Beach your children well

Our kids love the beach, but really, who's child wouldn't? Traditionally we rent a beach house in the summer. Renting gives the little luxury of change, the ability to try out many different places. But, if we ever did decide to take the plunge, I love the thought of built in bunks for the children's rooms---no doubt, our kids would love the bunks almost as much as the beach.

Photos via Inside out, Coastal Living.

Lazy days

Summer vacation starts officially tomorrow at noon, the boys get out of school the the dance begins. Camps, vacations, days here and there...three full months of keeping busy. My favorite activity? The kids running through the sprinkler in the backyard. It's the simple things that keep not just the kids, but the moms happy. What's your favorite simple thing?

Photo by KTD, in our backyard.

Happy Friday

Have a fantastic weekend. Image here.

Mommies Who Shop

Thursday evening, May 20th, I will be heading over to the Mommies Who Shop event at Regis College in Weston, MA. If you are a Boston local and would like more info about this event (or others like it), check out the MWS website.

I know, for sure, I'll be paying a visit to these two vendors...

Find A Match (Animals) by Excited 2 Learn, image via their website

Fleece Hoodies by Hoosier Magnolia, image via their website

Aggie Hill

We have two special events coming up here in the D'Amico household this month...both of which require a marginal amount of dressing up (but certainly not a casual day). Yesterday I was lucky to score a "worn once" Laura Ashley dress at the local kid's resale. I admit, I'm a frugal type when it comes to special occasion dress buying, most dresses, sadly, only get worn only once or twice. If there was an unlimited amount of cash reserve available---dreaming here, my purse would head straight for Aggie Hill.

Photos via Aggie Hill

Mae

It's been a while since I posted, time to get back on track. Finding a little of inspiration while cruising through issue #13 of Small Magazine. There are always all sorts of pretty things to investigate in Small. Wall decals by Mae have caught my attention. Especially because they are so original and could easily accessorize either a boy's or girl's room. Although Mae is a company out of Australia, these can designs can be found here in the United States through Fawn and Forest's website.

i love that!

File under: Things two year olds scream out while watching Dora the Explorer. I think we have a young fashionista on our hands considering that she called me in from the kitchen to see the "Lelli Kelly" commercial. This brand is news to me. Has anyone bought these for their little one? Worth it?

Photo via Zappos

so true

Within the last month or so the D'Amico kids' rooms have had a well deserved make over. So, I was particularly happy to find a print this morning while perusing the web that goes perfectly with the color scheme in my daughters "new" room. How it happened: I started at ffffound, which lead me to designworklife and finally to Flowers in May's lovely online shop. I'm happy to say that this little number is coming home with me. As soon as it's framed up, we will find a fine spot for it in her room.

Photo: Flowers in May "The best things in life are sweet"

the old switch-a-roo

My two boys used to share a room. At the beginning of last summer my oldest thought it was about time he had his own room. Mr. Middle was not ready to fly solo, so he gladly accepted when we suggested that he and his younger sister bunk for a while. Best-laid plans...all went well for a few months. Then our lovely oldest decided he liked it the "old way" better. For the past month Mr. Middle has been sleeping on floor in his brother's "new" room. Sounds comfy huh?

Back to square one. We are putting them back together in their old room after a slight overhaul and change in paint color. The boys have suggested both blue AND orange for wall paint colors. There is no shortage of blue/orange inspiration in the design world. Most of it is decidedly feminine (a bit surprising since blue + orange does not scream GIRL to me). They are complementary however...before and afters should be interesting.

Photos: 1- via The Lennoxx, 2-Domino, 3-Decorating Nature (where artist Norm Magnusson paints natural objects and re-places them for photographs. Pretty.)

what to do?

When your previously independent ten year old now feels like he needs to share a room with a sibling---Thoughts? Suggestions?

Photo: Pottery Barn Teen.

happy Halloween

From Belle and Boo. This makes me actually like Halloween just a little bit. Who am I kidding? But, the drawing is lovely, no? Check it out HERE.

nest organics

Today at Billion Dollar Babes: Beautiful Nest Organics Children's clothing. BDB is a boutique shopping site. Registration is complementary. If you need an invitation, send me your email address and I will send you one.

just because

I love nerds.

Nerdy Baby Flashcards by Tiffany Ard. Find them HERE.

Star House little folks

These little guys could certainly inspire one to dig out the paint box. They are made by Star House...visit their ETSY shop HERE. Made from wood, they are painted with non-toxic watercolor paint and then sealed with bees wax and jojoba oil. And, in addition to all that, there just darn cute.

school days

If you have young ones who are new in the process of learning writing and reading skills, I'd love to point you in the direction of The Write Start. Occupational Therapist and busy Mom Jennifer posts regularly with all of these great and fun ideas to get little one's brain in motion. Check out her "writing station" (picture above) under the favorite posts section of her sidebar. My fave...

Photo by Jennifer via The Write Start