Whimsy On A Wednesday

  LOVE this.  Perfect for any sewing room (maybe mine?!)  Found HERE. 

(photo from re nest)

We are busy enjoying the summer.  That is the reason for the lack of posting.  Currently we have a little landscaping job going on.  It has been so much fun digging in the dirt and our friends and family have been so generous donating plants.  (Learning that folks are very happy to divide and share hostas and ferns).  I have seen so many wonderful ideas on how to enjoy your backyard.  It really does not take much to make your green space enjoyable and inviting.  There is still LOTS to do back there, but we are on our way.  Can't wait!

An Adventure To Remember

  Our first camping trip out this year was very adventurous.  On our first night at the site we had to survive an impending thunderstorm.  While we went out for dinner (and to stay dry during the storm) our tent came out of the stakes and flew up a tree. Tents DO FLY! Our nice camping neighbors grabbed our tent and held it down with the picnic table while we were out.  One thing about camping is everyone is always looking out for each other, it is so wonderful!!  We were fortunate that my mom lives close by and we were able to bunk with her during the night.
  We made day trips to the camp site and where we were still able to enjoy good camp cooking, fires, the beach, and all the other things that camping has to offer. Just not staying in the tent. LOL! 

 All these bright happy colors AND it makes ice cream?!! Love it!  Found these over at The Kitchen (Apartment Therapy).  I think this appliance pretty much defines summer. 

Speaking of summer, we are heading out for our first camping trip! Can't wait.  Fingers crossed for good weather this weekend. Also hoping that hubby and I survive putting our first family sized tent together.  This thing is a monster, but promises for lots of room for the boys and "indoor" eating (We live in a very buggy and temperamental weather state).

Have a great weekend!! 

Learning Continues...

The official school year may have ended last week, but we like to keep things going.  It just may seem more fun because you are not in the classroom. This would be our version of music class. We took the boys to the park where one of our favorite Michigan bands was playing a free concert.  The Ragbirds are a band from Ann Arbor who have a folk/world music feel.  You gotta love it when your kiddos get to see lots of different instruments and get to dance in the grass.

There was also our version of gym class. There was a particular hill that they found fun to run and roll up and down, up and down, it was pretty funny.  I let them each have a turn with the camera. A little bit of  technology and art class for them.  Their work is featured below....

Trying New Things

  Once again I owe this adventure to the SouleMama (a.k.a. Amanda).  Her post on The Laundry Line was very inspiring.  I have taken her recipe on how to make your own laundry soap and tried it out.   It was very easy to find everything and my favorite part was picking out what Dr. Bronner's soap to use. 

All kinds of questions ran through my head.  Will it really work?  Will it leave a residue behind? Will it smell?  My concerns were all put to rest right after the first load.  The smell was very subtle ( I think due to an error on my part, need more castile soap next time!)  Everything is coming out clean.  It is fantastic.  For really tough stains, I am trying vinegar.  I am keeping a spray bottle in the laundry room to have on hand.

 My next project is to get a clothes line for the backyard.  I just need to get out and get it.  Oh, and I also need to finish a little landscaping project that we have going on. That would give me some space for the line. Hoping very very soon to have that under control!! In the meantime, I am enjoying this new adventure in to a chemical free, cheaper, and fun way to do laundry.

The Weekend

Is There Anything Better??

 How about a blanket for summer picnics, playing, beaches, camping?? Right now, I am thinking there is nothing better. This blanket comes right from the book Handmade Home By Amanda Soule (of SouleMama).  Used bits of old pillowcases and sheets, along with new material that I had in the stash.  I then found an old chenille bedspread to use for the back.  My favorite part of the blanket is that I was able to incorporate pillowcases from my childhood. I love that!  I can totally see making a couple more of these.   

   The family already has plans to use this blanket.  I honestly can't wait.  Finally feeling like summer is here!