It's Always Something

Every so often I feel the need to decorate, rearrange, or build something.  I can feel the anxiety building over a few days, then one day I wake up and am compelled to do something.  After having all the holiday decorations out, a tree in the corner, presents scattered around the floor, and gift wrap everywhere, I decided I needed to put everything away and update the family room. I brought in burnt orange this time.  I have been in a purple phase lately (dressing myself and Brooklynn in purple hues), so I was happy it didn't carryover into our family room. The inexpensive, yet dramatic changes calmed me down (for now).  Although, after looking at this pic, I am anxious to finish the tile on the fireplace, install french doors, reupholster an arm chair, etc. etc. Doh !

I am a big fan of road trips. You get to know a lot about people on road trips. It forces people to spend hours together without the distractions of TV, computer, phone, errands, etc.  Items up for discussion range from favorite cartoons to the state of the economy.  So awesome. I heart coffee.  Backseat bandits. Always well-behaved. =] Mmmm... beer. My favorite snow bunny Mmmm... beer @ the lodge. The cuzzos. They ski. I board (kinda).  wine + music

Holiday tulips. Tickets to Wicked Reunions. Catching up.

Brooklynn has been asking Santa for a dog for years. It looks like this year, she was finally good enough. World, meet Boo. Boo, meet the world. Boo is a short-haired Chiuaua who weighs less than 4lbs. She is 1-year old and is very well behaved. She is crate and potty-trained, loves to snuggle and relax, and rarely barks. Because she has short hair, Boo is super sensitive to cold weather, so yes, that is a sweater she is wearing. The also has a parka and thermal pajamas. I know, I know. The two kids have become quite fond of one another. We couldn't have asked for a better companion for the Brookstar. Welcome to our family, Boo!

30 masks for the kids and adults. Guests came with either costumes or party dresses. Calvin the Magician

Brooklynn's classmates all made her birthday cards and a crown on her special day. As we do every year, we give Brooklynn a choice of restaurants for her birthday dinner. Just like the past 2 birthdays, she chose Nijo Castle. One of Brooklynn's closest friends, Mila, was able to join in on the birthday festivities. Birthday wishes over chocolate covered green tea & vanilla ice cream.

The girls were nice enough to come over and help make masks for Brooklynn's big masquerade ball. Good convo, wine, music, and friends made for a fun night... and 15 masks! Thank you so much, girls! xoxo

I have been waiting to put a mantle around my fireplace for so long. With the holidays rapidly approaching, I needed to get it done.  Where else would I hang our stockings? Although I chickened out and ordered a pre -painted mantle, it was the wrong measurements. This meant I had to trim the wood.  Since I don't own my own table saw, I had to make the adjustments by hand.   Six hours later, I finally got the mantle up all by myself. You can definitely see some flaws (and you should MOST definitely not lean on it) but I did it.  I elected to keep the height , so there is a gap between the marble and the top portion of the mantle.  I will eventually fill in this gap with custom tiles. I hope these tiles give the mantle a sense of personality.  I'm taking my time choosing the tiles because I want them to be perfect. Yet another incomplete project. LOL.

As you know, Brooklynn and I are always looking for new cafes and brunch spots fairly close to home. A friend of ours recommended Village @ Santana Row, so we checked it out. We were happily pleased. Two staples of our everyday diet- double vanilla mocha & hot cocoa. Bunny ears!

Brooklynn and I woke up this morning to get dressed for some weekend outdoor adventures when I noticed how disheveled Brookie's shoes were.  Half concerned (the other half embarrassed) we decided to go shoe shopping instead.  Newpark Mall here we come! Now, through my journey or parenting, I am really trying to allow Brooklynn to make her own decisions in regards to fashion with little input from me. Although I do encourage her to move away from pink whenever possible. =]  To my surprise, Brooklynn's shoe choice we right in line with what I would have picked for her- Vans or Chucks-  since I adored her striped Vans that have become so tattered. Old tattered Vans Brand new Converse Chuck Taylors  (in blue, not pink) *wink*