Memory Maker

Do you have a room in your house that you practically live in? Our TV room happens to be it for us. I am sure it is the same for many. I would not say it's just because the tv lives here, or the sofa is the most comfortable even if he sheds feathers constantly, or the fact that its the room that leads to every other space in our home. These are the things it holds, but the memories that have been made here is what makes it my favorite. This room is where we have Friday family movie nights, this is where the neighborhood kids have all rallied around watching the Mr defeat Donkey Kong on the wii-u, this is where sister and brother will unite on rainy days playing some sort of Lego world. Homework is done here, art projects created here, reading time is conquered here. For 8 weeks I slept on this sofa after my burn. When the kiddos don't feel well this too is where they sleep so we can reach them at a moments notice. At night, after the kiddos are suppose to be in bed, this is where Ellie comes trotting down the stairs looks through the railing and tells us of something oh so pressing. These stairs have been stomped up when told to go clean their rooms and I have come crashing down them. Football games with friends have been watched here and it amazes me how many people we can fit into this tiny room. It holds the laughter and roars that I am sure all our neighbors can hear. This is where we stream our church's 21 days of prayer twice a year and this is where I have seen the kiddos and my faith grow leaps and bounds. This room brings comfort when we are hurt, sad, happy, or just need plain ole down time. It's where we unwind after busy days, and connect with the kiddos daily, it's our special place. Funny how a space even just a rented space can become so much to one family. When it becomes less about the stuff in the room and more about the feeling it brings and the people in it. It's where life happens, our life happens. Now to only figure out how to capture every memory made here, the good and the bad, and bottle it away for safe keeping. One day when the kiddos grow older and I need the rush of something oh so ordinary I will dislodge the top and let the emotions envelop me reminding me of the days spent here in this very place for I know these days are fleeting.

sources: sofa | pillows on sofa {custom} | pillow on black chair {bought at market, but similar here} | black chair | coffee table antique {similar} | kidschairs | bench bought at Scott's {fabric from here} | thick wood frame room & board | wooden antelope home goods | type box | big art over sofa West Elm {similar} | top art print by Clare Elsaesser| bottom done by the Mr's sister | tall lamp home goods {similar}  | danish chair home goods {similar} | pillow custom | throw target {similar} | wall paint talc by Martha Stewart for Home Depot

In the Kitchen

The iphone 6 may have changed the way I blog. I was hesitant to get it since I do battle with the phone in general, but the Mr insisted that I would love it for the camera alone. He was right. Granted they will never surpass our pro cameras, but the ease will most definitely help me keep on top of posting. So here is my life in the kitchen as of late through the lens of my iphone...

I have made this fruit crisp three times in the last two weeks. I am obsessed. The recipe is from the book Bread & Wine. It's gluten free and fairly healthy. I eat it as a breakfast and a dessert when topped with my version of ice cream.

recipe: {from Bread & Wine with my additions}

4 cups of fruit, any will do really, but here I am using a frozen mix of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

crisp topping:

1 cup of old-fashioned oats {I used gluten free}

1/2 cup raw, unsalted pecans, halved or chopped {I take mine for a fine chopping in the vitamix, which we bought at a fraction refurbished}

1/2 cup almond meal {this is my favorite to bake with}

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 tsp salt {I used kosher, and eyeballed a little less than recommended}

Mix together crisp ingredients. Pour berries in 8x8 pan and layer the crisp topping over it. Bake at 350 35 to 40 minutes, or up to 10 min more if it's frozen, until fruit is bubbling and topping is crisp and golden. {takes me 45 min}

 

This little space above the microwave makes me happy. It's also the view I see from the sofa in the tv room.

{little vase found locally from AT HOME, frame bought locally {similar}, black pot {old target, but I like this one too} , cow print, beads I made, tray}

Have you ever made your own pesto? I have not, but found it so easy! I adapted this recipe from Little Dixie Cook. I used what I had on hand since we were sick and was not fit to run to the store. I used arugula in place of the spinach and left out the cheese all together since dairy tends to make me feel bad at times. I used gluten free corn/rice noodles, but can see using it over out trout tonight for dinner. YUM. KJ was a fan too, but the Mr and Ellie would not touch it since it was green. Monkey see monkey do.

A peek from bed...

iPhone 5

iPhone 5

As I was laying in bed... Again. I was enjoying the light flickering into our new bedroom/old office. I then remembered my new squarespace upgrade has blogging from a phone quite easy so here is a snippet of the new bedroom. The art stayed since the new office has no wall space left. The buffet came from the old house and has finally found a home here. The shelf below holds the Mr's shoes. The brass pot was a thrift store find. What I like most though is the buffet now gives me a place to hold family photos that I had packed away. I borrowed the pillow from Ellie to see if I wanted to add some color to the space and now I don't want to give it back! The blinds are broken and came with the rental. I'm trying to live with it for a bit till I have an aha budget friendly moment. The more we have been living with the cheap blinds the more I don't hate them though. Of course new ones would be in order and it may just be all the meds talking. This is also where I thought the shorter curtains could work (see yesterday's post). We have the bed in front of identical double windows and although I love light maybe I don't love it too much at night with all the close houses around. Having the curtains short would keep them functional. As in I can open them during the day and actually shut them at night. Ideas? Thoughts? Am I crazy?