for sela’s birthday, she received two sets of tegu magnetic wooden building blocks. happily, we are now the owners of the endeavor set in natural and the explorer set in tegu tints. we have enough so that everyone in the family can participate — and they absolutely invite participation…

the blocks are so well-designed. but the best part is the concept behind the company. from their website:
In addition to supporting sustainable forestry, we are actively replanting to help Honduras regain the forest cover it has lost in past decades. Whenever you purchase a Tegu wooden toy, you have the opportunity to choose to send a Honduran child to school for a day or plant a tree.

.....

stowe, vermont

October 17, 2012

last last weekend, we hit the road again for a mini trip in honor of columbus day. this time, we headed four hours north to stowe, vermont.

we joined forces with a huge majority of other fellow-new-englanders and did what people do out here at this time of year: we followed the foliage north, and became leaf peepers!

that’s right – we took a weekend trip just to observe the beautiful shades of leaves this area of the country offers at this time of year.

we stopped by the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory in vermont, made visits to three antique shops, enjoyed everything the Trapp family lodge had to offer,

.....

happy friday!

October 12, 2012

a belated happy friday post for september and october!

this past january, when i started the happy friday post series, i had already read the happiness project. since January, for ten months now – when it is time to write this post – i quickly review the chapter for that month, and then begin writing the post to share my thoughts with you. what i like best about this process is that i am always reminded and/or re-inspired by what gretchen has to say – and instantly i am re-committed to many of my goals.

i think this is an important life lesson. we, ourselves, are responsible for keeping our minds focused on what we want to achieve.

.....

when i saw this MDF chalkboard wall, it made me smile, and i knew it was going to be the perfect addition to our new home. what i like best about this wall? it’s portable! since we are renting – if we move soon, it can go with us! or! if i get tired of it being in our dining room — i can move it to another room in the house! so perfect.

1: one sheet of MDF board, 8 ft. x 4 ft. x 3/4″. is the size i used, or choose the size that accommodates the space you plan to place it in.

.....