Twenty Things Every Child Should Do Before They Grow Up

Parents nowadays spend so much time trying to expose their children to as many new experiences as possible, but are we forgetting some of the simple things that should be part of every child's life?

Valentine's Day Wishlist

I don't really like getting flowers.  Well, that's not completely true.  I love getting flowers when they are wildflowers picked just for me on an ordinary day.  Expensive jewelry is lovely, but doesn't get worn often.  So  what do I want for Valentine's day?  I would love a quiet evening at home, curled up on the sofa with a good book.  Oh, and dinner with my husband.  Takeout would be just fine.

I am probably the only person who has not read The Help.
I love chai tea and this is a great recipe if you want to make it yourself.
A beautiful candle with a tobacco/sandalwood scent.  Fantastic!
A cashmere robe is a little impractical for me, but I'm worth it, right?

Romantic Bedrooms

Via Belle Maison

My wonderful husband gave me a new bed for Christmas and now, of course, I want to design a beautiful, romantic, blissful bedroom for it.  This room would be free of Bob the Builder DVDs, dust bunnies and dirty socks.  The nightstands would always have fresh flowers and fragrant candles would cast a soft glow.  Here are a few of my favorite romantic rooms. 

Cozy in the country

Via Salvagesecretsblog

Here are a few things you might enjoy!
Another great book I need for my collection.
I can think of so many reasons why I need these.
These are a new favorite snack at our house.
This is such a sweet clothing line for kids.

Winter Chic

Whoa it is cold outside.  I mean take your breath away cold.  I mean turn around and climb back in bed cold.  I mean empty your savings account and hop on the first flight to the Carribean cold.  So can you still look good all bundled up while trudging through the snow?  I believe you can!

wool mittens, yellow jacket, bomber hat, flannel-lined jeans, ski boots

Can Antlers be Chic?

I have seen my fair share of deer heads and antlers proudly mounted on living room walls.  Hunting is common in our area but they still seem to creep me out.  So can they be seen in a chic country home without  giving me the heebie-jeebies?  Check out these rooms and see what you think!

Office Inspiration Board

My goal this weekend is to organize and set up the office.  I think I would be more motivated if it looked something like this!

Chunky Knit Accessories

Etsy Mohair Socks

Our wood burner ran out of wood during the night and now the house is a wee bit chilly.  Just looking at some of these chunky knits warms me up!

Cozy in the country

Via a bit of sunshine

We have yet to see a single snowflake! Here are a few things to check out while we wait.  Enjoy!

Another great use of a mason jar.
I need to make room in my freezer for some of these.
This house fits in well with my post yesterday.  I could move right in!
I love this soap and it looks so nice next to the sink.

White Master Bedroom

Maybe it is the fact that we are expecting our first big snowfall of the season and possible snow day tomorrow, but I would love to snuggle in bed with a cup of tea in a white bedroom like this.  A girl can dream, right?


1. canopy bed  2. chandelier  3. bud vases  4. cowhide rug  5. garden stool  6. rainwater candle  7. glass door cabinet  8. glass carafe  9. sheepskin chair

Chicken Run

I love the idea of free range chickens strolling around the yard, sunning themselves and laying beautiful eggs that my children can gather in woven baskets.  Unfortunately, a previous chicken experience has left me with a different scenario in my head.  The chickens are running for dear life away from the local wildlife while my children stand paralyzed with fear and a look of pure horror on their little faces.  So no real chickens for us right now.  I think this chicken and a basket of wooden eggs would fill in nicely, though.

A New Chapter

Resolutions are not my friends.  I am lucky if I stick to them for a week.  So no resolutions this year.  Instead I made a list of things I would like to learn/experience this year.  I tend to get more done if I can experience the rush of crossing something off a list.  Here's to 2012!

Oh Baby!

My baby turns 3 mos. old today!   My husband and I had saved most of our baby supplies but we did treat ourselves to a few new things and I am so glad we did.

Lunchbox Accessories

We are almost halfway through the school year and cold lunch is getting a little dull.  It is time to shake things up a bit with some new goodies.  Lunchbox accessories have come a long way since I was in school and are way cooler than the plastic bags and sporks that I remember. Here are a few of my favorite finds!

Ten Great Children's Books

We love reading and I thought it might be nice to share some of our favorite books.  Well, our current favorites anyway.

1.  Amos by Susan Seligson and Howie Schneider
2.  Too Many Toys by David Shannon
3.  Fish is Fish by Leo Lionni
4.  What Are You So Grumpy About?  by Tom Lichtenheld
5.  Alphabet Rescue by Audrey Wood
6.  Pigs to the Rescue by John Himmelman
7.  My Truck is Stuck by Kevin Lewis and Daniel Kirk
8.  The Amazing Giant Book of First Words: On the Farm by Tony Wolf
9.  The Old Red Tractor by Andreas Dierssen
10.  Life Size Zoo by Teruyuki Komiya