Occasionally, I do write more than 2,200 characters (thanks for the limit, Instagram), and when I do, you will find those words here. I also love participating in Calling It Home’s One Room Challenge, which happens every spring and fall. You can find past rooms I’ve worked on here. Want some help with your own One Room Challenge? Let me know so that we can get planning for the next round!
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that we were waiting on approval from Historic so that framing of the dining room could be completed. We finally got that approval last week and the permits were issued yesterday. The walls are now up, with windows framed in and ready to be installed. And you thought bloggers planned what they were going to write weeks in advance. You are getting real time information right here.
Read MoreMy daughter asked me on Tuesday if I could come to lunch at school this week. When I told her I didn’t have time, I got, “You never come to school!” Apparently, “never” doesn’t include helping her class in the library every Monday, editing stories in her classroom last week, or leading her girl scout troop for the third year in a row. I’m at the twins’ school so much, one of my son’s friends asked if I worked there.
I’m convinced that even if I were to give the kids ice cream whenever they wanted it and unlimited iPad time every day and candy in their lunch boxes (while I sat with them in the school cafeteria watching them eat), it would never be enough. So I’m redefining what it means to be mother of the year. This year, I’m going to win.
Read MoreQuick quiz. List as many things as you can think of with an expiration date. Was any one of those things shiplap? Because unless you live in a farm house in central Texas built at least a hundred years ago, shiplap should have been the first thing to pop into your mind.
Let me back up a minute. The internet clearly has enough haters, and I won’t add to that by ripping on Joanna Gaines. I mean, she is EVERYWHERE, so that must mean people love what she is doing. And as much as I hate to admit it, I do like some of the rooms I see coming out of Magnolia. I really am going to do my part to remain positive. That said, I think we can all agree that some decorating trends need to have an expiration date.
Read MoreAs we get deeper into the decisions on our remodel, and I try to balance that work with projects for clients and building a sustainable business and finding new clients and being a parent and a spouse and a daughter and a volunteer and generally splitting time between all of life’s roles and responsibilities, I’ve been thinking about why I do what I do. Some of you are new here, and may not know what I do. Some of you have been around since this blog was Susie Makes Supper and are wondering where all the recipes have gone. Some of you were just surfing the internet because your list is so long you don’t even know where to start and you aren’t actually sure why you are still reading this. Welcome.
Really, though, I do think it is important to remember why we choose the paths we are on and occasionally to question whether we want to stay on them. When we are thoughtful about our choices, not only are we happier (or at least more content), but we teach our children to be thoughtful about their own choices. Can I get an amen on how easy it is to lose sight of this? I’m in constant self-reminder mode that I have the power to choose what my life looks like and it looks pretty damn rad.
Read MoreAhh, January. The time when goals are lofty, confidence is high, and energy is in full swing. The time when retailers and magazines tell us spring has sprung as if they have replaced the groundhog. The time when we are culturally drawn to all things organization. And, is it just me, or is it also the time when we want to purge all the things?
Read MoreSomeone once said to me (or I read somewhere or there is some famous saying that I can’t seem to put my google on) that the state of your purse is parallel to the state of your brain. In other words, if your purse is a mess, your mind is probably a bit scattered too.
Now before those of you who ascribe to the “mess breeds creativity” school start throwing things at me, I am not saying that a messy purse is a sign of a basket case. (Breakfast Club anyone?) I’m just saying that for most of us...
Read MoreIt’s raining and cold outside today and all I want to do is curl up with a blanket and a good book. Do you remember the last time you actually did that? Me either. As much as I’m very squarely in the camp to stop the glorification of busy, I’m still guilty of completely over scheduling myself at all times. Don’t get me started on the over-programming that is our lives these days. I could write am entire blog series on my thoughts about over scheduling our kids, and of course, I continue to do it myself. “She really wants to play soccer and take karate and be in scouts and do book club and yoga. How can I make her chose when she’s just exploring her options?” It’s a sickness, I’m sure.
Read MoreI’ll be honest, last week was a blur and this week has gone by in a blink. Between the North Pole preparations and the continuing kid-related commitments and trying to keep a business running, the blogging piece has fallen by the wayside. Raise your hand if you are feeling fully in the trenches right now. I know it isn’t just me.
We talked a few weeks ago about how to put joy back in the holidays. One of those items was to decorate. You knew I’d come back to this one. Grab the kids and hang some garland or make an advent calendar. I've made you a couple of decorating cheat sheets in case you aren't inspired yet. Want to go bright? I’ve got you covered. Want to keep it mellow? I’ve got that too. Need help finding somethings to make your house festive? I’m ready to help!
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