The Long, Dark Hallway When designing our home, we knew we didn't want the very popular open-concept floorplan. We wanted the kitchen to be its own space with a separate living room, dining room, etc., just like an old farmhouse would have. So, in order to do all of these separate rooms, it was clear early on, that we would have to have a long, potentially dark, hallway. Like 20 feet long. I did everything I could in the designing phase to ...
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A Year of Living with Open Shelving: Pros and Cons
When we were planning our kitchen, I searched all over the internet for open shelving reviews. I love the look but worried about the maintenance. I had a hard time finding an honest review so I thought I'd do a quick post for anyone out there who might be searching. We ended up deciding to put open shelves in the butler's pantry area with a window behind to bring in more natural light. This allows me to put all of our "pretty dishes" on ...
Chronos and Kairos – Measuring Time When the Days are Long
From the Archives January 2012 The twins just had a birthday. Four years old now. I will spare you the "I can't believe they have grown up so fast" commentary because it has gone fast but in a lot of ways it has been slow too. Today I have been thinking about what my life has been these last four years. It's easy to sit here in my quiet studio and reflect when all of my kids are in bed and it is calm. It's easy to feel ...
How American Girl Helped My Kids Love Reading and History
Our love affair with the American Girl books started with a desire to get the twins excited about reading on their own, for fun. I wanted to find something that would keep their interest and make them want to come back for more. My cousin (who is just enough ahead of me in this parenting journey and oh so wise) told me how great the books are and what she did to encourage her girls. We tried out her advice with great success! A ...
Why Your Child Needs Unstructured PLAY
Here at Lily and Thistle, we talk a lot about art and nature. In all of my research, I've found that the foundation of creativity and happiness for kids is PLAY. Do you remember what it felt like to play as a kid? I'm talking about real play, the kind initiated and driven by kids. Building tree forts, creating miniature houses or cities in the sand, one child staring at an ant carrying a crumb, while a few others start a club in a garage. No ...
Easy Peasy DIY Toddler Jeans Tutorial – From the Archives
Here at Lily and Thistle, we are all about creativity at home. This "oldie but goodie" may seem a little outdated but it is such a great first time sewing project for kids and newbies alike. Sewing is such a great way to make art because it's usable! :) If you are looking for more ways to get art and creativity into your life, join our community below! From The Archives: November 2009 This project was born of frustration. The girls are too ...
12 Movies That Inspire Me To Be A Better Wife
As you have probably figured out by now, here at Lily and Thistle, I like to write about two things: Family and Art/Creativity. I have an awesome Resource Library full of goodies to help you as you strive to grow in both of those areas. But, sometimes you just want to sit down with a bowl of popcorn and watch a good, inspiring movie! So, with Valentines Day just around the corner, I thought I'd share some of my favorite ...
A Quick Trick – Turning Old Into New Again
Here at Lily and Thistle, we are all about creativity at home. This “oldie but goodie” is such a great project! Decorating and DIYing is such a great way to make art because it’s usable! 🙂 And just a quick, unrelated note: If you'd like to include more art into your life, I'd like to invite you to join us at Nature's Art Club! It's a club designed to get you and your family into art and nature through monthly watercolor projects, coloring ...
Easy Crocheted Slippers for Beginners – From The Archives
Here at Lily and Thistle, we are all about creativity at home. This is such a great first time sewing project for kids and newbies alike. Sewing is such a great way to make art because it’s usable! 🙂 If you are looking for more ways to get art and creativity into your life, join our community below! From The Archives: November 2009 I love this slipper pattern because you really can make them any size from little baby to big, burly man. ...
Last Minute Christmas Gifts for Creative Moms
It's crunch time. Christmas is just around the corner and if you're like me, you're just now realizing it's time to get serious about gifts! If you're looking for something that will make your favorite creative mom's heart sing - or thinking about what might make your heart sing ;) I've got you covered! I put together some great budget-friendly ideas that can be to the door (or inbox) just in time for the big day! Online ...
Spring Wheat Grass Basket – Make Your Own Fresh Grass for Easter
From the Archives - April 2012 I wanted to share this with you even though it is too late for you to do it this Easter...I'm calling it "Spring Grass" because I think it is the perfect indoor decoration for the season (before or after Easter). SO easy and so pretty...and, it is perfect for kids! I'm sure you've seen tutorials all over the place on how to do this so I'll just do a quickie. I was inspired by Design Mom and Homebased Mom both. ...
How to Hang Christmas Wreaths on the Outside of Windows
A Woman on a Mission I lived in Connecticut and Rhode Island for a short year and a half as a Mormon Missionary in my early twenties. Part of the job was knocking on doors to see if I along with my assigned companion could share a message about Jesus. We did lots of other things too. We delivered free Bibles and Books of Mormon to people who requested them from TV, we worked in soup kitchens, convalescent homes and taught lessons to families ...