blog break

Hi, guys. I'm taking a short break from the blog. Check back next Tuesday for a new pancake of the week.

See you soon :)

pancake of the week: cupcake

(Nutella bottom, Strawberry yogurt for frosting, miniature pancakes as sprinkles, and pretzel M&M as cherry on top)

the power of art

I guess I should first wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day. These images show the extent of our weekend holiday activities – Avery sporting his full shamrock ensemble when asked to put on his pajamas and soon afterward, treating myself to a Guiness in a festive Macado's glass I've had since college. It's the most hideous glass in our cabinet, but I can't bare to throw away Jerry Garcia disguised as a leprechaun.

Sure, our town offered a huge array of St. Patty's festivities, most notably the rowdy Ocean View Parade, but we decided to avoid the drunks and headed towards the Chrysler Museum of Art in hopes of soaking in a little art and culture. We first stopped by our favorite store in Ghent – Kitsch.

They offered a photobooth the night before and still had a few of their props lying on a table in the store, which Ave felt obliged to model. He's so serious.

Feeling famished, we stopped for some pizza and gelato. 

After finally making it to the Chrysler, we enjoyed the short window of viewing pleasure we have with Avery before he starts pulling and raising his voice. Thank goodness the admission is now free.

The newly opened exhibition 30 Americans: Masterpieces of Contemporary African American Art was  compelling and beautiful, and I long for the time when I can return and view at my own pace. There was a Kara Walker installation, a couple Basquiats, and a few of Nick Cave's Soundsuits which stopped us in our tracks. Ave's eyes widened, his face burst into a smile and he excitedly pointed at the Soundsuit, recognizing it from our coffee table book. My heart swelled with pride and I had a hard time fighting back the tears.

Have I created a strange child who gets more excited over an esoteric artist creation than Buzz Lightyear (he refuses to watch Toy Story) ? But is that a bad thing? If he weren't so obsessed with Wipeout, I'd have my worries, but I'll blame it on the power of art.

project: sell this house – drywall progress

It's difficult to capture in the photos, but I can happily report we have a semblance of a room again. Remember how this started out a year ago?

Sure, we ran into one hurtle after another, but the finish line is getting closer. And when I say "we," I really mean "he." I'll pick up my share of the work after the wall has been skimmed and the floor has been laid.

Look – there's even have a pocket door - weeeee!

from nursery to childhood room

Here's a little peek into the ongoing transformation of Avery's nursery into his boyhood room.

Remember Avery's nursery, as seen here? It looks so...pristine. Definitely captured before the baby arrived.

The transformation began with the introduction of the twin bed. It was our failed attempt at trying to keep Avery from sneaking into bed with us in the middle of the night, but alas, has only served as his resting place for a couple hours and doubles as his trampoline. 

The stalking black panther lamp underwent a makeover in a brilliant shade of "dark shrimp," otherwise known as orange. I had originally planned to spray the shade white, but am digging the green at the moment. And I'm also trying to figure out how to address those holes in the base. A plant perhaps? Painted rocks? I dunno - what do you think?

Bobby came home with a painting produced by a local artist during one of Bobby's Boneske shows. Expecting a struggle, he announced he was going to hang it in Avery's room because "it needed boy color." Ha - whatever that means. I think he was surprised when I encouraged the placement.

The colors add a nice warmth and gives Ave's room the edge it needs. The artist told Bobby the painting depicted a monster, which Avery thinks is super cool.

And lastly, I removed the wall shelving unit from over his bed for fear it would fall on him. It holds a few of his favorite books and breakables safely kept out of reach.

pancake of the week: big balls

(pancakes, blueberries, strawberry yogurt, apple)

**UPDATED: Don't forget to check pancakeoftheweek.com for more pancake inspiration.**

Get your mind out of the gutter!

I am referring to the infamous Big Balls in the TV show Wipeout, obviously.

I have never encouraged Avery to play with his food until now.

He allowed the little contestant a few attempts across the big balls before devouring him.

daylight savings

I treat Daylight Savings Time like a holiday on our calendar. I count down the days until the sun shines later in the day and blooming flowers are in the near future.

We celebrated by collecting flowers from the yard and dispersed them throughout the house for their delightfully sweet scent... 

...and unexpected beauty.

And our special holiday was topped off with long shadows...

...and playing hopscotch until dusk.

I never realized how much I suffer from the post holiday winter doldrums until the promise of Spring arrives.

little bits of awesome: good reads

I thought it would be fun to share a few of our favorite bedtime reads at the moment.

The Giving Tree is the only book both Bobby and I saved from our childhood, so Ave has two copies.

 

And I'm not sure why the publisher thought it would be a good idea to blow up the author's photo on the back. Sweet dreams, little one! Was a little smile too much to ask?

Kidding aside, I have much respect for Shel Silverstein and Where the Sidewalk Ends is pure nonsensical genius. The poems make for fun ukulele tunes, too (everything I play is to the tune of Dream a Little Dream).

The Great Paper Caper and Drum City

The King's 6th Finger

A kickstarter project, this book is both beautifully illustrated and written.

And we love Mo Willems, especially his Knuffle Bunny series (hits close to home)

and Leonardo the Terrible Monster.

So I've shared our favorites. What are some of your recommended reads? 

It doesn't even have to be a children's book.

**The little blue monster in the top photo is my most recent purchase from Kitsch and can also be found on Etsy. **

gettin' the urge...

I'm not allowing myself to start another quilt until I finish a list I composed of projects to tackle and complete.

But I really wanna make a queen size modern cross quilt for my bed. I love how this traditional design can look modern when particular color combos are used.

**UPDATE**

Changed my mind to the one below, though it's more time consuming.

black panther makeover

This super swell crouching black panther lamp is undergoing a makeover. I found him on the side of the road behind a sign with the word "FREE" hastily scribbled across it. I'm a sucker for free kittens, ya know?

And really, who could resist a Devo hat lamp shade, huh?

So, what color or treatment do you guys suggest in giving this guy a modern look?

pancake of the week: grandfather clock

Whole wheat pancake with thin layer of nutella, apple for clock face and pendulum, apple skin for clock hands

**UPDATED: Don't forget to check pancakeoftheweek.com for more pancake inspiration.**

A grandfather clock as requested. Not my best work, but we were in a hurry. I did discover a new technique for details: carefully slicing the apple skin. What fun that will provide in the future!