Tardy to my Party

YEP, seriously tardy to my own blog. My own life. Man, it's been a whirlwind. New job, side job has expanded to a sweet little business that I love! Busy is an understatement. I have no time to shop. OMG, didn't think I would ever say that. Who wants to shop for me? Seriously, come over, clean out my entire closet (all my closets) and buy me a new wardrobe please. Online shopping is where it's at. I also try to go local as much as I can. Not a TON of options around these parts though.

Quick catch up:
My little is in Kinder and lost her two front teeth. I feel old. My littlest LOVES preschool and could not be any cuter and more stubborn. Knocked a few things off of my list, but a few more to do and no time to do. Summer was fun, fall was crazy. We got a new kitten on our late dog's birthday. I'm actually ready for the holidays, a slower life and some snow. And maybe a vacation. :)

After seeing scary scenes happening around the world I'm just so thankful to be in a safe place and surrounded by family. I may have been pretty reluctant to move back to candyland after traveling much of the world, but man, it beats the alternative. I'll take the crazy in my life over the crazy around the world.

 

Keeping the peace, we only have one another, so be nice. My kids are tired of me saying that. Trying to make more time for my people. More days out, more one on one, more snuggles. So what if we spoil sometimes. Life can be a party.

   cheers

Patio Appeal

While the playhouse is under way, I'm in a patio furniture struggle. Does anyone else search the internet for hours trying to find exactly what you want on a budget? Maybe I just have furniture envy or guilt? Seriously, everything is so overpriced these days. In between editing (which seems like my entire life at the moment...not a bad thing), I am trying to clean up our outdoor living. I have too many tastes. It interferes with my mind. I love teak, but it's such a bitch to maintain so ours is on it's last leg. Or maybe it wasn't high-end enough? At any rate, would be nice to find a set that doesn't cost a fortune and lasts me awhile AND is comfortable. That is key. I never sit outside because I cannot relax in my rock hard chairs or maybe because I get eaten alive. Time to look for a house with a pool!!! 

Here are a few items I'm loving at the moment, but haven't clicked any order buttons yet...

Super cute chair! Practical? Does it go with my home? Color matches my front door and my gutters. Maybe.

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This West Elm bench is too cool.

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Totally digging this set that's on sale. I'd have to take out a small loan to get all that I need though. ;) Classic and beautiful!

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Seriously inviting, but I think I'm leaning towards metal.

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Brown Jordan is my favorite. I really love their stuff! I could spend the entire afternoon in their showroom. This collection at Home Depot is beautiful!

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These kid adirondack chairs are awesome and cheap too.

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Great sales out right now. Hope you're not as indecisive as I am.

    cheers

Playhouse Party

DIY playhouse going up. I'll take more pics and keep you updated as the hubs has time to build. Following this little plan for inspiration. We have a narrow space so we have to improvise and change it up a bit. Super excited for my kiddos to have a little place to hang. We are putting in a bottom floor and top floor. Bottom floor is in! (Follow my Instagram for quicker updates).

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Thank you for the inspiration The Handmade Home.

  cheers

DIY Playdough

Need a weekend activity for the kiddos? Homemade playdough. Check. Gather, blend, stir & play. Easy.

Ingredients
1/2 c of salt
1 c of water
2 tbsp of cream of tartar
1 c of flour
1 tbsp of oil
Food coloring

Directions
Mix flour, salt, tartar and oil in a pan
Mix water with the food coloring
Add water/color mixture to other ingredients and stir
Cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, constantly stirring
When it becomes doughy, remove from heat and start kneading (hot, be careful)
When texture is achieved, time to play!
Store in container or ziplock

(apologies for the low quality phone pics)...

Easy clean up and lots of fun!

      cheers

Spring Kids

Loving the Zara spring collection...

Right? So good. The yellow makes me want to buy it all! 

   cheers

Dining Deal

Need to update your dining or kitchen area? Throw in some cool chairs. Some inexpensive newbies over at World Market and Ikea.

I've got my eye on a few. My outdoor chairs are currently serving as indoor seats. They need to go back outside!

   cheers

New Trend?

Yes, I know Marsala is in, but butter in coffee? hmmmm... did I miss this one? I prefer to add a spoon full of coconut oil (OR homemade Kaklua), but I guess if I'm out, then butter is a good alternative? Read up a little on bulletproof. Eh, I think I'd puke a little if I drank that.

Coconut oil only for me. Yes, I still use it for many things. And no new updates on all of my experiments with it. Only in the fact that I added coffee creamer to my list awhile ago. It's healthy, delicious and the smell takes me to the beach.

...or if you prefer a butter latte, then go for it.

   cheers