This Charming Life

Summer

2011-07-07T09:26:00.000-04:00

Playing ball all summer long....

Easter

2011-04-22T09:57:00.000-04:00

Just peeking in to wish everyone a beautiful and happy Easter weekend!

March 31 already ?!?!

2011-03-31T14:45:00.000-04:00

All I can say is...I've been a little distracted this month (OOPS!)

Soooo

bring on April & spring weather & more to blog about :)!!!!

Welcome March!!!

2011-03-01T09:08:00.000-05:00

No matter how long winter feels....

Spring will always come...

(YEAH!!!)

Sharing the love....

2011-02-14T09:18:00.000-05:00

Sharing the love...

For My husband

For My children

For My Family

For My Friends

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Bowl full of LOVE

2011-02-08T11:20:00.000-05:00

Grab some pretty paper

Grab some markers & scissors

Pick a pretty bowl

And fill it with some "LOVE"

I have a bunch of blank hearts I'm leaving for the kids to fill in and add to the bowl.

I hope they write sometime nice...(hint, hint)

Boredom buster on another snow day!

2011-02-03T12:30:00.000-05:00

So far this winter has been pretty stinky.

Lots of snow, school delays and cancellations.

Not the worst winter we have had in the 6 years of living in New England but in the top 3 for sure!

BLAH!!!

Yesterday we had another snow day.

Even the kids are getting tired of missing school...ummm, let me clarify that,

they don't really miss the school work but the social stuff ;)!

So to break up the very boring day we made....

PAPER SNOWFLAKES!!!

We sat by the fireplace, on a big old fluffy blanket with a big stack of paper.

We laughed

We talked

We watched a movie

WE HAD FUN!

Happy snow day!

Let it snow!

2011-02-01T10:42:00.000-05:00

Another snowy day.....

48 days until Spring.....

Winter Days....

2011-01-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

Cozy blanket

Hot Chocolate

Good reads

Making the best of the winter days....

Simple Winter Mantel

2011-01-12T11:06:00.001-05:00

It's a snow day here in New England!

It doesn't happen often...

Everyone is home and enjoying a bonus day off! We still have to dig out but I am soooooo thankful for our snow blower (best purchase ever!) that makes clearing the very long driveway so much easier!

So with the extra time "off" I decorated our fireplace mantel to celebrate winter and help us get through the "yuck" months of January, February and March with something pretty to look at!!!

A few votives, silver snowflakes & grapevine garland with white lights/crystals....

Simple & Easy

Stay warm and cozy!!!!

I'm linking to Beth's ( The Stories of A to Z) Winter Mantel Party! Make sure to hop over to see the beautiful mantels from very talented bloggers everywhere! :)

2011 Home Goals

2011-01-10T12:18:00.001-05:00

I love my home. I always have. My home and home decorating is my passion, my hobby and someday my new career (yup, I actually said it woo-hoo).

That's why I started blogging....

to share the good, the bad and sometimes ugly ;) with anyone who cares to read about my "stuff"

(kids, ramblings, home decor, etc)

So here are my Home Goals for 2011

BASEMENT/STORAGE

(or as they say in New England CELLAR)

1. Clean out all the extra stuff!!!! I do not want to move this much junk one more time! I think it multiplied since we moved in!

2. Change guest room into exercise room.

3. Update lighting

FIRST FLOOR

1. Paint half bath

2. Paint, organize laundry/mudroom & add counter over the washer/dryer

3. Paint & add trim to kitchen island, add backsplash and think some more about painting cabinets :)!

4. Update Lighting (spray paint?)

5. Cook at home 90% of the time...

SECOND FLOOR

1. Update & finish master bathroom/bedroom

2. Finally update Ry's bedroom (a year+ in the works!)

(inspiration for Ry's room)

3. Switch Madie's room around with queen bed (from guest room) & add new bedding & paint furniture

(inspiration for Madie's room)

5. Add extra twin bed to Kate's room, rearrange & paint (maybe some new bedding too!)

6. Update lighting

OUTDOOR

1. Add bench by the front door/garden

2. Garden lighting

3. Decorative fence along the sidewalk with garden

Hmmmm that's a big list!

Looks a lot bigger written out then I had in my head :)! But that is what goals are all about! I hope to get the house in good shape by the end of 2011 so if the need to put it on the market in the next year or so I will be good to go, fingers crossed!

Oh yeah, one more goal....

ENJOY OUR HOME!!!!

You should too!!!

Linking up to the Nester Home Goals 2011 party to HOPEFULLY keep me on track & accountable :)

Wine Bottle Inspiration

2011-01-04T11:03:00.000-05:00

Did I get your attention???

Here is how the story begins...

I bought this cool bottle of wine because, well, I liked the front label (yup, a wine expert I am not). Fast forward to New Years Day and I'm enjoying my bottle of wine with my husband when I turn the bottle around to see the back label...

I read it and "speaks" to me...

Yup, thats me, standing at a crossroad for way too long...

So it got me thinking. Where did I want to go?

Later that night I opened AOL and saw my horoscope overview for 2011...

There, in bold print it reads "Turning Point"...

Couldn't be more true!

All these "signs" were telling me something that I knew in my gut was true...

2011 is going to be a big and really good year!

I am finally making that turn, stepping out of the crossroads...

{My reading list}

{My school work, that's right I'm now a student again!}

This year is about new beginnings...

I need to "find" me again...

By doing so I will be...

* a happier person *

* a better wife *

* a better Mom *

* a better friend *

My word for the year is:

BEGIN

I am ready to take that first step....

let it begin!

will you join me?

Please :)?!

Good-bye 2010

2010-12-31T16:35:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Looking back on the past year...

Looking forward to the new year...

2011

HERE WE COME!!!

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-25T09:12:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!!!!

Wishing everyone a beautiful, peaceful and magical Christmas Day!!!

Sights of the Season 2010

2010-12-24T10:14:00.000-05:00

A crazy, fun and busy holiday season!

Happy last minute shopping, wrapping, and fun with friends and family!!!

The Family Christmas Tree

2010-12-09T10:01:00.000-05:00

Like many family Christmas trees ours has lots of ornaments...

and all have a special meaning.

Our collection of ornaments grow each year...

Our Christmas Tree 2010

The Star that has been at the top of our tree for almost 17 years...

A favorite hobby...

A first movie in a movie theater...

A beautiful hand painted ornament...

A favorite family vacation...

A reminder of loved ones who have passed...

A favorite childhood memory...

The train that always runs beneath the tree...

The special nativity....

I love our family Christmas tree!!!

You may find me on a December night with only the tree lights on, sitting under a cozy blanket admiring the tree....reflecting on all the memories of the past years, the present day joys and memories yet to be made...

Just like my Mom use to do...

I hope my kids will carry on the tradition...

I'm linking to Sarah's Christmas tree party today! Make sure to stop by and see all the Christmas tree fun!

The Tale of Two Acorn Ornaments

2010-12-07T14:29:00.000-05:00

With a few basic supplies you can create two super cute acorn ornaments!

Acorn Santa Ornament

THE SUPPLY LIST

* Acorns *

* Red Paint *

* Peach Paint *

* Black Paint *

* Snow-Tex Paint *

* 1/8 inch wide ribbon *

* Glue gun *

* Paint Brushes *

* Scissors *

First, collect a few acorns (in my case from my yard). You may have to fight a few squirrels to get the "prize" acorns ;)! Pop them apart (caps & body) and paint the caps red first. Once they are dried hot glue back together (you can also use craft glue but there is added dry time). Paint a "face" using the peach color paint (eyes, nose & mouth added later). Using the Snow-Tex paint create the beard, hair and hat trim. The thicker the Snow-Tex paint the longer the dry time (bottle says about 2-3 hours). Once dry add the eyes (black paint) and nose/mouth using red paint and a fine brush. Hot glue ribbon to the top of the acorn cap, add a bow and enjoy!

Not into the acorn Santa? A little glitter, a little glue and a little ribbon and you can have this classic & rustic ornament....

THE SUPPLY LIST

* Acorns *

* Glitter *

* Glitter Glue *

* Glue Gun *

* 1/8 inch Ribbon *

Just as before, pop the acorn apart. "Paint" glitter glue on the acorn cap.

Add glitter and let dry.

Hot glue the acorn back together and add the ribbon loop to the top! TAH-DA!!!

Cute classic & rustic ornament!

I'm linking up to Kate's Christmas Craft party at Centsational Girl!

Come join the party and get inspired!

Homemade Holiday Treat

2010-12-06T22:45:00.001-05:00

CHRISTMAS 2001

My love affair with this yummy treat began

I have to thank my new neighbor in Indiana (Hello Hoosier friends!) now my crafty decor BFF Lori
who gave me my first batch of...

Christmas Crunch

"Christmas Crunch" (AKA: White Chocolate Gorp, White Trash, Holiday mix....to name a few) is a SUPER SIMPLE recipe that even non cooks can make! The recipe makes a large amount, but of course I alway double ...well triple it :)

Christmas Crunch

2 lbs. White Chocolate ( I used vanilla Almond Bark)

1 cup M & M Chocolate Candies

2 cups Thin Salty Pretzels

3 cups Rice Chex Cereal

3 cups Corn Chex Cereal

6 cups Plain Cherrios

( 2 cups
Cocktail Peanuts optional)

Mix everything but the white chocolate in a really big bowl! Melt the white chocolate and pour over mixture.

Stir carefully and quickly.

Spread out on wax paper and let cool completely...

if you can wait that long, seriously!

YUM!!!!

Break apart and enjoy! You can even package it up in pretty jars with cute bows as gifts!

BUT...

Once you give your family, friends and co-workers Christmas Crunch they will ALWAYS ask for more..

and more...

You have been warned! (just kidding!)

ENJOY!

* This treat can really be made anytime of the year and is great to take to picnics! *

Thanks Lori for introducing me to Christmas Crunch, my family thanks you too!

Pop over to Lori's blog for other yummy treats and crafty fun!

A Rustic Holiday Vignette

2010-12-02T22:01:00.002-05:00

My foyer is a little rustic and woodsy this holiday season. Ever changing, this year's vignette has a lot of warm color (antique gold, dark chocolate and bronze). Shiny hand painted balls, copper colored beads and cinnamon pine cones add to the warm and rustic feeling. A perfect way to greet our holiday visitors!

Everything I used to decorate came from my four favorite stores....

Target

Walmart

Christmas Tree Shop

Michael's

And 90% was purchased after Christmas on clearance! That's the best part!

I'm linking to Rhoda's vignette party today! Make sure you link back to see all the creative and crafty bloggers!

www.southernhospitalityblog.com

A "Sweet" mantel

2010-11-30T22:08:00.004-05:00

It's that time of year again!

*Twinkle lights*

*Shinny Christmas Balls*

*Candy Canes*

*Pretty Packages with pretty bows*

*Garlands*

*Yummy Treats*

*Beautiful music*

All the sights, sounds and smells of this wonderful season!

It's also time decorate our home! (Yeah!)

First spot decorated this year...the fireplace mantel!

Our Sweet Mantel

*VERY FUN*

All the ornaments on the mantle are non-breakable and bought at Target's after Christmas clearance last year (.50 - $2.50). The non-breakable ornaments are a life saver (not just because I have kids either). I think I dropped them 100X before I was finished! Can you say klutz!!!! The snowflake vases came from Home Goods 5 years ago ($10.00 each). The picks in the vases came from Target clearance as well (.25 each) and the sticks came from Michael's Crafts. The beautiful Santa print is by the well know artist NC Wyeth and was a gift from my very special in-laws a few years ago. Finally, the child's sled filled with packages & treats was a gift to my oldest daughter on her second Christmas from my parents. An heirloom in the making :).

Happy holiday decorating!

I'm linking to Layla's Mantel Party! Be sure to check out all the creative mantel ideas!!!
www.theletteredcottage.net

14

2010-11-29T21:41:00.000-05:00

November 26, 1996

* Book Lover *

* Smart *

* Softball Player *

* Honor Roller *

* Funny *

* Field Hockey Player *

* Student Council *

* Traveler *

* First *

* Sister *

* Friend *

* Daughter *

November 26, 2010

Fourteen years ago you made us a "family". You were our first child, the first grandchild for both grandparents and the first niece to your aunt and uncle. You are growing into a beautiful young woman both inside and out!

Love You!!!

Setting the Thanksgiving Table

2010-11-17T10:04:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I love the food, I love the yummy smells, I love being with friends and family and I love that we focus on being thankful for what we have!

* Simple *

It has been a few years since we have been with all our family on Thanksgiving so I got excited about setting the table...

So excited that I couldn't decide on just one place setting...

{Thanksgiving geek that I am}

Here is what I came up with...

{Place Setting 1}

* $1.00 Pick - Walmart (Christmas section this year) *

* Orange Satin Ribbon - Michael's *

* White Plate - Christmas Tree Shop *

* Cool Wine Glass - Garage Sale *

{Place setting 2}

* "Thankful" ribbon - Walmart *

* White Plate - Christmas Tree Shop *

* Cool Wine Glass - Garage Sale *

{Place Setting 3}

* Real Pumpkin *

* Red Leaf Plate - Target Clearance last year *

* White Plate - Christmas Tree Shop *

* Cool Wine Glass - Garage Sale *

{Place Setting 4}

* Faux Pumpkin - Better Homes & Garden Collection @ Walmart *

* Ribbons - Michael's *

* Hand Stitched linen napkin - Family Heirloom *

* White Plate - Christmas Tree Shop *

* Cool Wine Glass - Garage Sale *

A few more views of my Thanksgiving Table

I had so much fun setting my Thanksgiving table. I loved getting creative. My family thinks I'm crazy.

*Whatever*

It's my table and I like it! ;)

Do you have a favorite place setting? Do share!

Busy, busy, busy

2010-11-10T10:51:00.000-05:00

November already?!?

How did November sneak up on me?

The kids fall sports/activities are finishing up this weekend (yippy!). I have begun a little holiday shopping and hope to be finished by Dec. 1, fingers crossed! I have a few projects I'm working on to share (FINALLY!)

Here are a few hints...

* Something with sparkle *

* Something with meaning *

* Something yummy to eat *

* Something for Thanksgiving *

Hope you check back to see all the fun!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T16:31:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone a spooky, fun and safe weekend!

Happy Halloween!

Dreaming....

2010-10-19T17:17:00.000-04:00

Dreaming of a new light for my foyer....

I like this...

Pottery Barn

And this...

Pottery Barn

And I LOVE this...

Pottery Barn

*sigh*

Time to start my "saving for pendant light" jar....

40

2010-10-18T09:53:00.000-04:00

To my husband...

You are...

* Strong *

*Smart *

* Funny *

* Loyal *

* Philly Sports Fanatic *

* Committed to you family *

* Strong work ethic *

* My best friend *

Happy 40th birthday! You finally caught up :)! We will have the best day today!

Love, ME!

The ever changing frames...

2010-10-15T09:31:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I changed my picture frames above my sofa using Amy Butler scrapbook paper.

(before)

Now as the season has changed to fall I felt it was too "springy" soooooo I used photo copies of this...

(Family cookbook from the 1890's)

To create this "sofa art"...

I know you might think I'm crazy for making copies of 100+ year old cookbook but I promise it was only one copy of each page! I couldn't help myself! I just love the old handwriting and font of old newspaper clippings! I may even attempt to make one of the old recipes for Thanksgiving this year...I'll keep you posted :)

I like the change (for now) and at no cost it makes me happy! My family think I'm nuts but thats ok with me!

Happy Friday!

Kitchen Chalkboard

2010-10-12T09:54:00.000-04:00

What started as a false wall to cover the refrigerator has now become our kitchen chalkboard (insert cheering children). This simple project took 3 months to complete due to "fear" of messing it up! I finally took the plunge (and constant nudging from my kids) to paint the wood panel with chalkboard paint.

Grab your supplies...

I picked up my chalkboard paint at Walmart

(I still have a lot left for future projects)

Take a deep breath and dive into painting :-0!!!

After drying for a few days let children prep (AKA color like crazy with chalk) the new chalkboard.

I selected cheap plastic trim to attach around the chalkboard. I spray painted it a cream color.

Add trim and admire your work. My family loves the new chalkboard! I'm so glad I FINALLY did it!

Note to self: DO NOT use scrapbook glue dots to attach trim! It WILL come crashing down in the middle of the night, scaring the "beep" out of you! Get strong glue ASAP and stop being lazy :)!

Weekend is here!

2010-10-08T17:23:00.000-04:00

It's a long weekend here in New England....

Time for some...

apple picking

cranberry festivals

kids sleep overs

soccer games

brownie baking

baseball playoff watching (Go Phillies!!!)

and all the other "good stuff" weekends bring!

Happy weekend!!!!

Some Days....

2010-10-01T10:17:00.000-04:00

Some days I feel like my life is like this....

...and that's ok with me! Life is a like a roller coaster.... ENJOY THE RIDE!!!! Have a beautiful weekend!

Simply Autumn

2010-09-30T10:00:00.001-04:00

Autumn Mantel

It's Autumn! It my still feel like summer here in New England (blah!) but I found these pumpkins and put my fall mantel together to help me get in the spirit! October 1st is Friday so I will add some spooky Halloween for fun!

I (think) that I linked this to the fab bloger Nester's Fall Mantel party!

Go check out all the fall goodness there....

www.thenester.com

Summer's Fade...

2010-09-22T10:59:00.000-04:00

On this very warm September day here in New England it's time to say "good-bye" to summer as it fades into autumn...

SUMMER 2010

A very busy and fun summer! Looking forward to all that autumn brings!

How much "stuff" can on boy have?!?!

2010-09-21T14:09:00.000-04:00

My boy has a lot of "stuff" (that's using my nice word).

All of his "stuff" was beginning to take over his room. I could barely see the floor, the dust clouds were tremendous and I swear it would multiply overnight!

So we purged!!!!!

A LOT!!!

Before:

(Scary, very very, scary!!!)

2 HUGE bags of trash

3 bags of "stuff" to Salvation Army

4 hours from start to semi-finish

After:

MUCH BETTER!!!

Now it needs a good paint job and a large bulletin board or magnet board. I"m using the sports canvases

and this print below as inspiration for wall color....

Here are some colors I'm considering...

Martha Stewart "Faded Ink" @ Home Depot

Martha Stewart "Bay Leaf" @ Home Depot

Martha Stewart "Ice Rink" @ Home Depot

If you don't have a Home Depot close to your home you can order these samples size jars for $2.95 (plus S&H). Isn't that cool!!!!

If you have a favorite or suggestion please leave a comment....I would love to hear from you!!!

This always reminds me of autumn....

2010-09-17T12:04:00.000-04:00

I just posted about this marching band ...

This is the drum cadence I could hear from my bedroom window...

(make sure to turn off my playlist first before playing the video)

I loved my high school, I hope my kids will love their school as much!

Strath Haven High School (the best)

Touches of Autumn

2010-09-17T11:45:00.000-04:00

I love autumn, yes I do...

I love autumn, how about you?!

This time of year is my FAVORITE! All the pumpkins, apple cider, fuzzy sweaters, football games, piles of beautiful leaves, homecoming, bon fires......aahhhh, I could go on and on! There are days I miss visiting my parents home on autumn friday nights and hearing the marching band play and the cheer of the crowds at my high school football field (we only lived 3 streets away)! That was totally "autumn" to me! (sigh) Those of you who grew up in Wallingford, PA know what I'm talking about ;-)!

Anyway, since autumn officially starts next week I have changed a few things around my home to reflect the changing seasons and so I share a few pictures with you, my friends....

Wishing you a beautiful weekend!

I "heart" Nate Berkus!!!

2010-09-16T10:27:00.000-04:00

On Monday September 13, 2010 The Nate Berkus show premiered ...

but I was not watching (darn it!). Instead I was watching the relaunch of The Martha Stewart Show on The Hallmark Channel. Needless to say I was a little disappointed with Martha on that first day but I gave her show a second chance on Tuesday (first day jitters I thought). Well day two (for me) was not much better, sooooo I did some "channel surfing" and found Nate on at the same time! I was able to catch the last 15 minutes of his show and was hooked!!!! I "heart" Nate! Don't get me wrong, I still think Martha Stewart is amazing and talented but I related so much better to Nate and his style and approach to life.

I do have a reason to post about Nate, I really do.....it relates to his show on Wednesday September 15, 2010. Nate featured a family who lost their Mother soon after she gave birth to twins (heart breaking!). But there was a beautiful message Nate and show were trying to convey as they completed the the unfinished nursery for the babies....honor the pass (loved ones who have passed, childhood, family) and keep the spirit alive through thoughtful decorating touches. Nate spoke my "decorator Language"! This is something I have always done as I have decorated our home. Here is an example of this type of decorating in my own home...

This small shadow box holds 3 of my Mom's charm bracelets (mostly from the 1960's) and has been part of my living room decor for more than three years now. There are so many cool charms on the bracelets that I hated to store them away in an old jewelry box. I have fond memories of trying these on and asking her what each one "meant". Now my children ask about the charms and I share my Mom's stories with them....and so the stories and memories live on...

Thank you Nate Berkus for encouraging us to decorate with thoughtfulness and meaning!

11

2010-09-07T14:18:00.000-04:00

September 7, 1999

CREATIVE

GIRLY

SMART

LOVING

STRONG WILLED

LOYAL

MIDDLE SCHOOLER

ARTISTIC

SISTER

DAUGHTER

September 7, 2010

Happy 11th birthday Kaitlyn! You are growing into a beautiful young woman with the world at your door! Like the quote on the stone in the picture....

"If caterpillars turn into butterflies, imagine what you can be!"

I love you!!!!!!

A Little History

2010-08-30T22:48:00.000-04:00

(Independence Hall)

Having been born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA I grew up learning a lot of early American history. Having moved from the area about 10 years ago my children have not had the chance to visit the historic landmarks in Philadelphia and neither had I. While home this past July we took the time to finally visit the new Constitution Center and the new pavilion for the Liberty bell.

(Madison reading the x-ray of the liberty bell)

(Kaitlyn debates with a fore father)

(Ryan deep in thought)

(Ben Franklin says "Time to wrap up this blog post!")

It was so cool to visit and the kids actually had a blast "learning" while on summer vacation! Who da thunk?

Sew, sew, sew

2010-08-17T10:55:00.000-04:00

Working on some new pillows....

getting my sewing mojo back....

lay old pillow cover on new fabric and "measure" ;-)

Hoping for 4 pillow covers....

Sew, sew, sew....

Trim the corners, turn right side out....

Stuff the old pillow insert into new pillow cover.....

Very happy!

(will share the finish project soon)

Happy Friday and my first "linky" party!

2010-08-13T09:55:00.002-04:00

I'm linking up to my first party!

Kimba at A Soft Place to Land

is hosting a DIY Beach Decor Party, my kind of party!

Please click on the link below (I can't get the "button" to work!) and check out my post (#125) and all the other fabulous and creative bloggers!

http://asoftplace.net/2010/08/5892/

(Just realized I spelled coastal "costal" when I linked up, Grrrr!)

Getting inspired....

2010-08-10T10:38:00.000-04:00

Some "goodies" I picked up while on vacation....

Fabric, flowers and baskets....oh my

Can't wait to pull out the sewing machine & paint brush...

Time to get my creative mojo back!

I'm Back!

2010-08-09T12:25:00.000-04:00

Hi there! It's been a very long time since I've been around! Summer is in full swing here at This Charming Life! The past few weeks we have been on vacation visiting friends and family in PA, NJ, and DE! I also celebrated a BIG birthday......

The Big....

Yes, that big birthday came on July 22. I used that day as a day of reflection on the past and the future....I was not sad or upset but rather excited! I made some promises to myself and will share them with you soon. Big goals for the Big 40!

Anyway, on our way to PA my husband surprised me with a stop here....

That's right, the home of The Cake Boss!!!!

(remember my obsession with TLC!)

Here are a few pictures of the bakery...

(love the quote on the box!)

The line was huge! 2 blocks long! We had a "golden ticket" to enter without the long 2 hour wait....aka the "pick-up" ticket! My husband & his co-worker (who lives in Hoboken, NJ) pre-ordered the cake. Very Smart!

all I can say is....

YUM!

So worth the stop!!! My husband is the BEST!

Missing you....

2010-07-19T10:26:00.001-04:00

I miss her.

My Mom was amazing....to me at least.

she was...

* Smart *

* loving *

* stubborn *

* loved to throw a party for any reason *

* a true friend *

* could swing a hammer *

* sewing anything *

* not a great cook but a good basic cook *

* loved puzzles *

* loved to play games *

* artistic *

* education was extremely important to her *

* loved her family with all her heart *

Love you....

("For Good" from the Wicked musical on my playlist is dedicated to my mom)

Cupcake Wars

2010-07-05T18:26:00.001-04:00

Confession...

I am a Food Network, TLC, HGTV and DIY Network junkie!

Are You?

Last week our family watched "Cupcake Wars" on the Food Network to see our local bakery compete for the $10,000 prize and the title of "Cupcake Wars Champion"!

Introducing....

(really bad picture, sorry!)

Cupcake Charlie's

They are the BEST cupcakes I have ever had!

They made it to the final two...

but didn't win... :-(

It was not based on taste but on how the cupcakes were presented.....

THEY WERE ROBBED!

If you can catch the replay of the episode I highly recommend it!

Soooo if you are ever visiting Plymouth, MA.

Make sure to first visit....

Plymouth Rock

(It is hidden inside the portico)

Then visit....

The Mayflower II

(Because it is really amazing to see how SMALL the ship was that crossed the Atlantic Ocean and hear the story of the Pilgrims voyage)

Finally take a short walk and end at Cupcake Charlie's for one of these....

YUMMY!

To learn more about Cupcake Charlie's click here

www.cupcakecharlies.com

You won't be sorry!

Bucket full of softballs....

2010-06-25T10:06:00.000-04:00

We have been spending a LOT of quality time and the fields these days!

3 kids + 3 teams = hours at the fields :-)

Playoffs start today for Kate, Madie's last regular season game in next Friday and the Ryster is officially done his coach-pitch baseball season Saturday morning! It has been an exciting baseball/softball season with lots of ups and downs. We have kept the new snack shop at the field in business with all the drink and lollipop purchases :-)!

All the time spent preparing for the games, driving to the games and watching the games does not leave too much time for projects at home. I have a few ready to go once the season ends and I can't wait to share!

Have a great weekend! Maybe I'll see you at the fields!

Father's Day

2010-06-20T08:10:00.000-04:00

This is the man I married....

He holds my heart, my love, my everything....he is my best friend and partner.

He is smart, funny and kind.

He is the best coach, mentor, hero, and Dad my kids could ever have.

You are the best!

Happy Father's Day!

oxoxox

To my Dad, my Father-in-law, my Brother-in-law and the other fantastic Dads I know....I wish you lots of love and memories on this special day!

ENJOY!

Sand in My Pockets

2010-06-18T08:02:00.000-04:00

First trip to the beach for the summer! The water in New England is still very cold but the beaches are the best for finding sea glass and sea shells!

A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go......

Love living near the ocean!

Happy Friday!

Schools Out!!!!!

2010-06-16T10:47:00.000-04:00

SCHOOLS OUT! The kids had a great school year!

* Soccer*

* Honors all four terms *

* Chorus *

* Field Hockey *

* Robotics *

* Student Council *

* Flute *

* All Town Choir *

* Animal Report *

* Baseball *

* Softball *

* Field Trips *

Just to name a few things....

September 2009

June 2010

Let the summer fun begin!

Teacher Gifts

2010-06-14T13:56:00.000-04:00

My summer is here in less then two days! Yeah! Many schools are finished around the country or will be done by the end of this week so this post may be a little late but may give you ideas for next year!

Finding so many neat and simple ideas for teacher gifts on various blogs I decided to get creative this year.....

An afternoon of this....

created lots of teacher gifts!

I have three ideas to share.

"Giving Student Wings" frame

* Supplies *

* Wooden frame ($1.00) @ Michael's crafts

* Scrapbook paper

* 2 styles of butterfly paper punch (Martha Stewart) @ Michael's crafts

* Glue dots & white craft glue

The quote reads: "Teachers give their students the wings to fly...."

On the back (not shown) I wrote "Thank you for giving (child's name) the wings to fly!"

You are my "M&M" Mason Jar

* Supplies *

* Mason Jars from Wal-Mart $7.99 for 12

* M&M candy 42 oz. bag from Wal-Mart $7.00

* Scrapbook paper

* ribbon

Wash & dry jars. Fill with M&M candy. Cut decorative paper for the lid. Copy poem and attach to the lid with ribbon! Happy, happy!

Monogram Note Holder

* Supplies *

* Picture frame from Dollar Tree ($1.00)

* Decorative paperclip from Wal-Mart 10 for $3.00

* Notebook paper

* Scrapbook paper

* Letter template or Cricut

Cut the notebook paper to the size of the frame. Cut out the teachers monogram using a template or Cricut cutter. Hot glue paperclip to frame. Done! Super simple!

In total there were....

3 kids

16 teacher & aides

about $26.00 spent (give or take)

Not too bad for an afternoon and personalized gifts!

UPDATE: All the teachers loved their gifts!

June, already?

2010-06-07T09:29:00.000-04:00

How did June sneak up on me? I have tons of pictures to upload from all the baseball/softball games, soccer games, field trips, end of school productions, and so on.....

So I will have that all ready to share later this week (fingers crossed) until then, I have a few more pictures to share of the coastal decor I've added to the house this summer!

A suitcase of starfish on the bookshelf

Dried hydrangea from my garden and a "sailor valentine" box made by Kaitlyn

Wreaths with starfish placed in the center over the fireplace

Another view...

Up close view...

Thats it, pretty boring!

I promise more interesting post with all new pictures!

so much to share, so little time :-)...

Happy Monday!

7

2010-05-19T07:42:00.001-04:00

May 19, 2003

smart

funny

loving

sports fan

reader

kind

brother

mathematician

quick wit

son

May 19, 2010

The past seven years have gone in a blink of an eye. My once tiny boy is growing up so quickly!

Happy 7th Birthday! I love you!

This video has been on so many blogs but I wanted to share it with my followers who are new to blogging. It's message is priceless and will touch your heart....you may want tissues handy!

Have a beautiful day!

Adding Coastal Decor

2010-05-17T11:54:00.002-04:00

As it hits mid-May I realize summer is just around the corner! Sometimes in the early morning I can catch a smell of the the ocean in a small breeze and it brings the memories of summer. So it was time to change the foyer table decor to reflect the coming season.

Adding a little coastal flair....

All of the items above have been added to over time. All were bought either at discount stores (Target, Home Goods, Christmas Tree shop, etc.) or were gifts.

Here is how I put the "look" together....

First stop, The Christmas Tree Shop for a few new "beachy" items (notice the price tags).

Happy Happy!

Next I shopped the house and moved things around. The apothecary jars (bought at Home Goods over the past 3 years) were in the living room, the shells were stored in the basement in a box (the large ones were gifts from my Mom), the black candle sticks were on the mantel in the family room ( bought at Target 3 years ago on clearance), and the candles (faux, from Christmas tree Shop 2 years ago) from the family room too. Oh and the cake stand was a Christmas gift this year from my bother-in-law & sister-in-law (yipee!) It's from Macy's Martha Stewart Collection.

Add the old and the new together and ....

A little touch of the coast to greet you as you enter my home.....

Little dollars but Big change!

Makes me happy!

Where the dead ferns hang...

2010-05-13T13:06:00.000-04:00

These framed ferns have hung on my living room wall for 5 years. My family refers to them as "the dead ferns". Nice, huh! After finding some art work on clearance at Target I decided it was time to make a change. Good-bye dead ferns, hello pretty clearance pictures....

They have a mirror frame so it is a little hard to photograph. Anyway, next step deciding placement. First I traced each frame onto packaging paper from the Dollar Tree.

Cut out each one (The paper likes to curl)

Then I taped each one to the wall using blue painters tape so it wouldn't pull the paint off the wall. Once I decided on the placement of the "pictures" I measured and made sure each was level. This is a first for me! Usually I just wing-it and make swiss cheese out of my walls with all the holes! Not this time!

Then I measured each frame's hanger, found the center, and transferred that measurement to the paper on the wall.

And tah-dah!!!!!

Pretty clearance pictures hung straight and even on my wall! No swiss cheese walls!

I guess it pays to take your time some times ;-) !

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T11:58:00.000-04:00

Wishing every Mom, both here on earth and those who are in heaven, a beautiful and wonderful Mother's Day! It is the hardest and most rewarding job I have ever had and I wouldn't change anything!

Love to all!

A sign of things to come...

2010-04-23T10:22:00.000-04:00

The bats are ready, the helmets lined up....

The dust will be flying as the bases are rounded...

High fives to team mates as a good play is made...

Fun, laughter and memories to be made....

It's opening day 2010!

16 years....

2010-04-09T11:42:00.000-04:00

April 9, 1994

Sixteen years of the most wonderful, frustrating, exciting, sad, happy, fast pace, loving, crazy times of my life.......and I wouldn't change a thing!!!!

Here's to MANY more!

Rake, Dig, Cut.....

2010-04-08T10:31:00.000-04:00

The weather has been beautiful here in New England, warmer than usual for this time of year. It gets me in the mood to rake out all the leaves from the garden, dig in the dirt and cut back branches and plants in anticipation of spring and summer!

Here is how my yard is looking now....

Here is what I look forward to.....

Did you get your hands dirty today?

Enjoy the sunshine!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T13:54:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter

Old fashion forget-me-knots on a beautiful Easter Sunday!

Enjoy!

Touch of Spring

2010-04-02T10:30:00.000-04:00

Just a few touches of spring around our home....

Here's to warm days, sunshine and enjoying the arrival of spring....

Colors

2010-03-31T09:27:00.000-04:00

Loving the colors in everyday objects....

Colors make me happy! Makes me excited for warmer weather and sunny days!

How do they make you feel?

Spray Paint Love

2010-03-30T10:31:00.000-04:00

I love spray paint! I didn't realize how one can of spray paint can make such a huge change to an object. After reading so many testimonies about spray paint love on so many decorating blogs I decided to give it a try.

This is what my kitchen chairs looked like before....

We purchased this table and chair set almost 16 years ago when we first were married (ok that's a scary thought!). It has traveled to 3 states and been in storage twice. I figured it did "owe" me anything.

So off I went and purchase spray paint from my local home improvement store, in this case Lowe's.

I chose the satin finish because I liked the texture and look instead of the shiny gloss.

It was a windy day (as always here near the ocean) so the spray painting was done in the garage. Next time I think I'll wear a breathing mask, lets just say it got a little "cloudy" in the garage from the spray paint!

It took two cans per chair and I was lazy and did not prime! A year later, with 3 kids + 2 adults wear and tear, the chairs are still looking great! I am so happy I spray painted my chairs! I am now addicted! Don't stand still too long at my house or you may end up spray painted! :-)

Loving my "new" chairs!

Boys, Basketball & Cheerleaders

2010-03-26T09:46:00.000-04:00

These are my boys....

They love basketball....

Villanova University Basketball....

(Coach Jay Wright & the cheerleaders)

They love the cheerleaders, oh and the Wildcat too....

The boys were heart broken (especially the little one) when this happened...

The hearts of true fans...

Next year buddy, next year.....

Electrifying Experience!

2010-03-26T08:44:00.000-04:00

A few pictures from The Museum of Science in Boston, MA during the 4th Grade sleepover!

Amazing experience for all the kids, parents and teachers!

Almost There!

2010-03-25T14:29:00.001-04:00

"My" room, AKA the playroom, soon to be named the "creative" room is almost finished!

The craft and sewing supplies are put away and my crafty books are on the shelves! Now all it needs is some window treatments and wall decor to give the room some personality!

Maybe reading some of my favorite creative blogs will inspire me?

Master Bedroom Ideas

2010-03-23T09:23:00.000-04:00

It's raining here, REALLY raining so it is not the best day to take pictures of "my" room's progress. Hopefully by the end of the week I can share some updates! Meanwhile, I took a little time to play on Polyvore (again) and come up with a master bedroom plan for one of my best friends. She lives in a a home built in the 1920's that is around 1,600 square feet with her husband and 5 kids. Three of her daughters currently have the upstairs bedroom that spans the length of the house. My friend wants the room back! The stairs split the space giving opportunity to have a "bedroom" side and a "sitting room" side. I designed a Spring/Summer look and a Fall/Winter look with just changing a few accessories. Here they are.

KC Spring/Summer Bedroom by charmingcarolynn featuring Roxy bags

KC Fall/Winter Bedroom by charmingcarolynn on Polyvore.com

Hello Spring!

2010-03-20T07:24:00.000-04:00

Hello Spring!

Enjoy the start of something new!

Slow Progress

2010-03-18T10:24:00.000-04:00

"My" room is slowly coming along. I painted all the walls, trim and TV cabinet last week. I must be getting old because I am not as "speedy" as I once was! This week I picked up 2 bookcases to place on either side of the TV cabinet for storage. Now I just have to put them together, UGH! I really like it so far and so does the family, the kids have taken over the larger desk!

Off to the Museum of Science for Kate's 4th Grade sleepover!

Happy St. Patrick's Day & Happy Birthday!

2010-03-17T16:37:00.001-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Hope you enjoy the day! We have been busy baking irish soda bread to share with the kid's classes and dressing up in green and shamrocks today! I also want to wish my Dad a very happy 65th birthday! He is off on a river cruise in Europe and I hope he is enjoying himself. I am very proud of him for taking this huge trip all by himself, my Mom would be proud too!

Back with pictures of the "playroom" progress soon! Still have some sewing and furniture assembly to accomplish. It looks good so far.......

Family Room Inspiration

2010-03-05T12:16:00.000-05:00

I so love playing on Polyvore! I have a friend who wants to freshen up her family room with little to no money. I designed an inspiration page for her! She has a few of the pieces shown and a huge IKEA in her neighborhood to pick up the rest as $$ allow. She has a large family (5 kids) and a tiny house so everything has to do double or triple duty! I told her I have a paint brush and will travel! ;-)

cozy family room by charmingcarolynn on Polyvore.com

I want it back....please

2010-03-02T09:38:00.000-05:00

This is our "playroom" or "hang out" room, depends on which child you are talking to. It has been theirs for 5 years now and I would like it back! I promise to share! I have come to the realization that I need sun, windows fresh air to be a happy and productive Mom/crafter/creative person! So I want to take my crafty stuff from the basement to this room. There may be a few elbows thrown, a few tears shed but in the end we will all be happier, especially me! Here is my inspiration created on www.polyvore.com.

Creative Room by charmingcarolynn on Polyvore.com

Happy Weekend!

2010-02-26T10:57:00.000-05:00

A little touch of spring! I hope everyone has a happy, relaxing and fun weekend. To my followers in snowy areas, I promise spring is coming. I have some plans for reclaiming spaces, rearranging rooms, and redecorating a few rooms on tiny budget in the works! Pictures coming next week!

Feeling Beachy

2010-02-25T10:11:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox digital slideshow

Here is one of the projects I have been working on. I needed to get out of my winter "funk" and was inspired by all the Subway sign creations on so many blogs that I decided to make one myself. One of my favorites was from Jen at http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/01/valentine-subway-art-tutorial-with-pdf.html.

Enjoy! Get Crafty!

Hello? Are You There?

2010-02-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

Sorry for being M.I.A. for the past week. The kids were on winter break and we had family come for a visit. I am still new at the "blogging thing" but I am learning more every day! I plan to get in my blogging groove now! I have a few projects and craftiness to post so come on back. I also want to say a BIG thank you to my 3 very loyal followers! I "heart" you! You keep me wanting to blog about "stuff".

Any of you recognize the phone above?

Frames in Progress

2010-02-16T15:19:00.000-05:00

I have had this grouping of frames over my sofa for about 4 years. The first 3 years years I kept the "photos" that came with the frames when I purchased them from Target. After tiring of hearing my kids make fun of my decorating neglect, I filled them with some boring scrapbook paper out of desperation. The frames stayed that way until this pass summer when I stumbled upon a new collection of scrapbook papers designed by my favorite fabric designer Amy Butler! A little snip, a little tape and TA DAH......new framed art work! Love it! The best part.....it only cost a few $!

Valentines Day

2010-02-12T13:35:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Birthday to my smart, loving, creative and strong Mom who I miss dearly!

Pixie idea from Wendy @ www.shabbynest.blogspot.com

Kate's Valentines Rock!

2010-02-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

Kate is my very creative child who is always seeking to "make" something. This year she chose to make "i-pod" candy valentines for her class. We found the instructions and print outs at the Family Fun website http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/rock-candy-675037/. They were a hit! You rock Kate!

(We used Hershey Kisses instead of Peanut Butter Cups)

Simple Valentine Decor

2010-02-11T12:28:00.000-05:00

Over the summer I found these two frames in the dollar section at Michael's craft store and snagged them! They sat in a pile of "stuff" waiting for inspiration. February came and I was seeking a few Valentine decorations. Out came the frames, out came the scrapbook stickers & paper and Ta-Dah my new V-Day Decor!

After a crazy "snowish" day yesterday, I going to enjoy a little of this....

Shhh, so not on my diet!

My "New" love seat

2010-02-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

The love seat is finished! I love the change! I still have A LOT to learn about reupholstering (notice no close ups, hee-hee), but I am happy with my first attempt.

"New" love seat

What I really love is my display above the love seat (please excuse the glare)! It is a collection of family diplomas, my grandfather's teachers contract from 1929 ($160.00 a month!), my grandmother's H.S. class picture from 1931 and so on. I call it my "Inspiration Wall of Knowledge". It's my way of honoring the importance and the gift of education.

Making a list & checking it twice

2010-02-09T20:29:00.000-05:00

This was my list of "Must Have" today:

Hot Chocolate Mix (check!)
Cookie making stuff (check!)
Movies (check!)
Board Games (check!)
A few good magazines (check!)

All because we are getting some of this ........

Here's to digging out tomorrow!

Take Time to Create

2010-02-05T14:05:00.000-05:00

Take time to create. It's good for your soul! Write, paint, color, cook....whatever makes you happy. Everyone is different and everyone has different ways to express themselves. Find your path and go!

Happy Weekend!

The Love Seat Update Continues

2010-02-03T13:42:00.001-05:00

I wanted to reupholster the love seat as cheaply nicely as possible on a little budget. I had read how other creative bloggers used drop cloths to cover furniture and thought why not!

I purchased one super big one (forgot what size, still new at this blogging stuff) and away I went. I used a staple gun,3,000,000 heavy duty staples (just kidding), a hammer and scissors to cover the base. Next time I would use a power stapler, my hand hurt for days!

To cover the cushions I used the old fabric as a template and a smaller drop cloth. I cut and sewed the new fabric together and inserted the old foam cushion. The drop cloth fabric is not the best but it is great for first timers like me, no guilt if I REALLY mess up! So far so good, come back and see the finished project!

1994 called and it wants the sofa back!

2010-02-03T13:23:00.000-05:00

Here it is in all it's hunter green plaid glory! Don't get me wrong I loved this when we first got married, but almost 16 years later my love has changed. The love seat is still in great shape but it is now a little dated, hence the need to reupholster!

Out came the pliers, hammer, utility knife and my big muscles (hee-hee)! I tore the skirting off and the cushions apart. No turning back!

Come back tomorrow and see the work in progress!

Farewell January

2010-02-01T12:13:00.000-05:00

Dear January,

You were cold, grey and long. You did gave me time to reflect and focus on what is important. I know that you mark the beginning of a new year, a fresh start and I am thankful for that. It is time to say goodbye, for now and turn my attention to February and all that it will bring.

Until next year.......

The Sun Came Out....

2010-01-21T14:43:00.000-05:00

The sun came out today...it had been hiding way too long. The sunshine makes everything a little better!

IKEA Dreaming

2010-01-20T09:42:00.000-05:00

Ms. M, Ms. K and I spent a few hours at IKEA dreaming of possibilities. Of course while we were there we dined in the Cafe and chatted and enjoyed. We don't get "girl" time too often. They are growing into beautiful, smart and funny young women. Time goes too fast!

Change of Plans

2010-01-19T12:06:00.000-05:00

Change of plans this long weekend. We started out with a list of all we wanted to do as a family. Relaxing, movies, shopping and family game night were all on the list. Then Mr. R came down with a fever Saturday night and thus the change of plans. Divide and conquer was the motto! The girls and I had some time to ourselves at IKEA (Post will be coming, yea!) while the hubster and Mr.R relaxed. We had movie night together and the girls spent some time with the hubster at the bookstore on Monday. I did get a game of Othello in with Mr. R and we had a blast. This may not have been the "family" time we had planned but it was time well spent.

Grab a Pillow

2010-01-15T14:33:00.000-05:00

Hoping for a relaxing LONG winter weekend with the kids and hubster. Lots of board games, silliness, movies, popcorn and hot chocolate! Grab a pillow and enjoy! Have a great weekend!

Stitch in Time

2010-01-14T09:29:00.000-05:00

Christmas pajamas, Halloween costumes, curtains, slipcovers, doll clothes.....and so on, all created on this sewing machine. It was a workhorse! It belonged to my Mom and now it is mine (you can still see the thread from her last project!) to love. My Mom bought this Singer and the table from a school that was updating their home economics sewing room (remember home economics?) back in the early 1970's. A new belt, a little oil and away she stitched! Nothing fazed her, no challenge to big! My best friend Coleen still remembers watching her reupholster an old sofa (again) in the mid 1980's. As Mom would have said "has good bones, just needs a little love". She was amazing! So I am now going to give "a little love" to this old Singer and sewing table and use the skills my Mom taught me. I promise to make her proud! Check back on the finished project.......

Suitcase of Memories

2010-01-12T10:39:00.000-05:00

Another cold day here in New England. At least the sun is shinning...on the snow that will never melt! Today I thought I would share a creative way to display family photos. This small suitcase was purchased at The Christmas Tree Shop, a chain of home decor stores that started on Cape Cod. It sat on my bookshelf, closed, for a long time. Then inspiration hit! Popped it open and placed a few cherished family photos inside! My favorite is the one of my grandfather as a boy in his wool swimsuit!

A new adventure

2010-01-11T14:52:00.000-05:00

As 2010 began I made myself a promise to step out of my comfort zone and try new things...and stick to them! My first step, create a creative blog! My goal is to share stories & creative projects with family and friends.....and hope to make some new ones along the way!