Playroom Help!

Friends, I need your help. I was inspired by Michelle's playroom ideas and decided to convert our fourth bedroom into a playroom for Emily.

This room started out as a workout space for me, then became a game room when Keith was handed down the arcade, and was most recently used as a storage heap.

I've cleaned it up (most of the way) and now I'm trying to figure out how best to use this space. I need your help! I'll give you a little tour of how it looks now.

From doorway. Hi, Lizzie!

Closet, left of doorway. Lizzie still thought there was something worth looking at out there.

Far wall.

Right side wall, opposite of closet.

Still right side wall. And arcade. And Lizzie's butt.

Wall with door (door wall? near wall?)

Aaaaaand doorway.

I obviously shouldn't be the one to take pictures of our house when it's time to move.

It's not a huge room and there's already limited floor space. My goal is to move Emily's large toys up here so they're not cluttering our family room floor. I'm really not sure how to bring everything together. I want at least one bookshelf, and I'm debating between a normal one and one where you place the books face-forward (something like this). I've also thought about a cubbyhole shelf (like this-ish).

And just so we're all on the same page, the arcade and keyboard have nowhere else to go, so they have to stay. As does the table (most likely). And finally, let's pretend the closet is off limits because it's beautiful and perfect and organized, not because there's no way I could cram one more piece of junk in there.

Finally, I started a Playroom board on Pinterest if you want to check it out.

Okay friends, help me! Tell me what to add, what to move, and how to make this room a perfect little playroom!

My Favorite Christmas Gift to Emily

A few weeks ago I asked Cori of Let's Eat Grandpa if she could make a quilt that vaguely resembled the I Spy quilt I first spied (heh) here on Anything Pretty. Emily was starting to point and really take an interest in the objects around her, and I loved the idea of having a quilt we could sit on while we talked about the different pictures (and of course wrap her up in, too). Cori said she could do it and I gave her the go-ahead, with only a few instructions (gender-neutral, lots of different pictures, done in time for Christmas if at all possible).

It was so fun watching the progress on Twitter and Instagram, and I was so excited you would've thought this present was for me. Cori gave me a few options for the background fabric, and after I picked one that would go with her nursery theme (jungle) she was off!

It came the week before Christmas and was even better than I had imagined. The pictures on her blog don't do it justice.

I had a hard time waiting until Christmas, but the day finally arrived and I gave Emily the gift I was most excited for her to get this year.

Emily, my husband, and I love this quilt. We couldn't be happier with it, and we want to thank Cori, as well as the other women who helped Cori get the fabrics she needed, making this a feasible, affordable gift. Thank you all!

If you have a minute, maybe stop by her Etsy shop. The girl's awesome with a sewing machine.

Our First Storytime

Emily and I went to our first storytime at the library today. She was the youngest baby there, but she had a good time checking out all the other kids. She was starting to nap when we arrived and I was nervous that she would throw a fit at being woken up, but the new setting and faces kept her enthralled enough to forget she was tired for half an hour. And I learned that storytime is apparently the place where moms size each other up, and then act ridiculously silly once the activities begin.

Maybe it was because it was Monday morning, or maybe I just picked the uppity library, but there were no friendly smiles, no hellos from the other moms. But as soon as the music started they were all willing to make utter fools of themselves for their kids.

Why act like a hardass when, in 30 seconds, you're going to be singing "My Little Red Wagon" and bouncing your kid around on your knee? Plus it's the midwest. Get over yourselves.

I did have a good time, though. I loved getting to interact with Emily this way, and I can definitely see storytime becoming a permanent fixture in our weekly schedule. And if I'm the only friendly mom there, then that just means my kid will have better manners than theirs. So ha.

I Signed Up! Did You?

I did it! I signed up for my first 24-hour readathon! I'm so excited I can't even tell you. 24 hours of reading and blogger community, it's right up my alley. I remember watching all my bloggy friends during the last readathon and I felt a bit left out because I hadn't signed up. Well, no more! I may not be able to participate all 24 hours, but I will definitely be getting in on some of this action. For more information, check it out here.

Obsession by Pinterest

I feel the need to make a public announcement. I am addicted to Pinterest. This is a site for you to bookmark awesome things you find online, by "pinning" a picture from the site onto your "board." You and others can see the picture, and then click on over to the original post for more information. You can also browse other people's pins and see if there's anything worth checking out. And there usually is.

Ever since I took the time to figure the site out, I've become preoccupied with it. And when I'm not just browsing other people's pins and drooling over the beautiful pictures, I've actually started to use it to my advantage.

I have a certified ton of starred items on my Google Reader, hundreds of bookmarks for posts I've liked and information I've wanted to save and come back to later. Of course, the list is now so long I never go through it, because it's a pain in the ass. But Pinterest is allowing me to categorize a lot of those bookmarks and put them all in one place. Now I can look at my boards, which are categorized by DIY, Food, Jewelry, Decor, etc. Ah, organization. How I love thee.

Want to see my pins? Just click here!

A Favorite Movie

You've Got Mail is one of my favorite movies.

It represents a love for reading, a simpler time in which the internet was popular but not all-consuming, and a fairy-tale romance. Not to mention the gorgeous New York scenery, witty dialogue, and the dynamic duo of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Really, what's not to love?

I can sit and watch it intently or just have it on in the background, and somehow the world seems brighter when it's on. And now that you all think I've lost my mind, I'll stop, sit back, and enjoy my movie. :-)

Happy 4th of July!

It's another gorgeous day, perfect for lounging around outside with a good book and some music. Or, if you're me, constantly getting up to let the dog back inside every time she hears a pop. It's going to be a long day, people. Have a good one!

The People Have Spoken

My first Read-Along will be: Jane Eyre!  Thank you for voting and commenting that you'd like to join in.  Now, since I've never hosted a read-along before (and Google has surprisingly few results on how to host one), I'm asking for any tips you guys might be able to share, or any ideas you have on how you'd like this conducted.  I want to make sure everyone participating has ample time to read each section before I post a review of it, and then we can all discuss our thoughts in the comments.

There are 38 chapters, and from an initial and very brief look-see they appear to be rather short.  My mass market paperback edition is 493 pages.

I was thinking about 10 chapters per week, which in my version would be 96 pages the first week, which I feel is more than do-able.  This would take just about 4 weeks to complete the read-along.  Is that fair for everyone?  Does that seem too long or too short?

I'll wait to get some feedback from you guys and then plan the official start date for this Friday, February 18, with the first review post slated for Friday, February 25.

Can't wait to get started! I'm so grateful and excited for everyone that decides to join in!

Who Wants to Read the Classics With Me?

One of my goals for this year was to read a few of the classics in literature that I had been putting off.  Top of my list is The Arabian Nights, The Canterbury Tales, The Divine Comedy, and Jane Eyre.  These have all been on my TBR list for awhile, and I happen to have all but Jane Eyre in my possession at this moment.

My question for you: Would anyone be interested in doing a read-a-long for any of these books?  Not only would it be motivation for finally finishing these must-reads, but it's always more fun to read with friends!  Let me know what you think in the comments, and hopefully we'll get something worked out.

**There's a poll in the sidebar where you can vote for which book you'd like to read with me!**

Winter Storm Warning

For the last few days we've been hearing that a winter storm was heading our way.  Now usually when we hear it's going to snow a lot in my town everyone kind of looks up at the sky, shrugs, and continues on their way.  Very rarely does a weather report for 6 inches of snow yield more than 2, and therefore many of us don't worry about it.

However.

The National Weather Service is calling for 5-6 inches of snow tonight through tomorrow morning, and then another whopping 8-11 tomorrow night, mixed in with some sleet.  Even if we got the minimum amount that's still a ton of snow.  I'm finding myself looking up to the sky, but I'm not shrugging this time.

I'm not worried about being snowed in (although I'm not thrilled with the idea).  What I'm more concerned with is a power outage.  I don't know enough about the appliances in our new house (okay let's be honest I wouldn't know enough about the appliances in any house) to know if our hot water heater and gas fireplace will work in the event that we lose electricity.  So let's hope the ice/sleet doesn't take out the power!

I have plenty of books to keep me company and enough leftovers to last me a few days should I need them to.  I'm getting the laundry and dishes out of the way tonight.  What else do I need to make a couple of snow days happy and not cabin-fever inducing?  What are your favorite things to do when you're snowed in?

A Fourth Millennium Book?

I just found out that Stieg Larsson's partner, Eva Gabrielsson, has decided to finish the fourth novel in his popular Millennium trilogy, stating that Larsson had already written about 200 pages of the novel, and the two usually wrote together.

I'm not sure how I feel about this.  I actually thought the third book finished the trilogy nicely.  Plus, I'm not big on other people finishing an author's work.  Even if Larsson and Gabrielsson wrote together often, there's a reason why only his name is on the covers.

Here's the article I found with more information.  How do you guys feel about another book added to the Millennium trilogy?  Is anyone else concerned about the consistency of the work if Gabrielsson finishes the fourth novel?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

I am so behind.  I keep meaning to post and comment and write reviews but, quite frankly, it keeps slipping my mind.  Now that I'm not in front of the computer all day, I rarely think about it.  Terrible, I know.

Since my last What Are You Reading post I've read two books: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (reviewed here) and Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, by Vicki Myron (soon to be reviewed).

The other day I went to Borders because I had some birthday money burning a hole in my pocket.  Therefore, I decided to see what all the fuss was about, so I bought The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.  I'm about a hundred or so pages in and loving it.  I can tell I'm going to need to read the rest of the series.

I also had a very hard time not buying books I already own.  Why?  Because the new cover art is AMAZING.  I specifically had a hard time saying no to the Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition of Wuthering Heights.  Heathcliff is apparently tuning into his inner Edward Cullen.  *love*

Second, though, was Pride and Prejudice.

And even though I absolutely hated reading The Scarlet Letter, I almost bought it anyway.  (I couldn't find a good photo of the back cover, but it's essentially 3 or 4 women gossiping over a fence.)

However, since I did so well avoiding these three unnecessary additions (although I really might go back and buy Wuthering Heights), I felt I deserved something for my troubles.

I've always wanted to read The Three Musketeers.  Maybe the comic book cover will entice me now.

So that's it.  What are you reading?  And have you seen any other new covers for classic books that I must get my hands on?

Don't forget to stop over at Sheila's blog to join in the fun!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I meant to post more this week, but c'est la vie.  I thought I should at least post today, though, because it's my birthday!  I'm now the big 2-5.  Not sure how I feel about that, but there's not much I can do about it, I suppose. :-)

It's been a great day.  I started out by making French toast for the first time, then we went to the zoo for the first time since moving back into town (I have made it a semi-tradition to go to the zoo on my birthday), then saw my nieces for a little bit and got a mani/pedi with my sister-in-law, and finally went to a great restaurant with my husband, and then came home and went on a family bike ride with our dog.  Yes, it's been a great day.

Hope everyone else has had a good weekend, and an especially good day today!  I know I did!

What Books Mean To Me

I had a great blog post idea this morning but was nowhere near a pen and paper (that's what I get for packing last night), and have since forgotten my undoubtedly brilliant expose on the American life.  Or whatever it was I was thinking about.

I have been packing, packing, and then packing some more in an attempt to get as much as I can in boxes and out of the way so Sunday's move goes faster and easier.  There are two things, however, that I can't seem to pack up even though I know I am not going to need them before Sunday.

As I mentioned, I've returned all my library books, and I've packed up all of my books -- except these two.  They're the two most recent additions to my collection but I haven't had a chance to read them yet.  And, even though I know I'm not going to read them in the next three days, it's comforting to see them on my nightstand.  Amid all the chaos of the boxes and tape, packing peanuts and bubble wrap, these two books are a reminder that there are structured, well-thought out worlds that I can slip into should I need a break from the insanity in my world.

Plus, they're pretty.

Instead of reading, however, I will be working my last day at A.L., going out to eat Friday night in celebration of Keith's graduation, actually going to his graduation on Saturday, and moving all of our worldly possessions (and our adorable dog) on Sunday.

And then, after all the excitement wears off and things start to look like they're heading back towards normal, I'm going to curl up on a couch in front of one of our new windows and sink into the deliciousness and familiarity of a new book.

Borders Wishlist, Meet My Empty Wallet

I have exactly 100 books on my wishlist at Borders.com (and 3 movies).  Today I decided to go through and figure out exactly how much I would spend if I bought each and every book on my wishlist as it stands today. As a disclaimer, some of the older ones may be out in paperback by now and I would preferably buy those instead, plus I'm counting the Borders Rewards discount I get as a member, so I realize this number isn't exactly steadfast, but, as it currently stands at this exact moment...

...if I were to buy the 100 books on my wishlist I would spend:

$1,633.65

It's a good thing I love my library, isn't it?  I am, however, accepting donations for the Buy Amy Every Book On Her Wishlist Fund.  You know.  Just in case you're looking for a good cause.  :-)

**Update**
5 hours later, and I've added 3 more books.  My total is now $1,687.58.  I blame all of you great book bloggers and Library Thing.  Don't worry, I won't keep updating this; I'm done for today.  :-)

I Just Have One Thing to Say Today

 

GO COLTS!!

Go Colts!

We're going to the Super Bowl!!

Cold, Cold, Go Away / Come Again...well, never

It's official: January's annual cold has set in, and it's making itself nice and comfortable in my sinuses.

This would be the perfect time to be at home, snug under the covers, and reading to my heart's content (or my eyes' limit, considering the burning/tired feeling).  Instead, it's off to work I go, to talk to mostly unfriendly people (which is not fun in the best of times, but made considerably worse when you have a sore throat and the constant feeling that you need to sneeze).  If I close my eyes, I can imagine I'm warm in bed, with a mug of hot tea with honey steaming next to me.  But I better not do that too long, or I'll fall asleep at my desk.

And did you know that doctors recommend you still work out, as long as you only aren't feeling well "above the neck"?  It's sadistic, if you ask me.

However, I want to try to keep a positive attitude, so I'm going to list the things I'm grateful for at this moment:

• A husband with a working knowledge of medicinal cocktails that will make me feel better.
• The fact that I have a warm bed to go home to.
• The pile of books on my nightstand that I can't wait to get into.
• A puppy that will greet me with a wagging tail when I do finally get to go home.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone!  I hope you're having a wonderful day, and you're keeping warm and safe with your family!

Hail Atlanta!

Here's an incomplete picture tour of our time in Atlanta.  Enjoy.

I toured Atlanta a bit by myself on Wednesday and went directly to the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum.  This is where Ms. M. wrote most of her only novel.  I got to take a tour of her apartment (look at the first floor on the left) and know a little bit about her background.  The house was made a historic site, so it sits neatly on Crescent Street while the city builds up around it.

The next day we went to the aquarium, which is apparently the largest in the world.  It was definitely very  neat, with a ton of exhibits and a spectacular main tank with 2 whale sharks (not even fully grown yet!), gigantic manta rays, and several other types of sharks.  Unfortunately, those pictures didn't turn out so well.

                             
But this guy did!

If you turned 180 degrees from the aquarium, you'd see the Coke museum, and the statue of its inventor, Mr. Pemberton, right in front of it.

The Coke museum was pretty cool.  You basically walked through a huge commercial (physically and on the screen) and then got to taste Coke products from around the world (Africa, yes; Western Europe; no thank you).  Finally, we got a free bottle of Coke off the line (and let me tell you, after being in the museum, you wanted that Coke).

Next we went to Olympic Park.  I was hoping to see some amazing Christmas lights, but a) it was light out and b) what we did see didn't look like it'd be that impressive even if it was dark.  Plus, it was really cold.  Nice statue, though.

Thursday came and we went to the zoo.  And I fell in love with pandas.

Now I've always been a fan of pandas, but seeing them in person makes them that much cuter.  And seeing them eat is even cuter.  Whenever I watch nature videos, I kind of just figure they're adding sound effects when animals do things like eat.  Turns out, at least in the case of the panda, no sound effects are needed.  They are a loud-chomping, chewing bunch, and it is Adorable.

We also saw some frisky lions.  Notice the paw in "ready-to-pounce" position.

One thing I loved about Atlanta was the close proximity of must-see sites.  Just next door to the zoo was the Cyclorama and Civil War museum.  This was definitely cool, and if you go to Atlanta I recommend you see it.  I don't even want to try to explain it, because it won't sound as cool as it is.  Go to the website, and just trust me.

So that's our trip, summed up in just a few of the pictures we took.  I had a great time, and I'd definitely go back, but I'd be going back to see all of this stuff over again, not to really see anything new.  I feel like I got a good look at Atlanta, and I liked what I saw, and I don't feel like I missed out on anything.

P.S.  I'd recommend reading Gone With the Wind (particularly the part where Scarlett is in Atlanta) while you're there.