Archive for April, 2009

A divine girls room

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Was looking at one of my favorite magazines ( on line ) and came across this fabulous girls room. This is the kind of room I would love to create for little miss s or the twins when they get older. Love the color, simplicity and all the different gathering spots..Add in open bookshelves and a book rack, those great flags which I always adore and Voila.

Image courtesy of Skona Hem
It seems like the kind of furniture and room layout that could easily evolve as they get older. The book rack can turn into a book/ magazine rack, the bookshelves are timeless and can always be used…the small table and chairs perfect now for a tea party could be a great comfy chair…

Posted in Decorating, kids rooms | No Comments »

Spring Break, Day Two- In the Garden

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

I think Spring Break may be my favorite School Vacation. With the gorgeous Spring weather, it is the perfect week to just enjoy the outdoors, the change in season and all of the fun that comes with Spring. Unlike other school breaks, which can sometimes seemed packed with expectations and commitments, there is something glorious about waking up to the sun, the sound of the birds and a day of outdoor fun.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve come across a ton of inspiration and ideas about gardening, introducing kids to the ideas of growing some of their own foods and a fabulous concept on how to share the abundance of a garden with those in need. This seems like the perfect week for such a project…Even in our small little back yard-there is room for planting and container gardening!

First off, love the book the Edible Schoolyard by Alice Waters and her whole approach to bringing gardening back into all communities. Her book is a treasure-full of fantastic inspiration, practical and realistic plans for gardening with kids and recipes for all that you might choose to grow. We have had the book in our stores since early spring, and can’t keep it in stock.
Her website is also a fantastic resource, and I am dying to attend one of her community classes with the kids.Take a look…

Once you do decide to take the plunge…why not grow a bit extra and join the Garden Writers Association as they Plant a Row for the Hungry. The concept is super simple, Plant an extra row, or container of vegetables for a local food bank or soup kitchen and drop off your edibles. To find out more about the program check out their website.

Posted in Gardening, Great Gifts, How to, To do's with kids, books | No Comments »

Spring Break, Day One

Monday, April 13th, 2009

Something about Spring Break, and the fresh start of a new season. The perfect time in my mind to stay close to home, and enjoy all of the simple pleasures. Somehow, our weekends get a bit busy at times, with Baseball and Softball, Birthday parties and playdates and time with family and friends. The idea of a week at home ( of course in my case right now, a bit more :) is a little luxury.

I came across an article late last fall, when “staycations” became the new vacations. Always a fan of turning a holiday week into a week full of adventures from home, there were some simple ideas that helped set the stage for making the most of the week.

Some of my favorites;
-Set the stage-Book a room at your own Home-Tel.
Make a do not disturb sign for the kids door, and suggest they sleep in ( this won’t work at our house but…)
Deliver room service for breakfast. Make a menu, and have them hang it on the door before bed.
Put a list of the activities for tomorrow on their bed at night ( and add a cookie or piece of chocolate )
-Hold some big events
Top chef with the kids where they all cook a course for dinner. Our kids want to do this as a day camp with friends!
Hold some outdoor olympics in park ( target has a family game set with badmitton, croquet, volleyball and horseshoes. For $20.00 it is a great investment. Add in the old water balloon toss, sack races and egg race and you are good to go. Simple prizes and its better then a day at the amusement park )
Put on a play
Go Fishing
Take a hike
-Create some night life
Have a fondue party or theme dinner
Set up camp in the living room for game night or a pizza party and movie
Sleep in the living room with sleeping bags and tents
-Explore some of the local tourist attractions
Be a tourist in your home town/city for the day-Ride the cable car, visit the aquarium, drive over the golden gate bridge and pack a picnic
Take a road trip and stay in a hotel for one night..there are GREAT deals everywhere and planned well 2 days of exploring, swimming in a hotel pool, jumping on the bed and having room service for one meal can feel like a full week away.

Most importantly-ENJOY!

Image courtesy of secret agent josephine

Posted in To do's with kids, vacation ideas | No Comments »

Simple Photography tips for your kids

Friday, April 10th, 2009

Our friend ( and Peek….Aren’t You Curious photographer ) just posted some simple tips on her site..How to take great photos of kids. She always seems to follow a few simple rules, and every time I see her work, she has captured the essence of her subjects ( young,old and sometimes furry ! ) perfectly. Her relaxed and fun personality help as well…She always thinks about the basics-the time of day and when the kids will be most interested and engaged, keeping the camera out for only a while and laying down, or taking her photos from the kids vantage points. Check out these shots of her adorable son at Wilder Ranch in Santa Cruz.

When she was getting this shot of our son, she had challenged he and his friend Will to a race..the winner was not who got to the finish line first, but who LAUGHED the most. How smart to get a slow and happy shot! See for yourself-I think it worked!

Have some great books to share on this subject too…perfect for Mothers Day gifts. Stay tuned.

Posted in How to, Photography | No Comments »

Thanks for stopping by

Friday, April 10th, 2009

Ok, after months of thinking and really sitting back and understanding what I love and how we what was important to us when we started our little concept I am taking the plunge. So love connecting with people, sharing and learning more about people, resources, adventures and stuff that makes our life as parents and people easier, richer and more rewarding. A place where ideas, people, and a community can be created.
When my husband first started talking about what he wanted and hoped we could do, I did not really and truly understand. Now I do. And while bringing that dream to life is likely a bigger project and focus for us in 2010, for now I know at least that the desire for me is strong to start capturing the topics, connecting with the people and learning from others. There are so many people we meet, information that is sent, stories that are told and stuff that people send to us. My hope is that this will be a place to share those all.
So here we go, I am planning to work on some of the content this weekend, and go live on Monday.