Five on Friday- To Do's

1.  Not a pressing necessity, but I am longing for a rug in my kitchen.

Like this:

This:

Or this:

Rugs USA is having one of their big sales, so I might need to start perusing their selection.

2.    In other home decor ideas, while on my slipcover lady's waiting list, I have started to change my mind about a recovering my loveseats in a nice neutral.  My innate love of color is creeping back in, and now I am thinking TURQUOISE!

Like this-

I need to make a  grand plan, and get my new-house decorating plan together.  Soon!

3.  Dell Harper, like most 2-3 year olds, loves to put up a good bed-time battle.  I am so exhausted by the time I finally exit her room.  This fun little toy seems like something that will really help her wind down.  A trip to the dollar store is in order for supplies!

4.  I signed up for a bunch of magazines on Zulilly a month ago, and they are starting to roll in.  Between that and the previous occupant's catalogs, my mailbox is an embarrassment of riches.  One new magazine is "Taste of the South"- I've always enjoyed their recipes from the random issues I've picked up.   I am planning on mkaing this slightly healthified pumpkin bread when my in-laws come in town this weekend.

5.  Another new-to-me magazine is "Country Living".  I need to have a dinner party just to give this place setting a try.

Excuse the iPhone pics.

So that's my (optional and fun) to-do list.  Much better than laundry and the grocery store on this rainy day.

Happy to be back and linking up with the lovely ladies from Five on Friday!  Have a wonderful weekend! And Go Vols! And Go Dawgs!

Design Fads I Don't Get

This look has been making the rounds on Pinterest, and it baffles me.

Dip dye thrift store paintings! What?  First of all, I can't see the merits of the paintings, but those are super nice frames and mattes.  Why would you ruin that? So bizarre.

And this-

What am I missing here? Other than the paintings or photographs that belong in the frames (har-de-har).   This look is everywhere- just search "empty frame gallery wall" on Pinterest.  I don't want to link to blogs, as to not hurt people's feelings.

I honestly do not understand.  Why would you have empty frames on your wall?  Go to a local art show, or a thrift store, or use some of the options in this House Beautiful article.  Hell, get your kids' art up on that wall.  Just don't fall prey to this trend, I beg you.

It's probably my indoctrination from my artist mama, but real art made by an actual artist makes your home. Invest in art- you see it every day and it will make your life better.  I promise.

Just don't dip it in neon paint, please.

Rant over.

Descent into Mommy Blogging

After a weekend, my camera used to be filled with pictures of my friends and me.  Now?  It's my children and their friends.  My friends are present, but we don't make any of the pictures.  I need to remedy this.

 We had a big time at Greekfest this weekend.  We left Deeds at home Friday night, and took Dell Harper, since she can stay up past 7 PM.  However, she was having a meltdown due to lack of a nap.  I let her have ice cream, these delicious fried doughnut ball thingies that are dipped in honey, and a cookie.  Her spirits revived, she rallied to have an excellent evening.  Obviously, my parenting skills are  top-notch.

 While I was chatting to my friends, she dashed off- I wound through the crowd in chase, looking for her in vain.  Finally I spotted her- sitting on the edge of the stage, watching the dancing like a perfect little miss.

 I think she was inspired- nothing like a dance party with your buddies.

 We all braved it again Saturday night (I hadn't sampled my annual pastichio).  I brought Deeds along in the Baby Bjorn.  UGA friends, please note, Morgan dressed Dell Harper while I took a lay-down during Deeds' morning nap.  We watched the game at a friends' house.  During nap time, all five of the little girls snuggled together in the bed and watched the Little Mermaid.  It looked delightful.

 Cookie decorating- Dell Harper grabbed the sprinkle shaker and almost licked it before I jerked it out of her hand- it was a close one.

 Sunday was a birthday party.  As usual, my child was the first to sing happy birthday, and possibly photo bombed any blowing out the candles pictures, due to her desire for cake.  Sorry, Leigha!

Other items of (little to no) importance:

 Um, I am obsessed with this self-portrait of Dell Harper.  It cracks me up.  The girl's obviously incredibly talented.

 These dimpled baby hands?  I want to hold them forever.

Watching them play together is such a joy.

Good Lord- this formerly (slightly) interesting recipe and entertaining blog is going straight mommy.  Gag me.  I will do better.  Note to self- take pictures of things other than my kids.