Bedside Storage

Having a limited amount of space is a constant challenge when two children share a room. Keeping furniture to a minimum so they have room to play on the floor is important, as well as making sure they have a place for their favorite items. I decided to use some kitchen storage items from IKEA for my boy's books. Since they have a bunk bed it is important that the child on the top-bunk can store books and a glass of water. Above are some pictures of their bedside storage solution. 

Orla Kiely meet Target

So I am a huge fan of Orla Kiely. I received my first bag about 5 years ago and still use it today. Love her designs & color palate, but as many of you know the prices can be a bit steep (yet worth it!). For those of you who have not heard the news, her line (a more economical one) will be at Target next month! Be on the look-out and be ready to pounce as it will quickly disappear.....  

D.I.Y Toy Storage

It is always a good idea to do a pre-holiday toy purge. New toys will come in, so it is a great opportunity to share gently used toys with a local charity. After purging and donating to the local orphanage I decided we needed to fine tune our organization system as well. Our three year olds toy collection consists of a few firemen, loads of pirates, and pirate paraphernalia. Since our two boys share a room I decided to place some storage boxes under the bed so they would be easy to get to. I found these boxes at a local shop that used them for display. They were a steal so I bought a bunch. A quick trip to the art supply shop for wooden signs and chalkboard paint. After painting the signs I used 3m double sided tape to attach the signs to the boxes. Using chalkboard paint allows you to repurpose the boxes as your children grow. Check out the pictures above!

Give Granola!

Every year I make granola to give to friends and neighbors. I figure that everyone will eat enough junk over the next few weeks and something remotely healthy might be nice. The process is quite time consuming but it nice to be "stuck" at home during the holidays with time to read a book , or watch Christmas specials on TV. Above is the finished product! I always use a mason jar to store it in so it can be reused and will stay fresh.

What are you cooking up this holiday season? Send in your ideas to share!

If you have been following my blog you already know how neurotic I am about plastic and BPA.  I have blogged several times about safer ways to store your children/baby's food and drinks. I came across this new feeding system by Think Baby. The line has not yet been released and already has a waiting list so get on it! The set costs $42.oo and comes with the above components. Totally free of BPA, lead, melamine, lead, PVC, and phthalates this one is hard to resist. 

A Truly British Tea Party with a Purpose

Today I had a joy of attending a tea at my neighbor Denise's home. She hosted a lovely tea party to benefit Low Country Orphan Relief. A tea party with a purpose. Guests were asked to bring any used clothes, books, school supplies, and toiletries for the children. Bags of goodies were piled up around the Christmas Tree ready to be delivered to the children. The Non-Profit provides aid to children in the Charleston area that are abandoned, abused, and or neglected. The organization basically takes over where the government leaves off. We enjoyed amazing homemade scones, tea, and other traditional British treats. Check out the pictures above....

My Trip to Lime Blue

With a mission to promote all things local I made a trip to Lime Blue yesterday to do a bit of holiday shopping. Lime Blue, located on Queen Street downtown, makes one feel like they have taken "happy pills". From clay birds, personality included, to owl piggy banks everything is full of life & color. Looking for the perfect teacher gifts? The fish ornaments and clay flowers are perfect, & they won't break the bank either. Still in need of holiday decorations? Check out the "partridge in a pear tree" centerpiece or the garland with clay accents on the mantel. To make your experience top notch Jeff will wrap your gifts for you, and maybe give you a cookie. 

Recycled Art For Your Garden

The Bloom' in Art Show last month was fortunate to show the works of Doug James, a local craftsmen, who make the most amazing bottle trees and chairs out of reclaimed materials.  The Bottle Tree was placed right outside the studio on King Street,  lit up,  showing the colors of the bottles beautifully. What a great addition to your garden with some nice LED lights wrapped around it.  Doug's family web site also will include the work of his wife, Kendall, an amazing jewelry artist. To see pictures of the chairs, which are extremely comfortable, go to his web site at www.designsbydeck.com 

New Uses for Kid's Art Work

Above are some pictures of notecards I made from my son's art work. I used a paper cutter and made small cards and then tied them together with twine. Don't you think these would make a great gift for the grandparents. Not only are they beautiful but they are free as well! Another great use of finger paintings is wrapping paper. Why spend money on a roll of wrapping paper when it is hanging on your fridge.

Any ideas for other ways to use art work? Share your thoughts...

Bloom’ in Art
Premiering local artists and craftsmen

Our mission is to promote local artists and their craft

while giving back to art programs in high need schools. 

Stop in and celebrate fall with Bloom’ in Art....always new and always local!

 

November 7^th, 7-10 pm

The Real Estate Studio

214 King Street, Charleston

-To Benefit Mitchell Elementary School-

 

jewelry, textiles, paintings, pottery, iron work, and lots more…

 

For more information: http://www.bloominart.blogspot.com/

Lucky Tree Bags, the GoodEbag

A close friend recently launched her eco-friendly grocery bag line right here in Charleston. The beautiful chocolate brown bags are stylish & sturdy. From an organizer's perspective they create order in the trunk, folding up neat and flat. From a "green" perspective, the message is clear. RE think it! With messages printed on the bag, designed to make us think while inspiring us to do better.  My favorite part are the cute side pockets made especially for a pot of herbs or your natural cleaning products. Right now the bags are available at Expressions Art & Framing on Daniel Island (next to Publix). 

Thrifty Thursdays - Lentil Soup

During these tough economic times I though I would reserve Thursday's blog topic for green, healthy ways to save some cash. Here is a great recipe for a yummy soup I just made for the kids. Not only is it healthy & hearty, but it is an inexpensive meal. I bought all the ingredients at Whole Foods, but made sure I got the generic 365 brand to save money.

Lentil Soup:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot sliced in discs

Saute the above till the onions are clear then add the below ingredients and let simmer 45 minutes or till lentils are soft

• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup dry lentils
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• dash of thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• dash salt
• can of diced tomatoes

Croutons:

Take a small loaf of fresh bread, slice thinly, toss in a bit of olive oil and sea salt, bake till crispy. 

Serve soup with croutons and parmesan cheese on top.... Enjoy!

Money Saving Tip: Eating Vegetarian is a great way to save money!

Louie's Kids Yoga-thon

Don't forget to head down to Marion Square this weekend for the Yoga-thon benefiting Louie's Kids. The event will take place on Saturday October 11th from 12-2 pm. Join the yoga community for 108 Sun Salutations to fight childhood obesity. Interested in participating or donating? Check out the web site, www.louieskids.org

Tips for minimizing your paper work!

Here are a few tips to keep the paper stacks to a minimum:

1. Only let paper touch your hands once. File it, shred it, or recycle it RIGHT AWAY!

2. Keep your files within reach so you can easily file what you must keep. 

3. Reduce your junk mail at  www.greendimes.com

4. Email companies who send you catalogs and tell them you prefer to shop on-line

5. Sign up for on-line bill pay and e-bills

6. Have a file for every member of the family and purge them on recycle day

7. Stop all of the unwanted credit card offers from arriving at your doorstep at www.optoutprescreen.com

GOOD LUCK!