Our House in the Middle of Our Street

Every year I make a list of fun/silly/simple/complex/random things I want to do, learn, or try in the upcoming year. Usually most get done, not always . I do this because there are crafts, foods, and activities I want to do, but if I don't plan intentionally, they just won't happen. Life will get in the way and I will regret not spending my time more wisely.  These lists help inspire me when I'm bored (I can't remember the last time I was) or just restless for a new activity and help us plan our weekends as a family, too. I don't put any pressure on myself to complete all of these in a year, but of the ones I do finish, I have great memories and I'm glad I had the experience and learned something new! 29 Before 30 *Knit a Katniss Cowl *Read a Malcolm Gladwell book *organize my cooking binder (um, more of a chore that's been put off for YEARS!) * visit the Bellingham Farmer's Market * Go Strawberry picking *Try snowshoeing wit...

As the Christmas and gift-giving seasons are approaching, I wanted to share what I'd been thinking about regarding this topic. Since the kids have been little, we've had a simple approach to gifts: something to Read, something to Wear, and something to Play with. This has suited us well over the years in keeping expectations low (remember Dudley in Harry Potter ? ), putting forward quality over quantity, and lessened space taken, packaging thrown away, and mountains of toys that can accumulate. We still follow this rule, and follow it (sometimes, not always) with our sweet nephew and nieces, too.  In the past I've often made a lot of our gifts, because I like doing it, and it obviously saves us money. Gift-giving the gift-card way is outrageously expensive if you even have more than five people on your list. We have many more than that. I also love getting people gifts. I like to think about each person and tailor make (or buy, at times) a gift they will find both ...

photocredit For the first time in years... years ....I'm going to be participating in a sewing week in April. I've wanted to join this very same seasonal group of sewers for a long time, but things would come up, I'd be too committed, or my kids were just too little and I was simply too tired.  This time around, I've got no excuse. I'm going to be brave and start sewing again. I'm going to spend the next month picking out patterns, choosing fabrics from my stash, and cutting them all out. If I take the time to create the scenario (cutting is my defeatist step), I will enjoy spending an hour or two sewing everything up during nap times, photographing everything, and posting it here on the blog and within the group online.  I have tons of ideas already from my pinterest boards , and I even bought a few patterns months ago in anticipation of when I'd start sewing again. Now...to make sure that darned machine is up to snuff... * Will...

One of my favorite pictures of her, ever. Messy hair, slight stink face, and sunglasses that are just a peek into her personal style. This was on the drive home from camping at Indian Cave State Park.    Join others remembering a favorite moment from the week. 

I do love Pinterest for all the wonderful ideas, recipes, color palettes, and general inspiration found there, and I thought it might be fun to share some of the most frequent pins I've saved. Usually I find stuff I love on blogs and 'pin it' to my boards externally, instead of found within the site itself, as it's getting fairly crowded and hard to sift through, with a lot of repeat things. I have a number of friends I follow (and a few strangers who just happen to have similar taste) and I'm happy to check it once a day or so. I have found some excellent 'keeper' recipes that I've printed to my binder, and plenty of go-to gift ideas, party themes, and TONS of home school references/pictures for the back pocket. Here are a few of my favorites that I've pinned recently. Think of this as a Pinterest linky <3 post. Enjoy! Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Sarah on Pinterest Source: totokaelo.com via Sarah on Pinterest Source: blog.imaginech...

About a year ago I purchased an antique dresser at an Estate Sale for about $10. I liked the style, the large drawers, the massive mirror, and the price. I can't believe it actually took a year to get this to where we wanted it. After the initial deep cleaning (all 10? 20? spider EGG SACKS) It sat for months at our in-laws storage unit, and then a long time it sat in our own room, unused, and still rife with age and nicks. * I have a half of a small closet to put all of my clothes--every season, too, in 3 of these things . It's not much, but I have minimal amounts of clothing so it worked for a year. I think, however, that Stefan was a little, ahem, crammed . He asked me what color of paint I wanted, and on a nice sunny day he and the kids set to work to painting. Here is the after, with new Anthropologie ( sale !) knobs attached. It's a nice sky-blue color, and goes well with the picture set on top. The other three items are a green bowl (made by a local Grace Chapel p...

Source: jendotlu.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest I wish I knew the artist of this print because I love it. Link on! *** I know I link up to this all.the.time but I really don't want anyone to miss the thoughtful posts, the simple recipes, and the great ideas for play. Rhythm of the Home has it all, seasonally. Loved this bloomer-to-romper DIY. Looks easy and adorable. Do you need an invite to Pinterest? It's amazing, and...addictive. Maybe I shouldn't tell you it's like a visual inspiration board you can categorize? Let's just say following me will give you amazing inspiration that will melt.your.face. Hair wraps, craft ideas, and recipes included. reading this post about motherhood might have made me tear up. might. As a personal reward after doing a lot of work this summer for a ministry I volunteer for, I gave myself this , this , and this . Happy mail coming Friday! I am so excited for a couple movies this summer including The Help , HP #7 , Forks over ...

This might be a bit random but every single Spring time, once the sun is shining and we all start to strip layers, I am always in the mood to bring out the 'hippie' in my wardrobe. It starts with a little messy hair and a chunky headband. A few feathers or flowy dresses and sandals, and then it just gets downright bohemian. I can't help it. Go outside, and turn that music up. I love hippie style, had my hair dreaded awhile back, and really, can any mismatched patterns like this old bug get any better? Scroll down for some more modern hippie inspiration. All photos via weheartit . Tribal Style : Awesome hand carved jewelry on Etsy. Spell: Um, beautiful and completely out of my budget. I die! Lune Vintage : this lady up in Winnipeg really gets the 70s with her sweet vintage shop, Lune. Free People : everything hippie inspired MakeLoveNotWar: beautiful feathered 'hippie' earrings...dang can't find the link! update soon...