Morning Home Birth

I want to share with you how I spent my morning.  It is a bit off topic from my usual posts however important and I thought you might enjoy my photos.

This morning I was privileged to go to my dear friend's home birth.  I missed the actual birth by about 15 minutes but was there to witness a person's first moments in this world.  

To Hoard or NOT To Hoard

Photographer friend Ari sent this picture to me today.  She saw this chair for $19.99 at the Goodwill in Sparks.  How can I turn this stuff down people?  I'm totally tempted to drive on out there and haul it home.  For what purpose? I DON'T KNOW, but I'm sure i'll find someplace for it!  I'm starting to think that maybe I shouldn't pass up such awesome awesomeness...even if it is for the pure sake of hoarding cool furniture in my garage.  Although I do love my husband and he might not appreciate the glorified goods.  But someday I may find just the perfect person or perfect spot....  In fact I blogged about this chair on my new cyber thrift store website,  Redo Reno

Oh what to do, what to do!

On another note, my Direct TV has TV on demand. I really had no idea how cool that can be until today. I searched “yoga” under 'Smart Search' and found a 36 minute yoga class (with Jennifer Galardi) that I could 'record' and watch immediately. There are multiple to choose from and I look forward to finding my favorites. Kid 3.0 decided he wasn't going to nap today and so I left him in his bed 'trying' to go to sleep (which means he waits a few and gets up.......I still have to lay with him if I want him to take an actual nap.)  What was funny (and wonderful) was that he saw me doing yoga, and hid and watched silently for 25 minutes. *SCORE*

  

Jennifer Galardi mentions something very memorable for me while doing a spinal twist around 23 minutes into the program with the timer clock reading 10:10 left.

“All we're doing with our body is putting it in challenging poses and using the breath to work through it so when you go out there off your mat and into the real world, like traffic you use the same breath that's just as challening as this chair pose and I think sometimes more so."

I just 'liked' her fansite on Facebook. Looks like she has some good daily quotes to share.

BTW.....I know I've mentioned this before, but research Doshas. Find someone in your area who can help you learn more about them and how understanding your dosha can improve your life.

Catch Up

I'm always playing catch up.  With the recent increase in intensity of my highly spirited two year old, I'm finding my need for down time increasing, and the availability of my time decreasing.  Therefore I find it necessary to slow down on my blog for a little bit.  I have some fun projects I've been working on as well as a couple giant school auction art projects like last year's Vase With Flowers.

The fall decoration tubs have been brought down from the attic and my kids and I are going to rumish through them to see if anything is worth dusting around.  Finally got our new chandeliers in place in our dinning room and I can't wait to show you the pictures.  But for now you may see me in your local grocery store with a kicking screaming toddler or at home dodging the metal objects being flung at my head.

And this too shall pass.....

Linking to Deep Space Sparkle a very cool website with great art ideas for kids!

Much Needed Epson Salt Soak

This has been a long week.  My trip to LA last weekend was fantabulous. Had I been given the opportunity to sleep, then perhaps facing this past week with the three kids and a husband out of town would not have been so laborious.

I was gifted with an abundance of juicy surprises by these guys:

As well as a couple small packages from this one:

One of the aforementioned surprises was rolled in by this guy:

....which proceded to cover him from head to toe.  I got the kids started on breakfast and then bathed the little mutt, but not before he ran around the entire house!  We were a little late to school that day.  Is poop an excused tardy?

Last night, after getting the house put to sleep, I took some epson salt,

...and poured it into a HOT bath, adding a salt crystal to help detox from my week.

And then after I dropped the big kids off at school, I took Three-point-O to the gym daycare, by passed the Pump class and headed straight for the spa and sauna.  It was just what I needed.  After my "hard workout" I found message from this guy...

...saying he took the early flight this morning so that he could be home today around 2 (instead of the expected 7)

I was so blissed out from my relaxation this morning and excited to see my man, that my failed attempt to run into the mall with this:

....didn't bother me (too much).

As for accomplishments this week, (like besides keeping everyone alive), I picked up some supports for my tree branch curtain rods that I'm working on for the master bedroom.

After much deliberation at Lowes, I opted for the top plant hook to be used as a support bracket.  I plan on painting them white and possible sanding down the edges for an aged finish.  They were about six bucks each and I'm excited to say I was able to use my Lowes gift card from the One Project Closer contest that I won for my shutters.  Be sure to cast your vote for the finals!

And for me?  It's off to the airport now to pick up my love!

Thrifting Gone Wild!

Had a fantabulous thrift store shopping spree last week!  So many fun crafty projects will spawn from this collection of finds.

Wait, what's that huge white thing you ask?

A gigantor lampshade!  Perhaps I'll cover it in some fun fabric and hang it in a corner somewhere!

The lady at the register asked what I was gonna do with this twine.  I looked at it... I looked at the lampshade...and I looked at her.....Maybe I'll cover the lampshade?  Who knows what's in store.  Good luck living your day to life as I'm leaving you with such suspense!

I can think of countless idea for these little guys.  Right now they are shouting Rudolph ornaments to be made with the kids at school, but we'll see.  If I feel like dusting more, I could put them in a cute glass jar on a shelf in my laundry room.

Owls.  Metal Owls.  How could you pass these guys up?

For a dollar, I can now organize my medicine cupboard better.

This is going in my daughter's room for more storage in her kitchen area.  More pics to come!

Spent more time then usual in the clothing section of one of my favorite thrift stores.  

Found a cute new fall wardrobe for my daughter!  A cute leather purse for myself as well a coconut purse.  Yes CO CO NUT!!!  woohoo....now my life is complete.  I'm always so entertained by what my thrifting experience has in store for me.  It's as if I show up and these items are all presented to me, just waiting to come home.

And the grand finale?

Zebra was uber excited.  Until she got three-point-O's head stuck in it.  Then she was elated!

On another note, my Hollywood Red Carpet experience was So Much Fun!!!!  The first episode of "The Arrangement" premiered last night on the Logo channel.  My friend Jenny won the first two competitions and it looks like it's going to be an entertaining series.  Tune in!

Vote For Olive and Love!

It's time to vote for the BEST on the One Project Closer Before and After Contest!

I'm hoping to win this year with my shutter wall.

Please take a minute and cast your vote! I am listed as #2.  If you like what you see, please share this link on Facebook or forward and e-mail on to your friends.  I'm so grateful for your time and participation.  Thanks!!!

Jenny Barker from Magical Blooms on "The Arrangement"

I'm super excited for my long time friend Jenny Barker who will be appearing on "The Arrangement," a new show on Logo this fall, premiering October 4. Jenny owns Magical Blooms in Redondo Beach, an upscale floral shop that I had the pleasure of visiting a couple weeks ago.

Her store has so much personality around every corner and you can order your flower arrangements in confidence, knowing they will be truly amazing.  I took some pictures of the shop's interior to share with you as I found it inspirational.

You won't find a selection of pre-made arrangements in her cooler, as every piece is custom made to order.

If you become a fan of her shop on Facebook you get the special treat of viewing each of her personalized floral designs.

In her shop, you'll find jewelry, cards and gifts as well as a selection of the freshest beautiful and sometimes unusual and unique flowers.  While visiting the L.A. area with my daughter Zebra, Jenny helped her make an arrangement.

Zebra is in Montessori School and enjoys "arranging" flowers on a regular basis.

She was uber excited to learn some design tips from an artistic professional.

Jenny just started a volunteer program with Magical Blooms.  Those interested will learn how to design flower arrangements.  The finished products will be delivered to people in elderly homes.  If you live in the area, give her a call at (310) 798-8113

This one was for Dorothy, a 93 year old lady who was recovering from hip surgery.

I'm so excited that Jenny has invited me to attend the red carpet premiere for her new show, "The Arrangement."  Although the show starts October 4th on Logo, her red carpet Hollywood premiere party is on September 30.  I'll let you know how it goes!

At this point I think I'll wear the dress I purchased at Anthropologie (when I discovered their amazing wine glass chandelier display).  What do you think?

  I'll try and take pictures at the event and blog you all about it!  Meanwhile check out the previews for this fun reality show and definitely tune in on October 4!

Here's Jenny's interview for "The Arrangement":

Watch

Time for some Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea

The house was clean and the back to school routine had started.  Even though I do enjoy the the 'fly by the seat of your pants' lifestyle, with three kids it was feeling good to get back on a schedule.  Then we decided to take one last camping style trip over Labor Day weekend.  Well we're home now and it's as if a bomb has detonated in my kitchen.

Time for one of these.  Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea, Lemonade and Ice.  My new favorite thanks to Mary, Charis and Monique!  Make mine a double.

Summer Hiatus

"Summertime and the livin's easy..."  *Sublime*

I'm enjoying doing small projects here and there around the house, but I haven't had the heart to make myself sit down and blog about them.  In fact I've been trying to make myself chill out a little and actually sit and read or veg in front of the tube.  Sometimes I feel like I'm running down a hill with projects, kids activities, chores, etc and I forget to slow down and rest.  In fact I expected the end of the school year chaos to diminish and for the long days of summer to bring a little R & R to my life.  Instead I found that between much loved visitors, summer activities and house projects, my life nearly sped up rather then slowed down.  With three young children I'm finding that I have to plan to do nothing and schedule a rest.

So I apologize for neglecting my blog for a little bit.  I'll soon sit down and get you pictures of all my recent projects.  I've actually finished my shutter project and am working on the rest of the room so my "after" picture will be more complete.  Dan and I painted the playroom and I sewed cute curtains using the tree and bird fabric you chose.  We've had two birthdays this month, a couple camping trips, hosted a soccer coach from Wales, spent some time at the lake and this weekend my daughter and I will be leaving the boys behind and are headed for a girls weekend in L.A.  Perhaps I'll have to stop at Anthropologie again!

Besides indulging myself with the book Twilight, I've been reading Getting Organized in the Google Era by Douglas C. Merril.  On page 30 he writes, "...when students graduate, they enter the workforce having been conditioned for years to think of the summer months as downtime.  Being disorganized and unproductive between Memorial Day and Labor Day have become engrained habits." It's a very informative book and the section about the summer vacation dilemma gives no answers but has given me something other then myself to blame about my lazy summer attitude!

What have you been up to?

Ice Cube Tray Snacks

I'm always trying to think of new ways to get healthy food into my kids' bellies.  Here is an idea I probably read about in some parenting magazine years ago.  My kids love having snacks or lunch out of ice-cube trays!

Grapes, beans, cheese cubes... raisins, nuts, seeds, ....frozen water... it all works and makes eating fun!

My Baby's Getting Big

They grow up so fast as I'm sure you all know.  Almost two years ago we set the tripod up in our bathroom and took a family photo:

Today I took another one of the little boy that once was the 9lb 4 oz bump in my belly:

Toothbrush Subscription and Recycle Program

Check this out, a company called Preserve will set you up with a subscription to get a new toothbrush by mail every 4 months for $11 a year. They will include a postage-paid envelope to return your toothbrush to be recycled! They have a jr. toothbrush plan too, and all kinds of firmnesses and colors.
Stop worrying about remembering to change your toothbrush, and start recycling them today!

"It's Not Easy Being Green" - Reno Upcycle

But it doesn't have to be hard Kermi!

My friend Veronica Coleman, owner of Reno Upcycle was featured on our local news this morning! To quote the show,

"Upcycling is the idea of taking something old, outdated, unwanted, or just in need of a change, and giving it new life. Upcycling is a way to reduce and reuse items that may otherwise be headed for the landfill. Veronica Coleman is the creator behind the website www.renoupcycle.com. She's taken the upcycle concept of reducing by reusing, and turned it into a business."

Way to go Ver!
Watch the Show!