grown-up art

I recently completed this contemporary painting for my brother.

I must say, it was fun dabbling in a more 'grown-up' piece of artwork, since most of my paintings these days are for nurseries and children's rooms.

Inspiration for this piece came from the general color palette of his living room.

• chocolate brown sofa 
• neutral walls
• graphic patterned throw pillows of crimson red, chocolate brown, earthy green, and cappuccino.

With whimsy~

Frozen Banana Pops

The Summer Fun Jar:  LET'S EAT

The recipe chosen at random: FROZEN BANANA POPS

1. Cut the banana in half,  insert Popsicle/lollipop stick.

2. Peel the bananas and then Freeze.

3. Dip the frozen banana in melted chocolate and roll in toppings of choice.

4. There you have it!

5. MmMmMmMm...

These banana pops save well in the freezer for a few days.

C loves these fun (somewhat healthy) summer treats.

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 11

image from here

with whimsy~

Fresh Flowers

Fresh Flowers (set of 2)

Size: 12x12

Material: Acrylic on Canvas

Inspired by:

Potery Barn Kids Harper and Fresh Floral Nursery Bedding

image from here

With whimsy~

Mama Like: Circle Dot Backpack/Lunchbox

And the school shopping has begun....

One of our first purchases:

Gymboree's Circle Dot Backpack and Lunchbox

I chose this backpack/lunchbox duo for the Cutie Patootie for a few different reasons.

• material is thick and sturdy
• great price 
• multiple pockets for easy organizing
• lunchbox clips onto the front of the back pack.  
• size is large enough (but not too large) to hold the necessities of Kindergarten as well as the first few years of elementary.
• fun and colorful 

I am still having a hard time grasping that C will be starting Kinder in the Fall...it's all so new, a little scary, but super exciting!

Next up..... shoe shopping. :)

With whimsy~

Marshmallows & Toothpicks

One of the Cutie Patootie's favorite treats are mini marshmallows.

Here is a look at our crafty afternoon building with the little loves and toothpicks.

1. Grab your materials.

2. ...and build.....

3....and nibble...

4. ....and stack....

5..... and build some more...

C literally spent 2 hours doing this while M napped.  Hip Hip Hooray!

With whimsy~

Look For Less: Zebra Rug

The Look:  Jonathan Adler's Faux Zebra Rug
Price:  $ 995
Pro:  Animal friendly, available in a wide variety of colors.
Con: High Price

image from here

other colors:

image from here

For Less:  Ballard Design
Price $199
Pro: Low Price, animal friendly
Con: Only available in black and white

image from here

Even Less:
Feeling crafty?  Here is an easy DIY project that can create a designer look for pennies.

Click HERE for an easy step by step tutorial.

image from here

Inspiration:

image from here

image from here

image from here

with whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 10

image from here

With whimsy~

choo choo trains

Painting:  Choo Choo Trains (set of 3)

Size: Choose from 8x10, 11x14, or 16x20

Inspiration:

Pottery Barn Kids Ryder Nursery Bedding

Pottery Barn Kids Ryder Train Quilted Bedding

Other great coordinating bedding options:

Pottery Barn Kids Madras nursery bedding

Land of Nod; Little Crib Bedding That Could

Olive Kids Bedding; Trains, Planes, & Trucks

With whimsy~

fresh squeezed lemonade

Summer Fun Jar:  LET'S EAT

Recipe Chosen at random:  FRESH SQUEEZED LEMONADE

There is something so sweet about enjoying the simpler things in life.  How easy it is to forget that we don't always need all of the bells and whistles pushed upon us.  

This past weekend we made a pitcher of delicious fresh squeezed lemonade.

The kids LOVED it, and with only 3 ingredients... who could resist?

Click HERE for the recipe.

Here's a look:

1. Grab your ingredients:  Lemons, sugar, water,  mint (optional)

2. Set up (super cute toddler... optional. )

3. .....and SQUEEZE....

4. Start-a-mixing.   (Purse on arm is a must....)

**at this step we actually tweaked Paula Dean's recipe a bit.... while dissolving the sugar in the hot water we actually muddled mint in with it....(similar to mojito style). Make sure to reserve some mint for the garnish at the end.  You know... to keep things pretty.  ;)

5.  Ooh La La

6. MmMmMmMm...

What a perfectly simple afternoon.  :)

With whimsy~

trendy trellis

The trellis pattern is a major trend these days.   

What is the trellis pattern?

• It is a pattern that is inspired by latticework, especially one used as a support for vines or other creeping plants.  
• A transitional pattern that works well in contemporary or traditional design.
• It comes in a wide variety of forms.

Any way you slice it, I love it!

It is a great way to add a graphic pop to any room. 

Inspiration:

Wall Stenciling:

image from here

image from here

image from here

image from here

image from here

Drapery Panels & Rug:

image from here

Draperies:

image from here

image from here

Crib bedding:

image from here

Swivel Rocker by SPI Baby:

image from here

Lighting:

image from here

Love the pattern but don't want to commit to an entire wall of it?

Check out this trellis inspired crib sheet from Serena and Lily.  When it comes to trends a little dab will do ya.

 

image from here

With whimsy~

Non-Staining Glass

The Cutie Patootie and Mr. M recently added a pop of color to our living room with a Non-Stained Glass back door.

Here's how:

Materials needed:  

• plastic wrap
• painter's tape
• tissue paper
• scissors
• glue stick.

Directions:

1. Cover glass door or window with plastic wrap.  
2. Hold in place with painters tape.  
3. Cut tissue paper into small pieces.  
4. Glue tissue pieces on to plastic wrap.

**Tip**
We found that it was much easier to smear the glue stick all over a small area then place several pieces on the door instead of gluing one piece at a time.  This was a huge time saver and easier for little hands.

Admiring her masterpiece.  :)

This craft was super easy and fun for the kids to do!

When you are done showcasing it just peel the tape and plastic wrap away and toss.  LOVE easy clean-up!!!

with whimsy~