yard work

This year we've finally made some big changes to the front landscaping. When we built our front steps, posted here, we took out four bushes flanking the front door. But we still had five overgrown/outdated shrubs remaining.

With just a morning, a chain, and the tow hitch on our trusty mini-van, they were out. Admittedly, it may have been faster if we hired someone else to do it, or at least rented a bobcat. But the persistent and sweat equity saved a bunch of money.

beach party

School is letting out across the country, which leads to. . .summer birthdays and summer pool parties. Put 'em together and you can have a fun summer birthday beach pool party anywhere -pool or no pool!

summer birthdays + summer pool parties =summer beach pool parties!

all the fun things you find

We recently finished stripping the wallpaper in our living room and our dining room (you can read about it here and here). Although its a lot of work, it is always fun to peel back the layers and find the little and the larger pieces of our home's history.

For example, I often come across notes:

Easy 3D Star of the Week Poster

It seems like at some point either in kindergarten or preschool my kids are featured as star of the week. This usually requires creating a huge poster all about them to share with the rest of the class.

Well, sometimes we just get short on time and end up hastily throwing something together the night before.

Well, no one needs to know you throw this one together in a flash. Its super easy and looks great.

Using everyday objects that represent your child's love or passions is easy.