Summer Reading Challenge

I believe that reading to your children is a gift and such a pleasure.  Toddlers, in particular, love story time.  We have collected many books over the years between three children.  It is my goal to get through as many of them with her as possible and document them for her to look back on and perhaps showcase her list to her class at the close of summer for Show and Tell.  She even has a Kindle reader that can serve as another way to achieve reading success this summer.

Take on the reading challenge.  Whether it's one book per day, number of minutes of reading time, or another goal, turn off the television and read.  I have challenged my other family members to get in on the plan and read with her as well.  Soon enough, she'll be reading to us!  Here are just a few of her favorites.

As always, credit goes to the authors, illustrators, publishers, etc.

This evening, we read:
Aurora and the Helpful Dragon

My "just turned four" year old discussed the characters, problem, solution, etc. with me.  She even gave me this sweet recap: "He breathes fire and hides under Aurora's dress because the king and queen didn't like dragons.  But then they told them that Crackle is nice.  He showed he was brave and helpful.  Then, he showed his tail to them."

Not only does my littlest love for people to read to her, but she is mastering storyline memorization as well as illustration and work recognition.  This is her at age three reading a favorite from Dr. Suess, "Green Eggs and Ham" with a lot of gusto I might add...

Paint Me Enamored

I innocently clicked on a Pinterest post on a board dedicated to art work for a friend's young daughter's room. In my head "Ooooh I'd like that! How do I purchase one?" It looked quite beautiful and if it was for a toddler's room, it must have been fairly attainable right? Isn't everything in the world of Pinterest something easily translated into real life?

Enter the world of Laurence Amélie. This extraordinarily gifted painter's work instantly became my obsession. Small problem - it's highly popular and, while completely priced appropriately for fine one-of-a-kind art, a bit out of my price range for my own toddler's room.

Surely I can find a safe home for a painting like this (as shown in the gallery section of her site)...

I am not a student of art, so don't know the adequate terms and points of assessment when reacting to art. But, I can appreciate artistic talent. The dancing tutus invoke a feeling that Earth's elements helped to inspire the painter to create free-flowing movement on canvas. The colors are so soothing and delicate, but moody at the same time. Simply breathtaking.

It seems that Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic has partnered with this painter to offer Amélie's work in her stores and online as well. The florals are equally as stunning as the tutus. I can see why the Shabby Chic style is a perfect pairing with this art.

So, while I admire the above work that does not belong to me from afar, I would like to call attention to its beauty. Fooled again Pinterest, fooled again. Ah, but what a wonderful splurge it would be.

I've Been Pinned!

My little blog is not necessarily kept current.  I mean well, and have a lot to catch up on, but I am much more active on Facebook (my FB friends and family pretend to appreciate all of the activity).  It's also easier to tell if my posts are read via that site since I remain comment-free here.

At times, I will check the views/sources on this blog of mine.  I have noticed a few pins of some of my work that was not originally posted by me on Pinterest.  Well, I am flattered!  I put a lot of time and care into the events I coordinate.  If it inspires others to make an event for their loved one special - I think that is a great compliment!

The most popular "post" seems to be the Sweet 16 Country Western Chic party I threw for my oldest.  It was a fun event!  The dark pictures don't do it justice, but I was more than pleased with the guest of honor's graciousness as well and her guests' responses!

This original pinner has generated a trail of likes and repins.  So, thank you for the love.

Swoon Worthy - Veranda Magazine Feature

I recently picked up the print copy of this magazine, which was filled with page after page of eye candy. Alas, once I laid eyes upon this feature, I was transported to a jewel-toned blissful garden retreat that filled me with sweet serenity. I just stopped short of carefully cutting out each photograph and framing them. Take a peak at just a few of the glorious images... Thank you Veranda. Now I must google Chopard.