// ONE // I'm running a bit behind on the weekly update this week because--this! For the first time since The Dot was born, we went on vacation. I suppose I'm sort of strange because there are a lot of beautiful beaches out there, but my favorite place to go on vacation is Port Aransas, Texas. I love the beaches, the laid-back atmosphere, and, most of all, the people. When you drive up to a Texas beach, the pressure is off. You don't get the Restoration Hardware outdoor furniture with a ... continue reading...
Our week in five
// ONE // Our days during the summer literally look like this: wake up, eat breakfast, walk to the park, play in the splash pad, walk home, play in sandbox, eat lunch, nap, eat dinner, sleep, repeat. The kids are big fans of routine. Because I've been out of commission lately, I decided to mix things up a bit and make a splash pad at home. I'm not sure why I haven't thought about this before because it's so simple. But, yeah. Water sprinklers. The kids had so much fun. They ran through the ... continue reading...
My Handsome Johnny (Peacocking Part II)
Did you know there are companies out there that sell real-life taxidermied peacocks!? I found out about this from a dear friend who knew a girl who wanted one for her birthday. More specifically, she wanted Handsome Johnny. Handsome Johnny was a 5'5" peacock that came perched on top of a bright yellow metal stand made from reclaimed WWII plane parts. I'm not kidding. And I absolutely lament the fact that I did not get a screen shot of Handsome Johnny back in 2012 when I first heard about him. ... continue reading...
Our week in five
// ONE // What a week it has been! We started off by celebrating Mr. L's dad's birthday weekend at our house, which meant a visit from Bammie and PopPop. The kids LOVE having them around (and we do too). On Monday, we made a plum crumble for PopPop's birthday "cake." It is the simplest dessert to make, and it always turns out delicious. Print Plum Crumble Author: Lauren Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 40 mins Total time: 55 mins Ingredients ... continue reading...
How to tile over an existing fireplace surround
In the four years Mr. L and I have lived in our house, one thing in this house has bothered me more than anything else. Our fireplace. Look closely at this photo: It's obvious, right? Right??? Ok. Maybe it's not so obvious. And now might be a good time to segue into the fact that I'm pretty sure everyone to whom I've explained my fireplace dilemma thinks I'm crazy. But to the person who spends the majority of her evenings sitting directly across from the fireplace, there is a glaring ... continue reading...