Paris Package

Despite having a new sewing room, my sewing time has been slim. But I've found time to put together some fun packages for some worthwhile auctions. Here's the latest. The tea is Paris themed, and here's my version for some sweet little girl.

Chenille backed Paris stroller blanket, travel silky blanket, eiffel tower burp cloth & onesie, and pink argyle changing pad.

Enjoy!

Today.

Today was a good day. But tonight is better. Kids in bed, clean house, stocked fridge, flowers from my husband (who's riding bulls in Austin, TX) and a good glass of cabernet. Just the right start to spring break.

Like it is.

Ben's almost a Kindergartener.

I guess I should stop referring to him and Bear as the "babies". He's making big strides these days. Maybe not with his legs yet, but with all of his adorable little heart.

His favorite activity is to scoot into his room, shut the door behind him, pull all of the books down from the bookshelf (he likes a selection) and look at them while singing to himself.

He loves when John comes home at the end of the day. John picks him up and Ben does a "face inspection". He touches all of the parts of John's face while talking up a storm. Ben especially loves the ears and cheeks.

Mostly, he just loves his life. He loves his family. He enjoys everything we do together. He has a smile and a "hi" for everyone we meet.

My life is less complicated because I have Ben. He teaches me how to live.

The Giant Peach - Kitchen Porch

It's been warming up here in San Diego and it was time to finish up the porch off of the kitchen. It had roofing shingles for a floor, so we put in some new plank vinyl that is waterproof and looks like bamboo. It's sold at Home Depot.

I found this table and bench in the "as is" section at IKEA, and bought the turquoise chairs there as well.

A few plants, candles and accessories, and we're enjoying the view with our coffee in the morning and glass of wine at sunset. Come join us!

Pre-Fab

My mom brought up the idea of buying a pre-fab home last month. She's thinking of buying land somewhere outside San Diego and building one.

I've been thinking about the idea ever since and ran across this pre-fab home contest in Dwell magazine. Amazing. Check out the article here.

images via dwell

Field Trip

We have the Golden Hill fire station a few blocks down our street. The boys and I were walking home from Starbucks the other day and were flagged over by a fireman. (I know, how clique that he's good looking) The boys inspected every inch of that fire truck and Lincoln asked every question know to man about fire fighting.

We had an interesting conversation about how the main tanker at their station is "grounded" because of budget cuts. A few days ago there was a fire in my neighborhood and although this station is a few blocks away, the truck had to come from several miles. A man died in the fire and there is speculation now about the time it took for that truck to arrive.

Three things on my to-do list this week.

1. New batteries for our smoke detectors

2. Plate of brownies for the firemen down the street

3. Letter to my local city council about the safety of my neighborhood

Golden Warriors

I'm self-admittedly a reluctant sports mom. I waited as long as possible to start because I could see myself at games twice a week FOREVER. Last years' t-ball team was a little bit slow, but coach pitch more my speed. I thought I'd be pretty ambivalent about my son's athletic abilities, but I have to say I might be one of "those" moms. Three hits yesterday. Two runs.

Don't you want to kiss his cute face in this uniform?

Leprechaun Shoes

I'm not the biggest fan of St. Patrick's Day. Has always felt like we needed something to celebrate in March and an excuse for people to drink green beer.

But these vans are getting me in the mood. Subtle, yet still green enough to avoid getting pinched.

Best Dress

I'm a bit like the people who watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. Award shows are for the dresses and the last hour of awards.

I snuck in the last 1 1/2 hours of the academy awards last night after the kids were in bed, and Kate Winslet's dress was my top pick. I love that she isn't super skinny, she always acts classy, and has the best taste in clothes. This was probably my favorite Academy Awards dress of all time.

Sandra Bullock had one of my favorite acceptance speeches ever. She and her husband are adorable. John said he thinks it's funny when you see really good looking actresses with average Joe guys.

Um, Jesse James is anything but average. Way to go Sandra.

Small Office Space

I've been thinking about the wasted space we have in our houses. Keeping things we never use, disorganized closets, and lack of systems to keep things where we can find them. The house we're in currently is just about right for our family in the space department. Not too big, not too small. Keeps me on my toes in the organization department, and I can handle the cleaning.

Right now I have a whole room for sewing and office space, but if that goes away someday, I love this gorgeous, organized "office in a closet". Love the paint. Love the wallpaper. Love that there's room for pretty things to look at while you work.

You can check out the story and purchasing info here.

Image via Country Living

Living in Golden Hill

Maybe I just end up liking everywhere I live, but I opened up my Sunset magazine this month to see our new neighborhood listed as one of the "20 Towns of the Future".

The article featured Counterpoint, a new wine bar right next to Nest Vintage. John and I walked down for wine & appetizers at Counterpoint last week on our date night, and I've been checking out Nest Vintage to bring a little mid-century modern into our new place.

Maybe those planes aren't so loud after all...

Investing in Leaders

While speaking at a YL conference yesterday, I was reminded of the importance of this new initiative that has the potential to change the lives of thousands of kids across the world. Check out Developing Global Leaders here.

While we aren't all called to be in one of these places, we can help the people who are already there.