Favorite lighting

posted on: Wednesday, August 13, 2014




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I love Summer, almost to the point that by the time October rolls around I am ready to pack our bags and head South. So when this Summer turned out to be more serious-home-building and not so much Summer bucket-listing-busting I kind of got a bit sad that we'd missed out on so many family memories. But by golly those little munchkins sure know how to make lemonade at out lemons. I would venture to say that Brecken has not only grown attached to the large dirt mounds in the back yard, but he has mentioned in a not-so-obvious way that he would forego the grass to keep the dirt. Typical I suppose for a four-year-old boy. Addy on the other hand lives to clean and what better area to thrive than in a home being built. I would say free child labor, but that might sound like I'm breaking some child labor law and believe me she lives for this kind of junk. 

No matter the case John promised us a Memorial Day to Labor Day house baby. So with it's due date approaching like super fast I'm coming to terms with it being overdue (pregnancy analogy for a house may be a little much..) Anyway, I hope that all the pool time missed and the hours of watching movies in the car as we've worked on the house will pay off. Because it better. Because I really cherish my pool time. And house or no house...we like swimmin' and tannin' and eating melting popsicles and then jumping in the pool to clean off. Really, we (as in babes and I) were meant to live in California....

We (as in John) decided to save ourselves a little money (as in a lot of money) and to tackle all the painting on our own. Not sure if it was worth the money because I've stormed out on John a handful of times.  Who knew how much painting actually went into a home?! It's like the entire thing inside and out needs to be taken care of--sarcasm aside, we're finally near the end of painting careers. I hope. And to commemorate the end of painting our lights will be hung next week. #6 is my favorite! It, along with it's brothers and sisters will be hung nice and tight on my ol' sitting porch. Beauty, right?

A few of my favorite art pieces right now

posted on: Wednesday, March 5, 2014



I never really viewed my parents as artists until much later in my adult life. My Mom has always been an amazing seamstress with a specific knack for developing patterns and putting them into motion. Need a BBQ cover? check. Want a cover for a kindle that will also house cords and a phone? check. She really is amazing. In addition to her sewing skills she has also been blessed with an amazing mind that can draw almost anything from memory. My Dad while also amazing at drawing has a unique set of skills for putting those images on leather, whether it be making a saddle or designing a pair of chaps. Now that I'm older I look back and see how each of their unique skills transcended down to each of their children in one way or another and it really feels me with a sense of pride and a checking accounting that spends way too much at Joanns....

In addition to being creative my parents also owned a blossoming archery business in the heart of Utah County when I was young. My Dad spent a good portion of the winter traveling around the country to trade shows and while gone he seemed to always acquire a new piece of artwork whether it be a bronze sculpture or painting on each trip. Each item would arrive home in either a well traveled tube or already matted to a perfectly fit frame. I never viewed having nice artwork around our house as anything out of the ordinary and it wasn't until I went to college and took a few pieces with me that I understood--college kids don't have nice artwork in the homes. For a few reasons... :)

Today, John and I still appreciate the value of good artwork. Even though we live in a rental where the thought of putting a hanging display on the wall would send our landlord into frenzy it hasn't stopped our love of finding unique pieces for our home. And let me tell you, it's a crime we can't decorate these walls--stark white, perfect natural lighting--it's a match made in heaven really. 

So I've settled for more creative measures of decorating, and most of them require resting the artwork on mantles and credenzas. Whatever the case, when we do finally get back into a house of our own again each of these beauties will have a special place. 

 here's my two cents:

one//Caitlin Connolly is by far one of my favorite artists. This piece entitled "I'm tired. I'm tired too." was hot of the press when I bought it and there was something about it that just spoke to me as a parent of young kids. Every time I look at it I envision a scenario that plays out daily with John and I. The way the woman's hand rests on her knee and how the man in gently leaning in towards her just speaks leaps and bounds to the relationship of this couple and their enduring love even though the restless (and sleepless) times. I could probably go on and on about my favorite pieces but I would say it is well worth your time to view them for yourselves here

two// I own this moose. It's not white but it is the same moose. It hangs in our kids play area and there is just something about it that screams modern//funky//Montana. I figured I could get away with putting it in our house because a) it's a moose b) John has a thing for taxidermy c) this is kind of like taxidermy but cheaper. He would say no to that rationale. But it's in the house and for a woman who would prefer to not be completely rustic this still provides a little bit of a "natural" element with a modern touch. Find it here.

three//So I stumbled upon Lady Noel a few months ago on Instagram. The juxtaposition of flashy colors used to turn an ordinary bear into something with flare is just too cool to pass up, right? Again, I think I could get away with this in my house for the same reasons as above bear=Montana. Montana=manliness. manliness=John. Find said bear here.

four//I have big plans for this print. When we finally are in a house of our own again and I have the liberty to go a little crazy this bad boy will be in Brecken's room. Because this kid is all about warm fuzzy feelings and hugging. Lots and lots of hugging. I mean lots. Find it here.

There you go folks. enjoy.


Toddler books for restless days

posted on: Wednesday, January 29, 2014



The winters in Montana can sometimes be torturous when little babies have big ideas of being let loose outside (and it always seems to happen on the coldest days of course). And I'm sure most parents would agree that building block towers and crafting with cotton balls can only satisfy young minds for so long before someone starts going a little stir crazy. Luckily in our house when this happens we have a steady stream of books. For as long as I can remember I've always been drawn to books and I'm so happy that it's carrying through to my babes. And as their little minds continue to grow it has been exciting to see the new fascination that grows with each new book. Below, are some of their favorites right now (I'm sure it will change by next week). 


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Minted: Red Edition

posted on: Saturday, January 18, 2014



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I'm a connoisseur of sorts and a keeper of all this paper. Between the stacks and piles randomly dispersed throughout our home my love for paper has never ceased. Book after book has been delicately filled with announcement after announcement as if to preserve a small snippet in time. I assume it's safe to say that paper really is a amazing conduit for expressing emotion, but I'm bias towards paper, remember. :) 
 
And what better way to share the love than with a company that prides itself  on working with the best independent designers who produce the most raw and awe-inspiring paper art. Whether it be birth announcements (which will inadvertently make your uterus hurt), party décor, wedding invitations, holiday cards, or a small note of thanks, Minted strives to transform the simplest forms of paper expression into unique pieces of hand held art.
 
I forewarn you.
 
Your choices are endless and your checkbook will be doing flips over the hundreds of designs and most preciously curated pieces of paper art you'll ever find, but it's worth it. I promise.
 
 
 
This post has been sponsored by Minted. Compensation has been received,  all opinions are my own.  
 
 

Tiny Prints Inspiration for a Little Boy Room

posted on: Monday, September 16, 2013


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Recently I was contacted by Tiny Prints to create an inspiration board using one (or in my case two) of their designs as a spring board of creativity for Brecken's room makeover. The quintessential rustic vibe that is now making a comeback is so fresh and inviting (and manly I might add) and seems so natural for my little boy. And maybe I'm a bit biased because I live in Montana and all-thing-rustic are run of the mill around here, but the thought of little boys huddled under a tent scheming about secret adventures while playing wildly with little bows and colorful arrows may hands down be the cutest site ever. 

And at the root of it all I'm a wife to an outdoorsman and a Momma to a boy obsessed with a slingshot so a room with a father's touch and a young boys obsession only seemed fitting for the men of my house, wouldn't you agree?

Now if only I could get John that excited about a space just for me and my over flowing ideas. A girl can wish...

Toddler Boy Favorites

posted on: Wednesday, October 3, 2012

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The tale of a stroller ( a real nail biter)

posted on: Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Let me preface by saying this is in no way sponsored post, but rather, this is just one mom speaking to other moms on how her life became a little easier. We could all use that once in awhile, right? With that said let's talk strollers. They're an investment, a small investment if you are the Kourtney Kardashian's of the world, and a big investment if you are saving pennies each month to buy the perfect stroller.

Stroller hunting has been a battle in the Bishop household. Two forces going at each other, one saying a double stroller was necessary for everyone's sanity the other bantering back that a stroller is a want not a need. I am sure you can guess who was on each side of that argument.

When determining what to get a few major factors played a role in making my decision. I wanted a stroller that came with the necessities and wasn't ale carte' in terms of cupholders and a sunshade. I also needed a double jogger that would be adaptable to pavement and gravel--I live in Montana and gravel roads are all over the map. While having a swiveling wheel was most desirable I also needed the flexibility to make the front wheel stationary. I also happen to live in an area that is windy so having the option to tilt the sunshade all the way down was also a vital necessity. Ultimately, I wanted a double stroller that allowed comfort for my children and the ability to get around town with ease without being too hard on my checkbook. In the end I finally settled on the Schwinn Turismo Swivel Double Jogger


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 Made of lightweight aluminum this stroller boasts easy handling with the option of pushing it with one hand while talking on the phone (if you do that sort of thing). The swiveling front tire can easily be made stationary by the push of a lever on the handlebar. And speaking of the handlebar, it is adjustable which makes it easy for both John and I to use it, seeing as there is a foot discrepancy in our heights. Each child also has their own sun shade which allows adjustments based on their needs. And if that wasn't enough Schwinn also built two MP3 (or iPhone/iPod) speakers into each sun shade which allows ample volume for the kids to listen to their favorite music. Plush cushioning, adjustable back straps, and reclining seats also provide additional comfort and versatility based on the age and needs of each child.

When it came to the nitty gritty I was also wildly impressed. A spring suspension system allows the stroller to move effortlessly over gravel, and sixteen inch tires provide a smooth ride across pavement as well, pivoting food trays with individual cup holders give each child their own space. Two additional cup holders and a small storage box are also located near the handles of the stroller to provide easy access for Mom and Dad.

Overall, Schwinn has exceeded all my expectations and needs. However, as with most things there were a few small issues. While I love the rims and size of the tires I am not particularly fond of the fact that they are air-filled tires. While rubber filled tires are expensive and frankly not the practical, air-filled tires have the risk of popping. Secondly, the adjustable handlebar is a little shaky. Not so shaky that it risks fall off, but more annoying than anything. With that said, when I run I don't even notice the shake because my weight is bearing down on the handle. Finally, the storage space in the undercarriage is very limited and is often hard to access, but what it misses in that area it definitely makes up for it in all areas of the stroller.

In the end, this stroller is amazing. It can easily be folded up and while it can't fit in the trunk of our Subaru it fits fine in our pickup bed. That being said, while reading some reviews I read that it often was too wide to fit through doorways--I haven't had this issue and it fits through our front door easily. Aesthetically the fabric is clean and crisp, and the additional padding is great for young babies to provide extra protection and comfort. While this stroller may not carry "the name" of other brands it certainly makes up for it with extra bells-and-whistles.

Hope this helps and thanks for stopping in!

Rub-a-dub-dub favorites...

posted on: Friday, July 20, 2012


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Please tell me I am not the only parent whose child has an aversion to the bathtub? As a newborn Brecken was a water baby who loved to play while being slathered in baby shampoo. As he got older and learned to float he would lay in the tub until he turned prune-like kicking his tiny feet back-and-forth. Then, he changed. Now it is gnashing teeth and deep-bellied screams to get him to bath. 

Do your children have a favorite toy they enjoy playing with during bath time?

For the baby favorites...

posted on: Monday, July 2, 2012

Having a baby is hard, these lovelies have made it a bit easier...

Educational Apps (kinda)

posted on: Sunday, April 22, 2012

 So it's simple. I like free and I like cheap--not necessarily in that order and not when it comes to shoes, toilet paper, or diapers--might I add.

But I don't feel as though I should pay $4.99 for a children's IPad app, especially, when there are a plethora of free apps or apps for .99 cents that seem to be floating around out there.

Now, Brecken, as I would assume with most children love to play Angry Birds, or as he would say "chicky." I often succumb to his relentless torment and allow him to play it on occasion, but I've found he is also drawn to a number of fun learning or somewhat educational apps too.

Here's our faves:



1//abc lite lots of writing, word recognition, drawing, and sounds
2//abc alphabet phonics simple. teaches phonics. A+ in my book.
3//piano pals Is like a piano but you can change what the piano does--i.e. play music, learn animal sounds, numbers, and colors. It has a variety of scenarios that cost 1.99, but the barnyard scene is FREE.
4//I like books This app is a 1.99 but is totally worth it. There are over 39 books attached to this app--you have the option of having the IPad read it to your child, or the child can follow the highlighted words and read it themselves, OR they can simply read it on their own once they have reached that level.
5//coloring May be one of my favorites--this app is a coloring book with lots of pictures that can  be saved to your device.
6//Fisher Price shapes & colors learn shapes, learn colors, lots of noises (which can get annoying) but will entertain you child for hours.
7//Fisher Price lets count Learn how to count with catchy music, while also learning about animals.
8//abc phonics Kids will learn animal sounds, how to write, and trace letters through this fun app.
9//kids doodle May be one of the coolest apps ever--lots of drawing with fun color options that allow you to playback your fun creations.
10//read me stories lots and lots of sample books.

Those are just a few of my favorites, if you have a favorite app for you children I would love to know.

Hope your Sunday is going well! Let's me again, same time-same place, tomorrow?
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baby girl bedroom favorites...

posted on: Saturday, March 17, 2012

baby girl bedroom

baby girl bedroom by spunkyjunky on polyvore.com


Have you ever played around on Polyvore? It's kind of addicting. For those of you who have never used it before it is online curating heaven where you can create your own collages of clothes, interior design ideas, and just about anyting else you can think of--it's totally worth trying out!

You can check out the entire Spunky Junky here.

I also wanted to send out an apology, my account hasn't been letting me respond to comments (again) so if you think I am ignoring you--I'm not. Hopefully, I will have it worked out this week.

Hope your weekend is fabulous!

I heart boutiques....

posted on: Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Have you ever been to a store where you fall in love with all of their products and you wouldn't think twice about renting a U-Haul and buying the whole store out?

No. Well, I guess it is just me.

When I walk into Raffia's (which is owned by the same gals that run my favorite scrapbookin' joint) I start to drool. 

Lots and lots of drooling happens.  
 I drooled over this lamp. Luckily, I didn't get to close to slobber on it because this puppy's lamp shade is made out of scrapbooking paper and the milk glass base is so freaking cute.  What an awesome DIY project.
My wish list includes a big plush white couch. Punk holds me back from making such a purchase.
 I am not much of a baker, but this room makes me want to pull out the kitchen aid, cupcake tins, and whip up a big batch of fluffy cupcakes.
 Aren't these curtains gorgeous?!
 Isn't this an adorable idea for a onesie?
I laughed when I saw this picture because it is suppose to say, "Wash, Dry, Fold, Repeat." Not "Wash, Dry, OLD, Repeat..."

But doing laundry does sometimes get really old.
 Is this an amazing bed set or what? I would love to make this same bed set using Amy Butler's Full Moon Polka Dot fabric.  
 DIY chandelier?
 I can see myself sprucing up my closet in the near future....
Who knew a clothes drying rack could be so hip?

What to learn more about Raffia's?

Check them out here!

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