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Savannah

Our recent real estate transaction went south last week and I had the perfect "pick me up" - a weekend in Savannah for a family wedding. My mom, sister, grandmother and I rented an apartment on Jones Street right next door to the famous Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House. We had read reviews about paranormal activity in the apartment but thankfully we had a pleasant, ghost-free weekend. And I realized that although I spent a lot of time in Savannah in college, I had never gone beyond River Street to see the real beauty of the city.

Our apartment

The shopping was amazing. My favorite store, One Fish Two Fish, was just doors down from our apartment. They had beautiful artwork by Bellamy Murphy. Once we find a house, I want this Oyster picture...

photo courtesy BellamyArt.com

Next to One Fish Two Fish, is my all time favorite lighting store, Circa Lighting. I've been coveting the Bryant Chandelier for years and it was so great to browse their entire collection.

And no weekend in Southeast Georgia would be complete without a trip to my alma mater in Statesboro. My sister and I drove to Georgia Southern for lunch a Snookies and a stop at the ADPi house. What fun!

It was a quick weekend but a 5-hour flight with no kids is not so bad! And I hope to return to Savannah again soon.

On the move....

We're moving! Only 5 blocks away but we'll have more space and I get to decorate. Hip hip hooray!

The boys are less than thrilled about the move. They're losing a playroom (until we finish the basement) and they'll be farther from the park. They clearly don't understand my need for a master bath and a walk-in closet.

In an attempt to make the transition go smoothly, I plan to have their room decorated before we move in. Below is the idea board I've put together. I plan to accessorize with maps, an antique globe and airplanes hanging from the ceiling. We already own the Taylor Cargo Quilt pictured below (minus the batman shams) and monogramed chambray shams. I plan to put the madras quilts folded at the end of the bed.

Photo credits (clockwise from the top): Crate & Barrel Finley Pendant Lamp, PB Kids Kendall Bunk Bed in espresso, PB Kids Rugby Stripe Rug, PB Kids Taylor Cargo Duvet (no longer available), PB Kids Madras Quilted Bedding and IKEA Expedit Shelving

Sibling Rivalry

Are the kids at each other's throats?

Here are a few tips from the folks at Love & Logic to help with the madness:

1. Whether we do extra things for kids who are battling with each other.

It's perfectly reasonable for a parent to say, "This is such a bummer. I'm tired-out from listening to you arguing with each other. I don't have the energy to drive you to your friends' houses."


2. Whether we allow certain items to remain in our homes.

A friend of ours said to her kids, "This is so sad. Every time you guys play with that game you get in a fight. I gave it away so it wouldn't be a problem anymore."


3. Whether we allow their fighting to interrupt our responsibilities and time.

Have you ever noticed how kids tend to argue and bicker with each other when you are trying to do something that requires your complete attention such as trying to talk on the phone? If you feel secure that your kids won’t harm each other, it's probably best to say, "This is really draining my energy. You guys need to work this out or go your separate ways."


4. Whether we give them "bonding opportunities."

When your kids start to battle with each other, experiment with saying, "Sounds like you guys need some bonding time." Then assign them some chores to give them an opportunity to feel the love.

Relaxing at the beach

We spent Labor Day weekend at Seabrook. As I always say after a vacation on the coast, it is relaxing....so relaxing. This time was extra special because my in-laws tagged along and one of big kid's friends from school was staying in a house down the street. My mother-in-law and I bonded over a 1000 piece puzzle and the boys were content riding their bikes around town.

School started today (do I hear a hip hip hooray?). The kids were excited to be back and I'm thrilled to be back in the routine.

Stay tuned for new holiday card designs!!