Fabulous Finds, Friends & Fun

How fabulous is this mirror? And it's twin? I have a thing for twins. My friend, Mrs. Kopp has great taste and is in the process of decorating her new house. The fam and I packed our bags and hit the road to visit our friends, The Kopps for an overnight of food and fun. The kids played, the men drank and Mrs. Kopp and I went through the house checking out all the new finds, cabinetry, lighting, artwork and more. I had a nasty cold, but I was a trooper and hit the road anyway.
Twin Mirrors-You won't find these in the Pottery Barn catalog which means your next door neighbor won't have the same thing, love that they are original.

This is a peaceful room. Mrs. Kopp is still tweaking, but it's coming along quite nicely. The twin mirrors set the tone.

Fun dog artwork, again, originals created by the mini Kopps.

Linen/Iron Sconces in Mrs. Kopp's Hallway

Custom pillow for the Kopp's bedroom, cute right?

New bathroom vanity, loving the color and design. These cabinets are counter height...much more forgiving on your back.

The Kopp and Kirch kids hunkering down for a movie.

The K3 and K2 having a little dinner. I'm looking forward to our next visit!

Chalkboard Platter

While I realize that this is not an original idea, I am proud to have finally followed through with the project. This was so incredibly simple and I now have a fun, new menu board for the kitchen. Now when the the Mr. gets home he can glance at the new menu board and either pitch in to help get the menu on the table or at least know what to expect for dinner.
This was $9.99 at Home Depot and can be used for many more chalkboard projects. We painted the back of our front door with this paint and it's super fun to draw and write messages. Pics. to come another day.

I found this on clearance and then more clearance at Fred Meyer. I paid a mere $3.00 for this dinner plate. I taped off the edges with painters tape, used a sponge brush to paint the chalkboard paint on and let dry. Viola, a chalkboard platter. I bought a few extra plates to make as gifts for friends and hostess gifts. Happy platter hunting. Marshall's and Ross have plates on clearance for dirt cheap FYI.

Got Milk?

Got Milk? We do. Milk is extremely important around here. We go through lots of milk in this house. I personally, do not drink the stuff anymore. Recently we signed up for milk delivery and I have to say it's been fun. Every Friday we have something to look forward to on our front porch. I know if I'm running low there will be milk on Friday for sure. The girls have fun checking the box for our milk delivery-they even help carry the goods inside!

They often like to pull up a stool and throw back a cold one.

Now delivering organic. Not the case a couple years ago.

Milk delivery is here! It's the little things in life isn't that make us smile.

Books, Books and Sequestered Nooks

I may not be the mom who wants to play all the time, but I'm usually up for some reading. Don't ask me to sit around and play trains, I really don't want to. But, bring me a book and let's get cozy and read. It seems there's a lot of pressure for moms to play with their children all the live long day. When exactly are we supposed to prepare dinner and fold that laundry? Yep, these days it's play, play, play and have a list of activities for the kids when you are done playing. I'm all for spending time with my children, please don't get me wrong. I simply don't want to play with them all day. Some moms may get a kick out of playing trains, running around the playground, pretending to be a pirate, you name it. I admire your energy, truly. I'm the mom who likes to read. What are your favorite children's books?

All this reading is exhausting.

Who doesn't love the Bearnstein Bears?

Turning the pages with two babies on your lap is a challenge, but I think I've figured it out!

A book for all situations.

You've got to start reading when they are young! They still love "Hello Bee".

These books were daddies when he was a boy.

"What is it mom, I'm busy reading".

Sam with his selection of books.

Reading is reading whatever you read. Sam's first flight, getting all the information. Sam really likes to have information, always has.

One eye will do just fine.

"Ten Rubber Duckies" is one of Marin's favorites.

Books, books and sequestered nooks.

Great Grandpa Bradford reading to Sam.

Play Date Kid Project

I found this crafty project on Clover Lane's blog, check her out. She is an inspiring mom. We have been having play dates and the little rascals can qet squirmy, loud and downright crazy! So on our last rainy day play date I put the monkeys to work on a little birdfeeder project. I would say this project ate up about thiry minutes...I'll take it! Breaking the time up for various projects, snacks and play is key to not loosing your mind on a play date. Finished Birdfeeder. Sam and I...okay actually I hung the feeders up the next afternoon. The large pincone was too heavy and fell behind a fence, but...maybe the birds like to snack on the ground. Free birdseed for any critter walking the fence.
Rolling the slathered peanut butter pinecone through the birdseed.

Spreading the peanut butter.

The supplies

Ready to get to work!

This is not only easy, it's cheap. Get it, cheap?

Birdseed, $1.99

Peanut Butter, $1.69

Pincones, backyard. These were in a bag in my garage.

Floral Wire, Stashed in my crap room. I mean craft room.

Post

Have you ever noticed how many unique mailboxes there are in your neighborhood? Well, I did! . Who still writes good old fashion post? Now referred to as snail mail? I thought a post about post would be fun. Checking the mail is one of the highlights of my day. This first pic. is from a blog from which I cannot recall, sorry. My mailbox is nothing special, not photo worthy whatsoever. Do you have a unique mailbox, please share!

Playroom Post



Houseboat Post

(Sunset Magazine)

Verdigree Post

Barn House Post

Hedge Niche Post

Modern Post

Pottery Barnesq Post

Floral Post

Toile Post

Pint Sized Post

Fence Post

What to plant?

Who's getting excited to plant their garden? What will you plant this year?

Greek Feast

A fun family evening @ our home. We celebrated Uncle Steve's 32nd birthday by hosting a Greek feast. We enjoyed homemade falafel, grilled lamb kebobs, greek rice with feta, hummus and more. I got sidetracked once everyone sat down to eat so I neglected to photograph the people and the food. However, the twinkle lights and long table propose that a feast was about to commence.