Are you ready for the weekend? I sure am! DST has been kind of cruel over here and I think my body is still adjusting, because I've been useless at night. It's kind of crazy how one hour can do that, you know? Thank goodness for coffee, and for Friday. ;)
Jumping into this week's Five on Friday thoughts:
1. California. With a heavy heart, thinking about our friends and family on the West Coast, who have endured a horrendous mass shooting and devastating fires this week (beautiful image via).
2. An upstairs update. A few months ago we added a couple of pieces to our landing space at the top of our stairs. We have this sort of smallish, open area instead of a traditional long hallway upstairs, and for almost two years it was empty. As the girls' toys began to accumulate more and more upstairs, I had an "aha" moment and finally bought one of these (the most useful things ever if you have kids and want toy storage that blends in!), along with these cute storage bins (they're filled with toys!). I found the piece above it at Bed Bath & Beyond and just really loved what it said. Finally, that big ol' barn artwork from Kirklands reminded me of my hometown and adds a bit of a personal touch to that large open wall. Plus, I love the colors! So there you have it, a quick upstairs update.
3. The perfect winter cocktail. I spotted this on Natasha's IG over at Hello Happiness and had to screenshot it. How yummy and festive does this sound for the fall/winter?
4. Holiday Gift Guides, coming at ya! I had a few questions/comments from readers and friends after I mentioned that I was finished holiday shopping for the girls. Luckily, shopping for others ranks up there among my favorite things to do, so I put together a few holiday gift guides to get you started (or to help you finish!). First up will be a guide for Preschool-Age Girls & Boys, coming next week!
5. Did you vote this week? I took the girls with me to vote on Tuesday (their second time accompanying me!). It's always a rewarding experience to do so. Everyone at my polling station looks happy to see kids there, and I feel good that they see that their parents care and that we all can and should have a say. Plus, they got stickers and on the way out a firetruck was pulling back into the station attached to where we vote, so they got to watch that and talk to a couple of friendly firemen.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, safe, fun weekend, friends!
I did vote!! I always vote. That cocktail sounds really good. I need to try one. I am still so sad about what happened in California. Especially as we learn more and more about it. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it sound so perfect for winter? Ugh, I know. It's just awful. Life is so fragile.
DeleteI love that barn print! It reminds me of my hometown as well. I did vote -- it was slightly less fun bringing a 9 month old than it looks like it was with your kids! She kept trying to knock the divider over around the voting booth, ha!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda! I can sort of picture a bench with a throw underneath of it and maybe even some sconces someday - but for now, keeping it simple with kids. ;) Hahaha, oh I can imagine that so well! My two year old was strapped into the stroller, otherwise it would've been total chaos because she's a nut!
DeleteThat cocktail sounds so good!! We had plans to stay in last night, so we did French 75s with a homemade rosemary simple syrup,and a rosemary sprig as garnish to make them festive.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds SO yummy and extra festive! For some reason, this time of year makes me want to branch out and try different drinks. :)
DeleteThe shooting thing is horrible - do you think there will ever be a state that bans or strictly limits firearms? I have never heard of a Winter Jack Daniels before - sounds really interesting. NT insta account - one of my first follow -unfollows - no comment! I like what you have done with the top of the stairs - it looks really organised AND inspirational - you did a great job! I hope you had a great weekend and have re-cooped from the time change - J xx
ReplyDeleteIt's sickening, isn't it? I think, because of our second amendment, that the states can't ban or do anything drastic about firearms because it would go against federal laws. It's so complicated and disheartening -- but there HAS to be a better way. Thanks so much -- I'm really happy with that little space, too! Plus, it hides a massive amount of toys. ;) Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
DeleteSuch a pretty upstairs update! I never know what to do with small spaces like that. Ahh, gift guides! Do you have gift guides on here from when your girls were younger? I'm going to have to search around if you do! Our niece will be 1.5 at Christmas and we're always in need of gift ideas (especially for the lone grandchild who seemingly has everything already ;) ). And good on you for taking your girls to vote! Amazing. Can't wait to do that with mine some day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alex! I'm the same way - those small spaces can be the most difficult. I like what we've added so far, and especially the fact that it's warm and cozy AND functional! I'm not sure I do have a baby/young toddler gift guide -- although my littlest was that age last year, right after I started TLL, so it might exist - I forget, LOL. I'll look for you! I'll email you any really good ideas. :) And thanks, it always makes me really happy and proud when they can come with me. Happy Monday!
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