Tiny Artist.

Yesterday was deemed a pajama day. At least for the first half of the day. It was cold, windy, and snowy and we really didn't have a reason to go out. Sometimes days like this can be fun and sometimes we both get tired of one another and stir crazy. So I tried to keep things interesting.

We did some stamping and drawing and unavoidable face painting. I tell myself each time we start a project that I have to keep my expectations to a minimum, because let's be real...I'm not the one in charge. He had a fun time with the stamps, toilet paper roll, and glue stick. Then we cut up the pictures and turned them into notecards for toddler correspondence. He has really good penmanship.

Relaxed.

Sunday in Chicago was one of those beautifully sunny but cold days. We ate heart shaped pancakes and slowly started our day. We took the kids to this awesome park with a river view on one side and buildings scraping the sky on the other. Of the four kids, only two made it all the way to the park without falling asleep. Then the littlest guy woke up to swing. Our guy never opened his eyes. I would have woken him up but I didn't know if he'd be a beast or not so I let him snooze.

We had such a nice relaxing weekend visiting with friends, eating ourselves silly, and watching the kids play. It was so nice to get away and not think about our house situation or worry about schedules. Sunday night we had a sitter and had an amazing dinner at Longman & Eagle, and Monday before we left we got to go back to this cute little cafe Milk & Honey. I hope you had a nice long weekend too!

Dressed to Kill.

I've been busy over here thinking of spring...and to me it apparently means black, white and turquoise. 

One of these double sided beauties has already made an appearance out on the town and now there's one in the mix for that special man. Mix it up and get flashy with it.

And finally, here's a diamond point linen. I love it. I'm not trying to toot my own horn (any further than usual) I'm just excited! Tell me, what do you think? I hope you have a great weekend. I also hope it's a long one for all of you! We are headed to Chicago to see our friends and I am excited to adventure out of town for a bit, relax with friends, and enjoy the frenzy of four kids! Enjoy yourselves and I'll catch you next week.

Hey Loves.

Do you know what I've decided about today? It's going to be a good day. I have lots of love and I feel lucky for it. We've had a rough week here, health and home have been less than desirable but it'll work out. Sometimes it's easy to get stuck talking about the shit, especially when it's warranted, but sometimes it warms your heart just a little more to talk about the good things. So let's focus there.

My people are good and they deserve a little sweetness in their day and so do you. Have a happy Valentine's Day. Eat some chocolate, drink some champs, and toast yourself. Happy Thursday!

Valentine Bandit

Last year O's BFF gave him this cute little neckerchief for Valentine's Day. His mama made a few and I think they are just so cute...sometimes I wear it around the house! It's a really simple project and you just need a few things!

Materials

One piece of fabric measuring 16 x 16

Red felt

Embroidery thread

Metal snap

Cut a heart shape out of the felt and sew on with the embroidery thread on the right side of the fabric. Fold the fabric in half diagonally into a triangle with the right sides facing in. Sew the seam together leaving a small hole to turn the fabric right side out. Sew the rest of the seam and iron flat. Add the metal snap closure and you have yourself a cute little Valentine Bandit! This would be so cute for a children's Valentine party favor!

Project designed by K.D.R.

Hot Pink Garland

Really?! More garland? Yes, more garland. Initially I was making this specifically for a little Valentine decor but once I was finished I decided to hang it more permanently in our bedroom. The bare cream walls needed some sprucing up. It's a simple 20 minute project, here's what you do.

Materials

2 sheets of tissue paper (makes 8 pom poms, so if you want more, use more)

Twine

Washi tape

Scissors

Fold the tissue in half lengthwise, then widthwise twice. Cut fringe about a half inch apart, leaving 2 inches at the top. The top edge should be the middle lengthwise fold.

Unfold and cut in half twice, leaving four pieces that look like this.

Roll up the middle of the tissue with the shiny side (if there is one) on the outside and then twist.

Loop the tissue in half to create this little pom pom. I used the washi tape to secure the loop but you could also use a hot glue gun. Make eight pom poms and then string them up with the twine. I used the same tape to hang up the garland. It's as simple as that! You could use multiple colors or just stick with one. All set for your next party or to liven up a bare wall!

I Mints You.

The other day after JJ got home from work we were all playing on the "big bed" when O turned to me and gave me a big hug and said "I mints (missed) you mama." Even though I had been with him for several hours, it was seriously the sweetest thing! JJ always say it to us when he get home from work and I guess he picked up the phrase. It was just so cute even though I'm pretty sure he doesn't have a full understanding of it. I'll take it! Here's to the little things are just melt your heart. Happy Friday!

Favorites.

Valentine's Day is next week and these are a few of my favorite things! Are you one that likes to celebrate or one that thinks it's a bogus day? We've never been ones to go all out but it is nice to do something just a little bit sweet! We used to send out cards to friends and family, just a note reminding our favorites that they are in fact our favorites!

One of my said favorites turned her giant chalkboard wall into a month long testament of love. Isn't it sweet?

Images: Bow Tie// Heart Balloons// Paper Straws//  Flowers

Super Sunday

How was your Super Bowl Sunday? Ours was pretty fun! Little boys running around playing, eating popcorn, and the 5th annual Chili Cook-Off! 

We were decked out in our football gear, which in our house means Browns gear for the most part. As I was taking my sweet time getting ready, JJ was busy making what turned out to be the the winning chili for the night! I'd share the recipe but for the first time ever, he just kind of made it up using a few recipes so it will remain a secret! I thought the peppers looked so pretty.

Our lovely host and hostess sent us all home with chipotle and rosemary roasted nuts (you can find the recipe here) in these cute little glass jars! It was another fun night with friends on a cold winter night.

Walking in the Winter

We've been on the hunt for a new sled which has been basically impossible to find. So we threw caution to the wind and took this little man on a winter walk through the snow.

To absolutely no one's surprise, he wasn't into the snow. So we are now thinking that spending money on a sled might just be pointless, even if it's only five bucks. Look at that distressed little face.

We finally got him to slightly enjoy it by singing his favorite new song about hiking to the Yukon. But if there were an audio recording of this adventure, it would indeed mostly be filled with whining.

The fluffy snow really was beautiful and we walked far enough to see the stream flowing at the base of the ravine. It was cold but I enjoyed getting out even for a half hour. We went inside and drank coffee and relaxed for the rest of the morning. Happy Monday!