David built this sturdy, double-sided bookcase for our daughter. For the past two years it’s been in our living room overflowing with books (the following photo might as well be the “before” shot from 2009 back when we had only that many books).

After boxing up and putting away many of our beloved board books, we moved it upstairs to our daughter’s new bedroom.

Here’s the shot from before we started the transformation from spare bedroom/office/junk closet to big girl bedroom:

Wow, does it look less cluttered now, though we have more work to do:

Remember this video of our daughter reciting her version of Eric Carle’s classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, from last week?

She’s reading in front of the bookcase in her new room!

One side of the bookcase has our before bedtime books and some picture book fiction,

the other side contains (mostly) a nonfiction collection:

I’m in the process of framing art from beloved children’s books to hang next to the bookcase, but in the meantime our daughter asked us to hang pictures from two of last years family calenders (one with pictures of her and the other featuring Eric Carle illustrations).

All that’s missing is a comfy cushion to snuggle up on and I have plans for that.

The little miss asked me to take this picture of her holding hands with her imaginary friends.

If only I could remember who else was in the picture. Was it Savannie, Faladdie or Natashe? I can’t quite recall.

Those imaginary friends are ever changing and always adorable. They visit us every day and for that I am truly thankful. When they’re here, I can get something done cause you-know-who is occupied!

I wanted to embroider something special to hang with the “create” felt banner I made for above the desk in our daughter’s new big girl room (similar to the “sweet dreams” felt banner above her bed).

I read about a portrait embroidery project in Country Living Magazine and couldn’t wait to try it. After printing out the photo that I would use as a template, I drew in pencil on the photo where I planned to embroider. I’m glad I used pencil because I drew and redrew the lines until I felt confident with the outline placement.

Then I taped the photo template to watercolor paper with scotch tape, placed it on top of some thick cardboard and used a thumb tack to punch holes into the watercolor paper to embroider. (See the Country Magazine link above for the complete directions).

Framed and ready to hang above her desk

I was nervous that the picture wouldn’t look like her, but I’m quite pleased with the final result. In fact, I like her embroidered portrait so much that I’m toying with the idea of making a family portrait for our bedroom.

Meanwhile, our daughter is busy embroidering a picture of her own design. I love it when inspiration hits!

Remember that arts and craft organization project that I started but haven’t yet finished?!

Two weeks ago the little miss and I headed down to IKEA to pick up these metal boxes to fill with paints, glue/tapes, stickers, pipe-cleaners, sewing supplies, etc.

Despite the IKEA website saying they were in stock (with 3 units left — exactly what I needed!), the sales associated couldn’t find them! (“I have no idea where they are. They really could be anywhere.”)

As of yesterday, the IKEA website STILL showed our local store as having those three sets in stock SOMEWHERE IN THE STORE! I could cry.

MAJOR IKEA FAIL!

To make matters worse, it doesn’t look like the store will be getting more (according to the sales associate) and other stores appear to be out of stock across the country. I’m feeling a little defeated over here.

I want to find something that’s not translucent (so I can “hide” what’s in there from the toddler), not plastic, not cardboard, is stackable, has a tight fitting lid and is super affordable. Maybe something like these tins, but larger? I’ll let you know what we figure out. Sigh.

I feel like we’ve been sick all winter.
David reminds me that we were sick all last winter too.

Ah, building a toddler immune system. It’s tough on all of us, but worth it in the end.

Besides, sometimes it’s really nice to have an excuse to drink smoothies in Mommy and Daddy’s bed and watch a little Sesame Street.

Speaking of being sick, have you read A Sick Day for Amos McGee? This recent Caldecott winner is a delightful book about reciprocity and friendship. We LOVE it!

I think we all need to have special friends to come cheer us up when we’re feeling down.

When we visit our local thrift store, I always check their kitchen section for stainless steel platters, tea pots and creamers for the little miss.

Paired with BPA-free tea cups made from recycled milk jugs, we have the most wonderful, thrifty, eco-groovy tea party.

Mama and daughter both love (decaf) Engligh Breakfast tea with milk. We take such joy in sharing a pot of tea together, our morning ritual.

A thrift store score!

Yesterday I wrote about our daughter’s Very Hungry Caterpillar obsession. Today I want to share an in-progress art project that she spearheaded: her Very Own Hungry Caterpillar Board Book.

The blank board book is from Bare Books. The clip art comes from the The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Pad that also contains stencils and drawing paper. For more on that sticker maker machine, see our post here.