Happy 4th of July from Sweetwater!

White Daisy, Campanula and Red Bee Balm

Finally! Our weather is reminding us of  why we love it here in Minnesota.
The flowers are thriving because of the last few weeks of cool wet days (the weeds too...but hey it is a holiday)
We will enjoy a relaxed family dinner and fireworks over Lake Waconia.
The 4th of July is a time for appreciating the American way of life and makes us nostalgic for days past.  Flags flying, bike parades, sparklers, roasted marshmallows and hotdogs....

Stay Sane On Your Road Trip-Read Aloud To Your Kids!

The latest post on Infarrantly Creative will give you some great ideas on how to keep your kids happy this summer, and it is a great read.
Let's be honest, the subtext of any article like this is "How do I keep my kids from driving me crazy?"

Are you and the kiddos heading out on a road trip for the holiday weekend or anytime soon?
I would like to suggest that when the going gets tough...the tough have some tools in the parenting toolbox. You don't need fancy electronic toys or DVD players to keep your kids happy. Just get yourself to the library or the Kindle eBook Store. Choose a great book to read out loud on your trip.


Here are some of my favorite read-aloud books for kids of all ages. (Oh-yeah, remember that have been a School Media Specialist for a bunch of years and have just a tad of experience on this topic)

Some Thrifting Tales-Old and New Finds!

I haven't been haunting the thrift stores as often as usual these last weeks.  Getting my house in order and starting this blog are really eating into my "retail therapy sessions"!
But here are a few items I have scored so far this summer.....as well as some "oldies but goodies" worth sharing with you!

Look at this super cute sailor dress 99 cents-probably because there was a teeny red ink mark at the bottom of the white border. Bleach pen didn't work-darn....what to do?  I simply turned up 1/4 inch and top stitched the ink-mark (now pretty faded) into the back side of the hem.  I sent off to Cecilia, my daughter's law school partner's little girl.  Hope I get a picture of her wearing it!

A 10 Minute Project!-Great Hostess Gift!

Does your 4th of July weekend include a barbecue or a bonfire?
Do you need a quick, inexpensive hostess gift?
This quick project might be just what you need.

For less than $2.00 each you can make a custom covered box of kitchen matches....like these. Add a tiki torch or citronella candle if you want to be a big spender and you are good to go.
Here is what to do:

Wall Art-Cityscapes on the cheap!

I am drawn to cityscapes.  Take a look at the amazing work by Minneapolis artist Mike Welton.


Using photos from your trips both far away and close to home is a great way to personalize the art in your home.

Here is my latest project and some other ideas too!

A Garden Update

Gardens are not made by singing

“Oh how beautiful”

and sitting in the shade.   

Rudyard Kipling

Woman Reading in the Garden-Mary Cassatt

I always imagine that this picure is what having a garden is all about.  I see myself wandering about in an elegant outfit....bending over graciously to pick a flower or sitting quietly among the flowers.......

Alas....the reality is me in  mismatched shorts and tanktop with my ugly green garden clogs.  Drive by and you will see me on my knees among the weeds....

Your solution to "Mom.....I'm Bored"

F2R75ZDHPVKZ 

Summertime....and the living is easy.....unless your kids are telling you they are bored!
The Sweetwater Junior tab just might help you solve this problem.
I know that parents worry about kids spending too much "screen-time" and that is valid.  But really what I think we worry about is what the kids are doing at the computer.
Check out the links I have put on  Sweetwater Junior -they are safe, fun and educational.  Check back often, as I am continually adding new sites that are "Kid Tested".
I would love to hear from you about other sites that your kids love!

Sunday Morning at the Farmer's Market

Today is John's Birthday....a trip to the Farmer's Market, a bike ride and a family dinner are on the agenda for the day.
The Farmer's Market was strangely not very crowded making for a pleasurable hour of browsing and buying.  I was very good about NOT buying more flowers....the prices haven't come down....so I will wait until next week and grab the bargains when 2 of my favorite Nurseries-Holasek and TonkaDale will do their down dirty (pun intended) 75% off and buy one for a penny sales.

New Post on Ahh-Musing

I have a new posting on the Ahh-Musing tab of Sweetwater Style asking you to ponder whether you too have a love/hate relationship with the 1980's Style Maven.

 

A 10 Minute Project!-Many plants from One!

 This is the herb garden on my deck....trying to raise herbs in my garden is impossible because of all the creatures wanting breakfast, lunch and dinner! (more on my ongoing war with the wildlife another day)

Plants on the deck always thrive because they are right in my face and I feel guilty if I don't take care of them.  When the mint and basil start to get leggy or just seem to be overtaking the pot, this is what I do.