterfly photo book.

Hello Summer!

I'm in the throes of bar study, but here are a few moments of enjoyment so far this summer.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Cheers to Queen Elizabeth on her Diamond Jubliee.  She reigns with such poise and grace.  I absolutely adore this picture above of the Queen when she took her first steps on British soil after her accession to the throne.  The look on her face is of such enormity. 

The images below are of the Queen's childhood and early life.  I love how it they make the royal family look like they could be anyone's grandparents and relatives.

All images via thediamondjubilee.org

Have a Productive Weekend

 

Hello friends!  I still need to put of photos of our Austin adventure.  Perhaps I will get to that this weekend.  I have been scrambling to get our house looking lovely for the little one's first birthday party that will be in a few weeks.  There's nothing like a party to get you motivated to clean and organize!

We're going to Austin!

 

 We are leaving for Austin later this week and I'm so excited!  We'll be driving overnight so the little one can (hopefully) sleep the entire way.  We might be crazy for attempting a thirteen hour drive with a ten month old!  

We plan to dip our feet in Barton springs, eat tacos, and listen to live music in Austin.  Do you have any suggestions for what else we have to do while we're there?

P.S.- Some strawberries from our back yard :)

Back to Work?

I strongly dislike the saying "going back to work" after a baby.  Do people seriously think that raising a child is not a 24 hour job?  Unfortunately, my husband and I are currently faced with the decision of whether I should seek a full time out-of-home job (darn you student loans!).  Downsizing is a possibility, but wouldn't happen until late this year. 

Here's a related article that speaks about the high costs of child care and whether moms entering the work force after having children is really worth it.  This is something that I've been thinking about a lot recently.  Who knew working would be so expensive! 

Images: here, here.

A Perfect Wedding Ring

I am in awe of these wedding bands.  They actually change over time as the silver rubs off and the gold underneath shows.  Not only is it a wonderful reminder about how love and the marriage relationship changes over time, but how marriage actually gets more valuable as time goes on.  Wish I had seen this a few years ago!

Happy Weekend

Wow, I cant believe it's April. And I can't believe it's more than half way over. Where have I been? Here are a few Pics from my neck of the woods recently.

Chocolate Supply

I'm so glad that its healthy to eat chocolate everyday.  I prefer dark, which is better for you than milk chocolate.  This TCHO 30 day supply of chocolate would make a great present for your mama on Mother's Day this year.  They come in 30, 60, or 90 day increments and provide just the right amount of cocoa to add some relaxation into your life.

Patterns

 

Are you courageous with your clothes?  I try to lie low with my outfits and therefore I am almost always wearing a solid-colored shirt or dress.  Would you ever wear not one, but two(!) patterns?  Do you feel like all eyes are on you?

Images: here, here, here, here,

Elephant Paper Clips

So cute.  That is all.

Image from here.

Smart Little Cottage

 

 

Sometimes I dream of living in a small house.  Not only do I think it would force me to actually get rid of all the clutter that I am always saying needs to be cleared out, but it seems like it would be so cozy.  This simple cottage by Jessica Helgerson is exactly the homey living space that I fantasize about. 

 

I absolutely love everything about it from the beautiful bookshelf wall to the hidden loft area.  Even though it is small, the space feels open and airy.  The owners say they designed it like a ship, with built-in and hidden storage everwhere.

Images by Lincoln Barbour.