Dear Mr.President

My middle child (age 7) decided to write a letter to our President.
She told me "It's so weird. The President said he was going to end the war but he's not, he's starting another one. It's not fair because kids are dying and they didn't even do anything." 

So she wrote him a letter. She finally heard back. Generic, but cute nonetheless.

inspiration

A couple of years ago Pottery Barn kids had a boys room wallpapered with old maps. I knew right away  I wanted to do that for my son. Along the way I've collected some inspiration.

 

images found here

The whole process was really easy. I found a ton of old maps (one from office depot). 

 

Cut them out, used wallpaper glue and put them up. 

 

After the glue dried I went over the maps with a clear lacquer to give it a little bit of shine.

Before and After

It's Friday. Here they are, hope you enjoy. 

I've been swamped with school and that other thing called LIFE! This room has been brewing in my mind for years. I took a whole weekend and many trips to the thrift store for maps. My son was out of town with the husband, so I took the opportunity to do a lil' extreme "room" makeover. 

*BEFORE*

AND

*AFTER*

Pottery barn knock-off

After seven years of not really having a room to call his own, I finally did something about it. My son is now ten! I wallpapered one of his walls with old maps found at goodwill. It was super easy and makes me want to wallpaper the whole house.

But I wont.

More to come soon. Maybe Friday! 

Perspective!

This girl is Amazing!!

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M.I.A.

Sorry! It's been a very hectic time.
My kiddos were getting ready for winter break, I was finishing my quarter at school, my sister and two nieces were visiting, and the only grandparent I have ever known passed away suddenly.
I spent the new year in Toronto reviving my spirit. I feel full again and have a new found love and appreciation for my religion.
God is definitely good!

(be back soon, wait for me)

Jessica Claire Photagrapher/genuis

Jessica Claire is an amazing photographer! But it seems her house is also pretty darn cute.

Family room  and "man room"

 

 

The "wall." Nope not wallpaper! Go and check it out in all of its awesomeness.

(All pictures via http://www.jessicaclaire.net/)

A story of triumph

 Please take the time to read this story about a woman who defied all odds and lived to tell about it.
It's inspiring, but so much more.
It makes you want to live, to really live, and to have it be worth something.
I am honored to call her a friend.

Chicago

Hi Friends,

I know I have been M.I.A lately. School has me drained.
Right now though, we are in Chicago!

I am thankful for forgetting my debit card at home. Today I went to a huge-mongous!!! mall. Anything bigger than the one at home is considered huge. Our mall is so small that it has Target attached to it (which is really the only reason to go.)  So when the kids saw there was no Target attached to this mall, they didn't think it was very cool. But I'll take Nordstrom attached to any mall over Target ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fall into the GAP

Did you all here about the sale over at the Gap?!
 Additional 30% friends and family until November 15th.
I dropped in today and picked this up.

For myself ;) (hope I don't run into tweens with the same coat)

Fall outfit

 We're headed to Chicago for Thanksgiving weekend and I can't wait to do some major shopping while there! Our small town doesn't offer up much as far as fashion is concerned. I've already ordered the purple sweater coat. Can't wait to try it on, and my sister got me this scarf to go with it.

(denim, boots, and heather sweater @JCrew) (Purple sweater coat @Anthro) (Bracelet @Banana)

Martha Stewart Color

I've been thinking of painting my living room shelves this color combo.
(shelves right after we moved in) 

It must be said

So I'm just gonna lay it all out there. I'm Muslim and this is my blog.
Although this blog was not created as a soap box for religion or politics. I really feel the need to just state at how disgusted I was when I heard about the tragic Ft.Hood shootings. Not only is it atrocious in itself, but to hear that a Muslim committed this crime is even worse. Not because Muslims are exempt from committing crimes, but when they do it's magnified in the media and all eyes turn to Muslims around the world. I hate the way the media rounds up all Muslims into the same arena as these terrorists. I am seriously tired of being held accountable for the crimes these ignorant fools commit in the name of Islam. A religion I am proud of and hold very dear. I wonder sometimes how the world's second largest religion can be so misunderstood. Muslim organizations around the nation have come out condemning these attacks.
I just want my voice heard as well.

I thought I would share a small piece that I wrote up after the war in Iraq started. I want people to know that although I might be against the war, I still admire and honor our soldiers for being so selfless. I can't imagine what it would be like to leave my family behind and go out and put my life at risk.

In a statement, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:

“We condemn this cowardly attack in the strongest terms possible and ask that the perpetrators be punished to the full extent of the law. No religious or political ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted the all-volunteer army that protects our nation. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured.”

Indoor Play

Moomah was featured in Cookie magazine (which is no more) :(
They have an awesome thing going on. A quaint lil' place set up, for play and crafts.
Living in the pacific northwest it rains here a lot! There are not many options for parents to do things indoors in my small town. I have been thinking of this idea for a few years now. I really need to get on this. Anyone want to help me with a business plan?
I love the interior. They even have a full service cafe and coffee bar.
Check out their blog!

Eddie Ross

You all know who I'm talking about.

He travels around helping people find the best items to make their homes that much more special.

He's going to be in my hometown in December and I'm not :(


I got a chance to visit the flea market where he's headed and it was really fun.
I first heard about this place from Jordan over at "Oh Happy Day"

I wasn't feeling my best that day, I only got a few pics.My biggest regret where some chairs that I couldn't commit to and some lucky gal picked up all four chairs for a $320.Same chair, linen, and white painted wood!