Around the house today.....randomness galore!

Time for home and decorating projects has been scarce this summer...... and I am ok with that, except that it leads to very little content for my blog. A blog that has been sorely neglected while I have been shuttling kids to art camps, soccer practices and tournaments, hosting sleepovers and playdates {or "hanging out" as my almost 14 year calls it, but I like to annoy her and call it...

{simple} Raspberry and Blueberry Jam....

I successfully canned raspberry and blueberry jam! And I am here to tell you, it was easy peasy.....a messy and sticky  process, but fun and so satisfying as you hear your jars "pop" and knowing you successfully sealed your jam! I got my berries at the Portland Farmer's Market - yea for supporting local farms!  I got a flat of raspberries and a  flat of blueberries. I...

Best design blogs......

As much as I have felt neglectful of my little blog during these busy summer months, I thought it was high time to provide some new blog links along my sidebar.   I added blogs that I go to when I can - to be inspired, to get a good chuckle,  to learn how to be more organized in my home, find a beautiful new fabric, etc...... I hope you like them too. Happy, peaceful...

My post vacation fix....

We are home - just today after 20+ hours in the car over the last two days....Why is going to your destination always WAY more fun than traveling home? But, oh home, it feels GOOD.  What did Oprah always say? Something to the affect "your home should rise up to greet you". Well my home rose up and said, "thank goodness the cleaning lady came yesterday because hubby was home for...

Oh, the places you will go.......

This is my kick-ass, sister-in-law.  I blogged about her way back when {I would link but it's late and I am not going back through my 300+ posts to find it}.  Her name is Diana Finkel and she runs ultra-marathons - as in 100 mile races through the mountains, up and down trails, across rivers, at  night, for over 20 hours until she finishes........and WINS!  This weekend she...

Since last time we chatted.....

Summer finally came to the Pacific Northwest......and lo and behold, we discovered our central air is not working!  While the rest of the country has seen record temps, the northwest has been mild.  And when I say summer has finally come, I mean temps in the 80's with NO humidity - lovely! Our family spent the holiday at home - celebrating with friends, tackling a few home projects...

Independence Day....

Our family is enjoying a quiet 4th of July holiday at home. May you enjoy your day with the ones you  hold dear. Take a moment to remember our founders who worked so hard to secure our freedom and liberty - and all those who have suffered and fought for it since. "Our country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty...... of thee I sing......

Instagramming....

I love Instagram! And have begun using it more.... Just for kicks, I thought I would share with you some Instagram photos from the last week......consider this a peak into the life of  a mom, surviving summer with busy kids, getting a root canal, trying to work a bit AND  have some fun.  What will become obvious as you look at this week's photos is that I am NOT a crazy pier...