"Squeaks" Playset

 

So I posted recently that I made some "Squeaks" playsets and added them to my etsy shop.

I think I have made 10 of them, just having fun. Well, of course my littles wanted one too. I let them pick out the fabrics and made one for each of them.

Only his mouse 'needed' a cornfield to live in. With a cow and tractors, naturally.

 He's so proud of his cornfield. I'm pretty sure we are never, ever going to be able to throw it away.

 It's important stuff, you know. Because mice do like to live in fields of corn.

 He told her all about it, and informed her it's for his mouse only. Oh the life of a little sister.

 No worries, she created her own playset for her mouse. I'd get a picture with her in it, but she doesn't sit still long enough.

These little mice have encouraged hours of pretend play.  Creative, imaginative play. Really, it's the best kind.

 

Happy Easter 2015

Happy Easter, from us to you!

The making of Soft Pretzels

I made these a bit ago, recipe from one of my Maine girls.  They were good! Probably not my forever recipe, I'll likely tweak, but I would make again. For these though, it's not about the product, it's about the process. There's nothing more satisfying than being allowed to do all steps when you're a kiddo.  And to top that big project with a tea party devouring the treats? A mighty fun thing to do. It's always good to allow enough time for the littles to really get involved in the kitchen.

Spring time in Maine.

 

Temperatures have been balmy in Maine as of late. Although, I think my friend Daisy from Maple Hill 101 and her Florida blood might not describe our weather as balmy, especially given all the snow that still has gone nowhere.  But, it feels so warm that hats, mittens and coats are not necessary.  In fact, Adrian decided it is perfect weather for shorts.

 He's so excited for spring that he's jumping for joy. He also has promised to never ever pray for snow again.  We are all mighty excited for spring!

Thrifted, country lovin' style.

Warmer weather makes me think of all things summer. Gardening, dips in the ocean, barefoot...and of course our Country Lovin' Kids party. 

The latest thrifting adventure now has us all outfitted in matching hats, as well as three cowgirl shirts (one with tags from Tractor Supply still on it!).  I will be set for the next three country lovin' parties!  All this stuff for only $5.00.

 You know who was most happy about this?

 I'm betting you can guess.

 Here we are, a bunch of country bumpkins, just embracing our inner farmers. Yeehaw!

Finding spring.

 

We've been looking hard for spring, and we're finally finding it. We'll here and there. 

There's a bit of mud.
 And rain boots instead of snow boots.

 

 Some ground is clear enough for treasures. Particularly the black chestnut kind.

Snow? What snow?  Easter eggs are what we see. And no hat. And no mittens. 

Yes, there's still oodles of snow. But...we are seeing more spring than we are winter as of late.  My kitchen floors prove it.



Thrifted.

 

 Thrift store scores.

A glass fishbowl. Canvas fabric. Basket making supplies. Foam cores for crafting (Remembering pins and beads and making Christmas ornaments. My kids do love the pins in my pin cushion.) Two scarves. A brand new pair of shoes (this brand). $5.00 exactly. That's right, can you believe that?

A magna doodle (for the car, so there's not a million pieces of paper to clean up from little miss), a marble run, a camping enamelware bowl and plate, two full size bars of Toms of Maine soap, a dancing leotard and faves: Frog and Toad and Richard Scarry. $5.50.

Today, I looked down at my outfit. Shoes, pans, shirt, sweater, coat...all thrifted things for a dollar a piece. My entire outfit was all name brand and only cost $5.00 total.  You never would have guessed. All washed up, looks good as new!

I tell you...there's treasures to be had thrifting. Swing by a thrift store next time you're out and about. There just might be a treasure waiting for you!