5 UNIQUE WAYS TO USE CHALKBOARD PAINT IN KIDS' SPACES!

While there is nothing new about using chalk on a wall for kids, there are SO many more ways you can use chalkboard paint or even decals. Today, I'm sharing some of my favourite ways to incorporate this paint; so simple but adds big impact and fun to each space! Summer is the perfect time to try this as paint dries quickly in this nice warm heat :)

1. FIREPLACE COVER

One of my favourite features in Miles' room is the chalkboard fireplace. While he's still too young to use it, it's already serving its' purpose of providing a safe (and cool!) cover for the fireplace that he was getting into. 

When he's a little bit older, the pillows will be moved and he'll have a new play feature he didn't know existed in his room!

Miles' Nursery

2. BEHIND DOOR

There is often wasted space behind where a door opens and the idea of hanging a framed chalkboard just makes sense. I love how simple it would be to customize this to the perfect size for your wall.

Sissy + Marley

3. CLOSET DOORS

When I created Rafa and Leo's room, our biggest challenge was space. This small room needed to house not one, but two growing boys and their toys, books and play space!!! The idea for these chalkboard closet doors came as we were brainstorming ideas on how to make the biggest playful impact in this space space. This family has sent me photos of how they've used this closet to write special messages on throughout the years which literally makes my heart so happy. I love knowing the spaces I create add to the memories the kids will hold forever!

Rafa + Leo's Shared Room

4. OUTDOORS

I keep meaning to do this in our own backyard because I think our kids would love it so much, but until then I'm sharing my favourite inspiration for an outdoor chalkboard that screams FUN!

via Pinterest

5. DEFINE A SPACE

Use chalk paint to define a play area for kids! I love this idea as it keeps the chalk contained while providing a super cute backdrop for a toys area, like this one.

Emily Henderson Design

Happy Friday everyone!

THREE INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE POPSICLE RECIPE

As a kid, my all-time favourite popsicles were Fudgsicles. If there was ever a road side stop on a holiday or an ice cream truck at the park, I would choose the chocolatey frozen goodness of a Fudgsicle every time. So it made sense that my very first recipe on the blog would be a popsicle that reflects the very happy feeling of summer nostalgia. 

Fast forward twenty years (or thirty, but who's counting) and I still think of these delicious frozen treats when summer hits. On hot summer days, we always have popsicles on hand and making a snack that is totally satisfying and equally healthy / delicious was the goal for this recipe.

I guarantee this vegan and gluten-free chocolate-date-coconut combo is one that both adults and kids will love and results in a popsicle that is sweet and creamy at the same time. 

Would love to hear your thoughts on how you like these!

Makes 6 popsicles using my popsicle mold set or more if making smaller ones.

Ingredients: 

• 1 can coconut milk (400mL, use best quality you can find without fillers)
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 5 medjool dates, pitted and ripped in half

Directions:

1. Empty the contents of the coconut milk into blender. Add cocoa and dates. We use this Vitamix and love it.
2. Pour the mixture into the popsicle mold and freeze until solid (overnight is ideal but we've eaten them 5 hours after making too)
3. Run popsicle under warm water to loosen mold, and serve!

SHOP THE POST...

OH MONDAY!

1. Another sunny weekend and I discovered a new nursery designed by Sheep and Stone Interiors that is so gorgeous I just had to share with you!!! It is neutral perfection, don't you think?

2. We ventured to Aldor Acres for a private event and the kids had the BEST time seeing and holding the sweet new farm animals. Look how teeny this adorable bunny is!

3. Cute kids sunglasses are hard. I love the shape of these ones from Canadian brand L&P this summer for our girls.

4. Speaking of the girls, they have convinced me that everyone should know about our favourite popsicle recipe, so I'll be sharing that on the blog soon! I had never planned to share recipes but more and more people keep asking, so I'll start adding a few here and there.

5. This week I'm starting to design three new spaces and can't wait to show you what's in store for these rooms! 

Happy Monday!

FRIDAY INSPIRATION: KIDS BATHROOMS!

Happy Friday! This week I felt inspired to share some of my favourite kids bathrooms from around the web. While a dedicated bathroom for children is definitely a luxury, I love these bathrooms for not only their gorgeous aesthetic, but the practicality of them too.

How genius is having a built-in stool under the vanity to pull out for your child? I love this idea to avoid the bulk of a step stool and also how easily it can be tucked away and out of sight.

Caitlin Wilson Design

These extra wide tiles make this small bathroom feel bigger and I love how the animal art and stool turn it into a kids bath while these items can be easily changed as children grow.

Kristina Crestin Design

I love the rattan mirrors here; they add a nautical theme while still being so pretty and practical!

Monika Hibbs

How sweet are these personalized step stools? These are adorable and would be such an easy DIY!

Waterleaf Interiors

I'm loving the extra wide sink here and how easy it would be to squeeze two kids on one sink with this feature. Space saving (versus two sinks) and super functional too.

Source

Cheers to the weekend!

TREND LOVE: RATTAN IN CHILDREN'S ROOMS

It's been a part of most of our homes in some way for as long as I can remember and now, rattan is here to stay in children's rooms too! Whether as a feature chandelier, a basket or a key piece of furniture, rattan has a way of adding so much interest and style to every space it's a part of and I love it! Here are some of my favourite spaces that use this trend beautifully.

In this space, the rattan pendant pairs beautifully with the green of the palm wallpaper and that gorgeous table and chair set. This is just one room in an incredible new home in Australia.

Design: Three Bird Renovations

Rattan can so easily be added in small doses, such as this rocking horse and the mirrors.

Styling: Live Loud Girl

There is nothing better than a rattan daybed, such as this one here.

Styling: Live Loud Girl

The intricate detail on this stunning vintage bassinet proves why rattan will always have a place in a baby nursery.

Source

And finally, what could be better than curling up in a rattan swing chair with a good book or two?

Design: Murphy Design