There's nothing like enjoying the view out your bedroom window...

or at least pretending like you do while Momma tries to take the "perfect" picture for the umpteenth time.

freedom

Freedom for my 3-year-old has finally been achieved! 

 Do you remember the day you first learned to ride away?  

For me, it signaled a life-time of freedoms to come: riding my trike behind my big brother and his friends madly trying to catch up, riding a bike to the neighborhood 7-11 to spend my change on a Slur-pee, driving lessons on the way home from Grandma's house in the old gold Station wagon and driving to school for the first time.

It seems like riding somewhere for a purpose is a rite of passage.  Our purpose these days is delivering the mail to the post box and cruising to the park on sunny afternoons.  There is nothing like it in the world and I remember it so clearly as I watch my cheerful girl relish in the delight of her newfound freedom.  

Mommas, I highly recommend this trike for your wee ones.  It is the same style I learned on and has been super for my girl.  Durable, light-weight (we hang ours in the garage on the wall), all metal, adjustable seat and easy to pedal....plus, it can double as a scooter (with a little imagination--yes, one less toy to buy!). 

Enjoy your freedom!

Fab K...

So, Fabulous K Creative is giving away another lovely blog design.  I absolutely love her simple, classy, modern and timeless creations.  Being a relatively new blogger, I desperately want a chic and modern design for my own little corner of blog land.

If you are in need of a special new look, check it out.  You could be a winner too!

sick, sick, sick...

I am officially SICK!  I have and extreme and unforeseen obsession with bags.  Bags of any kind: handbags, over-the-shoulder bags, beach bags, clutch purse bags, "green" bags, casual bags, dressy bags and diaper bags.  The diaper bag has done it to me.  Prior to little munch-kins, I was very happy using one handbag until it bit the dust.  But NOW, I have turned into this perfect-bag-seeking crazed person.  The perfect bag occurs in many different  forms is the problem. Leather is a true classic along with sturdy sailor canvas and we can't forget the handy oil cloth for wiping up yucky messes.  The combination purse and diaper bag can be hard to find.  Therein lies another problem...do you buy the big purse and cram  the baby stuff inside or do you buy the stylish diaper bag and use it for both?  Or you can just tell yourself that you need both--a diaper bag and purse.  The problem is that I can't seem to get enough.   I love bags.  It is just plain sick.  Forget clothes and shoes, bags are my new love.

A sampling of some of the"perfect" bag candidates above can be found at:

Lands End

Kitsch'n Glam

Target (yes, Target...I was pessimistic too but found awesome quality brands online)

Baby Star (thanks, Jenn for introducing me to these fun bags)

two is better than one...

The joys of these two can't be beat.  

Especially, squeezing into a car made for one with your best buddy on a cold, wet day.

Here's to hoping you enjoy something simple and splendid with someone special.

Happy Hearts

birthday fun...

My big girl had a birthday this month.  I had such fun planning a perfect little party for her.  Of course, I'd love to have a wonderful backyard party for her at home but with the unexpected weather January can bring, I decided on an indoor party at a local gymnastics gym.  I had lots of fun stamping "3" on little tags to decorate.  I was inspired to do this from a friend who creates lovely cards and decorations with stamps.  I usually create these types of decorations on the computer and then print them but I really enjoyed using stamps this time.  My unexpected love for stamps is growing ever so slowly.

Anyway, back to the party, I think it was a fantastic success.  My girl enjoyed the free time with her friends to run and play...unstructured (which is KEY for toddlers and preschoolers).  This was her first party with friends.   We wait until 3 to have a party with friends.  1st and 2nd birthdays are done at home with close family.  Needless to say, my girl definitely wants a party again next year!  Every morning she asks, "Is it my birthday today?"

I can't believe 3 years have crept by so quick.  How does that happen?  So many phases have come and gone and now I am the mother of a preschooler.  I feel so lucky to be a mother to a wonderful, smart, kind-hearted little girl.  She is perfect!  "My cup runneth over" with love for that girl.