Camp Whimsy

Dinosaurs and Trains

 
Baby brother has been spending a lot of time playing dinosaurs and Thomas Train. He likes to group all of his dinosaurs together and help them to do dinosaur things such as roaring, eating trees, climbing volcanoes and engaging in dinosaur battles.

When he starts playtime he insists standing each of his dinosaurs upright where he can see each one. By the time he is finished every dinosaur will be knocked over and possibly thrown across the room as a result of dinosaur battle.

This is what dinosaur battle looks like. Little dinosaurs battling much bigger dinosaurs.

When baby brother has had enough of battling dinosaurs he switches gears...

All aboard!!

It has been so much fun to watch as he learned how to properly pull the train, line up the magnets and fix the track. He is in love with his train set!

 

Tonight I am headed to pick up a few new accessories, engines and extra track for baby brother's Christmas present. Maybe I'll throw in a few dinosaurs too. And on a final note, some very wise person thought long and hard about what two year old boys really love (dinosaurs and trains) and came up with Dinosaur Train, a favorite new show on PBS for baby brother and toddlers everywhere!   
 
 
 
  

The Playhouse Revealed!

 

Welcome to our playhouse reveal party! The playhouse is finally finished, just in time for my daughter's fourth birthday party. Come on in and take a look...

 

 

We've been tidying up just for you!

 

 

...here is the little dining area...

 

...right next to the kitchen...

 

...where we prepare...

 

...breakfast...

 

...lunch...

 

...and dinner.

 

Here is a view of the pattern in the floor. It is the same flooring we have in the kitchen in our big house.

 

And here's a peek at the vaulted ceiling. We (the grown ups) decided against the chandelier because we like being able to stand up and not bend over or hit our heads on anything. A simple flat lighting fixture is just perfect.

 

This is a small reading area for now, though we plan to build a bench with toy storage underneath. I will sew a pad for the new bench to match the curtains I made. The kids love this little spot.

 

 

 

This is the view from the side window, which overlooks the garden.

 

And here is a picture of the side window from the outside. The front window faces the rear of our house.

Here are some shots of the building process:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love our new playhouse. It is just what I envisioned for our back yard, it looks like it has always been there. The kids adore it.

 

Thanks for coming! Come again anytime, we'll leave the light on for you!

Your invited to the playhouse reveal party!

 

Don't forget to join me tomorrow morning for the big playhouse reveal party! And please invite your friends! See you then! Kim

Magpie Ethel's Halloween Etsy Offering

Head over to Laurie's blog to see what she'll be listing in her Etsy shop tomorrow morning. If you want to see what I purchased from her last Halloween, click here. 

   

Images:Magpie Ethel of course!

Pendleton Favorites

 

Here are a few of my favorites from Pendleton. 

Skinny Ice Cream

 

A few months ago Beth shared her story of working at becoming healthy. I was truly inspired and realized I needed to make some changes too. I have a passion for baking, a HORRIBLE sweet tooth, and unfortunately it shows! So I've made a few changes and for the past five weeks or so I've been working hard at watching my diet. I've never done this before and what once seemed impossible to do (not constantly snacking on baked goods) has now become a routine. I'm saving the baking for really special occasions and events where I can share what I make with others, rather than eating a whole pan of brownies all by myself. But I still crave a little something sweet for dessert. I found these Skinny Cow Skinny Dippers in the freezer aisle. Most of the skinny cow products have 100-150 calories per serving, but these skinny bars are only 80 calories each! Awesome. Plus they're a better deal, the box was $4.79 at the local market and it contains 12 bars. Boxes of Skinny Cow ice cream cones and truffle bars were the same price and only contained four servings in a box. So there's the skinny on skinny bars. Here's to living a healthier lifestyle! I'm not good at extremes, and I know I am not going to give up sweets completely, but this is a good shift in my approach to them. And I've never had this much energy in my life, it finally occured to me that all of the sugar I was consuming was literally bringing me down.

 

80 calories of pure, guiltless, skinny pleasure.

Let's Play Play-Doh!!

 

This past weekend we played with Play-Doh.

 

Baby brother hasn't quite figured out the rolling part of the pin.

 

 

 

And apparently he likes the taste of Play-Doh.

 

 

 

 

A little too much. He decided actually playing with the Play-Doh was quite boring and he much preferred licking it.We tossed out the slimy green Play-Doh after he finished licking it. Yuck. Slimy Play-Doh. Maybe we'll give it some time before we try this again!

Pepsi Natural and the Bargain Market

 

I am a Pepsi girl. Each day with lunch I enjoy a bubbly glass of ice cold Pepsi. I try to only have Pepsi once a day. With all of the hype against high fructose corn syrup I was excited to see a new type of Pepsi on the market, one made with all natural ingredients and in a bottle to boot! But I was a little less excited when I saw the price, (over four bucks!) on a four-bottle case, while at a local supermarket. So you can imagine my excitement when I found the same four bottle case for $1.48 at the bargain market I go to every month to stock up on pantry items. (You know, your local bargain market, the market where you have to bag your own groceries, fight the crowds and hope you don't pick up a cold. Sorry, the bargain market might be cheap but it's a bit dirty!) So while braving bargain market to find the super low prices I've come to love I happily stumbled across the all-new Pepsi Natural. I purchased two cases, enough to last me one week. After one week of Pepsi Natural I can say that I do prefer the plain old high fructose corn syrup Pepsi, HOWEVER, because this is a healthier version of Pepsi with relatively good taste I will continue to buy this as long as the bargain market carries it. Pepsi Natural is made with a combination of cane and beet sugars. When poured over ice it is foamy and frothy like root beer. It does indeed taste natural. Natural is good. The moral of the story is this: Regular Pepsi and those nice expensive supermarkets may provide a better experience, but don't knock Pepsi Natural and your local bargain market just because they are a little less convenient and unfamiliar. Saving money is good. Saving your health is even better!

 

On a side note, I'm off on a little trip this week so I will be unable to respond to your emails/comments. But please do leave them and I'll be sure to read and love each one and respond when I return! (Hint to husband: a laptop would be nice in circumstances such as this!) I have some nice posts in store for you while I'm away, mainly on one of my favorite subjects: food! Blessings, Kim

Keepin' Cool

 

This summer I'm keepin' cool with this nifty little fan I found at Target. It's perfect for my counter or desk. And at under ten bucks it's the kind of cool I like: the cheap kind. Keep it cool!!!

The Farm Chicks New York Party Giveaway

The Farm Chicks are back from their trip to New York City and they've made sure to bring back lovely souvenirs for a fabulous giveaway!!! Head over and put your name in the drawing! (photos:the Farm Chicks of course!) 

L.L. Bean Favorites

I just received my new L.L. Bean Home catalog. Here are a few of my favorite things. This alarm clock is at the top of the list.

 

These sporting dog flannel sheets would be the perfect dose of comfy to snuggle up in this fall.

 

This wool hooked footstool is just darling and I should like to have one in my beachside cottage that I plan on having at some point. 

 

And this perfect shade of aqua bench. I have a weakness for things painted any sort of light blue or teal and also happen to love benches. A perfect match. Head over to L.L. Bean Home  and find your own favorite things!  

My Little Boy Turns Two

 

See my sweet little boy? Two years ago today he was born. I can't think of a feeling to compare to the birth day of your child. The anticipation, nervousness, a loud cry. Oh that cry. What a wonderful sound. I can't wait to see him. I cry and cry. Happy crying. I lay on the table, unable to see the baby behind the curtain. Oh how I want to see him. The doctor hands him to the nurse who wraps him up and gives him to his daddy who brings him over to me. He holds him up to my face and my eyes can see him for the first time. This is pure joy. Unlike my first c-section where they whisked Audrey away, this time they let my new baby stay by me while the doctors finish up the surgery. He is quiet and content. I love him. Immediate love. Unlike friendships or relationships that will take time to build. This is immediate love. 

 

Some days he is more than I can handle. He has a magnificent temper. I never had brothers or much experience with boys. Apparently they are much busier than little girls. They like to break things. But oh, he is so smart. Each day brings new wonder at the things he figures out. Each day he brings me more smiles than I can count. So on this day, his birthday, I am so thankful that God has blessed me with a son. And my prayer is for many, many more birthdays to come for my sweet baby boy. Happy Birthday Baby, Love Mommy

Curbside Cottage Chic Feature

Kerry from Curbside Cottage Chic did a feature on little old me. Check it out and be sure to leave Kerry a comment too! 

Veggie Flash Cards

 

I love these flashcards from Elle's Studio. I saw them at the Farm Chicks show and my sister kindly bought me a package of the veggie cards. They are perfect for gift tags, scrapbooking and as props in a display.  I found a good use for the tomato tag on a bag of tomatoes from my garden that I sent home with my friend Laurie.

  

A Magpie 4th of July

 

I decked out the shelf in my dining room with a little help from my favorite magpie. Laurie crafted some really great things for the fourth of July and listed them in her etsy shop (I think they have mostly been bought up by now, but be sure to check her shop regularly, she lists items for most holidays and her vintage creations are a super way to decorate for special occasions).

 

Oh, Miss Liberty! She was just too cute to resist! Just look at how she waves the grand old flag!

 

A little flag garland was just what the shelf needed!

 

The vintage newspaper "FIREWORKS" flag just makes me happy, and because Laurie is so incredibly cool she sent me a few extra goodies to complete my display. Don't you love the little card with "HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY" inside the bottle cap?

 

Look at the fabulous cone she made, and the vintage German curly paper was just perfect to bring the whole display together! Thanks Laurie, my holiday displays have never looked so good! I love decorating a shelf, table, wall or cupboard for a holiday, it just makes every month seem special to have an ever-changing display of celebration in my home.

Fresh Water Bottles and Jane Jenni Plates

 

 

I just received a fresh shipment of water bottles and plates at Maxwell General. The water bottles hold 20 ounces, made from food grade stainless steel with lead-free inks. Hand wash only. Jane Jenni plates are just too cute and dishwasher safe. The price on the water bottles is $18, plus actual shipping and the price on the plates is $8, plus actual shipping. I can send you an invoice via PayPal or make other payment arrangements if you like. Here are the styles I have available:

 

Mother Hen

 

My Deer

 

Bees Knees

 

Early Bird

 

Little Lamb

 

Lucky Duck

 

Cutie Pie

 

Doll Face

 

Baby Girl Bear

Baby Boy Bear

And the water bottles in three new styles...

 

I Love Water

 

Cool it-Every day is precious (ok, seriously how cute is this?)

 

Birds of North America

 

 

Feel free to email or leave a comment with any questions or requests, I think you'll like these products as much as I do! I have several of each style available in stock and can order more upon request-Thanks! Kim

One Year Blog Anniversary!

 

Today marks one year since my first post. What a journey this has been. I have made many wonderful friends. I have been inspired to sew better, create more, bake and cook many delicious dishes, collect vintage things and decorate my home to reflect my own tastes.  At times I didn't know what to post on, but for the most part the ideas have flown from my daily life right on through to my computer where I share them with you. Blogging has changed the way I see everyday things. I want to take pictures of random things like cupcakes and honey bees. Early on I was consumed by blogging and it took some time to find a balance. I learned that in order for this to remain the kind of experience I want it to be I must ocassionally take a break. Going even one day without checking the comments, stats and emails generated by the blog feels like an eternity and I welcome these small vacations when life gets too busy. Instead of posting daily I try to make sure to get in at least two to three posts a week. After all, raising two small children is my focus and they deserve and demand my attention. The best part of blogging for me has been the sense of community I feel and experience with other women. Unlike many political or opinion blogs that can sometimes be quite nasty, this world of "craft" blogging is a rich and positive experience for all who enter. The willingness of other creative women to share their pursuits and ideas makes my daily life better. Google reader has become my companion and I can't wait for my "mommy" time each day to check in with my favorite blogs. I discover new talented bloggers to subscribe to each week and I now wonder how I ever lived without using Google reader (seriously, if you're reading blogs use an aggregator such as Google Reader, Bloglines, My Yahoo etc. to subscribe to your favorite blogs and be updated when they post). I have become my own personal techie, learning to install widgets, dabbling in html, choosing fonts and custom colors, uploading images, pasting and copying links. I have introduced a few friends and family along the way and brought three small antique German dolls to life. Looking forward to this next year of blogging I am excited for the new people I will meet and the friendships I have made that will grow, I plan on doing just what I've done so far, sharing my favorite recipes, crafting pursuits, updates from my little general store, glimpses of my family's farm life and trips to the Camp Whimsy cabin that started it all. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this first year of blogging such a wonderful one. From the very tips of my toes (in their red shoes) to the top of my head, all the way up to the sky, thank you. Now go treat yourself to a cupcake and celebrate with me!

Farm Chicks Show 2009 Part 4: Where to Sleep and Eat in Spokane

 

If you want to make your stay in Spokane truly memorable you must give the Davenport Hotel a try. The hotel was originally built in 1914 and restored to it's former glory in 2002. I am not a big fan of staying in hotels, but I delight in staying at the Davenport. The hotel is ornate, very clean, features a gift shop, candy store and a flower shop, indoor pool and more. The hotel is right in the middle of downtown Spokane with easy access to great dining and shopping.

  

 

 

And if you're looking for a great place to eat...

 

...you must visit Chaps . Chaps is one of a kind, truly a special place...

 

I LOVE the counter where you place your order, so very pretty...

 

...and this lovely old chest with that great blackboard behind it. Sigh.

 

This is the entryway which is papered with all sorts of vintage papers and decorated with a great collection of vintage horse pictures.

 

 

 

Lots of vintage trucks scattered about...

 

 

...even this old Chaps truck parked in the outdoor dining area!

 

There are several dining rooms in Chaps. This beautiful mantle is in the front dining room.  I love the use of color at Chaps.

 

I took a peek upstairs.

 

Another great mantle adorned with pillars and vintage trucks.

 

Every nook and cranny is embellished, even the walls and celings.

 

And of course the food...really tasty.  For my sister, biscuits and gravy...

 

...and for me a monte cristo with freezer jam and a salad. So yummy!

 

And because no meal is complete without something sweet, a cupcake! Oh happy day! So there you have it, next time you are in Spokane you must treat yourself to a stay at the Davenport and pay a visit to Chaps for a real treat!! Coming up next...Part 4: The Treasures I Found at the Farm Chicks...stay tuned...

Farm Chicks Show or Bust!!!!!!!

(Image: from The Farm Chicks of course!)

I'm headed to Spokane this morning! Hope to see you at the show!! Farm Chicks Show or Bust baby!!!!!

Camp Whimsy Calling!

 

I just picked up my new Camp Whimsy calling cards which I will be sharing with all of the wonderful gals I will meet at the Farm Chicks Show. The cards feature the girls standing in front of the little Camp Whimsy cabin I made. If you spot me at the show be sure to say hello! I'll be wearing my Camp Whimsy badge (and red shoes). Check out all of the bloggers attending this year's show who made badges right over here. You still have time to make a badge, post on it and let me know by tomorrow evening so I can include your badge in the badge post. 

    

Camp Whimsy calling!