OK, I  am not advocating kids climbing on the roof but I am in LOVE with this wonderful Dutch company! So many clever things made out of my favorite thing—cardboard!

The Totem city is my favorite; 130 cardboard pieces to make your own creations. It’s sure to inspire your little ones and grown-ups too!

Check out the whole website here.  They will ship to the USA so we can enjoy the fun!

This wonderful new Orbit Mobile is shown over a dining table? But why not a mod crib?! I love  finding baby finds in adult stores! And the price is right -$39.95

In my backyard I have a very deep flower bed with absolutely nothing growing!  The bonus is it has been a great digging space for my four year old. He can dig and dig and dig  and I don’t care if it’s not a beautiful thing. Well  truthfully it’s a really unattractive thing! But I have been hesistant to plant for two reasons! One is I really know zilch about gardening and two is I figured betweeen my son and my twenty month old twins someone would pull all the loveliness out!

But then I stumbled upon this blog  and my son and I were instantly inspired! Now we are working on it together. Of course his first  thought was that  fairy gardens are for girls so we are going to call it an Elf Garden! We are  starting small and collecting rocks.  And I encouring him to bring back other  found objects from our journeys.

I am also encouring himto  paint the rocks, or make totem poles, or anything he dreams up. He’s also so excited to see what the elf brings him during the night.

The best part is I think it’s going to be even more magical than anything I could dream up on my own. But this elf better start reading up on gardening and would  love any suggestions for flowering plants.

Looking forward to sharing the progress with you!

Lately, it seems like I am living in a circus and I am the juggler.  I have been trying to keep all the balls in the air but a few  have dropped. So I know you been wondering where I have been; right?!

Well here’s a little glimpse into my life aside from the decorating world:

1. I am on damage control; my beautiful once calm twin girls who would play by my side while I wrote are now climbing on tables and exercising their voices (loudly).

2. I am obsessively collecting ride-on toys; so that my son and his  44 friends can  parade to the park. It does sound fun so it ’s not really hard to play along.  With a couple rules of course: They must come from yard sales, and they can’t cost more than $3.00 per little tykes car.

3. I have been doing mounds and mounds of laundry. This hot weather means the blow-up pool is out! And along with that comes multiple changes of clothes and towels. And they only seem to actually stay in the pool for a minute!

4.  I am trying to enjoy some quality time with my husband.  We did actually make it to the movies for his birthday.

5.  And trying to keep up with the necessary maintenace of an old house. My son (the builder) actually gave me a list of all the repairs that had to be done TODAY. Of course, not humanely possible unless you are a 4 year old boy in perpetual motion.

I will be back later this week, with design insight. Just getting the balls in a basket!  Oh and by the way, don’t you love this print from Etsy!

A fish out of water? It may be a good thing if  there is a school of them! Do you have a little tadpole that would love to live in fish adorned room. Here’s a round-up of the best of  the aquatic animals gone sea-side:

1. Fabric by Lulu DK – This  fabric’s bold pattern and strong color is sophisticated enough for the modern parent, and whimsical enough for any child to enjoy.

2. Table lamp by Jonathon Adler- Adler always does well adding his hipness to animals. The  height of the ceramic lamp is perfect for your nightstand.

3. Clock by George Nelson -Nelson designed lots of clocks but this one makes you smile. Painted as if the fish is still in the water.

4. Wall decals – I love these cheery fish!

5. Mobile by Flensted. It’s simple but sure to keep a little one content.

I am often asked, ” what’s your personal style?”  And I often fumble at the answer. It’s not easy to define in a few words and I can be a bit of chameleon. Though in very general words I like understated spaces; historical details and places that have  invoke memories.

Since we are approaching summer, I thought I would  illustrate my ideal  in terms of beach houses. The movie set for “Something’s Gotta Give” is absolutely  beautiful! I could very very happily live there (of course with a few minor adjustments)

The house seems perfectly cozy; and one could easily snuggle up with a good beach read. The kitchen is great for cooking with friends. It’s elegant without any fussy window treatments,  fancy fabrics or tons of special finishes.

The  best part about a dream  beach house is I can envision happy kids climbing  into bed exhausted from a day of sun and fun. Is there another movie you’ve seen lately that makes you say ” I want to live there?

Remember I told you about those sweet twin girls that are moving to their new nest.  Well we moved on from decorating their bedroom, and on to their bathroom.

Their bathroom is a classic 20’s black and white bathroom. So what do you do when it looks a little shop worn? (and you don’t have the budget for a gut remodel) I say embrace it! With a fresh coat of paint and the right accessories. This timeless bathroom will shine again!

Here’s a couple additions to make it spark:

1. A fun  black and white polka dot shower curtain.

2. Classic black and white silhouettes of the twins to  add a special personal touch.

3. Modern white lacquered bath accessories to bring it into the 21st century.

4.  And add some beautiful towels with a pretty ruffle; because I know they are girly girls!

A coat of glossy white paint and this bathroom will still be a classic for at least 20 more years.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Mom’s around the world! I hope it’s a wonderful day full of much happiness.

Print from Orange Twist. ( I love the use of typography!)

Birthday month is almost officially over (and no I haven’t celebrated the whole month; it’s been back to the work!) But with all the talk of my birthday, going to multiple children’s parties and just a general love for celebrations one can’t help but be a little obsessed!

So it’s not me who is obsessed; it’s my son! He’s already planning his next party which is just a mere 5 months away! Possible contenders are a race car party; rocket ship party or another building party. All involving  me making something out of cardboard

But with 5 months to go; I bet a little someone may change his mind days before the big day! But thank god for the 21st century and Etsy ! Within 48 hours you can have printable decorations delivered right to your computer.  Here are some of my faves:

1. Paper Glitter– Print, Cut and Play your way to a beautiful Japanese party.

2. Oh my Gluestick —  Print your own birthday banner; inquire about custom colors too!

3. Tracy Ann Printables — Print your own   cupcake toppers for your animal lover.

4. Dimple Prints–  Print decorations  for a circus party.

5. Design dreams — Print hats for a silly Yo Yo Gabba Party

6. Parties by Hardy– Print icons for a  Robot party.

All you need is about 24 hours, less than $18.00, cardstock, scissors, maybe a paper punch and you can have a fab party!

Mother’s Day is just one week away! Are you dropping hints?  I  know lots of us moms dream of spa days or  a nice dinner out. And I know lots of us moms who have a  gift certificates somewhere in that drawer for that spa day that never seems to happen. And I know even  more moms who have too much on their mind to actually enjoy the spa day if it happens!

Are these the  things on your mind?

• The books that never got of the box from when you moved 3 years ago.
• The photos that  are sitting in boxes ( or on your hard-drive) waiting for organization.
• The clothes in the closet that need are never worn either because they are out of style or you can no longer find that perfect accessory that tied the whole outfit together.

So here are  some ideas that could put order in your life, cleanse your mind and make it so you can actually enjoy that spa day! All of these wonderful companies can provide gift-certificates for their services:

1. Organizing by Susan - A home organization service. Susan’s  compassionate and non-judgemental approach can help you sort your drawers and closets. And soon you will have all that unnecessary clutter out of your life. She will even help get those items to the thrift shop, or that valuable object up on Ebay.  Susan can be contacted via email: sgottridge@hotmail.com

2. photojeanie – A photo archiving service that creates personalized scrapbooks, photo album libraries and accessible storage systems.  Jeanie will sort, organize and edit what should be in a frame, an album or a photo box – so you don’t have to.  Her work has been featured in Town & Country, Town & Country Travel and HGTV. Jeanie can be contacted via email: jeanie@photojeanie.com

3. CLB Associates- A  fashion consulting service. Connie will help you go through your closets and purge the unflattering and out-of style clothes. She will organize it so you can get dressed quickly in the morning! And if your missing that perfect item to round out your wardrobe she will take you shopping! Connie can be contacted via email: conbresco@aol.com

Andof course if your home needs a spring freshening CohabiTOT’s services are always a good gift!  Wishing you all a peaceful, happy Mother’s Day!

photo: design sponge