Simple Mom

by Rebecca Cooper on May 3, 2013 • 17 Comments DIY Your Home

Crepe Paper Flowers for Mother’s Day

Since I was a child, Mother’s Day and handmade gifts went hand in hand. There’s something extra special about giving a gift that’s been created with love. As a mom myself now, I realize what a treasure these handmade gifts are. I may be grown, but I still love to make things for my Mom. No one gushes over or appreciates my gifts quite like she does.

Flowers for Mother’s Day always seem fitting, so this year why not give mom a bouquet that she could enjoy all year round? Using this inexpensive list of supplies, you can make some darling crepe paper flowers. Just follow along – it’s easier than you think!
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by Tsh on May 2, 2013 • 73 Comments Learn Stuff You

Coffee: a brief history, how it gets to your cup (and what do those labels mean?)

Ever wonder how your cup of morning deliciousness was born? Me too. In fact, the idea of this month’s Intellectual Grownup came in the morning as I was begging my coffee to wake me up out of my stupor. I was staring in wonder at how much I love it, thinking about the millions around the world in agreement with me.

So for today’s post to stretch your brain, I thought we’d explore the wonders of coffee—how it originated, how it’s produced, and what the different labels on our bags mean. That’s enough content right there to fill books, so consider this your basic 101 on how this drink makes it to your mug.

(And if you’re not a coffee fan, surely you know of one—it’s pretty impossible to be somewhere in the world without a cafe nearby. And we discuss tea in a separate post later, if you want.)

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Simple Mom Photography Series | Angie Warren

by Angie on May 1, 2013 • 15 Comments Art + Photography Your Home

Capturing your kids: the basics

Welcome to the first official post in our photography series, Capturing Your Kids. (We introduced the series last month, you may find that post here.)

Today I’d like to start out with the basics of shooting in manual mode: aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. The trifecta. Keep in mind this subject can be extensive, and for the sake of keeping it simple, I’ll be touching on each briefly.
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by Tsh on April 30, 2013 • 17 Comments Going Outside Your Family

Project Simplify: that put-off project

So my knee’s healing progress has actually slowed even more, just in time to finish this year’s Project Simplify with a bang. I’m back on crutches at the time of this writing, keeping my knee on ice and walking only when necessary. Ah well… Apparently this is par for the course in healing a reconstructed ACL.

This is my official excuse for not getting as much done as I wanted for this last hot spot—That Put-Off Project. Kind-of ironic, isn’t it? My knee has taught me so much this spring about patience, grace for others, and forbearance. I’m learning to wait on others, let go of ideal, and just rest when I need to. Who knew a body part was so full of wisdom?

Anyway, you’re here to see my put-off project, and here I am, bemoaning my injury.

It wasn’t a major selling feature, but it certainly was cool that our fixer-upper came with a treehouse in the backyard. (It’s not a literal treehouse, because there’s no tree involved. It’s a clubhouse on stilts. But the kids still call it a treehouse, so we just go with it.)

It was kind-of a mess, much like the rest of the house, and since we don’t actually live in it, it’s taken a major back seat. But since this year will be our first full summer in this home, we decided that our put-off project should be a little treat for the kids, even though we have many more important ones to cross off in the actual house. You’re welcome, kids.

So, here they are, our before and after pics in the backyard.

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by Tsh on April 29, 2013 • 22 Comments Personal Growth You

We are all artists

As you start this week, may you find a nugget of courage to do the hard thing your heart is aching to do. May you find enough freedom to do something brave and risky, something that taps that gift you were given but haven’t yet fully and outwardly exercised.

We are all artists in some way, whether our media is watercolor, keyboard, food, camera, numbers, or diaper. What is the main thing keeping you from doing your art—is it time, money, courage, or encouragement? Do you have a voice this week telling you that your work isn’t important?

May you combat lies with truth this week, and may you dare to be you, in the small ways and big. May you look in the mirror and in the words of your journal and love who you truly are.

And may you find enough courage to acknowledge your artistry, and to recognize the little ways your life teems with canvases.