I spent Thanksgiving at my mother and step father’s house one year in Oregon. Being in a small town with not much to do, I spent most of my time wandering their property with the family dog, Hawn. All along the roads and in the ditches were blackberry bushes growing wild. Apparently blackberries are so […]
Our Homemade Christmas Tree
Well, it is more like a Christmas tree arrangement… but it works for us. Philip had a great idea to pick up Christmas tree branches from a tree stand to bring some Christmas into the house without spending a fortune on a live Christmas tree. I decided to take the branches and arrange them to […]
A Paint Chip Flag Banner
Months ago, I was working on sprucing up the kids room. I wanted to add more color and storage without spending a fortune. I had my eyes set on the Vitaminer Vimpal duvet cover from Ikea. I love the bright primary colors, but it was more than I was willing to spend. So I decided […]
In Season: Pomegranate Chocolate Chip Kefir Muffins
I’ll be honest with you, I don’t always cook in season… I know, it’s shocking! With grocery stores and most produce stands importing fruits and vegetables from around the world, it’s hard not to pick up those grapes in the middle of winter. It always makes me feel good when I do end up cooking […]
Giving for Christmas
Somehow I managed to bring the girls, Eliana and Isabelle, out shopping with me last week to TJ Maxx. After struggling and failing to hold Isabelle in the Baby K’tan AND lift Eliana up into the cart (thank you kind woman for putting Eliana in her seat for me!) I managed to spill Eliana’s graham […]
Glass Door Knob Coat Rack
Hey – While I made this I was with child in utero. Now I am with child in arms, pretty much all of the time. Little Isabelle was born October 22nd and I wrote the story of her birth on my wonderful birth center’s blog (yes that means no pain medication.. whaaat?!) You can read about […]
Macaroni and Cheese with Mushrooms and Collard Greens
My family loves macaroni and cheese. It’s easy to make, tasty to eat, and a simple go-to meal. My kids always finish their dinner when I make it, which gives macaroni and cheese bonus points. The only issue I have with it is it gets pretty boring, and I know it is not giving […]
The Tale of the Brass Lamp
Once upon a time, WAY back in March, a fair lady was wandering through a crowded thrift store. In a trance from all of the treasures, she was brought back to reality by her tantruming toddler. Just as she was preparing to run out the door, she saw it. It was an old brass lamp, dusty […]
Refinishing a Veneer Dresser… Twice.
A little over two months ago I shared my experience in hunting down the right dresser to refinish. I am finally back to share the good, the bad and the ugly process of sanding, staining and sealing a dresser. I must admit I am dreading reliving the experience, which explains why it has taken me so long […]
On the Hunt
I am experiencing some serious nesting behavior, and I like to blame it on baby Isabelle messing with my hormones at the moment. Then again, I occasionally experience organizing frenzies and what I like to call craving-more-storage anxiety whether or not I am pregnant. So anticipating Isabelle’s arrival, I knew we would need a place […]