Teaching Kids about Service

One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.

-Albert Schweitzer

I love this clever list of "do good ideas" for parents & children alike. What a great way to teach children empathy in a real environment! Such a breath of fresh air. I hope I can be motivated enough to practice some of these with my own kiddos.

A few favorites:

1. Pick up litter in your neighborhood park or playground.

(I think I'd bring inexpensive latex gloves from the grocery store for my kids to wear)

2. Set up a lemonade stand to benefit our troops or a local hospital (really, any charity will do).

If I participated in the latter with my kids, I would involve them in dropping off the funds as well just to cement the whole experience into their little impressionable minds :) Perhaps a little tour of the facilities/grounds (if applicable) would be in order also.

Click here to read the original article in Parents magazine.

Choosing Paint Colors and Palettes

Almost two years ago an opportunity to have our entire home re-painted--at an extremely reduced rate-- presented itself (long story). We hopped on it because we knew it was a "now or never" type deal. However, in our haste we sort of chose random colors for each room and paid little attention to the overall palette. While I love the colors individually, I don't necessarily love them together.

Since we are re-finishing our basement now, the Husband and I decided to not make the same mistake this time. Our plan? Choose our entire palette from the beautifully-edited collection at Restoration Hardware. For whatever reason, all of the colors complement each other nicely and present a cohesive overall palette. For example, just look at the sample paint collection (see above picture) you can buy for a discounted price. The colors are all different but still manage to look natural as a grouping.

There are additional links elsewhere also providing help with putting colors together...

Click here to explore Martha Stewart's paint colors at Lowes. Once you click on the link, choose a color you love and then watch as two additional complementary colors are added to the palette. I love this!

Click here to view Martin Senour's Paint Palettes recommended by Old-House Interiors.

Note: If you love the colors but are concerned about paint quality, you can always ask your preferred paint store (we love Benjamin Moore) to match the RH colors.

Tres Chic at Old Navy

Leslie (a room somewhere) posted several looks from Old Navy's July preview and upon viewing, I seriously wondered if it was truly the same Old Navy we've known for years. I found it to be more edgy, more stylish, more dressy and not-so-standard. So refreshing. I haven't been this excited to shop Old Navy in years. With the 4 for 1 gig goin' on with Gap, Inc. sister-companies, this could become dangerous.

In the meantime, check out:

...this little sweater dress on sale. At that price point, I think I'll be picking it up for Fall a little early.

...machine-washable dress pants? Yes please. Oh, and they are wide-leg with a cuffed leg? Even better.

...and this cute swim suit for only $10. A classic style you could wear for years...if it lasts :)

Strawberry Picking at Day Farms

We stumbled upon this farm while taking a road detour and I was thrilled with the find. After living in Massachusetts where apple-picking farms abound, it was fun to discover a local farm that allowed us all to do some pickin' on our own. I've never visited a strawberry farm so this was fun for everyone, mom included. The 100 degree weather I could've lived without, but the thought of returning on a cooler day (75?) is tantalizing.

Along the way we discovered asparagus plants as well. I'd never seen one...have you? The asparagus literally grow straight out of the ground like a tall, thick blade of grass. It was quite the sight. The kids enjoyed learning a little more about where our food comes from and to be honest, I did too. I think we all have a little kid inside us despite our adult status :)

On the way home we passed a lemonade stand and had to stop and indulge. Ya gotta support the little people, right? Did I happen to mention it was 100 degrees? I really do love old-fashioned activities like operating one's own lemonade stand. I should do this with my kids. However, we might have to come up with a better location...

Sneak Peek: Seeing the Everyday

I haven't had a chance to read it cover to cover but at first glance, these are my initial impressions of the new Seeing the Everyday magazine:

* fabulous photography
* well-designed pages (pretty graphics, fonts, colors, etc.)
* focuses mainly on the beauty of everyday living
* no ads!

It appears to be the perfect publication for people who genuinely want to take time to cherish every moment of this beautiful life. I think I am going to really enjoy this subscription.

You can sign up here.

Did You Know...

...'that the African desert is the biggest desert in the world! It's as big as the whole United States!'

This is what my daughter expressed to me today after summer camp, with all the drama a 6-year-old can muster (and that's a lot these days). Confession: I actually thought it was an interesting tidbit of information :)

Here is the accompanying piece of art. You'll find a person on all fours, crawling in the desert (I'm sorry my scanner chopped off the back half--I couldn't eliminate the small water source on the other side!). The person is crawling towards the itsy bitsy water source on the opposite side of the drawing...that is if it can get past that menacing scorpion...and the lizard :)


I really got a kick out of this...can you tell?

Oatmeal Toffee Cookies

Sweet Danyelle did it again. In addition to all sorts of great parenting tips and advice, she surprised me with an unexpected package full of goodies to enjoy. It had been that kind of week and she knew I needed a jump start.

She knows of my penchant for treats and pretty packaging (I think I make that fairly obvious!) so she mailed some cute kraft brown treat bags, adorable scalloped stickers to match and some stylish fabric tacks for my future cork board. I decided the day called for...you guessed it...treats. Within 24 hours I'd used every bag and sticker she'd given me.

Don't you just love blog friends?

I made some Oatmeal Butterscotch Toffee cookies, per the Husband's request...

...and then packaged them in these beauties...

You can check out all Danyelle's fabulous goods in her Etsy shop here.

Thanks again Danyelle!

It Feels Like Summer...

...when I drink this.

It was late. I was at the grocery store. I was also extremely tired...and parched apparently. What to do? Grab a cool drink and drink it all within 27 seconds.

Two words. Yummy. Refreshing. Who would've thought that mango and lemons would compliment each other so nicely?

Check out the refrigerated section (near the produce) at your local grocery store for the entire Bolthouse Farm line. Locally, I found mine at Harmons.

Cooking Class 6.26.08

I'm excited (and admittedly a little nervous) for this week's cooking class. It's going to be so much fun acquainting some of you with several delicious recipes that I think you'll find perfect for summertime. I had a last-minute cancellation so if anyone is interested in filling the last spot, please email me {stephmodo@gmail.com}. You can read more details about the class here.

On the docket for this week's cooking class:

Pork Souvlaki Kebabs with Mushrooms, Lemon & Oregano
Greek Salad with Bulgarian Feta
Warm Pita Crisps
Summer Fruit
Bittersweet Molten Lava Cakes with Ice Cream

Can't wait!

* photo courtesy of Martha

Burger Fix

I generally eat healthy, but I've never been one to believe in extremes. Even I enjoy an occasional burger & fries fix :) And when I indulge, I want it be good...real good. That's why I'm thrilled to announce Five Guys Burgers & Fries' entrance into the Utah market.

My foodie friends in D.C. tell me the burgers are just as good as In n' Outs' burgers but that the fries are waaaaay better. And we all all know that a good burger must be accompanied by tasty fries for the experience to be worthwhile :) This picture says it all really. Yum.


You can find Five Guys Burgers & Fries over in the Fort Union area next to the Pei Wei. An additional location in Sugar House will be opening up in the next few months--great news for Salt Lakers not wanting to schlep down to Murray given the crazy jacked up gas prices.

Bon appetit~

Save the Date: Art Market Jewelry Show & Tea

I am always up for a "tea party" so I am pretty excited about this new appendage of the always fabulous Art Market. Lucky for me, my tea-lovin' sistah is heading into town next week so I have someone to sip herbal concoctions with for the afternoon. Perhaps a petit-four-eating contest is in order...

To make a reservation for the tea, email tranquiliteaparty@gmail.com (clever email address I might add!); or, you may call Christi Forsyth at 842.5558.

Saucy Servingware

Two things I love about these:

1. they are the perfect size for just a little bit of this or a little bit of that

2. price tag

I love the idea of guests not having to reach for a little sauce or extra garnish. It just makes dinnertime more simple. I'd pay $1 to enjoy that perk!

Starfall: An Extra Boost for Blossoming Readers

In our household, this is a much-loved website (thank you Abby for the tip!). So loved in fact that the Husband wrote to them and asked how he could contribute to their non-profit organization (p.s. they said to just buy books). The clever lessons and catchy tunes help little ones with their phonics tremendously. Even our little 3-year-old can read some small two and three letter words and he hasn't hit preschool yet. And it's all because of Starfall.com.


* My personal favorite is the zig-zag boy and girl. That song....

Budget Bedroom Makeover: the Reading Nook

I love reading the blog Sugar City Journal. I wish they could sew faster so I could look at more pretty things, more often :)

On a particular day, the art-history-major in me was incredibly inspired by a post about a van Gogh painting depicting pretty Japanese branches and a stunning orange stripe. Lynne translated the painting into an adorable dress. Immediately my mind began spinning. How could I incorporate this look into my own home? (a dress being totally out of the question given my complete lack of skill in this category) It didn't take long to figure out the perfect spot...


...my new oasis--part of the budget bedroom makeover I spoke of several months ago (these things take time). It's simple, small, but possesses all the necessary details of a proper reading nook.

1. a comfortable chair (perfect for slinging legs over)
2. inspiring art
3. ample light
4. a good-sized collection of reading material



Okay, so maybe it doesn't possess all the necessary details--I do realize now that I haven't procured a soft throw. Any suggestions?

My favorite part of this area is the pillow. Really. I asked Amy to sew a custom pillow cover out of the packaging from my bedding because I simply could not get over how cool it was. Why is everything from Anthropologie--from the store displays to the packaging--so unique, so special? Love it. Anyway, she created a cute little number from the sham envelope and added a few buttons for added visual interest. On its backside is the orange stripe a la van Gogh a la Sugar City Journal. I like that I can look at one side one day, and then switch it up another. Perhaps all pillows should have two personalities!


Sources:

Chair- IKEA "As Is" section (not sure just why)
Art- Ink Drawing by local artist Dan Richards
Frame- Sample frame at Reuels
Vintage Lamp- free at a church home decor swap; cha-ching
Stool- IKEA; painted a complimentary color by moi
Rug- a gift from my Dad and Aussi stepmom...straight from Australia
Pillow- sewn by the talented Ms. Redden

Menu of the Week

Corn Stuffed Poblano Chiles, Salad, Fruit

Easy Lettuce Wraps, steamed rice, pineapple

(Again, this is a Donna Hay recipe so it is difficult to find online)

Chicken with Mustard Cream on Watercress, steamed artichokes

Wild Mushroom Soup with Creamy Goat Cheese & Chives, multi-grain baci rolls

Tilapia with Citrus Fennel Relish, crusty bread, watercress salad, fruit

(the recipe called for Grouper or other firm white fish but I couldn't find either in my area so I opted for Tilapia)

Breakfast: Carrot Zucchini Yogurt Muffins (vs. cereal and toast the other days!)

A-B-C as easy as 1-2-3

Awhile back my mom gifted my children with this beautiful game. It is so pretty even you won't mind sitting down and playing with your kiddos. Since I struggle with this (sitting down and playing vs. getting something done), I am thrilled with the rediscovery.

The "Shapes" version also looks fantastic. You can view it here.

What are some games or activities you like to do with your children that you enjoy (at least a little!) as well? I really want to become better at doing this and would love some ideas...

Fresh Apricot Crisp

I clipped this recipe from Sunset last year, put it in my recipe binder, and then waited for apricot season to arrive again. While at Costco last week, I noticed a full try of apricots, perfectly ripened. I decided it was high time to make this seemingly delicious recipe.

It did not disappoint.

I used individual bakers, because they are honestly just fun to use, and served it with Ben & Jerrys Vanilla ice cream (voted #1 in last year's Real Simple taste test). YUM! The recipe calls for Blenheim apricots but those are not available in my area so I used conventional apricots. When the summer evenings become cool, it's nice to have a warm crisp with a cool scoop of ice cream. Happy Summer!

Good Old-Fashioned Entertainment

Lifehacker posted some fantastic ideas about entertaining your children sans commercial baby toys. It's pretty handy information, if you ask me, because kids seem to become so bored so quickly with their usual plastic {and wood} options. With the summer vacation upon us, a few new creative options are just what the doctor ordered to keep us all sane :)

For all the details and fun ideas, click here and then here and lastly, here. Cruising through all these links will only take a couple of minutes and will be well worth it!

We tried one of the tips this past week. It was (and still is) a hit~

Those large patio furniture boxes really come in handy...

Little Miss S inside the house while siblings
were elsewhere; I think she enjoyed the "space" :)

E. adorned the walls with pictures to make the box feel
more like home. The Husband and I got a real kick out of these!

Ahoy!

Paris Prep

While I accept the fact that this trip is not going to be a real sight-seeing trip, I do want to make sure I hit old favorites and check out a few new spots too. You know, an antique store off the beaten path, or a boutique with fantastic goods, or patisserie with to-die-for apricotines. I'd love to know what you consider "treasures" in Paris...that is, if you're willing to share :)

To prepare, we bought a few books for the family:


Thoughts? Tips? Pretty please?!

Constantly Hugged Goats

The always fabulous and witty Design Mom posted a hilarious clip this morning that had me in stitches. Given the early wake-up call today, I needed a little comic relief! Watching it was a good reminder that balance is a good thing.

Goldfish + Organic Milk = How I Like It

The Gourmet Mama...that's You!

As the song goes, "I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it". I'm going to do something I've wanted to do for some time--offer a cooking class!

I sense, from comments and emails, that many women want to make dinner more frequently for their families (and make it nice), but don't have a lot of time given the challenging role of motherhood. In addition, it's difficult to feel confident in one's cooking skills if one does not have a lot of experience or was never given culinary instruction. Confession: I used to be a lost soul in the kitchen. Truly lost. I could bake a few things but cooking a savory meal was out of my comfort zone...big time. Just ask the Husband. He has some good stories about my culinary woes :)

Tending to details for a Thanksgiving Dinner in our first tiny San Francisco
apartment for no less than 14 guests...with an 18-inch stove to boot!
Back in 2001 when I was pregnant with baby #1. Wow, time flies.

My point is, cooking and feeling comfortable in the kitchen is an acquired skill. While culinary school would undoubtedly be a wonderful experience, you don't have to attend the C.I.A. to create simple, delicious meals for you and your family every day. Anyone can cook well with a few things:

1. desire
2. effort
3. love for good food
4. family support (as in "appreciation"!)


I'll teach you tips for better presentation, how to plan meals, where to shop for certain ingredients, etc. I'll also share "make-ahead" tips and my favorite recipes--all tried and true.
The cost of the class ($30) includes the cost of food (we'll eat what we make!), instruction, and color hand-outs (for those recipe binders!). This is going to be a casual class and more like a "Girls Night In/Out". My hope is to help more women realize their inner "gourmet mama" and learn the skill of creating simple, beautiful, delicious meals. I plan on limiting the class sizes to 4 people to ensure the best experience possible.

{Details}:

The Gourmet Mama: Dinner
Thursday, June 26
7 to 9 p.m.
$30

The Gourmet Mama: Brunch
Saturday, July 19
10 a.m. until noon.
$30

Please email me (stephmodo@gmail.com) if you are interested in signing up!

Mrs. Meyers Lavender Hand Soap

This is my all-time favorite hand soap, and I've tried many. The scent makes my bathroom smell like a spa. I've learned to never under-estimate the power of a superb hand soap. Sometimes it's the little things that matter!

You can view the website here and check out the entire line. You can order products online or at local boutiques and stores. Here in Salt Lake you can find the Mrs. Meyers line of products at Harmons, Bath & Body Works and Emigration Market.

Thank you Merrilee for the introduction!

Be the Best You

I love this quote because it reminds us to do the best with what we have and to maximize our skills, abilities, talents, appearance, education, etc. God gave each of us so much, let's show our appreciation and be the best we can be.

Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Organizing Tip #13

Replace all your random plastic and metal hangers with wood hangers for a unified look in your closet.

And while you're at it, get rid of some unworn, no-longer wanted/needed clothing too!

Last year I rid my closet of all its metal and plastic hangers and replaced them with wooden hangers. I couldn't believe the effect. This small change increased my motivation to continue on with the closet and I added a few shoe organizers too. It's still no California Closet to be sure, but I'm frequently surprised at how tidy {and stylish} everything looks when hung on these pretty hangers.

You used to be able to purchase both skirt and shirt wooden hangers at the Nordstrom Rack, but in the past few months I've only seen shirt hangers there. I'm hoping that will change since I need a few more myself. You can also find wooden hangers at IKEA, but again, just the shirt hangers. The price points at both places are within pennies of each other--about $3.50 for a package of 6.

picture via California Closets via Apartment Therapy Chicago

Recap

#1 Make your bed each day
#2 Clean out your closet (take out everything not worn in past 12 months)
#3 Clear off kitchen counter tops (remove anything you don't use 2x weekly)
#4 Clean out your car
#5 Unclutter your mind--start writing thoughts down right away to relieve stress
#6 Find ways to organize in one minute or less (purse, drawer, etc.)
#7 Place a pretty dish on dresser tops and nightstands to collect jewelry, loose change, and pocket paraphernalia.
#8 Gather up recipes and clipped magazine pages and throw them all into one accessible binder for easy meal-organizing.
#9 Sort mail immediately...preferably over the trash :)
#10 Clean out your car weekly
# 11 Do a 5-minute nightly sweep
#12 Take just a few minutes to walk through your home with a garbage bag, gathering all the unused items you can.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

I've wanted to try my hand at Red Velvet Cupcakes for sometime now. There's just something about that red cake that I find so alluring...

I used Chockylit's recipe for the red velvet...you can find it here. She shared some interesting tips on cupcake-making as well. Definitely worth a look.

I made up my own vanilla buttercream recipe, which doesn't take any special culinary skills, I promise ;) It's just a simple combination of butter, sifted powdered sugar, a little vanilla, and a little milk. In retrospect, I should've kept track of my measurements because now I have to make up another batch. Oh darn.

P.S. Did you know it takes practically an entire bottle of red food coloring to make a good-sized batch of Red Velvet Cupcakes? Yikes!

Blue + Yellow = Happy

Normally I'm not a fan of busy patterns such as this but I am loving this look! The vintage-patterned yellow bolster and rug combined with the simple window treatments and pristine white bed create the ideal look for a seaside cottage. But, I think those of us that are land-locked could still pull this off, just without the gorgeous waterfront view :)


Caveat: I know a lot of people love to hate Pottery Barn but lately they seem to be coming up with more unique looks...less cookie-cutter. Give 'em a try I say :)

Click here for details.

Heard

E: They didn't have clouds when the Pioneers lived here.

Mom: Really? Why do you say that?

E: Because you know the machine (a pollution producing factory about 15 min away) that makes the clouds? It wasn't there a long time ago. They didn't have machines.

Mom: You don't say!

Winner & Special Offer from Layla Grace

...and the randomly chosen (thanks random.org) winner is:

kamewh who said, "I love the House, Inc. Kid's Bedding Neapolitan Chocolate Blue! Thank you for the giveaway!"

Please contact me within 3 days to secure your gift certificate. Thanks!

Didn't win? Keep Reading...


For those of you who fell in love with Layla Grace this week (how can you not?!) they would like to offer you a special discount valid only until Monday, June 23. All readers will receive a 15% discount on orders above $50. Simply enter "stephmodo15" at checkout in the appropriate box.

So take advantage of the discount and buy the crib bedding, chest of drawers, or pajamas of your dreams!

Bengt Ek

Good luck pronouncing that one :) Loving these designs for the kitchen, out of Sweden.

Click here to view.

Last Day to Enter

Today is the last day to enter the Layla Grace GIVEAWAY! If you haven't entered, you can do so here. You've got until midnight.

Who wouldn't LOVE a $50 gift certificate to this fabulous shop?! Think funky aprons, beautiful handcrafted jewelry, Dwell bedding, luxurious pajamas, every hip diaper bag ever made, and one-of-a-kind furniture. Need I say more?

Hip & Humble

Whenever I visit my sister Cher (which is never often enough mind you), I love to take pictures of her latest and greatest house projects. This is usually done within the first few hours before the toll of 5 additional people on the premises is apparent :) She is always up to some kind of DIY, which I always find inspiring. The voyeur in me (come on admit it, you've got a little of that in you too!) just loves peeking into others' homes.

a lovely picture wall in the main entry

pretty paper-covered glass doors

Orla Keily wall-papered covered doors in the hallway
(you can find her wallpaper at Anthropologie)

Who knew a piano could look so hip and modern?

To Do Tacoma: Museum of Glass

Who knew downtown Tacoma was so cool? As we drove through the clean, restored downtown area I was tres impressed. I saw old graineries turned into hip, new lofts; cute boutiques and eateries, a lovely waterfront area full of small boats, and a beautiful museum--the Museum of Glass.

When I worked at the BYU Museum of Art in college, a Dale Chihuly exhibit came through for several months. It opened my eyes to the beauty of hand-blown glass. By the way, if you missed that exhibition (it was ten years ago after all), you can find Dale Chihuly's lovelies in the Bellagio Las Vegas' atrium area. He has a permanent exhibition there for all to see...and it's free.

Anyway, Dale Chihuly also created some beautiful works here at Tacoma's Museum of Glass; namely this bridge connecting downtown with the museum. Along the bridge you see vibrant works of art (encased of course) and turquoise sculptures leading your eyes up to the sky. The sculptures look a lot like rock candy on a stick, no?



Inside the large steel dome is an actual glass blowing workshop complete with full-time employees. This means you can enjoy a glass-making demonstration almost any hour of the day. This is interesting to watch for both adults and children alike. I've never seen anything like this unique place! Definitely put it on your "to-do" list when flying into Sea-Tac airport.

East Farms CSA

You've heard me talk about the CSA we joined last year here and here.

Well, I just received an email saying our CSA will begin the third Thursday of this month...yeah! Also mentioned was that 50 shares are still available. If you want to sign up, click here. It's super cost-effective, supports a local farm, and provides you and your family with freshly picked organic produce weekly. It's a win-win folks.

Lighting Fixture

Awhile back a friend mentioned wanting this lighting fixture should I ever replace it. Well, that time has come. The problem? I can't remember who wanted it. Was it you?