Hot Chocolate in July?

We’ve got some resourceful kids in the neighborhood. 60 degrees at best today, and a lemonade stand is quickly transformed into a hot chocolate stand. The drink was excellent, complete with marshmallows, whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Brilliant.

The Best Kind of Handmade

I went to Ikea yesterday because I had been told by a friend that their frames are the best for kids’ art. She wasn’t kidding. I’ve been meaning to frame these masterpieces by my son for awhile, and I think they look so good, I'm planning my kitchen redesign around them.

Summer Vacation

Okay, I'm going to admit it. I've been seriously neglecting my Etsy shop and my blog for the last month or so. Why? It's summer in Minnesota. And it's a glorious one. 70's-80's, sunny, low humidity. I can't get enough. And my kids can't either...parks, pools, soccer, golf, cabin trips and just hanging out in the neighborhood. Fortunately for all of us, our best friends are teacher families, so it's just one big party over here! (My husband might be a little jealous, though.)

I am so thankful I work from home so we can enjoy this precious time together. I sneak in work where I can, but overall, the kids run the day, and I've learned to just go with it. My youngest is starting school in the fall. There will be time to build my business then. Right now, I'm going to keep enjoying summer vacation!

Wordless Wednesday

Who’s Your Cheerleader?

For the past week, I've been working on a project to reuse some old children’s books that I’ve had for awhile. I was bound and determined to create a card series using the sweet illustrations from the books. I went around and around with the design, finally setting it aside without resolution on Friday last week.

Since I opened my card shop on Etsy, there have been many friends and family who have supported me. I thank them all greatly for endlessly listening to my ideas, giving me advice, spreading the word about my business, and for their very generous purchases. But I have one friend who has helped me so much, I jokingly refer to her as my “life coach.”

My friend, Liz, came over today. Not only did she revive my interest in the children’s book project, she and I collaborated to create the final product. This isn’t the first time she’s helped me. Every time I’ve been discouraged or frustrated with my business, it’s Liz who can pull me up from my bootstraps and tell me I CAN DO IT. She’s full of ideas and enthusiasm, and anytime I need a pep talk, she’s there. Thank you for being my constant cheerleader, Liz!


This is what we created today. The art is from a reused children’s book. I cut the matte from sturdy reused cardboard, then painted it with chalkboard paint I had leftover from another project. I love the worn, nostalgic look. It’s eco-friendly, editable and one-of-a-kind!

Stepping Out as a New Mrs.

To my Sinatra-singing, marathon-running, hard-working, hard-playing, humor-seeking, loving husband of 11 years, Happy Anniversary!

Wordless Wednesday - My Dad & Me