Happy List: #109

Hello everyone!

Today we are celebrating Read Across America Day! I have a 9 a.m. appointment at my son’s school to read to his class. I *think* I am going to read Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem. This is going to be a last minute decision.

Read Across America is an event established in honor of Dr. Seuss (his birthday is March 2). Many Barnes & Noble and Target stores will be having events tomorrow. For a full list of Read Across America events and activities, click here.

This week on the blog as been fun! I’m biased, but that’s the kind of editorial license you get to take when you write a blog. Ha! I wrote about a one-of-a-kind antique store in Lambertville, New Jersey, and a bright, colorful bookcase makeover.

Here’s something else fun: the Happy List.

ANOTHER USE FOR LIQUID STITCH

I think I’ve professed my love for Liquid Stitch fabric glue enough times on this blog. Or have I? 

I love the way Sarah from Room for Tuesday used Liquid Stitch to customize this basic sconce from Lowe’s. Very clever.

(image: Room for Tuesday)

WHY ZEBRAS HAVE STRIPES

I have always wondered why zebras have stripes. Many theories have been disproven over the last 150 years.

Scientists are now fairly certain that a zebra’s stripes make it less likely for flies to be able to stick their landing on the zebra. This is a good thing because zebras are especially prone to certain fatal diseases carried by flies.

In this article in The Atlantic, the author explains that flies use something called optic flow to help them land. When approaching the zebra, the stripes seem to interfere with that sense and the flies aren’t decelerating like they would need to in order to land with any accuracy.

I’m wondering if mosquitoes and flies are alike in this regard? I need to research this further. If you see me sporting these zebra pajamas this summer, don’t be surprised. I have GOOD REASON, dang it!

But do I really need a good reason to wear these pajamas? Hmmm….

CANOPY BED

If I was able to choose any type of bed for my home, a canopy bed would be at the bottom of the list.

But like any rule, there’s always an exception. This is my exception.

(image: via HGTV)

I like how the canopy bed softens an otherwise completely rustic space.

Now that I think about it, I wonder if that room has outlets? No outlets would be too rustic for me, in case you were wondering.

4-YEAR-OLD MIC’D UP AT HOCKEY

If you haven’t seen this video of a 4-year-old wearing a microphone during hockey practice, please watch it.

It was the most enjoyable, precious thing I’ve seen online this week.

Interestingly enough, I could actually relate to quite a few things this kiddo said!

ON CREATING

This is a good reminder from a famous author that there is value in creating for the sake of creating.

To read the backstory of how this incredible letter came to be, visit Letters of Note. It’s a pretty neat tribute to all involved.

REMODELED

I started looking at homes De Mattai Construction had built for or with Sunset Magazine and then got lost in their portfolio of other work. Especially this remodel project…

(image: De Mattai Construction)

IRISH ISLAND FOR SALE

If you have $1.4 million lying around, you can buy your own private island off the coast of Ireland. It’s 80 acres. There’s no electricity or running water. Oh, and you’re going to need a speedboat or a helicopter to reach the island. Other than that, this purchase should be a breeze.

Literally.

This is Ireland. It’s going to be cold and windy out there on the Atlantic Ocean!

(image: via CNN Travel)

If you missed any of my travel posts about Ireland, read this one about the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, which are also located along the Atlantic Ocean.

SUCCULENT TABLE

I have no idea if this urn turned table with succulents idea is actually feasible, but it looks cool! I suppose you could go the faux route too.

(image: Thomas J. Story via Sunset Magazine)

WORDS TO PONDER

“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.” – Kate DiCamillo

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

“One glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone dead for 1,000 years. To read is to voyage through time.” – Carl Sagan

Happy Friday! Go forth and enjoy your weekend!

P.S.  My favorite photo I posted this week on Instagram was from our recent visit to Asbury Park, New Jersey. Asbury Park was made famous by Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 debut album.

Until we meet again, you can definitely find me on Instagram and Pinterest. Sometimes I make an appearance on Facebook too. Thanks for all your likes and pins, it definitely helps a girl out!

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