it's that time of year again.... and if you are in ARIZONA, most schools start back up in JULY.  why? it's 1,020,000 millions degrees out, so why NOT? 

below are a few of my fave GREEN back to school items.  most are available through amazon.com and would make a great "welcome back" for any student or teacher. 

mmmmm. good.  homemade zucchini muffins made without sugar and oil.  packed full of almonds and cranberries.  a high protein start for tomorrow!  ps - thanks husband for baking them and daughter for the pic.  

a child's artwork is nothing less that perfection to me.  the innocence.  the daring.  the exploration.  the humor.  it is to me THE keepsake of all.  i love it so much that our entry wall is dedicated to it.  i was thinking of packing it up recently, until our daughter's friend came over and stated "i LOVE that your artwork is still up from when you were a kid." seems like i'm not the only one who thinks its perfect.  you would think that over 10 years @ pottery barn kids might make me want to "upgrade" it.  nope.  i  made this display with clothesline, roofing nails and clothespins.  cost less than $5 and is priceless to me. 

 

SWITCH - that's the theme at our house.  well, at least it's my theme!  i LOVE to change out our decor by season or holiday.  i was going to pack up our 4th of JULY today, and thought i would take a few quick photos and share them.  with almost 25 years of design experience (graphic, photographic and interior), i can't miss the chance to try out a new look.  my fave "switches" include our dining table scape, a sitting area, our kitchen window ledge, our kitchen counters, our mantle, and our couch.  here's a peak before the SWITCH!

4th of JULY - a fave of mine because of the obvious, but more so because i LOVE the color palette.  here are a few peeks at what a permanent commitment to RED, WHITE and BLUE would look like.  

where does the time go? and more so, where did the last 12 years go? happy birthday to YOU my beloved baby.  

it's been over 10 years since we painted the exterior of our house.  a decade ago, after weeks of trying to compromise on a color, i conceded to the color pattern my husband and his brother were voting for, as long as we could keep the deep red door i hand painted with bees on it.  seemed harmless enough and definitely a sound move on the marriage compromise board, but once it was up i could only say "WOW."  it's time to rethink the color palette and welcome in the 21st century.  and this time, no conceding. i have been thinking of a take on the usual desert color palette, and know that i will stick with a fun door color.  http://hbm.ag/6187Yo8N

hot summer days in ARIZONA are enough to put anyone over the edge.  temperatures above 105 degrees, closed windows and doors,  and the constant hum of the a/c unit running 24/7 make it challenging to stay sane.  so, today, i decided to start a BLOG.  why not, right? i only work more than full time, have a lovely daughter who dances as much as i work, and am the leader of a GIRL SCOUT troop for the last 7 years..... and let's not forget about my amazing husband and 2 adorable dogs.  today is the day i begin to BLOG.