Our Basement Rec Room

Can you believe I am finally posting photos of our new rec room? I like to keep people in suspense! Let me give you a little background info first. Our house was built in 1917 and the basement consisted of six creepy rooms. I, having watched way too many horror movies, refused to enter two of these rooms. My husband removed a few walls and we now have a storage room, utility room, and rec room. We already have a playroom on our first floor, but we really needed a space where the boys could be more active. Wisconsin winters are long and the summers are hot, especially without air conditioning. This is a space where they can run, play, be loud, and be messy.

We sprayed the cinder block walls with texture and chose 1/2 inch foam mats for the floor. We bought ours here. Recessed lighting will hold up nicely to any "wild" ball games.

Things To Do:

Swing, Play gym, Trampoline, 6 foot tunnel, Bouncy house, Tent and tunnel set, Basketball hoop, Hockey set, Puppet theater and stage, Hoppy ball, Bouncy puppy, Sand/water table, Ride on vehicles, Scooters, Giant cardboard boxes

* Many of our items were given to us years ago or were bought at thrift stores, but I tried to link to similar items for you. The stage is made out of a pallet and a pair of curtains that hang on a clothesline in the corner. If you use a pallet, make sure you know what it was used for. It needs to be clean and free of chemicals.

I love how the climbing holds look and feel like actual rocks. The kids love to see if they can make it all the way across, but making the corner can be a little tricky. The adults love trying it too!

Bedroom Switcharoo

Do you have an area of your house that always seems to turn into a dumping zone?  Please tell me you do.  We had a spare bedroom that was filled with all of our misplaced furniture, empty boxes that I tell myself I may need in the future, the one Halloween decoration that I forgot to take down and didn't see until after Thanksgiving...you get the picture.  Well, last week Bean decided he wanted that room.  Brady and I pointed out that it was smaller than his current room and the closet wasn't as nice, but Bean insisted that he and the spare room were meant to be together.  So I cleaned up my mess and he moved right in.

Sorry about the poor quality photos.  Bean was in a hurry to get the picture-taking done so he could play in his new room.  The maps on the walls are from the Target dollar bins and I had the poster frames laying around.  The red storage bench is from Walmart and holds his train track.  The jute rug was bought from Overstock.  The windows are going to stay bare since they look out on the woods and offer a very pretty view.  The silver lamp was only $35.00 at Home Depot and the easel was $2.00 at a Thrift store.  The old time pencil sharpener hanging on his desk came with the house.  Now I just need to find another place to hide all my boxes.

Homemade Valentines For Kids

The first year Bean was in school, I forgot (until the night before) to buy cards to pass out to his classmates.  My husband stopped at the only store still open and paid a small fortune for a box of Snoopy valentines.  I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning signing the cards and stuffing them into envelopes.  Not my finest moment.  This year Bean and I will be making the valentines together.  Here are a few we are considering.

Via Dandee Designs

Via One Charming Party

Via Honest to Nod

Bathrooms for the Kids

My list of things to do is about 3 pages long, so I am just stopping in for a quick post.  How about some great images of some really cool bathrooms for kids?  Here you go!

Via Octavia & Brown

Via Pottery Barn

Via Canadian Family

Via This Old House

Shared Bedrooms By Boys and Girls

Good Morning!  So let's talk siblings.  I grew up with three sisters and a brother so I experienced the joy of sharing a room.  My little sis and I even shared a double bed until I was eleven.  I really didn't mind except for when  she would get one of her horrible nosebleeds and we would wake up and look like we were involved in some sort of hideous crime.  I vowed never to make my children share a room.  Now that I have two little boys, I can appreciate the bonding and life lessons created by sharing a room.  Here are a few of my favorite bedrooms shared by boys and girls.

Via Babble

Via Babble

Domino Mag

Via the boo and the boy

Via Honest to Nod

Where The Wild Things Are Inspired Bedroom

Yesterday I walked into our upstairs bathroom and noticed that something was different.  It took me a second to realize that all of the trim was finished.  It has been almost five years since we started remodeling the bathroom so you can understand my surprise.  The hubby also finished installing the trim in the back entry  (a project started in 2006) and he put up the stair railing for the new basement stairs. I don't know what has gotten into him, but I fully plan on taking advantage of his sudden urge to work on the house.  I just so happen to have a new project for us.  Ollie is going to need a "big boy" room soon and I am thinking about giving it a "Where the Wild Things are" look.  I love the idea of having clouds hang from a star-covered ceiling and a crown hanging from his bed post.  A tree stump stool and a bookshelf that looks like a branch will fit right in.  The wall color is the same as the background of the inspiration board and his bed will be painted the bronze color.  I am thinking about adding a tent with twinkle lights if there is enough space in the room.  I can't wait to get started!

Road Trip with Kids Survival Guide

I can not believe all of the gizmos and gadgets on new cars.  They seem to have everything I could possibly want or need except for one thing.  A partition that moves up and down between the front and back seats.  You know, like in limos.  That way I could put up the partition when the kids are fighting...or whining...or crying.  Can you imagine how peaceful car trips would be?  Until then I am going to have to rely on a few of my own tricks.  Here are a few things we are packing for our holiday road trips.

1. Snacks and water bottles
2. Portable DVD player or handheld video game
3. Kids music along with headphones for the kids
4. Road trip bingo
5. License plate game
6. Clipboard with coloring pages and hidden picture sheets
7. Would you rather game
8. Hourly surprises like new crayons or an I spy book
9. Mad libs
10. Dramamine, plastic bags and extra outfits (just in case)

Things To Teach Your Teen

I know so many parents who are taking their kids to college this week and they all seem to have the same concern.  Are their kids prepared for this next step in life?  Here is a list of some life skills I plan on teaching my teens someday. 

-How to cook the basics
-Grocery Shop
-Sew on a button
-Use a fire extinguisher and how to put out a kitchen fire
-Do laundry
-Perform CPR and basic first aid
-Balance a checkbook
-Use an ATM
-How to create a budget and stick to it
-Self defense
-How to save money
-Basics about circuit breakers and water shut off valves
-Internet and social media safety
-How to fix a running toilet
-How to navigate public transportation
-How to change a tire
-How to pump gas
-How to check the oil and washer fluid
-How to check the air in tires
-What to do if they are in a car accident

Playroom Decor From Unexpected Stores

Gypsy Chandelier

Boy is it hot! Are you feeling it, too?  The children around here have had to abandon the scorching hot swings and slides and playing in the sandbox is pretty gross if you're sticky with sweat.  This means a lot more kids are hanging out inside.  In an air-conditioned playroom, perhaps?  Here are some bright-colored accessories to perk up a play space.  The best part is that you don't have to shop at any children's stores to get them.

Schoolhouse Electric Clock

Clementine Mayan Dhurrie Rug

Sandusky Lee Book Truck

Contemporary Girl's Room

Here is a wonderful bedroom designed by Philpotts Interiors.  The paneled white walls and sliding barn door would blend in well with my modern farmhouse some day.  Check it out!

Fun Job Titles for Kids

Ever notice how jobs are more exciting when we give them a fancy title?  I decided to test this theory on my 6 year old son.  Would he be more excited to do his chores and if so, would this work for my husband as well? Just kidding.  Bean was very excited about his new "jobs" and has been doing great .  Here are a few examples to get you started.

Keeper of the Car
     Makes sure inside of car is kept clean, everything is removed from car when trip is over, and seatbelts are on.
Communications Director
     Brings in the mail and sorts it.  Puts outgoing mail in mailbox.
Plant Manager
     Waters the plants and brings in fresh flowers when in season.
Drink Specialist
     Helps make juice, fills water bottles, and restocks drinks in fridge.
Garbage Collector
      Reminds others to throw away their trash, picks up scrap paper from the floor, and alerts Mom when a garbage can is full.

A Room for Three

I just had to share this project with you guys!  I have been working on a bedroom for three wonderful little girls.  A new (actually very old) house and another baby on the way made it a good time to make some changes.  A slanted ceiling made it impossible to use the bunk beds  from the last house. The painted wood floor was a kinda orange-kinda brownish color that the girls called "ucky".  Mom wanted a room that could grow with the girls.  Here was my inspiration.

The room is long and narrow which makes it perfect for three little beds in a row.  White walls and a floor painted white will lighten up the room.  Mom already had a Jenny Lind style bed in a dark brown finish that she was happy to paint white.  We found two more at Target for a great price.  Two dressers placed between the beds act like nightstands but with more storage.  White dressers and shelves blend into the walls and will make the room feel larger.  A floral fabric by Jessica Jones will be used to make new duvet covers for the girls.  Here's the design board.

Hive shelves from CB2, tomato parker play chair and Gumball lamp from Land of Nod, Hemnes dresser, Malin blanket and Knodd bin from IKEA, Illustrations from Majali at Etsy

Etsy Easter Basket Ideas

I am one of those annoying mothers who limits the amount of candy in her child's Easter basket.  We still have some Halloween candy hanging around (I know...gross!) and I would rather give him something he can enjoy for a while.  So if you want to swap out some candy for a different kind of sweet treat, here are some cute homemade products that are perfect for an Easter basket.

Chicks from Blueberry Bird Designs

Felt playsilk toy from Sewn Natural

bunny hat from Adorable Baby Creation

(Adorable baby not included)

Cashmere funny bunny from Beeper Bebe

Teaching Math through Imaginative Play

Kids don't play enough today.  I mean good old imaginative play.  There are so many benefits from it and it is a fun way to teach your child basic skills.  Creative play is a great opportunity for children to work on their math skills.  We have a play cash register, but you could use a toy computer or just use your imagination.  

Bookstore

- All you need is a cashier and a customer and a shelf of books for this one.  Have a few different prices for different sized books.  Remember to make the level of difficulty age-appropriate.

Art Gallery

- Put your child's artwork up for sale in an "art gallery".  You can even work on the concept of more or less by negotiating the price.

Floral Shop

- Gather up a bunch of fake flowers and have the "florist" put together bouquets to fill orders.  I like to save tissue paper from presents for my son to wrap bouquets in.  His favorite part is delivering the flowers and finding the correct change in his apron.

Train Station

- Help your child come up with prices for each stop.  We use stuffed animals as the passengers on the train. We have a concession stand where we sell newspapers, drinks and snacks as well.  This is a fun way to work on money values and telling time. 

Farmer's Market

- This is great for multiple kids to play.  Have a couple kids set up booths to sell their goods.  Then have customers go shopping.  You can even have your kids make signs for their booths.  If they aren't writing yet, have them draw pictures for their signs.

Playroom Inspiration

I am currently working on a budget-friendly playroom and thought I would share some cool playroom images with you.  Lucky kids!

Margaret Norcott craft suite

Via Houzz

Lisa Mahar playroom

Diana Kellogg playroom

Via Pottery Barn

10 Books For Baby

My first child loves books.  He is reading on his own now and it is bittersweet for me.  I am so proud of him yet sad that soon he won't want to read stories together anymore.  The good news is that I have a baby who will soon be discovering books.  Here are my ten favorite books for babies.

1.  Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
2.  Happy Hippo, Angry Duck by Sandra Boynton
3.  Time For Bed by Mem Fox
4.  Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
5.  From Head to Toe by Eric Carle
6.  Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
7.  The Crunching Munching Caterpillar by Sheridan Cain
8.  The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don & Audrey Wood
9.  Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett
10. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

Budget-friendly Gender Neutral Nursery

Earlier this month I posted about a gender neutral bedroom.  A friend of mine had mentioned that she liked the room but not the price.  I really wanted to show her that she can get a similiar look with a tighter budget.  Here is the original version.

Toddler sleigh bed by Target $80

Striped pillow by Dwell Studio $100

Dotty Yellow bedding by Ferm Living $80

Striped rug at Layla Grayce $330

Jaylyn pendant lamp by Poshtots $279

Thrift store dresser painted yellow $50ish

Print by Bees Knees Design at etsy $6.99

Playmat by Peppermint Pinwheels at etsy $45

Curtains by Land of Nod $29 each

Hitch Marigold stool by CB2 $169

Not a Peep crib bedding by Land of Nod $231

Grey low-rise crib by Land of Nod $900

Total:  $2328.99

Here is the Budget-friendly version.

Toddler sleigh bed by Target $80
Striped pillow from etsy $25

Dotty Yellow bedding by Ferm Living $80

Striped rug from Overstock $191

Pendant light from IKEA $29.99

Thrift store dresser painted yellow $50ish

Print by Bees Knees Design at etsy $6.99

Playmat by Peppermint Pinwheels at etsy $45

Matilda curtains from IKEA $24.99 for 2

Mammut stool from IKEA $7.99

Not a Peep crib bedding by Land of Nod $231

Sundvik crib from IKEA $119

Total:  $890.96

Twenty-five ways to show your child love

Is it just me or are the days flying by?  Life seems to move at such a fast pace that the things that are most important to us often get pushed to the side.  I wonder how many times a day I tell my children to hurry up.  Or how often do I say "Just a minute" and never get back to them.  I'm guilty of passing on bedtime stories because there is laundry to fold.  I am a great multi-tasker.  In fact, sometimes too great.  So that is why I am going to hang this list up as a reminder of what is really important.  And then I am going to give a few much deserved hugs and kisses to my baby.

 1. Let them help you make dinner
 2. Color with them
 3. Admit when you are wrong
 4. Give your baby a massage
 5. Make chicken noodle soup when they're sick
 6. Give them honest compliments
 7. Display their artwork
 8. Sit down and eat dinner together (no phones or T.V.)
 9. Give them Eskimo kisses
10. Always give them a hug when they ask for one
11. Decorate their bedroom door for their birthday (or a big game/recital)
12. Stick a note and chocolate kisses in their lunch
13. Stop being in such a hurry all the time
14. Cut their sandwich into a heart shape
15. Watch Saturday morning cartoons together in your pajamas
16. Give yourself breaks when you need them
17. Warm up their towel during bath time
18. Always make time for bedtime stories
19. Send them a birthday card in the mail
20. Have just baked cookies for them after school
21. Make up a song or secret handshake that only the two of you know
22. Surprise them with a picnic at the park or an afternoon at the movies
23. Embrace the unique things about them, don't try to change them
24. Let them teach you something (a game, names of dinosaurs, etc.)
25. Don't do everything for them

Gender Neutral Children's Room

I worked on this nursery a while ago and I love the grey and yellow color scheme for a neutral room.  It works well for a baby but I think it is a great choice if you have a little boy and girl sharing a room as well.  So here is an example.  

You can get away with a small amount of color as long as you add pattern or texture.  Grey walls and white trim would look so nice with the yellow striped ceiling.  The stripes are continued in the bedding, rug and curtains.  More patterns are added through the bedding and light fixture.  The bright yellow accents brighten up the room and the clean lines of the dresser, stools and crib have a gender neutral feel to them.

Toddler sleigh bed by Target $80

Striped pillow by Dwell Studio $100

Dotty Yellow bedding by Ferm Living $80

Striped rug at Layla Grayce $330

Jaylyn pendant lamp by Poshtots $279

Thrift store dresser painted yellow $50ish

Print by Bees Knees Design at etsy $6.99

Playmat by Peppermint Pinwheels at etsy $45

Curtains by Land of Nod $29 each

Hitch Marigold stool by CB2 $169

Not a Peep crib bedding by Land of Nod $231

Grey low-rise crib by Land of Nod $900