Madeline Weinrib

While I like our large, shag rug, I've been thinking about replacing it with something more graphic. These ones by Madeline Weinrib seem to strike the right note. 

See how they can punch up a room?

 I like how Jenna Lyons layers hers {below}.

I know, I know...

...I have got to stop thinking about shopping. My pocketbook and my sanity demands it. But oh, how I love this little retro dress! Perhaps when it goes on sale.

Live Long

We've been watching all the old Star Trek episodes and movies, sometimes spending an entire Saturday in marathon viewing, popcorn and licorice in hand. We hadn't realized how much Little Miss C was absorbing it all until she made this for J on Father's Day. I love the ears! :)

It would appear....

.... as though I'm not the only one who has been feeling tired lately. :) 

I want candy

Lately, it seems as though my mind is full of things to write about, but I've been stricken with such overwhelming exhaustion, I haven't the energy to share any of it. It's quite frustrating. I wake up after sleeping far longer than I meant to, only to discover that I'm still tired! I've even taken to eating sweets throughout the day in a vain attempt to prod my body into producing bursts of energy. If I still had insurance, I think I'd be demanding a blood work-up. Perhaps I'm anemic again? I haven't a clue. But right now I need a nap. 

{Die Cut Poster via Cup of Jo}

Fearsome Four

E is now in the middle of his fourth year, and deep into asserting his independence. Which he does by yelling, demanding, hitting, and generally throwing a fit whenever someone looks at him the wrong way. {Maddening!} 

As I teach him patience by practicing patience, I'm trying to focus on the positives of this stage in his childhood. 

He's incredibly imaginative. He spends hours a day pretending to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex, his hands tucked close to his body like little claws, stomping around while balancing on the balls of his feet, and roaring at his baby brother. 

He loves to sing. {We try not to laugh as he belts out songs by Michelle Branch or Sheryl Crow while sitting on the toilet.} 

He builds elaborate train layouts and can occupy himself for hours with a handful of matchbox cars. 

He's old enough to dress himself {though he prefers to wear his pants backwards} and young enough to want to be cuddled after a bath. 

He loves hockey and likes to be 'checked' against the glass door to the patio.

He's loud and frustrating and sweet. And he's my little boy.

PS Thanks for all the fire ant advice! Baby L is still a bit itchy, but healing well. 

White Kitchen

Did you see this kitchen makeover? I've been toying with the same idea-- painting my maple cabinets a glossy white. I worry about the finish, though. They used a high compression sprayer, and it looks like it worked marvelously. Better than rolling it on, the way I see them do it on Trading Spaces. So now I need to find someone who owns a compression sprayer....

No Picnic

Baby L got into some fire ants yesterday. Poor thing ended up with almost 30 bites covering his body! They're swollen, itchy and painful, so I'm busy dabbing hydrocortisone creme on them and calling a friend to see if she has any tea tree oil {known to work wonders on insect bites.} Anyone else have experience with fire ant bites? I'd appreciate advice.

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Seattle Sundries

With Father's Day coming up, these clever little soaps from Seattle Sundries have caught my eye. The labels are perfect.

Not Fat. Again.

For a while there, the combination of nursing the baby full time and marathon running changed my body. My hips were smaller, my bust larger. I'd finally rid myself of that ubiquitous 5 pounds. But it was short lived. Though I'm still running, my body has settled into what I'm forced to admit is it's natural shape-- a pear.  

I suppose it's human nature to want what one cannot have. The grass is always greener and whatnot. I'm no different. It's been difficult to resist discouragment. 

I've found that it is much easier to accept and embrace what I have been given when I wear clothes that are fun, lovely and fit properly. {A fabulous dress hides a multitude of sins.} To that end, I've let out a few of my skirts rather than starve myself into fiting into them again. It's all mental. 

A {bit of} shopping has becomes a healthy necessity, not a vain indulgence. :) While I suspect they'll be too expensive for me, I still can't wait until these dresses from Mona & Holly are available for purchase. Black, white and yellow continue to catch my eye.

Pencils

I'm really enjoying small indulgences right now. My latest crave is for these colorful pencils for my new corner desk. I'm having a hard time deciding between just Ocean Blue or the Multi Color Pack.... 

Stop Motion Invitation

I saw this wedding invitation on A Cup of Jo and thought of J and my mom, both of whom don't read her blog, so I thought I'd pass it along. Pardon my redundancy, but isn't it wonderfully creative? I love when people eschew tradition and just do what they're good at. 

Small Things

I'm feeling a little down... or under the weather.... or perhaps a bit of both. In any case, I've painted my nails a pleasing shade of coral and settled in with a long book. My kind of Monday.

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