Monday, August 29, 2011

Rainy day fun


On the tail of Hurricane Irene, which luckily in our neck of the woods turned out to be no more than little bit of rain and wind, I thought it appropriate to blog about some fun things to do indoors with the kids when you are stuck inside all day. 

Cookies!
On a rainy day like yesterday, my vote would be the classic chocolate chip—nothing cures rainy day blues like a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies! Digging into those gooey chocolate chips is bound to turn your little one’s frown upside down (and yours for that matter too!)

Movie Reel
Set up your living room like a real movie theatre, complete with popcorn and candy.  Choose a fun classic like Annie and watch your kids fall in love with the magic just like you did as a child. 

Tea Time
Dress up in your fancy duds and put out the good china.  Cut tea sandwiches with cookie cutters—egg salad or pb&j—whatever your pleasure.  And remember, only the most posh manners allowed at teatime.

Spa Day
Set up a mini spa complete with manicure, pedicure, and facial.  Make your own mask with oatmeal, yogurt and honey.  Don’t forget to give those eyes some rest and rejuvenation with cucumber slices.  And play some soft music to set the mood.  You might all even get to catch a little snooze at the spa!

“Bored” Games
Break out the old school favorites—Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders are a few of our favorites.  If you don’t have these on hand or are feeling particularly creative, try making your own game—a grandmother inspired matching game made with copies of family photos is a regular go to in our house. 

Living Room Camp Out
Pop out the tent and camping gear for an indoor camp out.  Have hot dogs for dinner and break out the s'mores around a pretend campfire.  Turn out all the lights and tell silly ghost stories.  Invite kids to each tell their own silly or scary story. 

Do you have any tried and true rainy day fun activities?  Do share.  

Monday, August 22, 2011

To share or not to share?

I came across this month’s Vogue interview with Sarah Jessica Parker this weekend and fell in love with this little castle bunk bed.  I wonder where they got it, or more importantly, I wonder if we could DIY a little castle bunk for our girls? 
Because more and more, I have been thinking that I would like my girls to share a room.  The main reason being that our home is fairly small at just over 1500 square feet.  But I also just really like the idea of kids sharing a room and I think it could be really fun for them—especially if they got a castle bed out of the deal!

But here are a few other super cute shared spaces for the time being while we’re waiting for our castle bed to be built or found and until our youngest daughter gets just a little bit older. 
 
What are your thoughts on shared spaces?  Do your kiddos share or is it best for all at your house to have their own room?  Did you share as a kid and if so, are your memories fond or not so much?  

Monday, August 15, 2011

Give it a twirl...

We are grateful if you have managed to set aside the time to check out our blog each week. With Facebook, Twitter, internet shopping, emails, news and a little thing called work, we know how easy it is to get sucked in to the world wide web. I often look at the clock at the top of my screen and think "oh dear, that's one hour of my life I'll never get back!"

This week we wanted to feature a website that we think is a super way to spend three of your precious Internet minutes. The website is www.digitwirl.com and it's founder, Carley Knobloch, posts a video each week to show you how to use technology to make your life easier.  Carley's videos are short, funny, informative, and are designed to save you time and money.  Sound like a paid advertisement?  It's not, it's just that we LOVE this site!

Check out this weeks video and when you have time, try the archives, my personal favorite is the Nike Personal Trainer...if only Digitwirl could magic away that last bit of baby weight (ok, so technically it's toddler weight, but you get the point).

Monday, August 8, 2011

Fun in the sun!

I always start with the best intentions to get out and about all summer and do fun things with the kids.  But between work and a major kitchen renovation at our house this summer, we are already well into August without too much summer fun to show for ourselves.  I've decided to compile a list of fun things to do with the munchkins to try to squeeze in some much needed summer fun over the next month.


• Beach Day
• Blueberry Picking
• The Zoo
• Make Popsicles
• Explore a Local Farm
• Picnic on the Beach
• Day out in the City
• Concert in the Park
• Backyard Movie
• Eat More Ice Cream

What about you?  Do you have a list of fun things to do with your kids in the summer?  Tell us what we're missing!

Monday, August 1, 2011

What is your design style?

All this card designing has got us thinking about stationery and personal style.  I started searching and found all kinds of quizzes that tell you your design style.  I have to say, I think your home design style and your stationery style are related.  Maybe not siblings, but definitely first cousins!

Check out the Ethan Allen what's your signature quiz.  I particularly like this one because it was quick... took me all of 30 seconds to complete.  And because it uses photos instead of questions to find your signature style.

Sona's results...
Not really surprising that my results are 'vintage' since most of my furniture consists of pieces that are picked up at various flea markets or are DIY.  I love the old barn door, the country quilt, the neutral beige tons and the blue in gray-blue walls with the white accents in the dining room.

Elizabeth's results...
Which is spot on since I would have guessed Elizabeth was a 'classic' girl, but this is even better.  "It is the essence of timeless sophistication.  A seamless composition of quintessentially classic design elements..."

So what is your design style?  Here’s that link again to take Ethan Allen's what's your signature quiz.  Give us a shout to let us know your style and whether or not you think the results were accurate.  Happy quizzing!