FRIDAY INSPIRATION: HOUSE FRAME BEDS!

Source: Bonnesoeurs

It's Friday and for my next project, my client has asked for a house bed for her son's room!!! With that request, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my inspiration for this fun bed idea.

I love the simple lines of the house bed and how such a simple concept adds so much impact. This bed draped with a sheer curtain provides a cozy canopy for any little one. 

Design: Oh Eight Oh Nine

Having a bed directly on the floor is the most common style but a house frame bed can also have legs so that there is air flow beneath the mattress too. I love this bed below for that!

Source: Crate and Kids

There are so many variations and the little chimney is a cute addition, as seen here.

If you are looking for a house bed for your own home, here are my top three favourites:

HOW TO CREATE A HOMEWORK AREA FOR KIDS

To create a homework station in your own home, you really only need a few basic things:

1. A table or desk;

2. A chair;

3. Some type of light (either natural or a lamp); and

4. Basic supplies (pens, pencil, eraser, scissors, tape, etc).

As with any space, creating an organized and inviting area to tackle tasks, such as homework, is key for kids. I love to think that it’s a great starting point for staying organized through life, that good habits start early and that making it fun goes a long way to making kids work hard too!

For younger kids, I love to put a desk next to a reading corner. Reading is one of our favourite ways to learn and it's handy to go from sitting on a chair to a more cozy and casual floor area where we can snuggle and read. For us, our only homework for Kindergarten was to read to our kids. I also love to keep a few books and toys nearby for those frustrating moments when everyone needs a break. It’s a great time to connect and reset.

I like to think about ergonomics when setting up a desk. Make sure that the child fits correctly with feet flat on the floor and knees at a 90-degree angle. The desk surface should be 2-3 inches above their elbow when bent.

If you can, put the desk near natural light. Looking out a window is helpful to rest little eyes as well as enhance productivity. If this is not possible, a lamp works well too. 

Keeping basic supplies handy ensures the child can focus on the task at hand. We like to keep supplies minimal and tidy, such as a pencil, pens, stapler, tape, scissors and paper clips and add in any other supplies when they are needed for the homework.

The final touch is adding a few fun pieces like inspirational quotes, art and even a plant. Using little extras like a chalkboard or letterboard is a great way to keep key reminders close at hand.

Setting up an ergonomic environment, with comfortable surroundings and inspiring extras helps to make the space feel cozy and inviting, hopefully encouraging kids (and you!) to enjoy their homework time as much as possible.

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ELLA'S ROOM

OH MONDAY!

1. Summer is in full swing and we are soaking up every last drop of sunshine while we can! I hope you all are too. 

2. This sun-filled girl room is perfect for a Monday morning, don't you think? I just love the bunks, that teepee and that camp chair is everything.

Design: Crowell + Co. Interiors

3. I've been looking for the perfect world map for ages and I think I finally found it. This one is neutral enough to fit in pretty much anywhere and has enough detail to teach kids all about continents, countries and even major cities. I love that it comes in so many sizes and you can choose to buy it framed or unframed!

4. This canopy from Ella's room is finally back in stock!! I love how pretty it is with the glittery stars.

5. Leaving you with this summertime thought today...

Happy Monday!

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!

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