{Real Life} big boy room

We've been gradually transitioning Sayer's room from a nursery to a little boys rooms for a little while now. One of the issues that has come up in the last few months is that he has become scared of the dark & nighttime- causing him to not want to fall asleep. While we have tried all sorts of things, changing his room around has been a part of the problem solving. Sayer told us that he was afraid of his curtains- they were a large abstract shapes and he saw monsters in them. Honestly, I liked them because of being able to see things in them so it never dawned on me that it would freak him out (that was  pre-mom thinking). So now, all of his curtains are turned inside out & we have different fabric swatches draped on all of the windows to see what will work. 

Funny thing though, on Saturday, I got an order of vintage fabric from the Netherlands in the mail. One of the pieces was an old funky curtain- ready to hang (which was a surprise- a nice one). Sayer always likes to see the fabric I get in the mail & when I said it was a curtain, he told me to hang it in his room right away. It's pretty amazing, but it fits the window dimensions perfectly. He announced that he loves it & that it's not scary in his room anymore. However, we have 2 more windows in his room that need new curtains. 

I had actually taken Sayer with me to the fabric store recently & told him to let me know if he saw something he liked for curtains. He yelled out excitedly, "I LOVE  BUTTERFLIES & FIRETRUCKS!" when he saw this fabric... 

Which is not really the aesthetic I was after for his room. But he loved it - so I got him a fat quarter & we have it draped on one of other windows. I think I've diverted his attention from it being a curtain by suggesting that I would make him a butterfly slug with the fabric.  

Meanwhile, I have to say, since the funky curtain has been in his room, the going to bed issue has been a lot better. Coincidence? Maybe, but for now my klt:plushies will have to wait- we are keeping the funky floral fabric on his window until our luck runs out (& we find new fabric for all 3 of the windows). I do love the floral in there though- particularly with the vintage Marimekko comforter. The big boy room transition is a lot of fun- we still have some projects up our sleeve. But so far it's been really rewarding watching Sayer play & enjoy his space. What do you remember about your kiddo's nursery morphing into a big boy/girl room? 

{Music Monday} Agnes Obel...

I made a new musical discovery last week when visiting the lovely blog, Sincerely Pierre. Tiffany had posted the gorgeous Agnes Obel video, Riverside & from that, I went on a search for more. Agnes Obel is a Danish singer/songwriter who released her first album, Philharmonics, in October 2010 in Europe & December 2010 in the US. I've been listening to it all weekend (it's available on itunes). What do you think? Happy Music Monday! 

{Photo by Mali Lazell via here}

{shop update} willie & wanda...

There were glimmers that spring was right around the corner this weekend. It was sunshiny but  still really chilly.  Wanda & Willie worm like to come out in the spring when the tulip fields in our valley start to bloom, but they decided to emerge from the studio this weekend (a little early)  full of cheerful, Marimekko splendor. Making them today seemed like a nice way to encourage more of this weather & to start the week out on a happy note. These are the sort of critters I make when I've had a nice weekend. Hope you did as well! 

{Giveaway} houses & squirrels....

Pheewww, it's finally the weekend and in case you find yourself cruisin' around on the computer, I wanted to let you know about a few giveaways that Chris & I are participating in here in cyberland that end soon. The first one is for your squirrel lovin' kiddo. Over at the la petite magazine blog, I have an organic toddler tee with a thread drawn squirrel, ready to giveaway. These are super soft and the color is gorgeous. Pop on over to la petite to learn how to enter & this tee can be yours (enter by Monday the 21st)! 

This next giveaway is particularly special. You may remember me posting about these beautiful houses that Chris makes for hutch studio. They're so cheerful, unique, & pretty. There is a garland of houses ready to be given away over at kickcan & conkers right now! This one can't be missed so head on over to see how to enter (ends Sunday the 20th).

Good luck! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend! 

{Fun} the big four- zero...

Today was a good day. I turned 40 & it wasn't that bad. Actually... I liked it. I feel like I sort of earned it really. It feels good to know who I am & to have learned a thing or two along those bumpy roads to here.   

One of the things that my birthdays continuously remind me of (other than the reality of gravity), is that  I have some truly wonderful people in my life. - Remarkable people who make me feel so lucky & brighten my every day. I find that I'm surrounded by friends who always go out of their way to make me feel special & I'm genuinely touched. On a day like today, I want to give something back- something simple & sweet for those that I care about.... 

Mini Cheese Cakes

24 Vanilla Wafers                                             

1 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

2/3 Cup Sugar                                                   

3 large eggs                                                      

3 - 8oz. Philly Cream Cheese (Original)

Large can Cherry Pie Filling

1/2 tsp. Almond Extract

* Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.  Place one vanilla wafer in each.

* Beat sugar, eggs & cream cheese for 5 minutes until smooth.  Add vanilla.

* Divide into muffin cups & bake at 325 degrees for about 15 minutes.  Will crack and brown slightly.

* Cool and chill overnight.

* Mix almond extract into Cherry Pie Filling to cover "tiny" taste.  

Put 3-5 cherries on each serving. Can be eaten with fingers or spoon.  

Makes 24-28 cheese cakes.

I'm telling you - this is goooooood cheesecake. I've requested this cheesecake for my birthdays since the days of braces, rollerskating, & slumber parties. Tonight, was no exception. We introduced Sayer to the wonders of these little gems & tomorrow (as tradition dictates) they will be my breakfast. This secret weakness of mine lies in your hands now... enjoy!  Thank you for your friendship- it means the world to me (& it's not just the wine & cheesecake talkin')...

{Good Read} Uppercase Love #8....

I'm a firm believer that a child is never too young to appreciate good design. Of course, nice books & magazines fall into that category. My UPPERCASE magazine #8 came a little over a week ago & I've been just itchin' to sit down and read it cover to cover. But, as things go around here, I haven't had a lot of time to really savor it's brilliance. That's when I decided that it was time to introduce Sayer to my favorite magazine. 

This kid is definitely is a chip off the ol' block. He knows a stellar publication when he sees it. He even gravitated towards the same pages that I did. I think deep down he was just as  inspired too. 

The first thing I notice when I opened the magazine, is the picture of my bike that I took for one of my UPPERCASE love posts! I have to say, it sort of made my day. But that was just the beginning of my delight. Again, this magazine is always so timely- everything is just what I'm interested in right now. Here is a glimpse of the first 4 articles that I had a chance to read and truly enjoyed.

1. {Fine Print} Children's books: beautiful books enjoyed by those big & small. by Frances Atikinson- pg14-15 

2. {Sketchbook} Ed Emberley's sketchbook by Mignon Khargie page 58-62 - I actually remember vividly trying to learn to draw from the "Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals" when I was a kid. I may even have my old book in a box somewhere.

3. {Beginnings} How successful creatives got their start ~ Poketo by Erin Loechner page 12-13 - I found this article so inspiring & helpful.

4. {Field Trip} The Dollhouse: Artist Heather Benning creates an installation that toys with scale and memory. pg 86-89 

I have a lot more of the new UPPERCASE to explore, but I  can confidently say that both Sayer & I are intrigued & looking forward to discovering what is on the next page...
Do you have a favorite magazine that you love to share?

{Music Monday} Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's day full of sweet surprises. Sayer helped me pick the music selection for today & he announced that this is the song & video that he loves. Happy Music Monday!