Karla' Closet.

So we've been here before.
Karla's Closet that is.
Filled with freshness (that I don't own).
If you missed it, here's a recap.
She's awesome + chic and so are her digs.
Take another look...

Image Source: Karla's Closet - 5.28/5.25/5.18

Creative Storage Solutions: Stairwells.

I had never been a fan of storage systems until recently. It's come to my attention that we need to throw all of our junk somewhere. Okay, let me rephrase that: I've been looking for a ways to effectively store items within my home due to the lack of storage space.

We have so much in our house! I wish I could say that we didn't or that this was a false statement but it's not and I'm obsessed with order! I remember purging things a couple years ago but I also had a kid a few years ago - so all bets are off now! Speaking of my kid, for starters he has the most of course - quite possibly the house is his house and no one else's!  Whether is be his toys, his clothes or just the randomness he finds while out or my favorite - the birthday party grab bag items in which he insists on keeping. I on the other hand really just need storage space for my art supplies, sewing items, etc.  Something that will mainly be a kid deterrent, but that also keeps me a bit more organized and looks nice. In searching online for ideas, I came across these stairwell storage solutions or creative ways to use a stairwell which I thought were cool...not really what I'm looking for as I am searching for bedroom or room storage ideas. Nevertheless their cool and I thought I'd share them with you.

1. Under the stair bookcase storage | found on IndieMoon
2. Under the stair wine cellar storage |  found on Jill Seidner, Interior Designer
3. Under the stair "anything" storage |  found on Pinterest
4. Under the stair bed nook | found on fres*home

From the items gathered, what's your favorite stairwell storage solution? I'd have to say #'s 1 and 3, would be my top 2 if I needed stairwell storage. Although, I'd like to think of myself as a wine connoisseur, I couldn't really see myself using #2. And #4, well it's interesting...probably more suited if I was oh say in my early 20's.

Well, I'm off to actually look for what I really need!

Memorial Day Rememberance.

Bounded By Language.

Illustration by Ellie Anglin

Language contains great power for humans;
It shapes societies, creates laws and norms.
Builds skyscrapers and
fills the pages of novels.
But,
when language is abused, it can morally destroy the soul.

“That speech was gay” she said to her friend.
“You should really watch the words you choose.
That person may not appreciate the message you send.”
said the smart man in reply.

She found out later the reason why.
Take a word that is embraced by many
and twist it into a snarling enemy,
watch yourself in the mirror as the tie of
Ronald Regan chokes the sense from your thoughts
and blurs all sense of reality.

-Emily Holmes, November 23, 2011

++++++++++++++++++++++++
How are you bounded by language?

Source: Blueprint Magazine

Two Loves Outside of Design.

My dad & my son (... apparently, I didn't get the uniform memo)

...grandpop and my lil monster

Grandpop (my dad) because he's always been super supportive and easy to talk too.

My lil monster because even though a little rowdy handful at times and not a good listener, his extremely inquisitive nature and those beautiful brown eyes make me fall in love all over again.

I am truly blessed.

This post is a part of the "Wordful Wednesday" with parenting BY dummies. It's like Wordless Wednesday, but with words, you dig? Hope on over to join the fun.

Electronic Reading

[KERI WIGINTON | Tampa Bay Times]

Mom: Hey, are you still reading to E at night?
Me: I really haven't been consistent with reading at night since we moved, but I did vow to start back up this week. (at the time of this post, we moved a month ago)
Me: Why, ask?
Mom: Oh, I could tell you hadn't been reading to him. Whenever he comes to the house he just wants to play on the computer, IPad, or watch videos.
Me: (Silent chuckle) Really, you're funny?

{That was a conversation between me and my mom on the phone last week.}

Now folks, if any of you actually knew my mom you'd laugh too. And for the people that know her please feel free to laugh - I wont tell. Let's start with the top 5 reasons why 'E' probably hasn't read at my mom's house in the past month.

1. the IPod or IPad. Let's just say that my dad has an Ipod and Ipad, none of which I own or will probably ever own.  My dad has taken the liberty to install, Angry Birds, waste paper, and a host of other games on these two gadgets. Let's just say I didn't know who an angry bird was until I was in Barnes & Noble and my son ran up to an Angry Birds merchandising table - dead serious.

2. the 'Kids Room'. There's an entire room dedicated to kids at my parents house. In this room there's a play table, toys, a couch, an area for movie watching (even old school VHS videos) and a entire assortment of videos for the picking! Oh and at this point 'E' is very fluent in changing the DVD player and putting
on his own movies? Can he do this at his mom's house? Nope!

3. the 'Computer Room'. Need I say more?

4. Errands/restaurants. Okay, so not that I don't think the kid should get out but, this kid is aware of more stores and restaurants than his mother. How do I know this, well he tells me. Either via conversation or during commutes, there's often this, "Hey Mom! There's so and so store!"

5. the 'Kindle Fire'. Last, as if all of the above weren't enough, there's the kindle fire. Huh, what's this? I mean I've overheard the commercials but I really don't pay attention. Why? Because I don't want too. I have a hard enough time figuring out what sort of phone to upgrade too. Anyway, so When I questioned why this was purchased for the child the response I got was..."Oh, well he can put books on this, play games, and he can take it on trips. HOLD IT - Did my mom just suggest 'E' could play games on this gadget? Yep! I also noticed how she tried to clean-up the conversation by saying, "he could take it on trips."

Interesting right? Not at all...it's not rocket science why my son hasn't been wanting to read at their house - at least to me it's not.

Now the question I am going to pose to my mom this week is, "Hey so could you really tell me why 'E' doesn't read much when he comes to your house?"


+++++++++++++++Questions+++++
So what's your child reading these days?
How do you implement reading to your child as a part of your daily routine?
What are your feelings towards all of the electronic media available to young and older children today - are we in trouble?

Mental Note. Labor of Love.

“A labor of love always pays off!”

- Scott Belsky

found on Swiss-Miss.com, Labor of Love Post, 5/10/12

Bring.

Dictionary.com’s definition:

Verb (used with object), brought, bring·ing.

1. To carry, convey, conduct, or cause (someone or something) to come with, to, or toward the speaker: Bring the suitcase to my house. He brought his brother to my office.
2. To cause to come to or toward oneself; attract: Her scream brought the police. He brought honor to his family by his heroism.
3. To cause to occur or exist: The medication brought instant relief.
4. To cause to come into a particular position, state, or effect: to bring the car to a stop.
5. To cause to appear or occur in the mind; evoke or recall: The letter brought her memories of youth.

'E' throwing rocks into the stream @ Double Rock.

My definition:

Verb (used with object), brought, bring·ing.

1. To carry, convey, conduct, or cause (someone or something) to come with, to, or to cause to occur or exist:

a.       Bring on the slacker lounging after 136 days of school (okay so not totally, but a 3hr class on Wednesday’s and a 6hr class every Saturday felt like 136 days;

b.      Bring on the day trips and vacation;

c.       Bring on adult conversation (which I’ve been missing outside of class);

d.      Bring on the quality time with my son and family; and

e.      Summer, bring it…all 100 days!

This post is a part of the Six Word's Friday weekly with Melissa Camara Wilkins which I've missed dearly. #sixwordsfriday. The topic this week "BRING".