Fall Decor

You remember the door decoration with the frame and the arrangement? Well, I am part of the way there. I am trying to find the best way to get the arrangement to hang in the frame. In the meantime, I am using it as a buffet decoration in our dining/living room.
The table runner and welcome sign (dollar section) are from Target. The lanterns have a candle and faux fruit in them. Overall, I like it here too. I may have to make another one!

Horse Riding Lessons

Claire is taking some horse riding lessons. Her friend, Cameron, is taking them with her. Us mom's talked about doing this after their field trip to the pony farm last spring. Both of the girls loved riding the pony and Cindy took the initiative and signed them up. This is actually the second lesson, but there was a camera issue at the first one.

Friday's Cool Cold Lunch Bento

I am running out of ideas for Cool Cold Lunch. If you have any ideas, feel free to comment. I cleaned house for a few hours tonight. We have lots to do this weekend, so I thought I should get a head start. I put the girls' laundry away. I knew it was time when Claire came down for school today in a jean skirt that was so short I could see her undies, cowboy boots and a sequined tank top. Adorable! She left crying because I made her change. Now all of her clothes are in their correct spot and she can find something a little more appropriate for tomorrow.
Lunch today: Mandarin Oranges, Broccoli and Cauliflower with Dip, Peanut Butter Sandwich and a bit of chocolate.

Tuesday's Cool Cold Lunch

Just a quick lunch update. Claire had hot lunch today. Corn dogs. Not my idea of a great lunch. She has only had hot lunch twice this year, so I gave in.
Here is her lunch for tomorrow.


Broccoli, Cauliflower, Grape Tomatoes, Ranch Dip, Mini Muffins (I made mini chocolate chip this time), Chex Mix with a few treats mixed in.
Maybe with all of this she will skip the corn dogs next time.

More Inspiration

If only I had about 10 more hours each day. These things would be on by list of things to make.

This awesome door decoration for fall. I can't find the link to where it came from. If anyone knows, comment and I will add it.







Sandi Henderson's awesome children's messenger bag. Claire would love to have another bag for school.






Blank board books! Yes, you heard me correctly...Blank Board Books! How much fun could these be? Have your child write and illustrate their own books. Stories for Grandpa and Grandma, for a friend's birthday... the possibilities are endless!








A couple of things from Heather Bailey. First, the adorable strawberry pincushion. Then her beautiful couch-flower. Both are great ways to use little scraps of material.








I have actually started a few things....I'll be sure to post pics when they are finished.

Girls Club

Our girls are very into making forts and playing in tents. They love their playhouse at Papa and Mimi's house and seem to enjoy making spaces their own.
They have been asking for us to build them a Girl's Club fairly regularly. We pile up pillows and drape sheets and then they play. But, inevitably, it falls down and we need to rebuild several times. This frustrates Claire and she asked for a tent or play hut. I looked in the store and online, but they were around $50. I didn't really want to spend that much.
So, I took the hula hoop that Aunt Marcia made and draped it with fabric. Then I made some decorative flags and a Girl's Club sign and we are in business!
I did all of this while the girls were in bed last night. This morning they got up and went downstairs and saw the new club. I heard a lot of excited screaming and Lilly yelled "Mom, you are AWESOME!" It is all worth it. Especially since they have played in it for several hours already.

Bento Box Lunch Update

Since school started, Claire has only had hot lunch once. Today they are serving French Toast Sticks and scrambled eggs. I thought that would be an ok one to choose.
I did take a picture of her lunch on Wednesday.
This one included a wrap, carrots with dip, grapes (notice the adorable kitty fork), pringles minis and 3 pieces of chocolate. She took a fruit for snack (one of the really cute mini bananas), so I thought a little treat at lunch would be a surprise.
I got the itty bitty animal forks and the condiment container off ebay. The dip container is the perfect size for some ranch dressing for the veggies. The wrap is on a Mini Whole Wheat FlatOut. I had no idea that these came in a mini size. They fit perfectly in the box. This one is turkey with lettuce and mayo. I held it closed with one of the fun picks.
Even though the plan was to let her pick out one lunch a week (or a total of 4 lunches a month), Claire often opts for Cool Cold Lunch instead of things she had marked as something she'd like to buy for lunch.