I have a list of projects I want to do all over the house. I decided to make my first major focus our downstairs bathroom. I chose this room because it is the bathroom most people see, it's absolutely hideous, it's a small bathroom, and it'll take a little work for a lot of impact. If this is your dream wallpaper border, I'll apologize now for badmouthing it. It's among the most hideous paper I've ever seen and I've hated that this is the bathroom that guests see. I've wanted ... Read More
Snow Day
I've been done with this winter for a while now. It has been freezing and the snow just keeps on coming. Now, before you start on me, I'm well aware that we chose to live here and that there are places where winter is far worse. While winter is my least favorite season anyway, this winter has just been rough and the snow has been getting the brunt of my frustrations. The girls have been sick constantly. Not just colds, but actually a kind of sick that has been quite scary at ... Read More
Post-Apocalyptic Shopping
I have an unhealthy obsession with the end of the world. There is nothing better than a disaster flick--the cheesier the better. In my head, the end of the world comes about in many ways, but it always has a contingent of survivors, and, of course, my family is among them. Sometimes there's a zombie outbreak. Zombies scare the crud out of me and the older I get, the more nightmares I have. In my magic Abbyland, my house becomes a zombie-proof self-sufficient fortress. But we don't need to ... Read More
Adventures in New Zealand: White Island
New Zealand is full of amazing adventures, unbelievable scenery, and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. We were able to do so many things that will stay with me forever. There are many more adventures on my list, but I must admit that there are some that I will happily repeat over and over. Visiting White Island is one of those. This post contains affiliate links. Scott first took me to White Island on my initial trip to New Zealand in 2005. I'm not really the outdoor type and ... Read More
Our New Zealand House
I have been missing New Zealand desperately lately. There's always those aches and pangs for it and for the most part we've made our peace with our decision to stay in the States for now, but the desire to be there has been very strong this winter. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the constant snow, freezing temperatures, and very sick kids. We reminisce over Our New Zealand house constantly. Even four kids in, we still daydream about picking up that house and moving it with ... Read More
Housekeeping Tips from a Domestic Failure
I hate my role as the main cleaner of the house, but I love having it clean. I've talked about needing to have my surroundings clean in order to really accomplish anything, so I've made keeping a better house a priority. I've been frustrated with feeling that I'm always in maintenance mode and it being so much work that I don't have time for new projects or "me time". I'm working hard on changing my habits and wanted to share simple tips that are helping me keep a cleaner house without ... Read More