camping {with kids}

Last summer, I took off a few day to take my kiddos camping. Unfortunately, Handyman had to work. I've never gone camping without him before, and our last trip was cut short by an unhappy camper -this little guy-so even though we went with friends, I was still a little bit nervous.

don't be scared, go camping!

camping with kids: easy meals and activities

clock {birthday} cake

My daughter's birthday is coming up at the end of this month. When I asked her what she wanted for her cake, she replied, "a clock cake!" Admittedly, its a bit of an odd choice, but hey, it's her birthday right?

I made one for her 4th birthday a few years back. It came about after I let her browse my cake decorating book. It's suggested event is New Year Eve, setting the hands on midnight, but since she was turning four, we adapted it to four o'clock.

With some frosting, peppermint patties, and mini chips, you've got an easy birthday cake!

fishy party

We celebrated our baby's first birthday earlier this year. Since he was too young to care {or notice} the theme, I let the other kids decided for him. And they came up with a fishy theme party.

Due to some unexpected plumbing problems at our house on the scheduled weekend, we quickly relocated the party to a family friend's home.

These are all easy details that can be done anywhere and are easy to pack up at a minute's notice (like we did!).

1) DECORATIONS
Clear helium balloons from the party store and orange and turquoise streamers solidified the fishy theme.

2) FAVORS
I made these simple take home favors from turquoise colored bubbles that I found in the wedding section at Michael's. I adorned each with a fishy tag. I punched white circle rounds with my favorite circle punch, wrote "Thanks for swimming by" in a circle along the parameter, and let my 6 year old draw a single fishy in the center. If you have to make a lot, I recommend using a computer, and printing out. But, this was some fun mommy/daughter time together.

3) CAKE
Any cake will do. Choose your child's favorite. We have a family tradition of chocolate cake, because the chocolate crumbs show up best in the photographs!

4) FOOD
Fish shaped sandwiches- I purchased Pepperidge Farm's goldfish sandwich bread from the grocery store. Ours were PB&J, but if you have a nut allergy, choose your own favorite filling.

I kept it simple since it was a one-year's birthday party. But there lots more fishy ideas out there. What would you have added?

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popping corn

I'm so happy that summer is finally here and that I'm no longer just dreaming of it. One of our favorite things to do as a family is hang out in our backyard. Handyman builds a fire and we all pull up a chair and enjoy the flickering flames.

This season our favorite outdoor treat is popcorn.

Popping corn is easy and you only a few things before you are munching away on a hot and yummy handful.

You will need:

• a hot {but not roaring} fire
• popcorn kernels
• cooking oil
• skillet with a cover (we use our indestructible, seasoned cast iron skillet)
• gloves

Directions
1) Place about 1/4 cup kernels and a 1 tablespoon of oil in your skillet (these portions are adjustable)
2) Place your skillet directly on your fire.
3) Once your hear the first pop, feel free to give your skillet some shakes as the the kernels pop away.
4) Season to taste -we like freshly ground sea salt

The skillet gets very hot, so don't forget your gloves. We often just grab our work gloves because they are nearby, but certainly an oven glove works just as well.

By spending time with my family, I hope to create some great family memories for my children, like the ones my mom records in this journal I made her a while back. I get to read a little bit more each time we go to visit. It's so fun learning about her favorite childhood memories.

Have you ever made popcorn over a fire? What's your favorite backyard activity? Or how do you perserve those sweet family history stories?

Linking up to SerenityNow, SundaeScoop, SundayRoundUp, It'sOverflowing, NifyThrifty, MopItUp, SweetAnneDesigns, HomemakerOnADime, BNOTP, Debbie Doos, Making the World Cuter, LinesAcrossMyFace, CRAFT, MadeByYou, MadSkills, KurtzCorner, S3,TipJunkie, CowgirlUp, ChefInTraining, NotJustaHousewife, CoastalCharm, Carolyn'sHomework, SugarBeeCrafts, ClaimingOurSpace, MyUncommonSliceofSuburbia, aBowlFullofLemons, CozyHomeScenes, GingerSnaps, SavvySouthernStyle, OrganizeandDecorate, DIYByDesign, UncommonDesign, Michelle'sTastyCreations, 52 Mantels, Crafty,Scrappy,Happy, Newlyweds, LiveLaughRowe, SouthernLovely, ShabbyCreekCottage, HouseofHepworths, the36thAve, LovingThisCrazyLife, FindingFabulous, FamilyEverAfter, AtthePicketFence, TheShabbyNest, ALittleKnickKnack, 30HandmadeDays, CheeriosAndLattes, ClassyClutter, NYMelroseFamily, MakingLemonade, BlissfulandDomestic, One ArtsyMama

i forgot to mention

My little boy was helping me in the yard the other day. He recently sprouted a seedling at preschool and was eager to it plant it in our yard.

When I looked over to check on his progress, I noticed the plastic bag full of water in a pot in the ground. I forgot to explain a few simple gardening tips to him. This is what i forgot to tell him.

DON'T OVER WATER
Plants can be over watered -and eventually drown. Check the water requirement on the packaging. most plants require extra waterings directly after being planted.

DON'T PLANT IN THE POT IN THE GROUND*
The pot restricts the roots and the plant will eventually become root bound (when the roots grow circularly around the inside of the pot for lack of a place to go), and stop growing.
*There are exceptions to this rule. For example, some plants (like mint) are very intrusive and will overtake the entire space. Plant these in pots in the ground if you want to control their growth.

DON'T PLANT IN THE PURCHASED PACKAGING
Unless the packaging was designed to be planted, don't use it. Most packaging will indicate if it is biodegradable and will break down in the soil. The plant needs proper drainage, using a pot with holes provides this drainage. Depending on the needs of the plant, you can also fill with small rocks and or a light weight draining material like vermiculite. Always check with your local nursery if you have questions.

The local nursery is my favorite place for gardening information. They are well informed on native species, their needs, and your climate region.

Linking up to SundaeScoop, SundayRoundUp, It'sOverflowing, NifyThrifty, MopItUp, SweetAnneDesigns, HomemakerOnADime, BNOTP, Debbie Doos, Making the World Cuter, LinesAcrossMyFace, CRAFT, MadeByYou, MadSkills, KurtzCorner, S3,TipJunkie, HowtoNestforLess, NotJustaHousewife, CoastalCharm, Carolyn'sHomework, SugarBeeCrafts, ClaimingOurSpace, MyUncommonSliceofSuburbia, aBowlFullofLemons, CozyHomeScenes, theDelectableHome, GingerSnaps, SavvySouthernStyle, OrganizeandDecorate, DIYByDesign, UncommonDesign, Michelle'sTastyCreations, LiveLaughRowe, ShabbyCreekCottage, FirefliesandJellbeans, HouseofHepworths, the36thAve, LovingThisCrazyLife, FindingFabulous, AtthePicketFence, TheShabbyNest, ALittleKnickKnack, 30HandmadeDays, CheeriosAndLattes, ClassyClutter, NYMelroseFamily, MakingLemonade, BlissfulandDomestic, One ArtsyMama

shrimp boil and banana splits

Handyman's parents are visiting this week. We always love when they come for a visit. Our time always seems to include a house project, taking in a current movie (this weekend it was Snow White and the Huntsman), lots of down-time and conversation, and of course, good food.

My mother-in-law loves to cook and collects much of her inspiration from watching the Food Network and the Cooking Channel. Except, this lady watches the show, then goes to the grocery store and purchases all the necessary ingredients, and whips up some tasty meals.

This weekend, my mother-in-law treated with a classic New England dish, shrimp boil with clams and lemon. She served it with a buttered bread on the side.

Shrimp Boil with Clams and Lemon

Photo: Shrimp Boil with Clams and Lemon

Dinner was topped off with one of my Mother-in-law's favorite chef's dishes -Paula Deen. We're such big fans, we may or may not have flown to Savannah for a weekend last fall just to eat at Paula Deen's restaurant, and eat a slice of her pecan pie, which we may or may not still talk about.


Frozen Banana Split
This is a serious summer dessert. Using classic sundae toppings and ice cream sandwiches, it delivers a banana split ice cream sundae all in one bite. It's easy to make too. Just allow enough chilling time.

What did you do this weekend?

color blocking with flowers

The other night my daughter had her end of the year chorus concert. My chivalrous husband thought ahead and bought her an inexpensive bouquet of flowers from the grocery store to celebrate the event.

That night we got home late, so I just dropped the entire bouquet into a vase of water and forgot about it. The next day, I knew these pretty little flowers needed some more care to ensure the longest life possible, so I took my cue from one of today's hottest trends, color blocking.

un-arranged flowers

Color blocking is one of the hot trends in both fashion and home interiors. But with a little know how and some simple household supplies, you can transform any boring bouquet into a trendy arrangement.

  

SUPPLIES

• flowers
• water filled vase
• scissors
• clear tape
• measuring tape

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Measure the height of your vase and the length of your flowers. Decide the vase to flower ratio. (For example, a 3:5 ratio -where the container equals 3, the flowers equal 5, and the entire arrangement equals 8).
2. Cut your flowers' stem -this is best done under running water. Cut the stems on angle to allow for maximum life. Remove any leaves that will fall below the water line -this prevents bacteria growth.
3. Tape off sections of your vases. (Make certain, the vase is dry. The tape won't stick to a wet surface.) For this particular arrangement, I created a simple grid.
4. Arrange the flowers in your vase. I wanted a diagonal stripped color block, so I started with the tall yellow lilies in the back corner and worked my way to the white daisies.

Actually, in the wold of floral design, color blocking is not new, as evidenced by the Biedermeier style originating in 1815 in Austria and Germany.

There are so many fun ways arrange flowers. What are your favorites?


Linking up to SerenityNow, SundayRoundUp, It'sOverflowing, BNOTP, Debbie Doos, MopItUp, Making the World Cuter, LinesAcrossMyFace, NifyThrifty, CRAFT, HomemakerOnADime, MadeByYou, MadSkills, KurtzCorner, SweetAnneDesigns, S3, HowtoNestforLess, NotJustaHousewife, CoastalCharm, Carolyn'sHomework, SugarBeeCrafts, ClaimingOurSpace, MyUncommonSliceofSuburbia, aBowlFullofLemons, CozyHomeScenes, theMommyClub, GingerSnaps, SavvySouthernStyle, OrganizeandDecorate, DIYByDesign, UncommonDesign, Michelle'sTastyCreations, LiveLaughRowe, ShabbyCreekCottage, FirefliesandJellbeans, HouseofHepworths, the36thAve, LovingThisCrazyLife, FindingFabulous, AtthePicketFence, TheShabbyNest, ALittleKnickKnack, 30HandmadeDays, CheeriosAndLattes, ClassyClutter, NYMelroseFamily, , MakingLemonade, BlissfulandDomestic, TipJunkie, One ArtsyMama, ThrifyDecorChick, 52 Mantels

favorite souvenirs

We recently traveled to Costa Rica and brought back some fun little souvenirs to remember our trip. Since we left our little ones at home, it was important that we bring back a few goodies for them.

At a small strip of shops along the beach, I came across the fun little musical frog. If you remove the stick from his mouth and run it along the bumps on his back, he creates an authentic sounding croak. My kids love it, and have already rubbed all the paint off the top of the bumps from so much use.

When I'm shopping for souvenirs, I try to select pieces that:
1) fit in my suitcase (or are worth shipping)
2) remind me of a specific part of my trip
3) will complement or enhance an existing space in my home

The iguana puzzle is representative of this sunbathing iguana we observed sunbathing on the roof every morning. This wooden iguana also houses a small, secret stashing spot.

A few years back I started collecting nativities. Through my own travels and those of close family members, I now have a small collection of international nativities. I'm fascinated by the different interpretations of the same event.

Since I know my children love to rearrange them, I selected two nativities that will tolerate their sometimes clumsy little hands. The brightly colored one is made of wood and can withstand lots of Christmas-time rearranging.

Photographs of where we stayed, posted here.

What criteria do you use when selecting souvenirs?

Linked to CentsationalGirl

boston cream cupcakes

I hope you had a great Mother's Day weekend! Mine was filled with handmade cards and school crafts, breakfast in bed, {plastic} jewelry, and a vase-filled flowers from our yard.

School is almost out and that means time can get pretty tight. But there's still ways to have pretty homemade desserts handy for last minute get togethers and dinner parties.

One recipe I tend to go to again and again is this Boston Cream Cupcake recipe. It's not only easy to make, but all the components can be prepared ahead of time. Just assemble before serving.

Recipe from marthastewart

 Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for tins

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

3 ounces (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for tins

3 large eggs

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour standard muffin tins. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Warm milk and butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Beat eggs and sugar with a mixer on high speed until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Beat in dry ingredients.
3. Bring milk and butter to a boil. With mixer on low speed, add milk mixture to batter, and beat until smooth. Add vanilla. Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each halfway. Bake cupcakes until light gold, about 15 minutes. Let cool in tins for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Let cool.

Vanilla Cream Filling

Ingredients

2 large egg yolks

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Pinch of salt

1 cup whole milk

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Whisk yolks until smooth. Mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add milk in a slow, steady stream. Cook, stirring, until mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes.
2. Pour 1/3 of milk mixture into yolks, whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan, and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until thick, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in vanilla.
3. Pass vanilla cream through a fine sieve into a bowl. Press plastic wrap directly on surface.* Refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days.

Chocolate Glaze

Ingredients

2/3 cup heavy cream

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 tablespoon light corn syrup**

Directions

Bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, and add chocolate and corn syrup. Let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, and let cool, stirring often. Use immediately or store in refrigerator.

Assembly

Using a serrated knife, slice cupcakes in half. Spread generously with the vanilla cream filling. Replace the top and drizzle with chocolate.

Baker's Notes:

*This prevents a skin from forming.

** This adds a nice shine to the glaze.

What's your favorite-in-a-pinch go to recipe?


Linking up to BNOTP, Debbie Doos, Making the World Cuter, LinesAcrossMyFace, NifyThrifty, CRAFT, HomemakerOnADime, MadeByYou, MadSkills, KurtzCorner, SweetAnneDesigns, S3, HowtoNestforLess, NotJustaHousewife, CoastalCharm, Carolyn'sHomework, SugarBeeCrafts, ClaimingOurSpace, MyUncommonSliceofSuburbia, aBowlFullofLemons, CozyHomeScenes, theDelectableHome, theMommyClub, GingerSnaps, SavvySouthernStyle, OrganizeandDecorate, NewlywedsOnaBudget, DIYByDesign, UncommonDesign, Michelle'sTastyCreations, LiveLaughRowe, ShabbyCreekCottage, FirefliesandJellbeans, HouseofHepworths, the36thAve, LovingThisCrazyLife, FindingFabulous, AtthePicketFence, TheShabbyNest, ALittleKnickKnack, 30HandmadeDays, CheeriosAndLattes, It'sOverflowing, MopItUp, ClassyClutter, SundayRoundUp, BlissfulandDomestic, TipJunkie, One ArtsyMama

costa rican villa

Last month we left the little ones behind and slipped away for a little adults-only vacation with Handyman's family. We flew down to sunny and warm Costa Rica.

The country is just beautiful. And house we stayed in was equally beautiful, situated right near one of Costa Rica's National Parks. As a longtime real estate lover, I was in pure house heaven.

Check it out. . .

Pool & Outdoor Patio

This where we would sit and watch the monkeys hop and swing from tree branch to tree branch.

Upper veranda with outlooking view

Gourmet kitchen and bar seating

The fully equipped kitchen included this high-end Viking range.

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Master Bath

You can see more photos and get more information here.

fun for all

It's the weekend, and there's nothing better than having a little bit of time to spend with your favorite people.

But instead of doing the same old-same old with your loved ones, why don't you branch out and see what's new.

One site I like to check out is Boston Central. Our all-time favorite activities going on right now are the Swan Boat Rides, not to be missed.

But no worries if you're not local. Both City Search and Grandparents.com let you search by city.

Any great weekend plans?

marathon monday

It's Patriot's Day here in New England. And probably the best weekend of the year! If you have ever thought of visiting Boston, this is the weekend to do it.

image source

You can check out the schedule of events here.

And if you are in the area, you absolutely have to go watch the marathon. It is truly inspiring. In the words of my friend Deidre,

"This is an awesome event--even if you have never run a mile in your life. I would encourage those who will only be in New England for a short time to be sure NOT to miss this."

I mean, c'mon. Check out this guy! If that's not inspiring, I don't know what is!

And speaking writing of marathons, my family room renovation is a marathon.

Have you ever attended the Boston Marathon?
Any marathon renovations going on at your place?

Linked fav photo

the holdup

We were held up -in our home renovation that is, by this little guy.

metopic suture craniosynostosis

We bought our house a little over a year ago, three days before this little guy was born. And in my mind, we haven't made too much progress since. Aside from tearing out the family room closet to gain interior garage access, we didn't tackle any big projects until late spring.

And last year, much to my husband's surprise, I was pretty content with our home as it was, posted here. (Which is highly uncharacteristic of me. He did mention a few times he was surprised I hadn't painted anything or bothered him to paint anything. I mean, you've seen all that horrid brown paneling!)

Usually, I don't let having a baby hold me back so long. With my first, I was in graduate school and working two jobs, and still went back to work and class on schedule, despite still being post-C-section medicated, ya know, the next week.

Not this time. Anyone who's had a baby knows, the first few months are flooded with well baby visits. Our little guy decided to make life interesting and was born with

metopic suture craniosynostosis
(which is just a fancy way of saying he was born with a prematurely fused forehead)

All of my children have been briefly hospitalized at one point or another, so I didn't think much of it. We tend to adopt a "you just deal with it and move on" kind of attitude over here. I just didn't realize the moving on part was going to be so time-consuming.

My life looked pretty different at this time last year. It was full of post-surgical follow-ups and helmet re-adjustment appointments. Read: lots of time spent hanging out in waiting rooms, medical exam rooms, and sitting on my rear driving to and from downtown Boston.

And my mind was occupied with thoughts of transcranial differences and cephalic ratios, instead of paint chip colors and trim style options.

I try to remember the above cute little face when our running list runs slows or doesn't run at all.

How about you? What are your hang-ups and hold-ups? Anyone else have a helmet head baby? Or find your self spending more time with a certified orthotist instead of your friends & family?

birthday cake

April, it's my party planning month. Why you ask?

Because in May I have three birthdays, an anniversary, and (2) Mother's Day.

My husband's birthday is first. And lucky for me, his favorite cake is a yellow cake mix with store bought frosting. Yep. I am perfectly willing and able to make a him a delightfully labor intensive cake from scratch. But that's his favorite. So, that's what I make. Just about every year.

Also lucky for me, he doesn't like a big fuss about his birthday. Years ago, when we were first married, I threw him a surprise party. He didn't really care for it. And that's fine with me, because my kids like it when I make a big fuss over their birthdays. So it works out pretty well.

{if you look closely you'll notice a small child-sized finger chocolate frosting stealing swipe}

and just in case you needed the recipe here it is:

store bought yellow cake mix, any brand

store bought chocolate frosting, any brand

follow cake mix directions

frost any way you like

keep away from mischievous 3 year old boys

What are your favorite family birthday traditions? Any chocolate frosting thieves in your family?

this week

I'm off to sunny Costa Rica this week for a little vacay.

I've never been, so it should be lots of fun!

But, I have plans to update, so keeping checking in.

Up this week:

a partial shower reveal

the increasingly trendy pouf

and a family room update

What fun things do you have planned? Any great weekend projects complete?

shoe peeve

One of my biggest pet peeves is the pile of shoes by the door. We are a shoe off-at-the-door-kind of family. It keeps my house cleaner, and with four little ones, we spend a lot of time on the floor -playing, reading, wrestling, hosting stuffed animal & baby doll tea parties, eel hunting -the list goes on forever.

But I just hate that pile of shoes at the door. Even if each person only has one pair of shoes at the door, with six people, it quickly becomes a pile of at least a dozen loose flip flops, sneakers, boots, or sandals -just sitting there.

I don't mind a small basket of shoes, or a few tidy shoe cubbies, but with my crew, even a small basket doesn't really accommodate us.

Not to mention, our little yellow cape doesn't have a proper entryway or a mudroom. Remember, my family room layout here. There's not a coat closet in sight. (We do have a coat closet, but it's past the kitchen and down the hall. Not exactly handy for our frequent comings and goings.)

Enter the best thing I found ever . . .

Ikea's Shoe Cabinet from the Hemnes Collection

The larger one is not only taller, but deeper and includes a drawer. Prior to now I've never been a big Ikea furniture fan. I love all their space saving strategies and their organizational goodies, but their furniture, not so much. But this shoe problem was starting to make me desperate for a solution.

And I love it. The drawers slide open, easily accommodating even my husband's big ole shoes. The taller one has a double row in each compartment. In fact, I loved it so much, I bought two.

How do you solve your shoe problem? Or do you even have one? It's not just us, right?

Other post you may like: family room

Linked up to Miss Mustard Seed, Finding Fabulous