FUN THANKSGIVING TABLES FOR KIDS

I stand corrected. Remember when I declared via video that we would host Thanksgiving dinner at my house?

Well, I was wrong. That won't be happening this year.

My husband kindly informed me that we would be enjoying a catered dinner at his uncle's house who declared that this year would be his last year hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe the torch will pass to us in 2012. We shall see. In the meantime, I didn't want these ideas from my inspiration file to go to waste.

Starting with the kids--they are ALWAYS hungry, right? At least my three fit this category. Snacking, snatching, and grabbing like little vultures circling my kitchen island for a crumb to crunch. Though this idea is for Thanksgiving, it would work for any occasion where you would serve a well-dressed bird.

Get step-by-step instructions on the Parents Magazine website and view other cutesy crafts in their slideshow.

 

After they devour the popcorn, download and print Paper Glitter's free Thanksgiving Fall Kit to keep their little fingers busy.

...and don't forget to make these adorable pilgrim hats to hold the crayons.
Find the instructions here.

If you don't have time to do any of the above crafts, then simply cover the kids' table with craft paper and let them draw, write, and play 'til their little heart's content.

Now that I have children, I try to create memories and traditions for them during the holidays. What are your fondest memories of Thanksgiving when you were a child?

LAST MINUTE HALLOWEEN TREATS

Are you one of those Moms who's always rushing at the last minute to pull together treats for your kids' class?

Hand raised.

Check out Brittany from One Charming Party's super quick and uber cute idea for decorating Halloween cupcakes:

Easy shopping list:


One dozen chocolate-frosted cupcakes
1 Bag of Oreo Cookies
2 Boxes of Reese's Pieces (because you will eat a box while you work, right?)
1 Package of Cute Napkins
*Did I miss anything? This seems TOO easy.*

Shazam! Your kids' teachers will think you are a party pro.

Brittany actually created an entire food station and provides instructions on how to recreate her party.  If we aren't up on our game, she makes Last Minute Moms like us look bad.  At least she's generous and shares her secrets.

In addition to Halloween ideas, her site is filled to the brim with the most adorable ideas for kids parties and entertaining. Can you tell I spent way too much time over there this morning?

What are your plans for Halloween? Please, indulge me.

SMART IDEAS FOR UPGRADING YOUR KID'S ROOM

While on twitter, OnlyLaila requested the names of a few good decor blogs to read. GlossyMimi [my sister from another mister] naturally suggested that she visit my site. I picked up the conversation and continued to tweet with Laila as she requested help in redesigning her son's bedroom. She didn't want to make a huge investment in the room. She simply wanted to freshen things up a bit for under $250.

Laila's son's room is on the left. They currently own the Ikea Expedit shelves which currently lies on the other side of the room. I suggest that she gives it dual purpose as toy storage and a nightstand as seen in the inspiration image on the right.

Laila's son also loves superheros and has a few awesome posters on the wall. Let's get those babies framed to make them look like art while adding visual weight to the the wall. Ikea's Ribba Frames are very economical as well as the poster frames found at Target. Frames hung gallery-style above a newly-refinished dresser sourced from her local Craigslists list will help to stretch her decorating dollars.

If the room has generous closet space, I recommend shifting the clothes to one side and on the other side, add a few shelves and cubbies to house small toys that tend to add clutter to a room.

Here's the inspiration board...and yes, everything amounts to $250!

Often times when completing a budget decorating project a little elbow grease is necessary. Laila isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and get the job done. Her big boy will probably be eager to assist as well!

Lastly, Laila told me her son also enjoys painting and other crafts but tends to make a mess in the process. If possible, I suggested that she set up a little workspace for him in the kitchen where clean up is a breeze. Hang a bulletin board where he can proudly display his masterpieces. Boards like these are always plentiful a your local Goodwill and thrift stores.

Kids want to be just like you. At this mini workstation, "their home office," they can draw, read, and practice their ABCs just like you do.

To further assist Laila and others who have kids making the big transition, my latest article for houzz provides more inspiration and tips on creating a space that both you and your child can enjoy.

Have a design dilemma? Contact me. I'd love to help you!

DECORATING FROM A CHILD'S PERSPECTIVE

If you want to know the truth, just ask a child. Children are very telling, even at the expense of embarrassing their parents. When you listen to their stories, it's easy to decipher fact from fiction, though the latter tends to be the most amusing. I'm intrigued by the wonderment in their eyes when they tell the tale of how their cardboard-box-turned-high-performance race car helped them win the Piston Cup.

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If we listen intently, their vivid imaginations can provide a valuable source of inspiration when creating kid-approved spaces. Just think of how much more effective we parents and designers would be if we followed their lead.

modern kids design by austin architect Bercy Chen Studio

My current ideabook for Houzz features children's rooms that successfully incorporate the fantasies of childhood into real-world designs. Stop by and take a look...I'd love to know what you think!

GENDER NEUTRAL KIDS SPACES

I live in the most amazing cul-de-sac filled with neighbors who are like family. At any given weeknight, our block looks like preschool on wheels. One of the families consist of a brother and sister who share a bedroom (by choice) and asked my assistance in designing their space. Of course I said yes. How could I resist a job where my kiddos are welcomed in the workplace?

Surfing around for a bit of inspiration, I was attracted most to hotel kids rooms. I didn't know these even existed!

swissotel le plaza

swissotel bremen 

Modern meets "Pooh?" Try to ignore the bedding, but embrace the atmosphere!

 

club med, ixtapa, mexico

nikko bali hotel

source unknown

Insert color SOMEWHERE, please!! Great start with the fresh green headboard and accent wall...

source unknown

The image above is not a hotel room, but just may offer the inspiration I need. How amazing is that canvas. I can just imagine a children's poem or prayer printed on it. 

Did I mention this will be completed on a bare bones budget? Talk about a real designer's challenge. Luckily we've got all hands on deck for this job...even the little ones.

A GIRL'S BEDROOM IN THE GARDEN

Forever amazed by God's grace and perfect timing, Erika Ward created this enchanting room design in just two days. Inspiration came from her daughter's name, a bird, and God's unmerited favor. photography by Katlyne Hill

Ava Grace, my little princess, is the sweetest, most patient dream you'd ever meet. She spent several months in this room waiting for me to make up my mind on the design for her space. The last time I posted on Ava's room was back in January 2010 when it looked like this:

Then, a huge wave of inspiration hit after our beach vacation and I finished her room in two days! While headed home from Myrtle Beach, my husband and I discussed each child and the meaning of their name. Ava (meaning bird) and Grace (meaning unmerited favor) brought to mind a well-watered garden covered in God's protection. A secret garden where she could escape from her rambunctious brothers for a little tea party with her favorite feathered friends.

Love and Trumpet Flowers
The color palette was inspired by Amy Butler's Love/Trumpet Flowers/Pink as seen below. Hues of watermelon pink, ballet slipper pink, watery blue, and key lime appear throughout the room and create an atmosphere of calm and enchantment. Her room is painted with Watery SW6478 by Sherwin Williams.

Sweet Sentiments and a Labor of Love
What makes Ava's room so special is that she is surrounded by many items that hold sentimental value. The handmade light fixture and wood chest were presented as gifts when she was born. The pink teddy bear accented with silver threading was a loving gift presented to me by my own mother. The armoire was my first furniture refinishing project.

Frugal Finds
I had much success on my shopping trips for Ava's room. I purchased three adorable wall hangings (above) for $4 each. Her side table was purchased for $9 at a local thrift store. The watermelon pink coverlet, by Kenar Home, was a score for $29 at HomeGoods. The curtains are Ritva/Ikea priced at $20 per pair. I used Fabric-Tac glue to attach grosgrain ribbon to each panel and to the $3 lamp shade. The refinished armoire, my biggest deal, was $20 on Craigslist.

While visiting this blog, I came across the finishing touch for Ava's Enchanted Garden, this "I Am A Child of God" print by Persimmons and Pink. It's only sold in a 5x7 and 8x10, but I would love a poster size print.

image source

What has been your greatest inspiration when decorating a room? Have you ever been inspired by God's grace?

BLABLA KIDS GIVEAWAY

What better way to celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday than with a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive an adorable handmade rattle from blabla kids. If you happen to live in the Atlanta area, stop by their lovely shop this weekend located in the Virginia-Highlands community.

 TO ENTER:

1. Visit blabla kids choose your favorite rattle (valued at $19).

2. In the comment section, let me know which one your chose. That's it!

The winner will be announced on Monday. Have a great weekend!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!