Happy List: #61 – A Pretty Happy Home

March? Already?

I’m afraid I’m going to say something similar at the start of every month, folks. 2018 needs to slow the heck down. Except for that hour every evening when we do homework. That can accelerate at light speed, thank you very much.

This week I shared the weird thing I pack when I travel. It’s probably not actually weird, but I write my own sensational headlines.

On Wednesday I tapped into my inner resourceful self and created a leather map out of a pair of old boots. Still not over losing my favorite pair of boots though.

Here’s what’s on the Happy List this week!

SNOW IN IRELAND

We’ve got snow, people! In Ireland! It’s hard for that to happen, but the “Beast from the East” made its way to the island and ~~shut the place down~~ blanketed it in white. My kids are THRILLED!

What I want you to do though is scroll down and read this Instagram post by Instaireland. The colorful verbiage is classic Irish as is the care shown for other humans.

SKETCHES OF EVERYDAY LIFE

Artist Curtis Wiklund took up a challenge to make a sketch every day for a year. He chose to sketch a moment each day that he wanted to remember. The result is now a book called Us. You can see a sampling of his sketches on his site.

It’s really heart-warming! Talk about a legacy to pass down to his kids!

(image: Curtis Wikland)

BEAMS

I’m a sucker for beams.

This home is designed by Hutker Architects. Make sure you click through to see what’s on the right side of this photo. Hint…it’s something I love even more than beams.

(image: Hutker Architects)

WAIT UNTIL 8TH

My kids do not have phones. They are a bit too young.

However, it comes up often in discussion!

Wait Until 8th is a pledge movement started by parents in Texas.

From the organization’s site: “The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade. By banding together, this will decrease the pressure felt by kids and parents alike over the kids having a smartphone.”

The group advocates for flip phones if you need a way for your child to stay in contact with you.

If you’d like to learn more about this pledge and how you can spread it to your community, there are resources at Wait Until 8th.

BEDROOM BUILT-INS

If you want more custom home eye candy in your life, check out Newold Custom Homes on Instagram.

More and more, I’m inspired by the combination of warm and rustic with sleek and modern.

GRANOLA BARS

I made these granola bars this week for the kids’ after-school snack.

Everyone loved them except my son. He thought they tasted a little too healthy.

I put chocolate in the bars, so I don’t think his opinion can be trusted.

(image: What’s Gaby Cooking)

FIREPLACE IN THE BEDROOM

Decorating can make a room beautiful, but it’s the unusual character or architectural details that I find the most interesting.

In this instance, a brick fireplace.

(image: The Daily Nest)

I would love this fireplace-in-the-bedroom scenario as long as it was never used. If I get too warm at night and can’t have my 15 blankets, I can’t sleep.

I like heavy covers. What can I say?

OUTDOOR CHAIRS

Outdoor chairs sure have become fancy, haven’t they?

This Sofie Outdoor Bistro Chair on One Kings Lane is making my heart go pitter-patter. It reminds me of the bistro chairs I saw at every single cafe in Paris.

I need it to go on a big sale though so I can afford more than one!

Or never have any guests over. Hmm…

SLOWER COOKER CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP

If you have an amazing recipe, Pinch of Yum is accepting reader recipes and will be choosing one to feature each month. The first Reader Recipe winner is from Clancy who submitted a Slower Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup.

What caught my eye though was the heart-shaped puff pastry on top! Have you seen anything so cute and delicious-looking?