Habitat Kid

IMAGINE: Giddy Up

For all those days we wish someone would just give us a free ride...

Wishing everyone a warm weekend!

via onceuponawildflower

IMAGINE: Starting Fresh

I always feel so empowered at the beginning of the new year... throwing out boxes of half-eaten chocolates, organizing with a vengeance, taking down the Christmas decorations and restoring order to the house... New beginnings are so needed in our lives and I love taking time to write down my hopes and dreams for the next 12 months. What are you doing differently this year?

Images by Osamu Yokonami

IMAGINE: Family Roadtrips

My family was big on roadtrips. With five kids in the equation, airfare was sky high [pun intended] and so we turned to the road. In what kind of car, you ask? A gem, that's what. Huge green conversion van we called "The Beast," complete with TV and VCR (that's right. V.C.R.) and pulldown blinds on all the windows. The thing was practically a hotel on wheels. And yes, we slept in it sometimes. Don't judge. [Side note: It also had a ladder on the back. You know, just in case you needed to climb on top of your car.] This weekend the three of us are taking off for Portland and although we don't have the van to accompany us, I'm sure it will be epic. Happy New Year, friends!

via BlogLESS

IMAGINE: Special Grandma Time

This week has been a blissful one as my mom has been visiting me for the first time in four years! London has been in heaven with grandma around (a.k.a. one more person to read stories to her and another lap to snuggle up on). I'm hoping to pick her brain on my gardens this weekend since she is an amazing gardener, and show her some of the nearby waterfalls, forests, and maybe a trip into Seattle for Pike's Place Market tomorrow. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

IMAGINE: Creepy Santas

I got a big kick out of looking through the Christmas photos on Awkward Family Photo. If you're looking for a few giggles, head on over. The heading under this one really got me going: "Did we mention he sees you when you're sleeping?" Ahhh! Those two girls look terrified. Anyway, I still can't believe it's December 1st tomorrow, but I have to say I am more anxious this year than in any I can remember since childhood. I have been crafting up a storm, blasting Christmas music, blowing money on decorations, and counting down the minutes until we can go cut down the tree tomorrow (we are close to two Christmas tree farms!) What about you? Is there something extra special about Christmas this year or is it just me? :)

IMAGINE: Giving + Getting

Hi friends!! I am so sorry for my mysterious absence lately. There is a reason! Every November I become buried in making paper advent calendars which I sell on Etsy, and so I kind of tend to go off the radar. Then December comes and I finally allow myself to take a deep breath and slow down...making room for holiday festivities and time with my family. In the meantime, I apologize if my posts are a little scattered for the next few weeks! In addition to advent calendars, I've also continued to have the welfare of those affected by Hurricane Sandy weigh heavily on my mind. Watching people reach out to help their neighbors has been most touching. There are so many who still need help rebuilding their lives. One of my favorite children's brands, ATSUYO ET AKIKO, have decided to donate 100% of profits from the sales of two of their adorable fabric totes to the Red Cross disaster relief efforts in the New York area. This would be such a great gift for a friend or co-worker, or even a substitute for wrapping paper if you want to use it to house additional smaller gifts. I've had the "Je t'aime New York" bag for over a year now and constantly find myself using it for trips to the library!

IMAGINE: Homemade Costumes

I can just imagine how this photo came to be...a group of neighborhood moms got it in their heads that each of their children should dress up as bunnies...this idea led to many late nights of sewing and pulling teeth and voila! A creepy brood of bunnies! Well worth the effort, I'll say. Any fall festivities planned for you this weekend? Sewing costumes, perhaps? Not me, I'm putting it off as long as possible and we're headed to the pumpkin patch tomorrow. Pictures to follow!

via Johnny Cupcakes

IMAGINE: Rainy Days

Even though the rain has yet to fall here in Seattle, other than a few pathetic little drops in one day, I'm excited about the rainy season. When I tell this to neighbors they look at me puzzled, then laugh, saying "just wait." And so I do... but I'm ready for the heavens to take over watering my gardens! These cute photos from the latest Burberry Kids collection put a smile on my face and make me want to find some big puddles to splash in. Anyone else?

via Bellissima Kids

IMAGINE: Shadows on the Wall

This latest editorial shoot from children's photographer Mélanie Rodriguez and fashion editor Deborah Sfez is just so perfectly dreamy. It was created for Papier Mache magazine and is entitled "In the shadows so you shine."  Do you ever make shadow puppets with your children? I think I am going to have to start after seeing these photos. I'm also now itching to find a stump and paint it glossy white and make big clumps of paper mushrooms! Have a gorgeous weekend!

All images courtesy of Mélanie Rodriguez

IMAGINE: The Family Pet

Doesn't this picture make you just a little nervous?? Two things that I don't think were ever meant to go together...little girls and alligators. Does your family have a pet? I'm still holding out on bringing animals into the new house/yard but I think a dog might be in our future come Christmas... I'd love to hear about what furry (or scaly!) friends make up part of your family! What do you feel is the best first pet for a child? Better to get something low maintenance like a fish or frog or something they can really play and cuddle with like a cat or dog?

via Charlie Ambler