Sea shells

So this is really not a necessity to organizing my house, but my decorative vases put a smile on my face. I think they help to create a peaceful mood as I visualize the ocean and beach and the waves and the sparkling blue waters....

I just love groups of things in glass vases and I especially enjoy putting seasonal items in the vases. With our baby on the way, who knows when I'll find the time to fiddle around with them again. I am finally taking out the Christmas ornaments.


:: My little one's basket of sea shells in her playstand "workshop". She has always enjoyed sorting and organizing and playing with them. Her basket of shells comes out everyday. We even had some fun this summer painting some shells.





:: With some books from the library, especially, A First Look at Seashells by Millicent E. Selsam and Joyce Hunt, we are getting help learning how to identify seashells. This book was perfect for my 4-1/2 year old. Here's a closer look.

A baby on the way

Wow, time sure does fly by. I have 4 weeks until I welcome my second baby. I have been telling everyone that I have 6 weeks for the last few weeks. So, reality has set in. I can't believe I have 4 weeks left!!! It is so exciting. I also have lots to do.

I did plan on organizing my entire house, well that did not happened with my broken collarbone. And now, I just lack the energy. I am so lucky that my mother wanted to help out. She is the queen organizer, exactly what my small house needs to bring back that zen environment and get ready for our new baby. Plus, I needed some help to really just part ways with some things. We did our bedroom and next will be the downstairs, the real heart of our house.

To help me find some balance, I also picked up an old book to read again, A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle. Chapter 1. Experience the wonder of every moment. Be the space of wonder and beauty and presence. Every breath is a miracle. Be in a sense of awe....

Making winter ice votives

This is a little project is especially great this time of year. It really recognizes the winter season and gives kids a change for hands-on exploration. First, you will need 2 containers of varying diameter. I chose a large ice cream container and a plastic cup.



Fill the center container with river rocks, sand, anything to weigh it down.


Then, fill the space between the containers with water and maybe something seasonal. We chose holly branches and leaves that we have in our yard. Make sure center container is in the middle, so the ice votive will have a consistent thickness and place in freezer overnight.


Now it's time to reveal the ice votive. If you use an ice cream container, it can be easily torn off.

There you have it, a seasonal ice votive.

Tea party in the sun

:: A tea party with my little one in the warmth and light of the midday sun. The beautiful warmth in the room was welcomed, especially on these cold winter days.


:: The fairies flew down for some dessert - wet felted acorns, wooden acorns and amethyst crystals.

:: My little one also put some confetti stars at her window for the fairies. Guess we know what I will be up to later on tonight.


:: Abigaile and her baby doll having tea and dessert in my childhood rocking chair.

Wind chimes

My little one's wind chime with treasures for the fairies - nuts, screws and metal hooks strung onto a branch. We'll bring it outside to decorate the garden for the fairies.

Groundhog's Day

Little groundhog, little groundhog,
Down below, under the wintry snow.
Come on out and tell us true,
Is Spring coming?
Is Winter through?

Crystals, fossils, and pearlized shells

The beauty of crystals, fossils, and pearlized shells are a welcomed addition to our winter nature table. Their sparkle, shine and shimmer mirror the beauty we see outdoors - icicles, snowflakes, and a silvery coat of white on everything. The facets of the crystal reflect the sun and add a sparkle of light. Very magical.

It's also fun to break open your own geode. You never know what surprise is waiting inside. The natural formation of the crystals vary from stone to stone. Be sure to grab a magnifying glass and take a closer look.

Some fossils were added to our nature table by my little one - which is a new interest of hers. An iridescent ammonite fossil has a rainbow of colors.