The beginning of August feels like a lifetime ago - so much has changed in a few short weeks as we have fallen into our new school year rhythms. I will be the first to admit that transitions are not always easy for me...and while the last few weeks have brought some growing pains and unexpected challenges, I am looking forward breathing deeply in September.
a book to read
We are about a third of the way through Treasure Island and while my kiddos are loving this pirate adventure, the language level and the content have proven to be a bit advanced...so momma is doing a lot of on the spot editing! At this point, I think we are going to stick it out to the end...especially since we are planning to watch Muppet Treasure Island once we are done (along with an epic pirate themed meal). However, this is not a book I would particularly recommend for a younger audience. In retrospect, I wish I would have waited on this one!
I've been also trying to grow my personal reading time. I'll admit that I am much quicker to turn on the TV opposed to picking up a book, but I am trying to get better! I've got Madeline Martin's The Keeper of Hidden Books on my nightstand right now.
the soundtrack of the season
The moment the weather even hints at cooler temps, I bust out the Nickel Creek. One of my best friends from college introduced me to this band and their folksy, bluegrass vibe is ideal for the end of summer/ beginning of fall.
food to savor
At the end of August, we took a weekend trip to Arkansas to visit my brother and sister-in-law and their kiddos. We had the most lovely visit with them and enjoyed exploring nature, playing board games late into the night, and watching the cousins pick up right where they left off. Their home is such a respite - bursting with plants and lamps and cozy pillows and stacks of books. It was such a restful visit. On our second night there, my sister-in-law made the most delicious crock pot Chicken Tikka Masala. It was the perfect comfort food after a long hike and I can't wait to add it to our September weeknight rotation!
tending home
Well... in true Katie fashion, I decided to wallpaper the front entry on a whim. So here we are, with stripped walls, just waiting for the patched areas to dry. Dan is thrilled - ha!
I originally bought this beautiful wallpaper for the studio, but never felt right about putting it in there with how much paint I get everywhere! So...its been sitting in storage for three years. As I was organizing the hall closet (a task from last month's tending home goals) I noticed the entry was looking pretty beat up and could use some touch up paint...which of course escalated very quickly.
Many of the walls in our home already had a textured wallpaper which we ended just painting over when we moved in. But now that I am wanting to apply new wallpaper, there has been a significant amount of prep work - stripping the walls, caulking, patching places I took off too much (whoops), touch up paint, priming, and hopefully by this weekend...applying the new wallpaper.
I'm a little nervous about the outcome...I am not sure this would be the exact wallpaper I would pick for this space now...but I am itching for a change (and this one is on budget) and I think the pattern will add some good warmth to the space. Plus, I've always wanted to learn how to do wallpaper!
memories to make
My oldest is playing soccer this fall and Dan is the coach. I am so excited to spend Saturdays cheering them both on! We are also hoping to get down to the lake later this month for our epic Muppet Treasure Island movie night :)
in the studio
I got to share the news a few weeks ago...but I am officially headed back to Waco this October for Magnolia's Silobration! This event takes a significant amount of prep work so I have been busy busy getting everything ready. This weekend we purchased the items to build the set - I'll be sharing more of the behind the scenes on my Instagram if you want to follow along there!
I know I've said this before, but it's worth mentioning again...I've decided to retire a handful of prints from my print library and there are still some available! All retired prints are marked 75% off and will be until they are gone. Shop the sale here if you want to see what prints are still available.
something for you
Lastly, today I was playing around with loose floral sketches and thought it would be fun to add a free art print to this month's celebrating home list. Click the download button below this photo to download the 5x7 print.
Cheers to meaningful work that celebrates home!
katie