Warm House, Warm Heart

Amidst tornado warnings, family and friends gathered for our housewarming last evening. While I'm bummed that my outdoor "Olmstead Homestead"/Country Chic theme couldn't really be translated inside (the burlap table runner idea I found on Pinterest was a little toooo country-smelling for indoors), we had a lovely time with good food and great people! I can't think everyone enough for coming!
Here are a few pics from the party... I didn't take many because I was too busy chatting, and clearly my camera was not on the right setting, but oh wells...

First of all, can we talk about this amazing cake, made by my good friend's husband? It tasted as amazing as it looked!

Photo Credit: Josh Drown

Mike, The (blurry) Grillin' King!

 

Homemade Salsa.... drool worthy!

 

Live performance by Viv & Av, The Homestead Singing Duo

 

Prepped for an outdoor evening, but it was not to be!

And check out this awesome housewarming gift painted by our friend Brian! 

You can check other art here

I could write some long [read: pretentious] testimonial here about how introducing my child to art at an early age will open her mind and awaken her senses... but no one needs (or has any desire) to hear about any of that, and I have no earthly longing to write about it. Sure, exposure to art can help develop the brain and provide and outlet for emotional expression, yadda yadda yadda and all that.

It's also (*most importantly*), what us common folk refer to as, ya know... fun.

Fingerpainting on a rainy afternoon? WIN! My little 'arteeest' was thrilled with her first go-'round with painting, and now that I know she will not try to *eat* the art supplies, I am equally as enthused.

Two mom thumbs up for Crayola Kid's Paint too! In addition to Viv being covered in paint, the floor and the tub were *shmeared* with color as well. Color me impressed (color, get it? ahhhh... I slay me) because this is one "washable" product that did not mean "scrub for hours and it should eventually come off."

(click to enlarge)

“Getting bored is not allowed"

This evening I introduced my daughter to what is, quite possibly, the best children's book ever written- Eloise, by Kay Thompson.

Who is Eloise? She is, undoubtedly what everyone with style wishes to become. She is a fearless female who speaks her mind, does what she wants and looks fabulous the entire time! I assure you, there is not a fashionista in the world that can come close to darling Eloise. She is witty, brazen and has the intelligence and vision of a Nobel Laureate.

Oh, and did I mention that she is six?

I adore this book for so many reasons! And while I never poured a pitcher of water down a hotel mail chute, it is certainly reminiscent of the whimsy and hilarity that is childhood. This is a story for every little girl (and boy... and grownup) to remind them just how deliciously fun life can be, no matter what age you are. And *that* is a feeling which I hope my daughter, (who giggled her way through the book) can keep with her forever ;-)