Happy List #13
It’s your lucky day, folks. I’ve got some doozies on the Happy List to share. But first, earlier this week I shared how I got distracted and learned that 1960s wood paneling can actually look pretty decent. Continuing with my “living in Ireland” series, I also shared pictures of my hot press. It was so not hot. Here we go… Copper Roof on a Farmhouse I have followed Joan’s blog for quite awhile. She’s living my dream of renovating an old farmhouse and converting a barn into part of her home. You should really dive into her story. I am loving the new addition to her farmhouse, a copper roof over the…
1960s Wood Paneling That Looks Good
There’s a bookcase in my house that bugs the crud out of me. Really bugs me. I have to make it look good without changing the root of the problem. I’m still not sure how to do that, so I decided to dive into the black hole of inspiration commonly known as the Internet. While there, I got a little distracted… But those boots I’ve been eyeing were finally on sale! Then I stumbled on a new-to-me blog, Bigger Than The Three Of Us, and ran across a picture of blogger Ashley’s playroom/office. Two things made me pause in my scroll. 1) She has a wood bookcase similar to the one that bugs me to pieces.…
Living in Ireland: Want to See My Hot Press?
Moving to a foreign country – even one where you speak the language – is a humbling experience. My advice? Settle into the feeling that you are going to be the biggest idiot in the room. A little humor and humility go a long way toward settling in. When we were looking for house in Ireland we toured an owner-occupied home they were putting on the rental market. During the tour the owner made a passing reference to the hot press. “I’m sorry. A hot what?” In hindsight, my question probably did not inspire confidence with the homeowner. Needless to say, we did not get that house. The house we ended up moving…
Happy List #12
Hello, world! I had a first-ever experience yesterday. I was walking down the sidewalk minding my own business when a car driving by sped through a gigantic puddle. A huge wave of water sprayed out and completely, and I do mean completely, drenched me. I’m sure my reaction was comical to anyone observing the incident. But, really, Ireland is great. You should totally visit in February. On the blog this week I shared the most amazing, earth-shattering tutorial on how to turn a makeup bag into a hidden cell phone pocket in a fleece scarf. If you haven’t made one yet, what are you waiting for? I also shared our experience…
A Day in Malmö, Sweden with Kids
During our New Year’s trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, we were able to spend a day in Malmö, Sweden. Being able to easily visit two countries in one trip is still a novelty for us and we were thrilled for the opportunity. Getting There Conveniently, Malmö is only a 20-minute train ride from the Copenhagen Airport. If you’ve been traveling around Copenhagen on the Copenhagen Card, you will need to purchase a separate ticket to Malmö at a kiosk in the airport. Kids go free. Keep your Copenhagen Card with you though because on the return trip, you’ll likely need to show both tickets. When you board the train to Malmö, there is…
Happy List #11
Here’s to Friday! My children received positive feedback during our first ever parent-teacher conferences in an Irish school, so I’m quite happy with that. Apparently they are doing a great job learning to speak Irish even though I hear none of it at home. Go figure. On the blog this week I shared Valentine’s Day Card ideas that both boys and girls would like to receive and I also shared a recipe and story about making Dill Bread. Here are the other things making me all happy and humored this week. Does Being Pessimistic Makes You Happier? Food for thought. Alain de Botton’s premise is interesting. As a bonus, I found…
6 Valentine Card Ideas For Girls or Boys
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Ready, set, panic! No, no. Don’t do that! Here are some fun DIY Valentine’s Day cards that I think both boys and girls would like. My kids would be content picking out themed Valentine’s Day cards from the store, but they also like to sit down and craft with mom, so I’ll take that time with them as long as it lasts. Balloon Card It doesn’t get easier than this idea for a balloon card! This idea is via A Pretty Cool Life, which is a pretty cool name for a blog. There is not a balloon in this world that my kids have met…
Recipe to Try: Dill Bread
This post is all about delicious dill bread, but I have to tell you the back story first. There’s always a back story. Much to my utter dismay and disbelief, I have discovered that pickles are not big in Ireland. There is no section for pickles at the grocery store. There are not multiple shelves for pickles. There are not countless varieties of pickles: sweet, spicy, dill, stackers, hamburger chips, spears, etc. Nope. None of that delicious excess exists here. How do they survive? Each of the two grocery stores in my area carries one type of pickle. One single type and it can be found in the section with the Polish…
Happy List #10
Hello! I hope you had a great week. In case you missed it, this week on the blog I shared my creative use for a shower curtain and what to see and do if you visit Copenhagen, Denmark, with children. This was earth-shattering information, folks. I can wait while you get caught–oh, who am I kidding? I have the patience of a toddler! Let’s get on with it. Here’s what’s on my Happy List this week. As usual, it’s quite random…just the way I like it. Papadag – Daddy Day One day a week, dads in The Netherlands take the day off work to spend time with their kids. Say what??? Apparently, this…
