My kid could paint that

Full disclosure: neither one of my kids actually has the patience to finish a paint by numbers painting.  I barely do.  When I first heard about this trend, I'll admit, I was resistent.  But it is growing on me. When I came across the rooms below, I instantly loved them.  Then I looked at them more closely and there they were; PBN paintings.  And they look adorable and chic.  Whether or not I get around to doing this at my own home is another story.  But these rooms have really inspired me.

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Have a great weekend!

I'm the Decider

It's usually around this time of year that I start to notice things about my children.  The summer honeymoon period is just about over.   We are having a blast this summer; for sure.  But some things that I am willing to overlook during the school year really start to wear me down. My older daughter commonly argues with me as though before the supreme court.  Her points are often thoughtful, rational and funny.  I love this about her, but sometimes I just want them to listen.  The first time. 

Pamela Druckerman's book Bringing up Bebe (available here) has really opened my eyes.  Although the book focuses mostly on young children, I've really gotten a lot out of it. First, I cannot believe the beautiful meals the children eat at school in Paris.  This is taken seriously all over France.  There is no such thing as kid food and the children eat (or at least try) everything.  AND...they eat in courses.  One example Druckerman gives is: salad of shreded red cabbage and fromage blanc, followed by white fish in dill sauce and a side of organic potatoes a l'anglaise. The cheese course (yes, cheese course) is a Coulommiers cheese and dessert is a baked organic apple. Whoa.

Gateau au yaourt...we made it with chocolate chips.  Highly recommend for snacktime.

Karen Le Billon has also written about this very thing. You can get her book here.

Feast your eyes on this.



There are so many things that stand out in the book besides food.  For example, French children are expected to behave and the parents are in charge.  The phrase "I'm the decider," has already become my go-to.  It totally works.  Druckerman observes that the French have a completely different view of what a child is and what they are capable of doing.  It is very different from how we treat children here in the U.S. Is it perfect? Probably not, but there is definitely something to learn.

And sidebar; this is a whole thing happening on etsy.  You can get one here from Pamela Fugate designs.

 Have a great day!

Getting Ready for the Beach

Hello Friends! Travel is on the horizon for many of us this summer.  Although we live near a gorgeous beach, we are headed far far away next week to another beach, Kauai. Packing for the girls is always a challenge.  My fantasy would be easy, one-stop shopping.  Check out these cuties...all from J.Crew.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Lisa

Summer Birthday

So sorry for being M.I.A. the past few days, but we were off doing something very special.  Today is our Peanut's 9th birthday.  She is such an amazing, sweet, special soul.  We love her dearly.

Here are some of my favorite birthday party ideas, courtesy of Pinterest.  Follow me on Pinterest to view even more ideas. Doesn't this cowgirl party look fun?

Can't have a party without a proper candy bar.

These look so cute and delicious.  My homemade version wouldn't look like this. At. All.  

Have a great day!