For the Garden

I found this quote from Saint Francis of Assisi in the monks' garden at the old Santa Barbara Mission. It says, 

"He even said that the brother gardener ought to reserve a place in the corner for a beautiful small garden where he puts all kinds of aromatic herbs and flowering plants so that they in their season might invite all men who looked at them to praise God...For every creature says and proclaims, 'God has created me for you, O man."

I want to make one for the corner of my garden.

Bits and Pieces

 Maybe it's the raspberries coming in, but we seem to have hundreds of fruitflies this year. Now I have this jar sitting next to my kitchen compost container, and it's working. Since I put it out we've probably caught 60 or more. Yes!

 Here's other glimpses of our random week. Just in case you are wondering what we do around here :)

 Any ideas how to keep growing bangs out of my girl's face?  I've tried bobby pins, plastic and (soft?) ponytail holders, several hair clips, and hairspray. She pulls out everything, including a small bunch of hair. Cutting them is not an option., so... any other ideas?

First Day of Summer

Our favorite snack. We pick them everyday by the bowlful from the "raspberry forest" in our backyard.

I won my strainer at a baby shower. Our friend found them at World Market. She put shredded paper in the bottom, a few lemons on top, and wrapped it in netting. Super cute, easy gifts for a bridal or baby shower. I use mine all the time. I can't decide whether to hang it from a cute hook by the sink just so I won't have to get it from my lower cupboard multiple times a day. It's too cute to be stashed away, right?

Celebrate Dad

  Father's Day is almost here and I am behind. Oh dear. We've been sick this week, and I didn't  realize this Sunday was the day. Now what?
 Here are the ideas I have so far.  Allow hubby to sleep in. Around here that is a rare treat.
Or, surprise him with a picnic, fishing trip, camping weekend, or special dinner.
 Special gadgets for hobbies are always a winner.  My dad loves kayaking; he's in the process of building his own boat now. My sister made him a "piggy bank" and we've been adding to the funds to help him finish.
 I could find spices for the barbeque packaged with meat, fish, or fruit and veggies to put the seasonings to good use.
 Date night is also a good idea.
Last, but not least, here is one of my favorites. 

 via 

 Wouldn't this canvas be great with a portrait of the kids? Or grandkids?

To all you men out there who are blessed with the vocation of fatherhood, enjoy your day!

Breakfast, Mostly

Growing up, we never skipped breakfast. It was as much a part of my daily ritual as brushing my teeth. Skip breakfast? Are you insane?

  When the sun streams through the windows and several smiley faces come to awaken me from much needed sleep, I look forward to making plans for the day together over a yummy breakfast. Served with a side of Chai tea.

Never work before breakfast; if you have to work before breakfast, eat your breakfast first.  ~Josh Billings

                                                                             tutorial

 Lamps are awesome. They can dress up a room, make a big impact, or help create a relaxing scene. Here is a trick I recently learned for cleaning upholstered lampshades.

   Lent rollers will clean the shade, but since I don't know where mine is, I grabbed some packaging tape and got to work. Just lay down strips, press to the shade, and quickly lift up the tape. So much better! Once it was clean, I decided to give this ole' lamp a new look for the girls' room.

Love Languages

Have you heard about the five love languages? Marriage counselor and author Gary Chapman discovered there are five ways  people like to give and receive love. Quality time and acts of service are the main categories of love I prefer to receive. The other three options include physical touch, gift-giving, and words of affirmation (my husband's favorite.) Knowing how our loved ones both express and  "feel loved" helps families and friends to connect and understand each other.
    My husband has been graciously giving small acts of service around the house this week. To which I respond with words of affirmation and gratitude.It's a win-win.

Delightful croissant French Toast for breakfast

Heat tolerant spray paint updates a brass fireplace