Could You Live Aboard?

I have a strange fascination with the idea of living on board a boat. I say "the idea" because I also have a sneaking suspicion that the idea is a lot more fun and interesting than the reality could ever possibly be!

I think about how much I would need to pare down my belongings to be able to live on a boat. On some level, that appeals to me, along the lines of the "simplify your life" advice that I keep hearing.


Can you picture yourself preparing a meal in this little floating kitchen?













Or heading off to bed down this "hallway" to a tiny bunkroom?
















This seems to be a more deluxe version of the "live-aboard" bedroom. Not too shabby!








How about entertaining in this family room? There's a sturdy place for the wine and hors d'oeuvres! What else do you need?







And who wouldn't love to wake up to this view every morning?









Maybe someday I will get the chance to try the live-aboard lifestyle! Thinking about it makes me look around and contemplate what I would keep if I were planning such a move in the near future. If nothing else, this exercise might be a great way to kick start my spring de-cluttering!

He Loves Color!

I believe that all children are born artists!

I have never met a child that did not love to draw, color, paint and make things!

Children seem to have endless creative energy that can be seen in the games they play, the songs they sing and the stories they tell. I love to watch the face of a child as he creates his own version of a masterpiece! We may not even be able to identify the subject, but you can tell by the way his face shines when he looks at it, that he sees the perfect image in his mind's eye and he is pleased with his accomplishment!


Parents and caregivers can help to nurture and encourage this natural creativity and keep the artistic spark alive in every child!

Faith and The Artist!

I've been reading "Walking on Water; Reflections on Art and Faith" by Madeleine L'Engle. It is described as a collection of the author's meditations on the nature of art and its relation to faith.

L'Engle feels that talking about her art and talking about her Christian faith are one and the same.

"It means attempting to share the meaning of my life, what gives it, for me, its tragedy and its glory. It is what makes me respond to the death of an apple tree, the birth of a puppy, northern lights shaking the sky, by writing stories."

This is a remarkable and thought-provoking book that is best read a little at a time and reflected upon before moving on. It is an inspirational look at the creative process and how the artist's spiritual self shines through his or her creations!

This is a book I will be reading again!

Tuesday Trends: Butterflies!

Every season seems to have its favorite creatures. This spring, butterflies are making a big splash of color everywhere! Here are some butterfly themed items from Etsy artisans!

Black Butterfly Scarf by http://www.modsilk.etsy.com/

Butterfly Pendant by http://www.naturalatheart.etsy.com/

Butterfly Jewel in the Poppies Shirt by http://www.ahpeele.etsy.com/

Jamie Floral Headpiece by http://www.ambergypsie.etsy.com/

Butterfly by http://www.walltherapy.etsy.com/



Visit these Etsy shops for this year's beautiful butterflies!

Centerpiece Ideas for a DIY Wedding!

There seem to be so many weddings taking place around me this season! In looking around for some inexpensive alternatives for table centerpieces for the reception venues, I have seen some really lovely and simple displays that could be DIY projects.




This is so cute for a beach themed wedding! I think I would go for a larger fishbowl for greater effect, but the idea is a good one!








Floating candles among rose petals makes an easy but pretty, glowing centerpiece!









While I'm not usually a fan of submerging flowers and calling it a day, these blooms are so vibrant and colorful in this vase! I could see these at a morning or afternoon reception.








There's not much that's prettier than fully bloomed roses. These are cut short and placed in water with clear glass pebbles. Surrounded by the square votives, they make a dramatic focal point!

Have a Happy One!

Happy Mothers Day!

Color Me Happy!

It's well known that color affects our moods. It can have a strong influence on how we feel, both mentally and physically. If you're redecorating or simply freshening up your decor with some new accessories or a complete paint job, keep in mind how certain colors can affect you and your well-being!




If you're looking for peace and tranquility, blue may be the color you need in your home. The soothing shades of sky and water represent harmony, unity and security. It has been shown to slow the pulse rate and lower body temperature.


Green is named as a favorite color by many people. It represents nature,
health, renewal, youth and fertility. It's calming and is considered by
many to have a healing quality.











Yellow is a joyous color and represents happiness, optimism and
imagination. The color of sunshine, it can add a bright note of hope and
inspiration to your home!










Brown is warm and earthy. The color of wood, stone and earth, it is neutral and can be used with lots of other colors. Found so frequently in nature, brown represents stability and simplicity.









Red is an energetic color! It increases the heart rate and raises blood pressure. While it may not be a great choice for wall color, red accessories can add a pop of interesting color to a room! It creates a strong first impression, so don't shy away from red!









(If this red room looks familiar, you are probably a Real Housewives of NYC fan. It's the recent redo of Alex and Simon's living room!)

A Mother's Day Reminder!

Don't forget Mom this Sunday! Here are some of my favorites from Etsy artisans that I think any Mom would love!







Big Love Sea Glass Locket
http://www.seafinddesigns.etsy.com/







Home Is Where My Mom Is
http://www.mudhutt.etsy.com/









Love Clutch
http://www.ikestaedt.etsy.com/

Mermaid Mother Print

http://www.joojoo.etsy.com/

Let's Celebrate!

Happy Cinco De Mayo!












It's not actually Mexican Independence Day, but a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Americans have taken to celebrating this holiday, enjoying traditional Mexican foods and participating in parades and other activities on the Fifth of May!


I love Mexican food and this is just a great excuse to plan a fiesta, complete with chicken enchiladas, tacos, stuffed jalapenos, salsa, chips and guacamole! I like to use chipotle peppers in mole sauce in place of taco sauce. The spicier it is, the more I love it. But, to keep from going overboard with the heat, here is the Scoville Heat Chart, which shows the heat factor of various peppers. My family will thank me for not scorching their taste buds!

Never Stop Learning!

Some new things to learn, if you're like me and want to know how to do everything!

Make fake cupcakes! http://www.cakespy.com/2009/03/sweet-art-tutorial-on-how-to-make-fake.html
Keep a few on your desk! It's a great way to mess with all your co-workers who are trying to diet!

Make a brown sugar/coffee scrub! http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/brown_sugar_coffee_scrub
Exfoliation and a different kind of caffeine/sugar fix!

Make photo lanterns! http://decor8blog.com/2009/04/01/craft-tutorial-photo-lanterns/
Gorgeous on a summer night!

Make a coffee sack bulletin board! http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/02/26/turn-a-coffee-sack-into-a-graphic-bulletin-board/
I love the look of coffee sacks, the rough homespun texture and the simple graphics!

Fire Up The Grill for A Healthy Meal!

I'm not a vegetarian. But, I'm not a big fan of meat either. I can go long stretches without eating meat and never really miss it. My family, on the other hand, all pretty much expect to see some kind of meat on the menu for dinner every night. Although we do occasionally have a veggies-only dinner, firing up the grill always means it's time to cook meat, chicken or fish. I'm afraid there will be a mutiny if the smell of hickory smoke and charcoal fill the air and no meat appears on their plates when it is time to sit down!
But, look at all these beautiful choices for grilling this summer! It is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate!

The brilliant colors make it clear that there is a huge range of nutrients to be had in these grilled selections!

A little smokiness in tomatoes and asparagus just make them that much more flavorful!

Mushrooms such as portobellos can taste very similar to meat when cooked over hot coals with a little oil or marinade brushed on. Multi-colored peppers remain sweet and a little crisp when lightly grilled!

And now for dessert! These would certainly melt in your mouth for a healthy sweet treat!

I am going to try out an all-veggie and fruit grill night this summer and see what my family thinks. Maybe they will surprise me and love it! But, maybe I will have some burgers waiting in the wings just in case.

Photos by:

woodleywonderworks

mccun934

Tavallai