PoFu Garden Confetti

I was on my way to posting about a pretty clothing line I saw on Etsy, only to get sidetracked with these sweet little balls of color called Spring Garden Confetti made by PoFu. It took me a minute to figure out what these were. Here's the write-up;

Made of clay, compost and wildflower seeds, these little balls of joy can be shared wherever you wander! See a spot that could use some brightening? Throw a little love and Voila - Flowers! Because of their composition these little guys don't need to be watered or tended in any way, and can be thrown any season without frost.

This is my kind've gardening. Easy and pretty. And how perfect for a "late" mom's day gift or house warming gift or hostess gift. But I have to disclose,  she is sold out right now but supposedly making more. I am going to email her to find out and beg if needed. I'll let you all know.

But really, what a clever idea!

birthday and balloons

My Henry turned 6 years old today.  We're so proud of his growth this year and ofcourse he is just over the moon about turning one year older, getting more presents and having a party.  Although I have to admit, having a birthday to plan so close to Christmas is difficult, and it can be overkill for Henry after the excitement and presents from Christmas. So I *try* to make it more about the birthday celebration than the gifts.

With that in mind, I had the idea yesterday to fill his bedroom with balloons, so when he woke up, he would see a sea of colorful balloons. But because he's been waking up coughing lately in the middle of the night, I thought I'd play it safe and keep the balloons downstairs. Which is what I did with about 25 balloons.

Peter said Henry was ecstatic this morning when he woke up and came downstairs to a sea of balloons, more so than I ever thought he would be. Success! 

Look at the color. Aren't balloons just the best?

So what do you think? I love the idea of making birthdays fun and exciting and creative for kids and less about the materialistic stuff.....any other ideas out there?

Merry to all!

I hope you are all having a happy, peaceful, calm day. It's always astonishing to me how fast this day goes by, yet we spend so much time preparing for it. Henry said to me this morning "mom I got you only one gift because you don't get me much for Christmas". If he only knew!!!

I won't distract you for too long, because I have food to cook, books to read, walks to walk, and kids to play with, and I know many of you do too.

In between all of the festivities this week, take time to read the passage below from Scott Noelle. He sends out a great daily newsletter for parents that I find to be very inspiring. I find the words of this quote to be very appropriate for the craziness of this season.

A Christmas Wish...

My wish for you today (and for myself, too) is to receive
the gift of noticing the In-between.

The In-between is the subtle energy of Aliveness that's
always present but only becomes noticeable during the
gaps in the holiday rituals.

It's the Presence between the presents. :)

It's the kind of Well-Being that requires no exterior
evidence. You just *feel* it in a moment of stillness,
and suddenly you know that we are all connected,
and love is real, and All Is Well.

May the In-between bless our hearts today and everyday.

Merry Christmas!

goodies

I'm going to flood you with holiday inspiration today.  Lots of original holiday style out there.

Starting with a photo taken on Sunday. My husband took Sophie to see Santa. She was so excited. I couldn't wait to hear all about it. See the snap shot below. I think this says it all. Who is the big man with no mouth in the red jacket anyway?   
 

 

Back to the treats. 

Transform a wall in a snap. How simple. Colored tape and that's about it.

Top Two Blog

 Speaking of color. This is from a Swedish blog. Can you tell?  Fresh and colorful.

Blog

 Christmas origami. What a great gift if you learn to make these in a hurry.

Top Bottom Blog

Crafty trees.

Inexpensive ideas from Apartment Therapy below and above left.  A few sticks, some ribbon. So cool.

More later. What about you? Any clever decorations in your house this year?

Serving Santa

Cute inspiration for Santa or a Birthday party. I think we will copy, with maybe a gluten free peanut butter cookie. Making these today. I'll let you know how they turn out!

Photo by Nicole Gerulat

A Grateful Heart

The title reads: This book is full of daily blessings for the evening meal from Buddha to the Beatles. 

I bring this book out every Thanksgiving and choose a new blessing every year. Below is the blessing I chose today. Happy Thanksgiving!

Now every living thing, young or old, 

weak or strong, living near or far, 

known or unknown, living or 

departed or yet unborn, 

may every living thing be full of bliss.

Buddha Blessing