Found Fun :: Groundhog-Day

Photo via {ALM)

Yesterday was Groundhog Day. We miss the warm weather that is normally our friend this time of year. It has been very cold and thwarted our attempts at walking outdoors and playing our favorite games. When I walk with my kids we play our very own version of I-spy. It's "Can you see?" We take turns naming objects that we can see as we walk and the others try to find it. When we find the object in question, it is followed by an excited squeal of "it's right there! right there! right there!" I love it when the weather warms up just enough to be comfortable in a light jacket. We experienced a few days just that warm last week and it was bliss! We walked (I walked, my children "strolled" in our jogging stroller) and we came upon a magical moment. Three wild rabbits hopped across our path and up the hillside in our midst. We were quiet for a few moments talking in hushed tones so that we didn't scare the rabbits. My son had never seen a rabbit in real life before and he was amazed! Rather quickly the rabbits hopped giddily up the hill and were gone. We continued on our walk and tried to spot other interesting things. I love living life through the eyes of my children. Everything is magical again!

Found Fun :: Bloggy-Boot-Camp :: St-George-Utah

I attended Bloggy Boot Camp this past weekend in St. George, Utah. I was intimidated and nervous at first but I donned my superwoman outfit: a pair of the cutest 3 inch heeled boots, skinny jeans and a cowl-necked sweater. For the first time in a while I felt like a real human being that was dressed, made up, and smelling pretty! I was relieved that everyone there was so approachable and didn't seem to mind when I brought my 7 month old to lunch so he could have his lunch. I think he even charmed Ted Rubin of Opensky who didn't act at all fazed that I breast-fed at the lunch table. I was under cover of course and the 7 month old had a cooler scene to get to once he was happy and full. I spent a day with fellow bloggers learning a lot about what I want to do with my space here on the internet. I am inspired and still entertained. I became a little more comfortable with networking and it was reminiscent of my 9 to 5 working days.

Boot camp was sponsored by Diaperbuds.com, The UPS Store, Seagate and an appearance was made by Opensky (Ted Rubin). I had an enjoyable time at lunch discussing the Opensky platform with Ted, he energized us all (at his table and during his presentation) about social networking and the future of buyer/seller relationships. We heard from Miri Leigh who will soon be found on Food Network and were inspired by her story and her tenacity!

I learned and reconfirmed so much about blogging and my interactions on Twitter and other social networking outlets and I made a myriad of friends and acquaintances. Bloggy Boot Camp was such an enjoyable experience that I'm hoping to attend the Veteran Track at the San Diego camp next year! These women were amazing and shared so much with us. And most of all, they helped us all feel at home and comfortable with whatever we want our blogs to be!

Check out Bloggy Boot Camp and their 2011 calendar in case you missed it this year! You won't be disappointed!

Found Fun :: Pumpkin Sculpting :: Pumpkin Carving

For Halloween the past couple of years we have attempted sculpting pumpkins instead of carving them. This year the results were so much better than last years attempt that I had to show off the creation that we made together ( I helped give some reality to the definition in the nose and eyes.) We used clay sculpting tools from the art store and this year we didn't gut the gourd. We left him with all his seeds intact so that we could use all our energy on sculpting the face. I think he turned out pretty handsome... they both did... :)

Found Fun :: Kids Halloween Costumes

Last year was a rough year for dressing up our son. I was pregnant and lethargic and sick. So he went to our family halloween party "dressed up" as a little boy. Sad I know. But this year we came up with a really cute concept that was sweet and creative and involved our new addition.

Our house has a curious monkey named george and his friend, the man with the yellow hat. I found the monkey costume at our local costco and the myriad pieces of the "The Man" costume were found and purchased at Savers Thrift Store in Orem, Utah. I'm not a huge fan of scary or gross costumes so this hit the mark for me. I just hope I can keep my kids in the creative vein and not venture into the frightful stuff as they get older.

Images Found via {ALM}

Found Fun :: Madsen Cargo Bikes

Go here to see the Contest to win!

Found Fun for Children :: Smallable Special Cars

I am so inspired by the toys at Smallable. The clean lines and organic and simple feel are so charming. I know that my toddler would love to play make-believe with these toys. Although beyond my budget, they appeal to me from a design point of view. How much would you pay for design-concious toys? Is it worth it?

Playsam Bus
Momoll Ding 3 Wooden Garage

Found via {Me}

Found Fun :: Ikea kids role play food

I found these on the Ikea website and have added them to my shopping list for when I visit Ikea next. They expand the toy options that I'd like to keep around instead of the plastic toys that get broken. We are getting ready to clean out the toy bin and replace some things with health-concious, thoughtful, and soft (for the sake of the baby being a target of thrown toys) items. I'm looking forward to these purchases. They just might appear in our house around Christmas time this year.

Found via {Ikea}

Found Fun :: Pie Molds

Williams and Sonoma Pocket Pie molds.

It might be safe to say that my family would only eat pie for the duration of winter if I owned one of these.

Found {Via Love it Alot}

Game on!

BYU

It's BYU game day around these parts. This means when you make a trip to the grocery store everyone is wearing their BYU T's and shorts and getting home as fast as possible to watch the game on the big screen. It's an away game, but I have family in attendance on their way to another part of Texas. Good luck Cougars.... We hope you don't get beat soundly.

Found Fun - Wood Camera at Twine

Found Here.

Perfect for my little boy and how he now holds everything up in front of his eye like a camera. Following after Mom and Dad I guess.

Found {Via BlackEiffel}

Found Fun - The Madsen Cargo Bike

Isn't this bike AMAZING? Think of all the fun things and people you could put in the cargo hold! Madsen Cycles has just the right thing for a family, or ecofriendly shopper that wants to bike to the store. I don't think I could want a bike more!

Found {Via Nie}

Found Fun - Normann Copenhagen Plane

I found this plane and have fallen in love with it. My son would love it and it is uncomplicated and so not gimmicky! Find it here.

Found {Via Oh Dee Doh}

Found Fun - Friday!

It's the weekend! Have a lovely time relaxing with your crew and doing fun or relaxing things.
We're going to the Farmers Market again, maybe I'll see you there.

Found Image {Via Me}

Found Fun - Reading and an Etsy Shop

Reading this blog for inspiration and great design to fill my mind!

Aside from that I will be opening an Etsy shop selling my paper designs. I am very excited and am working like mad to get it ready. I'll post when its open for business, but for now...here's a sneak peek:

Found Fun - Pinwheels Galore!

I'm planning a baby shower with a boy theme, and these pinwheels just seem to do the trick as far as masculine but fun and somewhat whimsical design. Martha you (and your staffers!) are a genius!

Found {via Martha}

Found Fun - Banana Bike

This banana bike is reminiscent of one my sister had when we were growing up. I want one so bad! It would take so much of the pain out of riding bikes! :) And I think it would look sweet!

Found Fun - Iron on Onesies

The Cookie Nesting Blog featured a super cute idea for gifts/activities for babies. I love these onesies and would only add to them by stitching over the edges with an applique stitch on my sewing machine to give them a very finished look.