Fun at the Beach

Like any little boys, my three love playing in sand. And water. So when we visited my Mom who lives in Ventura two weeks ago, we knew we would be spending some time at the beach!

It was a perfect day--in the 70s, like usual in Ventura (lucky people!)--with just enough breeze to keep things from getting too hot or sticky.

We all had so much fun! There wasn't much time to relax and read a magazine while watching three little boys, but other than getting sand in everything (even the sandwiches), it was a perfect day.

Jonathan liked to play at the edge of the water, finding seaweed, running from waves and digging in the wet sand.

Josiah stayed close to our stuff--hence the sandy sandwiches, but I was glad I wasn't having to chase him down! He loved feeling the sand and though I tried to keep a binky in his mouth, some sand got eaten. Ew!

Jared preferred the dry sand and developed a healthy fear of seagulls when one snatched his sandwich resting only a couple feet from where Jared was eating!

Jonathan was especially interested in making a sand castle and did a lot of experimenting on the right consistency of sand. Or, rather, the right ratio of sand and water.

My family moved to Ventura when I was 10 and I have so many memories of playing at this beach! On one hand I feel as though it wasn't that long ago, then I realize it was 20 years and now I'm the mom with little ones at the beach. Weird! But fun too. Full circle. 

After showers and some rest time at Mom's house we got to meet my brother for supper! He was in town on business and only had a couple hours, but it was so good to see him! Luke is going to be a daddy any day now and I'm so so excited for him! (Missed you, Lisa!!!)

Have you had a perfect day at the beach recently?

Inspiration Files: Corner Photo Displays

Gallery walls are a huge hit right now. Besides the necessary 500 nail holes or a degree in Mathematics, I love them! My favorites are the ones that look like they've evolved over time, as though you get back from vacation, print your favorite shots and add them to the wall!

Wouldn't it be a great use of space to wrap a gallery wall around a corner? Here are some ideas:

Source: mrkate.com via Georgiana Sharp on Pinterest

Source: thecreativeimperative.blogspot.com via Ellen on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: conspicuousstyle.com via Bobbi on Pinterest

Source: shabbynest.blogspot.com via Lori on Pinterest

Source: stardust-decorstyle.blogspot.ca via Kelly on Pinterest

Either an inside or an outside corner, both look great! I think the outside corner is a little more of an eye-catcher. Fun ideas!

What has inspired you lately?

Barn Spotting: Western Nebraska

I'm not even sure this is a barn, but we can call it that, mmmmkay? 

It was a point of interest in a place where there isn't much for the eye to rest on.

Unless the train is chugging by.

You can read about this day of our cross-country trip this July HERE.

Making Parfaits

My little boys like treats, naturally. We spent last week with my Mom and one of the places we went was McDonalds for a parfait. As parfaits are on the dollar menu, they're pretty cheap--even a dipped cone is $1.49. I didn't figure out what the price of these DIY parfaits would cost, but I'm sure it's just pennies. You probably have everything on hand already! What are you waiting for?

Here's what you'll need:

And here's what you do:

 1. Add a dollop of vanilla yogurt to a pretty cup.

2. Toss in a few berries--we used blackberries picked on campus.

3. Add another dollop or two of yogurt.

4. Sprinkle some granola on top.

So easy! I made this pint sized one for Josiah (15 months) and me to share. For my boys I used the tiny 4 oz size and they were thrilled. 

Enjoy!

Barn Spotting: Rock Port, MO

This property is north of St. Joe, MO, near Rock Port on Hwy 29. You can read more about that day of our cross-country drive in July HERE.

Inspiration Files: A Small, Organized Home

It's been a long time since I've shared some inspiration with you! I just love this home! If you do too, please visit the original story to see more and to pin the images. Thanks!

I originally came across this 600 square foot home tour through Pinterest, of course, which took me to Better Homes & Gardens. It was the kitchen, naturally, that really caught my eye! I love the beadboard, wood counters, oil-rubbed bronze stools and bin pulls.

It has great organizational techniques too! I want a pantry like this to hide a microwave and toaster, and fun bins for staples!

This tiny table with a couple more stools that match the ones at the counter is a great space for eating a meal, blogging or paying bills. I love the basket organizer, the beadboard (again) and that table!

The living room is bright and cheery and cozy. I'm still not a fan of white slipcovered furniture--am I the only one? I think this space would look as nice with a leather couch, and I would put a refinished dresser under the TV, but I love the blue and green color scheme, as well as the stripes! BHG.com tells us the couch is a sleeper sofa and the built-in is a trundle bed, so this space doubles as a guest room!

There is great storage throughout this small home, like this office space here as well as built-ins in the small hallway.

I'm in love with the pebble floor in this bathroom! The vanity with the shelf and baskets is right up my alley as well.

Here's a peek at a bedroom with a built-in bed and drawers below to act as a dresser. 

Here are those hallway built-ins! You could store anything here, from books and magazines to extra dishes as it's right by the kitchen. Make it pretty with some baskets and picture frames and no one will know how hard this space works for you.

To see more, please visit "One Story Storage" at BHG.com. I'd also appreciate it if you pin these images from BHG, not from here. Thanks!

So who wants a small home? I do! Especially one organized and styled like this! I'd have to have a huge yard though, with my three littles underfoot.

Are you inspired?

Barn Spotting: St. Joe, MO

This barn didn't make it into the post, but you can read more about this day of our cross-country trip in July HERE.