molly irwin

trends, fads, and kid interests

 

Joan's magic map.

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This is the summer of Harry Potter in our household. Both girls are on the sixth book, The Half Blood Prince.  It's not just reading, though there's plenty of that. There's also writing their own books on the theme: The list of spells, The magic maps, a class syllabus for Hogwarts.

They play "hogwarts" for hours. To be honest, I don't even know what all is going on with this theme, but it's keeping them happy and productive and creative for hours on end.

Last summer it was all about Littlest Pet Shops. They made elaborate "set-ups" and played with those tiny, bobble-headed animals with bulging eyes for weeks.

This summer it's silly bandz.

Two years ago they did the Crocs thing.

I'm not sure wearing leggings under skirts qualifies as a kid's fashion trend.  Ugg-style boots with jeans tucked in certainly does.

For some it might be collecting Pokemon cards, or phases where Lego's occupy every horizontal surface. 

How fun would it be to look back at collection of the trappings that marked the stages of your upbringing?

For me it would be bell-bottoms, lip smackers, and trolls. Rainbow t-shirts and pet rocks.

I think I'm going to have to start making notes and pulling together photos for this.

Maybe it's as straightforward as one of Jamaica's stylish lists, but possibly more. The kids are still small (-ish). There are plenty of phases yet to come.

The tricky thing as a parent is recognizing the end of the wave before making that next purchase. When they asked for new Crocs that second summer I knew to hold back. There would be something else.

They now live in flip flops.

 

kolo clearance

 
photo: Kolo.com

I'm a big fan of the Kolo line for the quality, color range, classic linen texture and sturdy yet light feeling in the hands. Recently I used the Catalina for my week in the life project, and today I ordered a tiny Essex (in red) and some inserts for the foundation of my December Daily this year.

Just wanted to let you know there's a big clearance sale going on over there, and they're offering an extra 10% off for their facebook fans through tomorrow.

I'm not affiliated with Kolo, but do have plans to use them as the foundation for a couple of upcoming class projects.

summer: the middle

 

Yesterday it occurred to me how nice it would be to have clean laundry, and bathrooms, and spend a day chopping vegetables for some delicious creation.

We've been on the go so many weekends.  Last was a family reunion. My sister happens to live in the neighborhood where we grew up; where I lived until the sixth grade.  Taking a walk around the block (pictured) it was as though I was seeing the homes with new eyes, for the first time. We got together with an old friend, and it was great to catch up with her, but also to get in touch with parts of myself that, unfortunately, don't get to come out to play very often.

I ADORE summer, but all this driving is taking a toll on the kids. Today they're spending a quiet day (still in PJs at half past noon) and I'm wrapping myself in an apron, not to be removed 'til sunset. The garden has produced eggplant at risk of growing too large if not plucked today.

Last night (despite my house full of piles) I settled in early with the latest issue of Donna Hay, which -- as it's winterin Australia -- was full of delightful photos of cool weather roasts, cakes, and root vegetables. I only just got around to checking my children's teacher assignments for the coming school year, and stocking up on some grocery staples.

It won't be long before we're off again for the wedding of this adorable couple (my nephew and his beautiful fiance'), followed by our annual county fair weekend.  Is it me or does this summer seem longer and much more full than some past?

I will happily savor every sweaty day and breezy evening, but I'm at the point where the anticipation of what comes next is palpable.

bonjour! hallo! olá!

[ a sampling of some past memory-keeping projects, L to R: 1) elements of summer, 2) dream swatchbook, 3) halloween mini-folio, 4) seventh summer5) life right now(the present,) 6) nest, 7) I heart summer, 8) teacher's thank you, 9) sunshine in february(a week of yellow) ] 

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I'm super excited to announce my participation in the International Paper and Co. Show, which takes place just south of Paris, November 26-28.

I've conceived, designed, and will instruct three memory-keeping projects/classes in the clean, graphic style that you've come to know here on my blog.  Sneak peaks and project sponsors will be shared soon.  My class descriptions are coming tomorrow, as I'm a late addition to their line-up  posted here (use drop-down menus to select my name.)

To those visiting my site for the fist time through a link from the show site ... welcome!

I must say-- despite the headline there -- I don 't really speak French, German (... ein bischen), or Danish. Good thing the nice show coordinators have generously offered translation assistance.

What do you say? Paris in the fall?

Who's with me?

 

 

miscellanea this week

  

top photo: mine. mosaic from some recent flickr favorites. sources: 1. on the porch, 2. DSC_0050, 3. first summer breakfast, 4. dryer and drying

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This week I'm dreaming of a painted porch and shipwrecked anchors in the yard.

This week I'm working on several project concepts to share in an exciting new adventure. More on this very soon.

I've been reflecting on my grandparent's lives and their role in who I've become. Reading Shanna Murray's wonderful guest series on grandparents has moved me to tears more than once.

Yesterday I made blueberry boy bait, at Kyrie's recommendation. It was indeed very buttery with the consistency almost of a pound cake, or a corn bread.

Lastly ... several eggplant in my garden are ready to eat!  No tomatoes yet though, so I'm heading to the market for a few and some fresh mozzarella, maybe some panko bread crumbs.

It's a quiet weekend at home with the usual newspaper, tidying and laundry. I'm reading travel and architecture books. I welcome this mid-summer break in the constant schedule of going. There will be more of that -- in a good way -- visiting family next week.

weekend in photos

 

Mediating squirt gun wars.  Delicious grilled dinners on the porch.  Great talk over red wine and coffee ice cream. 

 

Bases-loaded excitement followed by heavy sighs.

A skyline of fireworks set to John Mellancamp (and less-memorable songs).

  

Tossing wheat thins to the gulls. Splashing knee-deep in the cool, clear, sand-floored lake.

A humid afternoon with a good book.  Waving to the rest as they came about in front of the house.

 

Red-faced kids filling paper bags with parade candy.

  

Thin silhouettes illuminated by glow bands darting through the dark grass.

A sensational Independence day weekend 2010.