We had a low key, stay-at-home weekend with Brett working and catching up on housework. I was feeling the winter blues and riding the hormone train that comes right before my cycle each month. There was a thrift store trip involved at the end that made up for it.
We did get to enjoy the company of our neighbor friends' kids so they could go out on a date. We traded nights and I think we've all decided we need to start doing it once a month. It's a guaranteed date night, we don't have to pay a sitter, our kids get to play together at each other's houses, and everyone likes pizza for dinner! Trading nights with another couple has been something I've wanted to do for a long time so I'm thankful for our friends being up for it! Have you ever swapped date nights/playdates with anyone?
There's still snow on the ground and it's going to be hovering in the 30's all week but the sun is out today and the streets are clear so I'm feeling more cheerful already. Oh, and I also got some fun news that I was selected again this year for Babble's Top 50 Mom Craft Blogs! I think I share Alison's sentiments over feeling a little broad with my topics on this blog since I tend to post about diy's, family time, outfit posts, and home decor but those are all things I love and I'm just not sure I'd feel as motivated to narrow it down to one or two.
I do love that I'm not alone in feeling this way. I'm also really thankful to have been chosen along with some of my dear friends and so many creative women I've long admired!
And with that I leave you for a trip to the hardware store. Always running out of nails.
-Rachel
Oh I love the babysitting swap. Been trying to get that set up with my SIL to do as a post-bedtime date night thing, since it's just one person going to sit at the other one's house for a couple hours. Congrats on being top 50! Well-deserved. You've been one of my favorite blogs for a few years now! Keep up the great work, I love your variety.
Posted by: kristin | 02/25/2013 at 01:24 PM
Swapping nights sounds like such a good idea, I'll have to remember that one for when I have kids x
Posted by: Charlotte | 02/25/2013 at 01:49 PM
I love that you blog about real life as well as crafts and home decorating! It's one of the reasons I've been reading for as long as I have! (from before Ruby was born!!)
I hope you have a happy week!
Ngaio xx
Posted by: Ngaio May | 02/25/2013 at 01:50 PM
Congratulations on making the list!
I enjoy your mix of topics - as a matter of fact, I rarely follow blogs that don't give me a feel for the person/family behind it.
Posted by: Kate@Flifkin Cottage | 02/25/2013 at 01:55 PM
Congrats on being a top Craft mom! I hope that one day when I finally become a mom that I'm as hands on and fun as you :)
xx Ashleigh
www.ashflynn.blogspot.com
Posted by: Ashleigh | Love Stoned | 02/25/2013 at 02:01 PM
I've been struggling too - I don't know if it's hormones or just being tired of the greyness of winter. Hope you are able to kick it soon! I've been playing lots of loud music :) The one that makes me happiest right now is Holy by City Harmonic ...I don't know if that will be up your alley but it helps me :) Love!
Posted by: emily | 02/25/2013 at 03:42 PM
PS Your geometric planter on ABM is SUPER cool! I just don't know how you come up with the stuff that you do! Such a creative genius!
Posted by: emily | 02/25/2013 at 03:44 PM
I so want to know what you scored at the thrift store and which one you found it at! If you happen to see a sturdy, wood dresser and aren't in the market for one yourself, I'd love a heads up. I am combing high and low for one for a certain young mister's big boy room. I need the changing table in the nursery asap to start putting away all the baby girl clothes we're getting. Thanks! Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | 02/25/2013 at 08:35 PM
Congratulations! You're a renaissance woman so it's hard to peg you, but it's still quite an honor for your lovely blog. Love the idea of doing a date swap. I'm going to look into that asap. Hope your hormone train pulls back into the normal station for you soon!
Posted by: ruthie | 02/26/2013 at 05:30 AM
So glad you have friends nearby who are willing to babysit your kids in exchange for a date night! :)
http://plantingloveseeds.blogspot.ca/
Posted by: Jessica | 02/26/2013 at 09:14 AM
Ill add my congrats on making the list, well deserved. I love the variety and the real ness you bring to your blog. I strive to balance many things in my little life and I see you doing the same. Bravo!
Posted by: Lesley | 02/26/2013 at 12:10 PM
Yes, the babysitting swap is brilliant! We try to do it once a month as well with some friends in town. Yay about the nomination!
Posted by: Mish | 02/26/2013 at 12:31 PM
Good idea! Think I'll be doing this when little Nancy gets older!
Cathy
Turquoise Flamingo
http://www.turquoiseflamingo.com/
Posted by: Cathy | 02/26/2013 at 01:17 PM
We always find friends to kid swap with for date night wherever we have lived. Now we have a teenager and she babysits our own kids all the time for us so the Mr. & I can do regular things like grocery shop together. We still offer to watch some of our friend's kids from time to time so they can go on dates without paying for a sitter.
Also, congrats on your nomination! I have always loved the content on your blog.
xo,
--Anna
Posted by: Anna B. of annieandm | 02/26/2013 at 06:04 PM
Well done again, and PLEASE do not change this blog I love it exactly how it is. I feel the same way as I share recipes, craft, outfits etc but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Take care Nic xo
Posted by: Nicolette Lafonseca | 02/27/2013 at 02:20 PM