I dream of:: Sugar Coating

Had a blast making the gingerbread house with my sister in law, Sharnel. What a fun thing to do! We made many errors but nothing a bit of candy and icing can't cover. It didn't last long! It took less then 5 minutes for the children to tear the poor thing apart.

Dream of :: Landscaping Genie

I had a dream that I could rub a magic tree to which a Landscaping Genie would appear and grant me three wishes.   I wish I could plant it full of flowers like this....  Unfortunately, my spacious yard is mainly shade and part sun.  

 I wish I could have a yard that didn't produce so much Green waste!  

This is the small patch of space I cleared away this week.  

This is what came out of that small Space!  

I wish the side and lower gardens were done as well!  

I Dream of :: better seating in the kitchen

Today I am trying to sort out my kitchen seating problem.  I don't like so many tables and chairs together.  Therefore, I am playing with the idea of bench seating. I grew up with bench seating.  One of six children, my mother had a corner bench with around the table which we all "scooted" around every night for dinner.  It created a close family center and as I recalled was great for people who came to visit for a cup of coffee with my mom.  They would sit in the kitchen for hours in that booth.  I am thinking, it may be a nice addition to my kitchen.  I was also thinking some windows on that side would help with more natural light.    

source: highfashionhome.com

Also happened upon these wonderful stairs!  Found at cookie magazine.  How many kids would love this set up.  I couldn't do this in my home as my stairs lead right into my formal living space but what a great way to go down!  And think about the laundry basket.  why carry it down when you can slide it.  

I dream of :: Fun Fridays!

My wonderful boys call the end of the week "fun Fridays".  It means we do nothing that has to be done and play.  So, today I am sitting on my computer, scanning some sites, then I am watching some cartoons with my four year old while designing some jewelry.  Later, I am going to a girlfriend's house for "fun Friday" party we have every week. after 6:30pm I drop off the kids at home and head back for some girlfriend fun.  

This friday it is tequila.  One of the children misheard that we are having a "Mr. Killer" party and so now the whole lot of kids are happy to head on home with dad when that party starts.  I guess "Mr killer" and his wife "Margarita" are a bit too much for them!  

While shopping for Kitchen ideas I came across this one from betterbydesign.com.  I like the white on white.  It is bright, bright bright.  Although, I am not a fan of those windows.  To  hard to clean.  But, I think this may work in my kitchen.  I would change a few things.  I really am in love with the CeasarStone, Mink counter top.  I love that color.  My accents would be a bright Aqua/Turquoise and pale avocado green.  I also love the dark floors.  My floors will need to be re-stained!  And one of those windows would have to be door to the laundry room.  I don't know if I like the stools?...  

I also love the booth seating for casual dinning.  My home is large but not huge.  And since my casual seating is just a room over from formal dining and right next to my outdoor dining area...  I think having this type of seating is just what the space needs.  Nothing worse than three tables within viewing of each other. The advantage with this type of seating is you can pull the table out for those outdoor parties and it allows for extra seating and conversation.   

Source: Windsor Smith Home

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My four year old is turning five in September.  Since this will be his first big party with "his" friends, (i.e. not shared friends with his big brother) it needs to be just right.  he requested a Robot party.  There is not much out here in Oz for party stuff.  I find most items are in the US.  I did log onto a wonderful site (cookiemag.com) where they gave instructions for this out of this world cake.  

And these plates are so adorable.  Found on  hostess with the mostess.