A Doll's House {the beginning}

I'm a doll girl...well woman, now.  Some people get freaked out by dolls...and while I can attest to the fact that some pretty scary dolls are out there, I generally love them.

I always, always wanted a doll house when I was a little girl.  And I got one.  I had a Heart Family doll house.  Do you remember the Heart Family?  There was a mom and a dad and twin babies....such an 80's toy.  But, what I really, really wanted was a "real" doll's house.  The 2 or 3 story wooden miniature dolls house that generally cost a fortune even when you buy them as a kit you put together yourself.  And that champagne dream just wasn't going to happen on our family budget.

Now, I fully plan on springing for a fancy schmancy miniature doll house kit one day to put together with Poppy, if she is at all interested in doing something like that.  And if she isn't, then I will buy one for myself someday.  But in the meantime, I found this doll's cottage at a Goodwill in Waco a couple of months back and could. not. pass. her. up.

 I have drooled over a few dollhouses lately, and thought excitedly of doing something similar for my little ones.  I love the Haute Dollhouse, and the mousehouse Doll's House it inspired.  And I also like the version they created over at Young House Love last year.  So when I saw this little nugget I knew I could "save" it {which is what I imagine I'm doing when I go thrifiting...saving little treasures from the dump hahaha!} and make it a beloved toy once again.

I originally planned on fixing it up and putting it on display in Poppy's nursery, but then the Kiddo discovered it and would hide it in various corners of the house, playing with imaginary people who live in the tiny house.  I love his creativity and I love listening to the very detailed stories and play-schemes he comes up with.  So this doll's cottage will be for him.

All for $2.99!  Yes, it was in incredibly rough condition.  Very, very, very dirty.  I had a moment where I realized I should probably put it back for that reason alone.  But I was sure some Mrs. Meyer's spray and elbow grease would cut through most of the grime.  And it did!  The Hubster gave it a once over with some leftover spray lacquer from our chairs yesterday, and now we have this.

It probably needs one more light coat, but I cannot wait to get started decorating this bad boy!

I'll keep y'all posted as it all comes together.  :)

To-Do List for My Casa

I don't know about you, but I love checking out the List McListerson's over at Young House Love.  It's fun to take a peek at someone else's wish list for their house and then watch them check off projects as their completed.  Maybe it's because I so throughly enjoy making lists and crossing them off.  ;)

Anyway, I thought I'd make my own little dream to-do list for our house.  I kind of like the idea of making the list and completing things little by little.  And, by sharing it with you, I will feel held accountable to at least making some sort of progress.  ;)  Here goes...

Master Bedroom

-fix nick in hardwood floor

- new floor length mirror {wall mounted}

-new or revamped lamps

-reupholster chair???

Master Bathroom

-repaint shower/toilet closet

-remove caulking and re-caulk with clear silicone caulking

-clean out and organize drawer and shelves

-new towels

-jute rug runner???

Breakfast Nook

-remove old caulking and re-caulk along baseboards

-repaint baseboards

-new pantry door???

Kitchen

-remove old caulking and re-caulk baseboards

-repaint trim

-repaint cabinetry

-new double oven w/ self-cleaning function???

Laundry Room

-clean out and re-organize shelves

-move cleaning supplies to shelves {out of kids reach}

-install countertop over washer and dryer????

Dining Room/Studio

-organize shelves

-paint curio cabinet

-sew sewing machine cover

-new desk chair

-new rug

-paint china cabinet????

-find vintage settee for window???

Living Room

-reupholster chair in hot pink!

-lamps for top of piano??

Guest/Kids Bath

-paint lighter color

-make a new shower curtain

-install new shower curtain at ceiling height

-new lower sink??? double???????

My Picks for Summer Reading

For me, summertime evokes memories of endless days spent on the beach or lake, stretched out in the warmth of the sun, and enjoying a good book.  You won't catch me taking in much sun these days, but I still enjoy my love of reading.

I've learned to be sneaky about it.  As a mom of two tinies, I don't often get uninterrupted lengths of time to devour books.  But I've become adept at sneaking a few minutes here or there {in lieu of Facebook or *gasp* blog-reading} and have surprised myself at how much reading I've accomplished since my little Poppy-seed was born. And as to the sheer volume of books listed below...no, I have not won the lottery. Let's just say my library card and I are BFFs again.

So without further ado...heere are some of my picks for summer reading...


Parenting Books

Cookbooks

Design Books

Books on How We Eat

Books that Inspire

Entrepreneurial Inspiration

Ficiton







Children's Picture Books

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3 Months Already!

3 months old...13 lbs, 15 oz...not so teeny tiny anymore!

John Lennon could have written the song for her...just needs a name-change...

diamonds are her birthstone after all. ;)

"Picture yourself in a boat on a river

With tangerine trees and marmalade skies

Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly

A girl with kaleidoscope eyes"

"Cellophane flowers of yellow and green

Towering over your head

Look for the girl with the sun in her eyes

And she's gone"

"Lucy in the sky with diamonds

Lucy in the sky with diamonds

Lucy in the sky with diamonds, ah"

"Follow her down to a bridge by a fountain

Where rocking horse people eat marshmallow pies

Everyone smiles as you drift past the flowers

That grow so incredibly high"

"Newspaper taxis appear on the shore

Waiting to take you away

Climb in the back with your head in the clouds

And you're gone

Lucy in the sky with diamonds,

Lucy in the sky with diamonds,

Lucy in the sky with diamonds, ah"

"Picture yourself in a train in a station

With plasticine porters with looking glass ties

Suddenly someone is there at the turnstile

The girl with kaleidoscope eyes

Lucy in the sky with diamonds,

Lucy in the sky with diamonds,

Lucy in the sky with diamonds, ah."

Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds - The Beatles

It's Here! | Tids & Bits {Collection} Launch

Happy Independence Day everyone!  The collection is live on Etsy!  And as my "thank you" for your support I'm offering a Grand Opening coupon code for 10% off any purchase.  Happy browsing and may you and your family have a wonderful 4th of July!  :)

{COLLECTION} Arrives Tomorrow!

Two More Days!

I can't believe it's so close!  Here is a little preview of what's coming in just two short days.  I hope you are as excited as I am! xo