map lovin'

I am in ♥ with old school maps. This one of Europe measures 4.5 feet x 3.5 feet and has the most wonderful colouring. It is quite old and not in mint condition, but I love it nonetheless.

When re-doing Nohl's room a few months ago, I knew I wanted a large school map for the dead space above the side of his bed. I looked long and hard for a pull down that didn't cost me a fortune and finally found one on Kijiji.

I used to play the trumpet in highschool... which surely trained me to be the highly skilled conch player that I am today....pffft. Seriously though, I really think it looks cool in Nohl's room. Mr. vG and I have had it stored in the bottom of a cupboard forever... I don't even know where it came from really???

In my long time past post about Nohl's bedroom makeover, I had the framed atlas pages just leaning on the ledge. But they are very lightweight, and one would always fly off whenever we'd open up the windows. So, I painted up an old shelf for some extra ummphhh atop the pictures. I left one picture leaning and hung the other 3 using 3m sticky tabs...so much easier to get them perfectly straight and no extra holes in my walls!

How many times can I blog about this room??? I really need to forget the kids' rooms and focus on mine next! Yes, it's my turn!!! I'll have my bedroom post for you in about a years time. It's the turtle in me....

off my rocker

Some things you just can't part with...no matter what. So... you make the best of it.

Meet the rocker. Back when my husband was single and in his early 20's, this rocker was one of his first purchases he made when he moved to his own place {insert record scratch noise here} WHAT?? Why the heck would a young man with no female ties buy a rocking chair? No idea...he doesn't even know why he bought it.

But it served it's purpose well. I used this ugly orange wood toned rocking chair to soothe all 3 of my babies. And when I was in between babies, I borrowed it out to a friend to do the same. So as much as I really never cared for the chair, there are just way too many special bonding mommy moments for me to part with it.

Chair meets paint...and a little hello from sandpaper too.

I've now a new fondness for this chair, I only wish I would have painted it years ago.

Take a closer look at what you have....before you get rid of something with sentimental value, think facelift first.

how quaint...

Practically nothing is getting done around my house lately..and I mean Not A Thing. The sun has been out and so have the kids and I. When we return home from our day and the lights go out...I dream... Dream about a quaint space like this kitchen.


The white beadboard cabinetry, the rusty old oversized clock, the booked chalkboard, the flour bin, the wicker basket and the tin bucket with flowers makes this room come together in a symphony that sings to my soul! Oh and don't forget that darling light!

Is it bedtime yet?

diaries of a waistline

I was at the grocery store the other day loading up on grapes that were on sale. I had about 6 bags full. The lady ringing me through says..."dear, you must really love your grapes then!" Every time I bulk buy grapes I get this crazy look from people.

It's not really a big secret! I freeze them is all. If you are watching your waistline, or not, this is a fantastic treat for movie time or late night snacking without guilt. It gives me the crunch and sweetness I need.

I'm sure nobody needs directions on how to freeze grapes, but I've included what I do anyway. I stem all the grapes into a sink full of water. Swish away, drain and rinse. I roll them to dry in paper towel, freezing without drying can cause some frosting which I don't particularly care for. Seperate grapes into ziploc sandwich baggies in desired serving amounts.

I used to write the dates on the outside of the bags, but I find that I go through them so quickly that I really don't need this extra step. Also, I do NOT recommend eating when thawed...ick!

Do you have any simple waistline watching snack ideas? I'd love to hear them!

blueberry cream muffins

It's been quite humid around these parts the past couple of days, but that didn't stop the baking of these beauties this morning. It was the first day of the kids' swimming lessons this morning, {all but Willem, he shattered his arm this past Monday... poor thing} and I wanted to bake up a special snack for afterwards.

There were smiles all around!

The secret to the creamy rich texture is the sour cream. They are very simple to make, but be prepared to do arm work. I don't use a mixer, just a large wooden spoon to stir stir stir. The preparation time is about 10 minutes and it yields 24 glorious muffins.

Ingredients:

4 eggs
2 cups white sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon vanilla

4 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 cups sour cream

3 cups blueberries

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees, grease muffins tins or use muffin liners.

2) In a large bowl, beat eggs. Continue to beat the eggs while gradually adding the sugar, continue beating while slowly adding oil. Stir in vanilla.

3) In a seperate bowl, combine flour, salt and baking soda.

4) Alternate stirring the dry ingredients and the sour cream into the wet mixture. Fold in the blueberries. Fill the muffin tins to the very top with batter.

5) Bake 20 minutes.

I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does!!!

Happy Monday