Kids are rough on nice things, but that does not mean you need to wait to make your home beautiful and inviting until the kids are older. It will take some forethought, but it is worth it. Here are some practical tips. 1. Durable Is your furniture durable? However careful you are about teaching your kids that furniture is not their personal play gym, it is likely that the kids will get a few … [Read more...] about Five Tips for Family-friendly Decorating
Drastic Times Call for Drastic Measures
Yesterday, Maurie and I came to a head. She is constantly asking to watch movies and spreads the DVDs and VHSs (yes we still own VHS) ALL over the house, but I was done and done with the struggle. I boxed up every last movie in our home and put them in the basement. I haven't got brave enough yet, but I am close to boxing up the TV too. Don't get me wrong, I love to relax by watching a good movie … [Read more...] about Drastic Times Call for Drastic Measures
The Kid-You is Smarter than the Adult-You
There is still a kid-you likely suppressed by the adult-you. Unlock the inner kid to find your authentic interests or passions. In fifth grade my kind, fun teacher let me read my "book" to my classmates. It was a story I wrote about a kid who got kidnapped at Disneyland. (I still have yet to go to Disneyland, by the way.) My writing was compelling stuff. This situation reveals many things...I … [Read more...] about The Kid-You is Smarter than the Adult-You
Painting a Kitchen: Before and After
Paint can be all you need to completely change a room. Check out the transformation in our kitchen. When we bought our home nearly two years ago, I knew that the kitchen needed some TLC. Actually, it was the whole house that needed to be changed for me to really feel at home. All the colors in the house were wrong for me. I spent a lot of time at paint stores stewing and stewing over colors. I … [Read more...] about Painting a Kitchen: Before and After
Home Improvement Projects
During the Christmas break I was able to do a few home improvement projects that I want to share with you. First, I knew that I wanted to make the living room more comfortable and applicable to my kids, so I added a book shelf for their books and a table for their puzzles and coloring. The second was a headboard that I made. My sister Joanie and her husband came to visit just last week and I … [Read more...] about Home Improvement Projects
Good Reads
The Magnolia Story I LOVE Joanna Gaines. I think she is lovely, classic, good and kind. She is a faithful wife, a mother of four, a gifted interior designer and a hard worker. Cody knows that I love her and her style and bought me this book for Christmas. Their book did not disappoint. Chip and Joanna's love story resonated with me and there were many times I laughed out loud because Cody … [Read more...] about Good Reads