Tuesday, June 30, 2009
July 2009
My fellow mommies!
In light of the recent economy, and the fact that work vacation days are quickly dwindling; our little family is embracing the staycation. First step is to pick the destination. In our case we have chosen more of a theme. The month of July will be spent at the sea. Above are a few inspiration photos from our last real vacation to the Caribbean. This month I will be posting on our staycation, as well as products, and pretty things that evoke the sea.
Where is your vacation or staycation taking you this summer? I would love to hear all about your fantastic destinations and ideas. Bon voyage!
All best,
April
Monday, June 29, 2009
Mommy Monday: money saving tip
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Soulful Sunday: Let go
I have learned a lot from our sweet baby in the past 19 months, but it is what I have been slowly reminded of that stands out in recent days; learning to let go.
While changing E’s clothes, she got her arm stuck in her shirt. I was pushing her arm down to guide her free and she was pushing it up. As we struggled I found myself saying, “If you would only let go and let me guide your arm out of this shirt, we will get through this a lot faster.” In that moment I realized that I am guilty of the same. Letting go has never been a strong quality of mine. I started thinking about all the times I have fought and fought to do things my way only to find a little help made things a lot easier. This is true in our walk with Christ. Like a parent he loves us and guides us. When we learn to let go and follow his lead, we find our way.
Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Fairy tale Garden
These would make a dreamy addition to a fairy tale garden.
Chasing Fireflies- toadstool table & chair set
Judith Needham Willow Design- playhouse
Family Fun: Lazy Day
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Lovely Lemon
I love this Lemonade Crockery from Chasing Fireflies & and this adorable dress from The Baby Gardner.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Mommy Monday: Pretty Things
Ambling Coil Chemise
So lovely for lounging, found at Anthropologie
Avril Loreti Cocktail Napkins- Birkin BagSo cute for the next girls-night-in cocktail party! I found these cotton/poly blend cocktail napkins at Jac.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Soulful Sunday: Happy Fathers Day!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Family Fun: Hubbell & Hudson
Brimming with urban appeal, this market, bistro & Viking cooking school has something for everyone. We purchased a pound of fresh handmade pesto & ricotta cheese ravioli, it made for a tasty meal!
Family Fun: ArtsHound
This weekend the Children's Museum of Houston grants free admission to Dads during their Father’s Day Celebration.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tea
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What did you do in the dark?
On a more serious note, let's talk Hurricane Preparedness. I don't know about you, but our little family was NOT prepared for the intensity of the storm, and the week that followed without power. With hurricane season upon us, we have taken action to be more prepared if this should happen again. The American Red Cross has put together a preparedness guide for hurricane season. Also check your local weather station for more great tips.
My best advice:
- Have a good solid plan
- List of important phone numbers, yes including work numbers...I know that is a bummer!
- evacuate if necessary (Have your bags and important documents packed and ready to go)
- Invest in a good generator for the time after the storm and the power is STILL not on!
- Stock up on nutritious food, as best you can, and of course plenty of water.
- Make sure all the laundry is done before the storm hits, the bath tub is not a fun place to wash your clothes by hand!
- Stash away some cash to have on hand if needed.
- Analogue phone ("Old fashion", plug directly into the wall), cordless phones will not work with the power off.
- BUG Replant
- Flashlights
- Matches
- Fans and even a window air unit (if you have a generator)
- Charge all cell batteries, etc. before the storm
- MOST IMPORTANT! Take care of the little ones. A hurricane is scary, unfamiliar, and extremely uncomfortable with the HEAT (if without power). Our sweet baby was 10 months when Ike hit. This was an added stress for sure, but with some innovation and help from our family and very generous neighbors, we made it through. Prepare an activity kit, and try to make the time as normal as possible. Remember to stock up on baby supplies.
Scandeez
Monday, June 15, 2009
Mommy Monday
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Soulful Sunday: Celebrating Your Family Identity
Jim Burns, Ph.D.
for the full article click here. below is a small portion
Talk about faith :
Spiritual topics don’t always come naturally for families. Discussions about God, however, can help build family identity. They also help kids have strong convictions as they get older.
Maybe you have some anxiety about starting a faith conversation with your children. Remember, your talk doesn’t have to be forced or lengthy; it can be simple, short and spontaneous. Let the discussion be as natural as possible. Getting preachy with your children can be just as unhelpful as avoiding the topic of faith.
One way to create opportunities to share your faith with your kids is to pray with them every day and do a weekly family devotional, even if only for five minutes. When your children are exposed to God’s truth in small amounts, it can, as a friend of mine says, “help them develop a sweet tooth for Jesus.”
Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).
This truth applies to families. At some point, storms will come to every family. But when you proactively build a strong family identity on the rock of Christ, your family can withstand whatever winds and rains come your way. A strong family identity will give your kids a solid foundation to cling to during those difficult times.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Lovely Green & White
Bow-Strap Dress: Gap, Puppy: CB2, Sunglass: Janie and Jack, Daisy One-Piece Swimsuit: Janie and Jack, Pressed Vinyl Dot Runners: CB2, Tiny Basket Bowl: Branch
Thermal Carafes: Bodum®, found at Sur la Table, I am not sure where I found this Moses Basket (sorry) here is a search link to Google for Moses Baskets, Little Harbor Large Tote: Halsea, Lady Martha Abernathy: Matte Stephens, Textured White Vessels: West Elm
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
My virtual lemonade stand
Monday, June 8, 2009
Keep your cool
Mommy Monday: Belly Bandit
Saturday, June 6, 2009
How to Cut a Mango
Of all the fruit, the mango has to be one of the most difficult to cut, at least it is for me. For years I have settled with a mushy mess of mango, but no more. Thanks to the recent spring 2009 issue of Weight Watchers 20 minutes recipes, I now know how to cut a mango!
"Begin by holding the fruit, stem end up, on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, slice the fruit lengthwise down each side of the flat pit. Holding a mango half in the palm of your hand, score the pulp in square cross-sections. Be sure that you slice to, but not through, the skin. Finally turn the mango inside out, and cut the chunks from the skin."
Our little girl E will be so happy, because this seems to be her favorite fruit these days.