1 Hundred Photos. 1 Million Memories.

Speaking of photos, this one, entitled Trolley cars on Powell, by Raceytay is perfect. Love. 

And here is what I am going to work on tonight ...

Right now, Snapfish is offering 100 prints for about $6 (including shipping).

Since bringing Andrew home, I have been diligent about printing photos. On the backs, I write the name of each person in the photo, the place, the date, and a memory.

Time consuming? Somewhat. Purposeful memory making? Absolutely.

Here you go:

1. Upload 100 4x6 prints.
2. Redeem the coupon code: PRINTSFREE at checkout.
3. Watch your mailbox earnestly for sign of life.



Join me?

Cook Without a Book

Check out this fantastic Pumpkin Playdough by MyLittleOtter. What will they think of next?

How could it be? I have written over 30 Favorite Things blog entries, and yet I have never mentioned this Web site ...

Perhaps I did a looooong time ago and now it is buried deep in House Honcho's history. If so, it's time to mention it again.

If you are not familiar with the Kraft Foods Web site, it is time you take a look. With recipes even I can make plus a "Use What's On Hand" section, this Web site is responsible for a lot of edible goodness around my house.

If Kraft would just send their cooks to my house, all would be perfect ...

SPARK #12: Journal Giveaway (Could There BE Anything Better?)

I have a weakness in my heart for Buttons, by AmandaRaeK. Aren't they wonderful?!

I used to be religious about writing down goals on New Year's Eve. But see, here's the thing. Chalk it up to being a writer, a woman, a whatever-might-apply ... I find New Year's Eve to be very depressing.

I don't know if it's due to the end of another year, the insane repetition of Auld Lang Syne, or the reality that another diet is just around the corner, but I think I would survive if New Year's Eve never happened.

This is what my yearly goal-writing scenario used to look like:

Each New Year's Eve, I would sit down and list my goals for the coming year. And, inevitably, on January 2nd or 3rd (when I'd pull out the list again) I would see a bunch of failures or personal impossibilities, mixed with tear stains in the margin and heavy underlining.

No more New Year's Eve goal writing for me.

On my birthday each year (which is significantly less depressing, perhaps because cake is involved) I choose 5 things to work on. (So those who know me are thinking, "ONLY 5?! Give me a call!") Right?

My birthday was this past week. So I am thinking about goals.

And really, why not think about goals throughout the year. Much less intimidating than year-end exams.

SPARK #12: What do you want to achieve this year? What do you want to achieve within the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve with your life?

Visit the HouseHoncho Facebook page today to claim your coupon for a FREE journal from Paper Coterie!

The Apple Pie Tree: Fighting Crime with Poetry

Nothing says, "fall" like Autumn's Alchemy by irenesuchoki. I would like to frame this on my wall ...

Tomorrow is the day my family will go to the orchard and pick apples, snap photos, and carve pumpkins. I'm just a wee bit excited. This pilgrimage has become a tradition that ranks up there next to holidays of the most appreciated kind. So I wrote a poem ...

'Twas the night before family day and all through my house,
Every creature was stirring--my son and my spouse.
The buckets were set by the front door with care,
In hopes that tomorrow our apples would go there.

My son was now nestled all snug in his bed,
While visions of apple pies danced in his head.
I'm not in a 'kerchief; Luke's not in a cap,
But it sure would be nice to settle back for a nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
Over to the window I flew like a flash,
Ripped up the blinds and knocked over the trash.

The moon on the breast of newly-cut grass
Gave lustre to the car to which I never give a pass.
When, what to my wandering eyes should I see,
But a group of kids teepeeing a tree.

They spoke not a word, but went straight to their work,
And filled up the yard with a toss and a jerk.
They jumped in their car and off on their way,
It happened so fast I had nothing to say.

So back to the couch and back to the dreams.
I'm Googling pies and apples and creams.
I nearly exclaimed as they drove out of sight,
"Tomorrow is family day!" So to all a good-night!

Fall Mixed Up

Scarlet Autumn by Raceytay encapsulates fall with a single glance. Nicely done.

No joke. I had to thaw myself out before writing tonight's post. It's COLD here in Michigan. Methinks we have skipped right over fall in order to welcome winter.

Hopefully the apple-cider-drinking, bonfire-enjoying, apple-picking weather will be back soon. Until then, here is what is warming my heart ...

Happy Scrap Girl is offering a free weekly meal/activity planner. (Click on the photo to visit her site and get your OWN free planner.) She offers several sizes for printing/framing/planning purposes.

Great idea: Frame the schedule and use a dry erase marker on the glass. Easy and efficient!

I'm going to try this as soon as my printer warms up ...

The Art of Reading

Check out this lovely vintage file box by havenvintage. Brilliant, really.

Late at night when my son is soundly sleeping and my husband is strenuously studying (of which they both do frequently), I tune in to a class I am enjoying from Lawrence University, entitled The Art of Reading.

I don't have time to take a class. But thankfully--since the class comes to me via CDs--I can cook and clean, polish and plunder with a ball point pen tucked behind my ear and a notebook stuck in my apron. (There is evidence of dish soap on several of the pages.)

Simply put, I am taking the class because I believe in reading. Reading, in my opinion, is synonamous with learning or improving or growing. I make it a point never to go a day without learning something from a book.

Professor Timothy Spurgin, teacher of The Art of Reading, said: Reading should be a pleasure, not a chore or a burden.

And I agree. But I would also add that reading should be a habit.

Tonight, I am passing along some free eBooks:

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren
A Daughter's Inheritance by Tracie Peterson
The Keeper by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

One more thing before I head off to clean and listen ... please consider adding your name to the hat before the drawing tonight at midnight ...

FREE While They're Hot

These delicious vanilla/almond sugar cookies, by sugarandflour, give new meaning to, "An apple a day ..."

In honor of today being Friday (which doesn't happen often enough during the week) I am going to share 5 of my favorite things ... yours free if you want them.

1. Enjoy a 2-ounce body lotion from Bath & Body Works (good through Sunday).

2. Enjoy a free waffle at the Waffle House (good through the end of the month).

3. Enjoy a sample of Rachael Ray's Just 6 dog food. (Well, not you specifically.)

4. Enjoy a free eBook from Moody Publishers (good through November 1.)

5. Enjoy 3 cups of Twinings tea (or chai, if that's more your thing).

***Bonus: One of my all-time favorite items is available in the House Honcho Facebook group.

Happy Friday!

U.S. Route 23 and Other Blessings

I could really use this fantastic retro avocado green suitcase from TheFancyLamb tonight! Check it out!

The sign in the entryway of my home reads, "An attitude of gratitude creates blessings." It's one of my favorite things--and a great reminder as soon as I enter my house that my attitude makes a big difference.

Tonight I am thankful for safety.

Though "safety" isn't quite as shiny as a new kitchen gadget, nor is it as cool as a new iPhone app, it's my favorite thing.

Tonight I was driving "quickly" on U.S. Route 23--trying to get home in time to see my husband before putting my child to bed--when the van I was driving quick working. As in, right in the middle of the road it stopped.

Dead.

I couldn't even coast off onto the non-existent shoulder. I was stuck--half on the road, half off the road--with cars and trucks rushing past. With each vehicle that approached my van, I prayed that the driver was paying attention. (And I made a few mental notes about my own occasional distracted driving.)

I'll put it right out there: I was scared.

Three officers, an hour, and a tow truck later, we were on our way. And I couldn't be more thankful that my son and I were safe. It's amazing the things I take for granted on a regular basis.

The car is in a nearby shop, we are gloriously stranded at my grandma's house (who can complain about THAT?), and there will be details to work out later.

But for tonight ... I am just thankful.

Announcement: Happy Holidays!

I love this photo! Brightly Shone the Lights by sparksoffire

I love holidays. There's no denying it. But, let it be known, I don't just admire the ones that fall in November and December ...

I love the obscure holidays--the ones created in order to boost greeting card sales--and the ones intended for nothing more than our own entertainment. (Did you know there is a holiday on the 29th of this month called, "More Herbs, Less Salt Day"?)

I think holidays--even the silly ones that celebrate raisins or promote bad poetry--have a place in home management. Why? Simply put, they encourage us to enjoy the little things. (Or least, they encourage us to think about the little things!)

So here is what I am proposing. Each time the House Honcho Facebook group grows by 5 members, I will create a holiday post that is ripe with ideas for celebrating various days throughout the year. I may even recruit some of my favorite holiday connoisseurs to join the fun and submit their own suggestions.

Today the Facebook group is 564 members strong. If you want to see more holiday action here on the blog, please consider spreading the word. (Or join the group yourself!)

Happy holidays--

Friday Favorites: A 5-way Thai

My time here in Thailand is winding down. Truthfully, I am looking forward to going home. Home always looks best when I've been away awhile.

Tonight ... 5 things I will miss about this beautiful country.

#1: I will miss the view from my room.

#2: I will miss the breakfast ... rice ... served every morning at 7:00.

#3: I will miss the pink taxis. I look for them every time I'm on the road.

#4: I will miss the incredible flowers. Living in Bangkok is like living in a florist's shop.

#5: I'll miss the driving. It's insane. And a bit like riding The Raptor at Cedar Point.

Still, there's no place like home.

Grumble, Grumble, Hallelujah!

I love this fabric covered button necklace by Tamar. Want one? Check it out!

I'm sick.

... the kind of sick that happens after final exams, that happens after the holidays, that happens as a let-down after something really important.

I am tired, achy, resentful of the tremendous energy exhibited by my husband. I would say something unhelpful to him, but I am tired.

And since I don't want you to have stumbled on my blog tonight only to find a grumble, I will give you this--pilfered in broad daylight from my dear friend, Heather Mayo:

"[My husband] had an idea to get a little dry erase board with magnets to put on the fridge and use it as a Thankfulness Board. The idea is to write down something we are thankful for every day. I like it."

I love it. I may just do this, Heather ... tomorrow ... when I am done grumbling.

G'night.

Love & Space Bags

I love this small wood ampersand by Hindsvik! Check it out.

Tonight: A note from loyal reader, Heidi:

I have an idea for your next "favorite things" blog--an ode to Space Bags. I love them. They are my new favorite thing. I took four bins of linens and condensed them to one shelf. Now I'm off to condense sweaters. These things are wonderful!

Thanks, Heidi! I have never used space bags. But something I DID recently discover: nesting.

(It isn't just a pregnancy thing. Apparently it applies to mothers who are adopting, too.)

Plane tickets purchased. Child proofing gear in place. Itinerary pages printed.

Now to learn about space bags ...

The Etsy, Etsy Spy(er)

Nothing says summer like ballet flats. Check out these by spirocreations!

Happy Friday!

In today's Favorite Things Friday I am happy to bring you two of my favorite things--along with July's update to this blog.

First of all, I love wall sayings. Walk around my house and you will notice a museum of things I like to think about. I've painted a line from one of my favorite songs on the living room wall, for instance, and there is a small handwritten card in my bedroom with a verse I like to remember. On the bathroom mirror there is a list of three truths I daily remind myself to consider.

The list could go on. Sayings exist all over my house.

I believe that sayings posted on the wall have the power to creep into our subconscious. Hopefully--specifically if the sayings are true or helpful--they make a permanent impact in our thinking over time.

So, you ask, what do these wall sayings have to do with Favorite Things Friday?

So glad you asked.

As soon as you enter my home, there is a frame on the wall with these words: An attitude of gratitude creates blessings. And that is one of my favorite things.

Second of all, I love Etsy. If you are not familiar with Etsy or are in need of an overdose of inspiration, I challenge you to visit the Web site. I could permanently bankrupt myself in thirty minutes on that site. (Now, no doubt, you are itching to rush right over and check it out.)

For July's change, I am excited to announce that I am teaming up with various Etsy shops to bring creative ideas to this blog--things I hope will engage the part of your brain that creates beauty for your home and family. If you run an Etsy shop, feel free to contact me about posting photos of your wares and I will take a look.

Hopefully--more often than not--the daily blogs will feature creativity from Etsy shop owners. Prepare to be amazed.

Have a great weekend!

Welcome to My Dark Place

Step into my office.

Because today is Favorite Things Friday, I've decided to give you a quick tour of one of my all-time favorites. Introducing my desk . . . where the magic happens.


Photo by me: my office essentials--water, phone, calculator, random drawing of Christopher Walken on my white board

Never to be outdone by a doctor's office, I keep a full stack on hand at all times:


Photo by me: have you seen anything more attractive?


Want a home office? Here are 5 important points to consider:

1. Stock your office space with the items you need so that precious office time isn't spent running around the house looking for scissors or pens (or candy).

2. Don't have an extra room for your office? Look for space under the stairs, in a walk-in closet, in the garage. (My first home office was in the laundry room.)

3. Remember the golden rule: You can mount a shelf just about anywhere.

4. The more you enjoy your office, the easier it will be to return. Make it a pleasant space.

5. You can make a desk out of anything. A door or old countertop material placed over saw horses is sufficient.

Nothing says, "Bliss" like a home office. Enjoy!

Roses Aren't Dead; Violets Are New

Photo by Trisha (taken at night; don't judge)

And now. In honor of one of my favorite things, I bring you a true story from my day.

I left for work this morning. The bush was green.
My co-worker said it wouldn't bloom.
Apparently I pruned it too late.
Sad was I. I love that bush.
So I researched remedies.
Found nothing helpful.
Came home. Counted:
100 roses in
full bloom.
Nice.

Spring: The Perpetual Astonishment

Photo by Theresa Thompson

Alright, Friends. It's Friday night. I'm going to say what's on my mind and then duck out the back door before any of you throw tomatoes.

The weather is paradise-perfect. I smell the clippings of freshly-mowed grass. The sound of children's voices wafts lazily down the street. My husband is out for an evening walk with our crazy golden lab, Bronte.

Which is why it pains me to bring up the subject of Christmas.

On the eve of what is sure to be a record number of backyard barbeques, why would I bring up a holiday that is smack dab in the middle of nature's nastiest head cold? (Sure. Winter has its fine points. But have you noticed the slush that sits on the side of the road for months on end?)

Because I love you.

Here is part of an e-mail I received from my sister-in-law this week:

I know this is kind of early (or really early!) but I was wondering what you all would like to do as far as Christmas gift-giving for this Christmas. Gifts just for the kids, for everyone, draw names, family gifts ... that kind of thing. What's your preference?

And herein is my gift to you on this balmy spring evening that would leave poets like Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson with nothing to say:

PLAN AHEAD. Start small. Start now. We're nearing the half-way point. Plan now. Enjoy later.

. . . [sound of ducking]

Checkmate, Kate! The King Is Yours.

Photo by Trisha: This was the only thing about my wedding that resembled royalty

Admittedly, I love royalty. And I love weddings. So there was no getting around the fact that I was going to be up early this morning, watching the royal wedding.

I know. Some of you wiser readers are thinking it would be a better use of my time to stick my fingers in electric outlets than to watch "the wedding," but I really, really couldn't help it. Trust me. I tried.

If I had a daughter, I would be pleased with the plethora of talking points that came out of this event. Everything from Kate's unwillingness to include "obey" in her vows, to William's decision not to wear a wedding band offers ample opportunities to discuss the significance of the wedding ceremony. These events contribute to the tapestry of our society.

What's not to love?

Anyway. I discovered over at Yahoo.com, that a "Royal Wedding Yahoo! Guestbook" has been established. Yahoo is collecting marriage advice which it intends to pass along to the couple. (I'm guessing with 20 trillion billion people paying attention to their wedding, the couple is getting more advice than they want!) But it did prompt me to ask this question:

What is the best marriage advice you would offer the royal couple?

(P.S. Don't say, "Kiss her correctly on the balcony the first time and you won't have to do it again." That nugget of wisdom has my name all over it.)

Cheerio,

Love What You Have; Keep What You Need

Photo by Trisha

There are 2 items in my house that, if you didn't know better, you might think were slightly out of place. Yet, these 2 items are beyond valuable to me.

Though I don't consider myself the Simon Cowell or Donald Trump of home goods, I do have fairly specific taste. (Think books and pottery and red.) So you can imagine my surprise when I opened a gift last Christmas and found these 2 ceramic cats amongst the tissue paper.

It took .02 second to realize the gifts were second-hand.

A quick glance inside the shallow porcelein figures (these dearies hold plants--catnip, perhaps?) and I saw that there was a bit of dirt still left behind by the previous owner. Yet, in the same .02 second, I loved these little critters and would have kept them over a block of gold if I had been given the choice.

Let me explain.

Seven years ago this past Friday, I lost a dear friend to cancer. She was someone I wanted to emulate. Her home, her marriage, her personality--for years, I've tried in vain to be like Kathy Ehresman. I miss her more than words can tell.

Make no mistake. I hate clutter. In general, I don't collect figurines. But when her husband gave me these 2 little cats--straight from the home of this lady I miss every day--it took me no time at all to realize that some things really don't have a price tag.

It takes the discerning home manager to distinguish between what clutters the home and what warms it. Stick these babies on a bookshelf--between the pottery and something red--and you realize very quickly that they fit in pretty well.

Gift Idea: Your Kitchen Table

Photo by Trisha: This is the book I gave my sister

Today, on Favorite Things Friday, I would like to tell you about my favorite cookbook and recipe site.

(I am having company tonight, so you can understand why recipes are currently on my mind. We're having breakfast for dinner, FYI.)

When my sister-in-law joined the family, I wanted to buy her the perfect gift. Understand that I admired this girl long before she met my brother. And I was elated that she was going to become a part of my family forever.

I searched for the gift that would say as much. No piece of jewelry, no item off of her registry, and no giftcard would do.

And then I discovered tastebook.com.

Known as the "iTunes for recipes," this site allowed me to create the perfect gift. I was able to upload the family favorites--along with the little jokes and anecdotes that have been kept in the family for decades--and when it was printed, it was a classy, colorful book for her kitchen shelf.

But there's more. I love this website because it allows me to enter and store my recipes online. Friends and I have swapped recipes via this website for years.

Tonight I'm using a recipe that I passed on to my sister-in-law. Nearly 4 years after my sister-in-law joined the family, she's a fabulous cook and a permanent fixture in my life.

Though I am sure it has nothing to do with me, I like to think she knew from the beginning that she was a part of this family.

And there's the timer . . .

Book It!

Photos by Trisha: the book of me

It's Friday night, and I'm here with another favorite.

As you know (if you've followed this blog for any length of time), I love journals. I love journals like cats like mice . . . or pregnant women like ice cream . . . or men like remote controls.

It's something I have zero control over. It's nature and nurture rolled into one.

But this is where you come in. Growing up, my mom kept a journal in which she recorded short, pithy insights about my brother and me. She had one journal for me (see the dusty, blue book above) and one for my brother. The entries are all short (think 50 words or less), and they are dated.

I am thankful she did this. Reading through the book is a great (albeit embarrassing at times) experience. I can read about situations involving loved ones who are gone. I can laugh at ridiculous things I said or did. I can verify with the accuracy of a neurosurgeon when I knew I was going to be a writer (4 and 7/8 years old).

I intend to keep a journal like this for my son.

Whether or not you are "a writer" consider keeping one of these books for you and yours. You'll be glad you did.

Happy Friday.