the DIY balance :: imagination is better than toys

image via flickr

The weather this weekend was insanely beautiful and perfect. Too perfect to not spend some time at the beach... But I was a bad blogger mother and forgot to bring a camera.

We had just enough family time and beach time before we headed to 'the blue house', as the slo house is commonly referred to by the kids. John had to do some prep work to get ready for the new gas fireplace. I had to apply another coat of polyurethane to the french doors.

Now, I have to tell you that I often feel guilty when we *force* the kids to spend time at 'the blue house.' I know that it can be boring there, since there are no toys, no TV, no Wii, no nothing. The kids always bring scooters, and I encourage them to bring a few toys, but really...it's not an ideal situation.

What surprises me --and impresses me-- is the amount of creativity that 7 and 4 have when we're over there.

This is them playing 'Native Americans.' (Their words, not mine.) They were pretending to build a fire, and then they were cooking things on the fire.

I guess I need to remember that it's *okay* to put kids in a situation where they have nothing but their imaginations. They will rise to the challenge.

We were at 'the blue house' for about 3 hours, and do you know that the kids never, ever complained or commented that they wanted to leave? They kept themselves completely entertained with nothing but a couple of scooters and loads of imagination.

Maintaining the DIY balance is tough. It's tough, but it's doable.

This post has been shared with the Wednesday Good Life Linky Party at A Beach Cottage. It's full of inspiration, so head on over!

the DIY balance :: riding without training wheels

I began writing posts on finding the DIY balance because I felt like we were spending too much time on the renovations and not enough time doing family-things. ha! Now, between renovation projects and Little League, it has become a weekend challenge to squish in a little time for other things.

This weekend, the little one and I spent some time on the hard sand, learning to ride a bike without training wheels. Two 15-minute sessions, and she almost has it. I can't wait, because frankly, I'm pooped. Running back and forth across the sand, while stooping over, providing gentle support... yeah, I'm pooped. But we're almost there. I couldn't be more proud of her.

On another note, although I mentioned that we are now proud owners of an Airstream trailer, I have yet to post photos of the beauty. Why? Because I haven't been able to get good photos of her.

The previous owners cleared most of their belongings out, but they left a few things behind: spices, a few plates, glasses,... They also left behind pillows and bedding. Thanks, but no thanks. I'll keep the salt & pepper, but the bedding is gone.

I hope to get some good shots of the Airstream when we take it camping for the first time, Easter weekend. For now, the above image will have to do.

By the way, I would welcome any and all tips you have for trailer-camping! Please share...

This post has been shared with The Good Life Wednesday linky party at A Beach Cottage.

the DIY balance :: home depot kids club

By far, the highlight of the weekend was the Home Depot Kid's Club. For those of you with kids, you have got to look into this. Especially if you want your kids to grow up with that DIY spirit.




what is up with that girl's smile?!


On the first Saturday of every month, Home Depot offers a FREE woodworking class for children. The kids are given their own orange Home Depot aprons, and they earn a badge each time they complete a project.

This month's project was a planter box.

John couldn't make it, so I took the kids to build their projects. On the ride over to Home Depot, 7 mentioned that he really wanted to build these projects with Daddy. So as much as I want to be a part of these workshops, I think it's a great opportunity for John and the kids. I will tear myself away, and find something to do with an hour of free time.  Ha!

For more information on the Home Depot Kids Workshops, click here. I believe it is available at every Home Depot location, but I'm not 100% positive.


I am linking this post to the Good Life Wednesdays Linky Party at A Beach Cottage. Be sure to check out the goodness over there!

$10 play kitchen

Look what I scored for $10, via Craigslist. Honestly, I probably could have got it for free. (I think the seller was so excited to get rid of it.)


I have big plans to DIY it into the coolest, most badass play kitchen eva. Holla!


* * * Play kitchen inspiration comes from here and here. * * *

diy :: paint swatch valentines

***Disclaimer: This post is written by a DIY-er who is dying to get started on the renovation already!

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All waiting and no hammering makes Karen create silly projects.




I don't know about you, but we've been working hard on our valentines.



For this project, you will need a lot of paint chips.

What I did:

• tore various bodies from paint chips
• cut red and pink hearts
• cut various noses
• cut message bubbles from white paper (not pictured)
• wrote all messages for 4 and some messages for 7

What the kids did:

• created and glued parts of valentines
• drew arms, legs, and details with a sharpie
• thought of something nice & unique about every classmate
• put up with their mother's crazy DIY tendencies

4's valentines


7's valentines

***This project was inspired by this one. We just tweaked it a little, by using masses of paint chips.

This post has been linked to the Making Monday Marvelous blog party.


It has also been linked to Made By You Mondays.