House Hunting...Again

beadboard.com

Speaking of blooming where you're planted...we're house hunting. And before I get into that, I still wonder where exactly I'm supposed to be blooming... Midwest? East Coast? Down South? I've left the details to God, because as long as I'm with my family, it doesn't really matter.

House hunting is fun, but it can be incredibly stressful as well. Weighing the pros and cons, pondering what decision is the best one can take a lot out of a person.

Like I said, I don't delve into those details, I have enough of daily living to do and between Little League, softball, my work and oh, being married and raising three children and an enormous dog, I've got lots of stuff going on.

Because I'll use any excuse to window shop on the web, I thought I'd share some of my favorite design ideas. I love beadboard. Anywhere. Kitchen, bathroom, bedroom. Doesn't matter. It's beautiful, simple, elegant and yet home-y.

elledecor.com

I didn't mean to pick a kitchen with more beadboard, but I did, and I adore this banquet eating area. I want a "warm" kitchen. A place to hang out, with kids, while on the computer, with friends, etc. And can someone tell me why on earth I seem to spend so much time in the kitchen anyway? Hmph.

I also like the neutral paint color of the above pic. I've learned with all our moves (9 times in 16 years) that if you stay neutral in your main rooms, you have more flexibility to change it up during the different seasons. 'Cause I like to decorate and move furniture.

potterybarn.com

And how could I talk about home and decor without talking about Pottery Barn? I told my husband when we win that million dollars...we are shopping at PB for everything. There isn't a single thing there that I don't like. (Amazing how they make a stack of messy books look good!)

Well, that's just the start of my decor dreaming, I'll keep you posted on how the hunting goes...

Bloom Where You're Planted

After the snow thawed, my littlest went into our backyard in a desperate search for flowers. She picked these. I told her that if she picked them, they wouldn't grow anymore, so she came back with these next:

Roots and all. Destined to continue in their growth, she reasoned. She's right, they're still growing, in the same plastic container with exposed roots and daily watering by me. :)

Wordless Wednesday - Winter Wonderland

Taken today: Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Hooking up with: 5 Minutes For Mom

Ten Minute Monday Makeovers

Mondays seem a little daunting to most. It's the beginning of another week, full of activities and possibly surprises. But 10 minutes can make a difference in every area of your life, whether that be for your home, for your kids or even just for you. Ten minute makeovers don't have to cost anything either.

What haven't you done because you thought you didn't have the time? Did you really only need 10 minutes?

With my kids off for Spring Break this week, I'm pledging to start taking 10 minutes today to do one of the following things:

- read a daily devotional
- play a card game with my littlest
- re-organize that closet space
- call someone I haven't talked to in awhile
- sit and listen (to whatever - the birds, the quiet, other people...)

How can 10 minutes change your day?

How Music Moves Us

Blessings

I bought a new song on iTunes today. It's called "Blessings" from Laura Story. (Check it out!) I have always loved Laura's songs. I heard the song on the radio and called the radio station and asked them to tell me the name of the song.

The first song I ever played and sang at our church was "Mighty To Save." In this new song there's a line that says "What if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?" Hmm...

American Idol

We were watching American Idol last night and I liked how many of the contestants decided to forgo advice from their music mentor and sing what they wanted.

I think it was pretty clear that when you sing something you really believe in, it can resonate with the audience. I'm not saying those who poo-pooed the expert's opinion, are going to win, but to use the overly used phrase: "be true to yourself". I think you can have less talent and less ability, but mesmerize your audience because you are singing straight from the heart.

Children With Special Needs

I just read how special needs children are very responsive to music. They may even be nonverbal and yet, music can be a non threatening way to communicate with them. Doesn't surprise me in the least.

Easter Sunday

This Easter Sunday, our family will still serve up chocolate bunnies and hidden eggs, but we will also be at church, celebrating the true meaning of Easter. The meaning will be clearer to me this year. Hopefully the song that I will play and sing with two friends ("Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns) will resonate with many people there.

A Cook And A Baker

I was flipping through one of the Barefoot Contessa's cookbooks when I read that people are usually either a 'baker' or a 'cook,' but not both. After last year's plethora of desserts (read this post) I realized that I am a baker.

My husband is most definitely the 'cook' in our house (even though I cook the majority of the meals.) His ability to throw ingredients together and make a dish astounds me. I cannot cook on the fly. It only comes out bad.

When I bake, I'm so careful with my measuring. I even remember someone telling me, when I was really little (either my mother or my neighbor who occasionally babysat me) that when you stir the ingredients, you need to stir 'only in one direction.' Still not sure why.

This past week I baked a chocolate snack cake from scratch and cookies for our son's class. My husband has had burgers and pork chops on the grill since the weather has finally warmed up a little.

So that's my question, are you the cook or the baker? Or is it possible that you are both?