Happy Planet Giveaway!

Things I love, in no particular order:

1. Coffee that is already prepared and poured for me when I stumble, bedheaded, into the kitchen at 6:00 a.m.

2. My 4 year old's obsession with homework and desire to work on his "homework" every waking hour.

3. Wearing my hair as it is naturally: curly (this only works in the winter but, boy, does it save time).

4. Feel good food.

5. Working from home.

I rarely work with brands on this site, but some I can't resist…

Some embody the values I hold dear, some have great prices and products that I use on the regular, some just seem to fit.  Happy Planet is one of those brands.

I purchase Happy Planet soups whenever I hit up our local grocery store. I can tell you that they are delicious, they are easy, and they make me feel good. {You know, feel good food. One of those things that I love}.

Happy Planet is a Canadian company committed to creating all-natural juices & smoothies & (my fav) all-nautural and organic soups. Their Potato Leek Soup and Thai Coconut Soup are unbelievable!! {and, yes, I have been purchasing them all on my own - no freebies}. Everything tastes fresh, everything I have tried from them has been delicious, and their commitment to giving back is kind of the icing on the already delicious empire they are building.

So, take a minute to check out their site, because Happy Planet is giving away $60 of product vouchers (available for redemption in stores).

Contest Details:

Happy Planet is giving $60 of product vouchers (available for redemption in stores) to ONE lucky Sleeping Is For Losers reader. Contest closes NOVEMBER 5, 2013 at midnight. Canada only.
Winner will be chosen using random.org.

How To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me what Happy Planet product(s) you would stock up on if you were chosen as the winner! {dare to dream}.

Extra Entry:

Tweet out the following for an additional entry:
WIN $60 worth of @TeamHappyPlanet product vouchers from Sleeping Is For Losers (@sarahnewk): http://tinyurl.com/lusg7vv


Good Luck!

PS- Happy Planet is sending one of my readers, Kathy, to the National Women's Show in Toronto this weekend! How awesome are they?

Home Office Makeover (and a HUGE GIVEAWAY)

I'm not sure if a Staples employee visited my home recently, but they certainly have good timing. Because, the day my Staples home office makeover gift card arrived, my office looked like THIS:

Yup, like that. 

I have worked at home for over two years and my office looks like a hurricane hit it pretty much every day. Paper, some toys, and a mishmash of pens and whatever else my kids were able to steal away from me when I'm not looking. The reason? Other than the need to keep them busy while I answer emails or work on something for a client, I have NO STORAGE. 

We bought a cheap desk over 8 years ago and that is what I have used ever since.

So, when the aforementioned saviour of my home office, Staples, offered to provide me with $150 to makeover my office, I JUMPED. I needed a way to get the crap paper off the floor of my office and away from interested, little hands.


So this cutie to the right and I headed out to the store, armed with a gift card and a dream (and a sucker because bribery works!).

And I just have to say that I scored, big time.

First, I already have an affinity for Staples. 
Row upon row of organizational tools, pencils, paper, and everything in between appeals to the teacher in me. Truth? The best time of the school year (when I was teaching) was the week that all the supplies I had ordered the year before arrived in my classroom! Nothing better than everything feeling fresh, cleaned and organized.

After a thorough search of the store, Will and I settled in what I like to call the "Martha Stewart aisle". 
Everything in this aisle is beautiful and functional and (according to the packaging) easy to assemble.

Upon in depth conferencing with my two year old, we agreed to purchase the Wall Manager system in black and picked up the following:

• cork board;
• white board;
• shelf;
• drawer & shelf combo;
• two Wall Manager boards;
• two hooks and clips;
• a wall caddy; and
• two clips

But of course, this wasn't enough. In addition to the Wall Manager system, I picked up:

• one HUGE package of paper;
• one HUGE spiral of coloured sticky notes;
• a box of small clips
• two banker boxes to store all my unnecessary to use but necessary to keep files; and
• a desk-sized filing system for all those files I need AT HAND.

All of this for less than $150. 
AMAZING, right?

On a Sunday morning, I sent my husband up to my office to install my new Wall Manager system. I expected him to be gone for the rest of the morning…instead, he was gone 10 minutes. 

That's it. 

When the box says "easy to install" apparently it's right. 

I, on the other hand, spent the next 1.5 hours working on re-organinzing my disaster of a home office. 

And here are the results:

My fully assembled (in 10 minutes!!!) wall organizer - it is the perfect size for all those important papers and notes that need to be kept in sight but away from little hands!

My clips and pushpins, safely stored in my Wall Manger system and away from the kids.

Paper, banker boxes, a desktop filing system and more sticky notes than I could dream of!

My new and improved, organized office space. Important notes, papers, stickies and pens are away from little hands. My files are safely stored in the closet, with the essential (working on right now) files in my desk for easy access. I actually feel like I can WORK now!

Thank you so much Staples, for allowing me to get my workspace back! 

Now for the stuff you're really interested in...

THE GIVEAWAY!

So what are you waiting for? I want you to enjoy a home office as amazing as mine…and to help you get started, Staples is going to give away a free router (worth up to $100!!!!) to one lucky Sleeping Is For Losers reader (Canada only). Check out this link for your choices...

How to Enter:

Leave a comment below (about anything you like- tell me about your home office woes, why you could use a router, or just say hi!). Make sure you include an email address for me to email you at if you are the winner:) 

Extra Entry:

If you would like a second entry, tweet out the following:

Win a router (worth up to $100) from Sleeping Is For Losers and @sarahnewk. Enter at http://sleepingisforlosers.blogspot.ca/2013/10/home-office-makeover.html 


Contest closes November 1, 2013 at midnight. ENTER NOW and Good Luck:)


*Full disclosure- I received a $150 gift card from Staples to use for the purposes of remaking my home office. Of course, you know I don't speak anything but the truth and, in this case, the truth is that Staples had great products at great prices!

So then I found Netflix...

Having good TV is a necessity in my home.

Chris works late often. I spend my evenings writing. The kids love to watch as much TV as I'll let them, but they're not given much opportunity.

So, when any of us get the chance to watch TV- either alone or as a family- we want to make it count.

And, if I'm being perfectly honest, there is very little on cable we find worthy of our precious viewing moments.

Enter NETFLIX.

I was actually a little hesitant to sign up with Netflix.
I mean, what could it offer that my (expensive) cable package couldn't?

The answer, after a month of living with Netflix, is A LOT.

I dare you not to be addicted to their made-for-Netflix series. I DARE you not to watch Madagascar 3 and the Smurfs with your kids (we may have laughed more at the Smurfs then they did- so funny!). I dare you not to love the convenience of having a show at your fingertips- Netflix was a lifesaver when my four-year-old was feeling sick and could do nothing but lie in bed with my laptop.

Chris and I have been catching up on movies that we missed during those years that we were living the life of 24/7 mommy & daddy, with nary a spare moment to make it out to the theatres. I have binged on shows that I have only heard about via Twitter and spent time laughing with my wee ones who have discovered their love of Blue's Clues and The Magic School Bus. (and Zach, the four year old, has discovered countless documentaries on dinosaurs which is like heaven for that dino-crazy boy).

The made-for-Netflix series (Orange Is The New Black and House of Cards) make for insanely smart, witty, well-written television- exactly the type of show that cable (sadly) often lacks. And don't even bother to get me started on their stand-up specials and documentaries.

But what I really love is the kid-focused programming section. It's easy to navigate, there's tons of good selection, and my kids are thrilled to get to choose a show- not just get stuck with whatever is on at that moment.

There are some drawbacks, of course. For over a week we did not have wireless internet capabilities in our home...for that entire time Netflix was inoperable. We also have a few 'dead' areas in our home that don't allow for a strong enough wireless signal for Netflix to work consistently. Chris can't live without baseball, hockey, basketball, etc. so cable is still a necessity for us, for the time being.

But, in all, the good outweighs the bad.

If your family is anything like mine, then you want your precious viewing time to matter. And for my money, Netflix is not only an economical purchase (at about $8 per month) but, in my opinion, you can't beat commercial-free, kid-focused entertainment at your fingertips.

*Full disclosure- I received a free year-long subscription to Netflix in exchange for posting my real-life experience. This is 100% my true, personal opinion. Rest assured- I'm a real, real Netflix fan.

Britney: The Video

Um, I might have an unhealthy fascination with Brit Brit.

I really do adore her- I bought her Baby, One More Time album and played it non-stop in my dorm with my friend Greg. 
And I dressed up like her for Halloween. 
And I actually own every honest-to-goodness, hold in your hands CD she has ever put out. 
And the only thing on my iPod when I run is her greatest hits album.

So she has a new video out. EXCITING. And it's not AWFUL- feels a bit like an homage to her Slave For You days- but I do have mixed feelings, because...

• Britney used to be such a good dancer, she looks like she's just phoning it in; AND
• I think she got a nose job (probably more than that, but it's what stands out most to me); AND I KEEP WONDERING
• Is she British now? When did that happen?; AND
• She feels forced

But then I realized...

• Despite phoning it in, she dances better than I ever will; AND
• Her body looks AH-MAZ-ING; AND
• She always felt a bit forced so that's not new; BUT FOR CERTAIN
• I can't wait to visit the only HMV I know of (in a mall near my house) and buy her new CD whenever it comes out (like all the other dorky moms in their 30s).

The Social

On Friday, September 13 (yes, Friday the 13th), my two year old threw up all over me.

Head to toe- he covered me in mash of oatmeal and grapes exactly 20 minutes before I was supposed to leave my house for a 'girls day out' birthday celebration with my mom and sister.

TWENTY MINUTES before I was supposed to leave for a taping of Canada's newest talk show- The Social.

So, while on the verge of tears because (yes, I'm bragging) my hair looked really good, I put the two year old and myself in the shower, got the vomit stench out of my hair, did a hair/makeup re-do and left my house (an hour late), praying I'd make it to the show on time.

SPOILER ALERT- I did:)

(oh, and my son is fine. The vomiting was brought on by too much spinning in my office chair.)

So, The Social.

I have to admit that I had only watched two episodes of the show before I sat in the audience. I was already familiar with a few of the hosts from their other gigs on CP24 and eTalk (and of course my favourite gossip site- laineygossip.com), but I wasn't entirely sure about their chemistry- about them, even, and how they would fill an entire hour.

A group of women - around my age - opining about things that are buzzing on social media? It sounds like something I SHOULD be into, though.

Sissy and I posing in the audience of The Social

If you don't know me in real life, then let me tell you that I pretty much live my life on social media. I blog here about the ups and downs of parenthood and life in general, I tweet about my annoyances and love of everything from the Blue Jays to Miley, I write a column on education/parenting for the Toronto Sun, and I Facebook and Instagram everything else. I love people who are an open book and not afraid to have opinions (even controversial ones).

But I just wasn't sure about this show.

How real were these 'media personalities' going to be? How fun would it be to sit in an audience of dolled-up ladies (and a guy!) and listen to... chatter?

Truth?

It was amazing! And after our set visit, I am totally sold on this show.

We were there on a Friday, which meant that the AMAZING Jess was on the panel. This girl, I am telling you, is a star. She is witty and fun and real and insightful and brings a breath of fresh air to the panel. I will forever kick myself in the butt for not putting together that she was the Maclean's writer that I have read and adored- I'm not sure why it didn't click (I'm usually really good with names, especially when they tell me where they used to work! oy!!). I would have picked her brain regarding my on-the-cusp-of-something writing career for as long as she would have let me!

Traci, Cynthia and Melissa were exactly what I would hope a host would be in real life. They were warm and smart and engaging and huggy (ya, it's a word). I wanted to sit down with a coffee and talk parenting tips, clothes, and life in general with them.

But, hooo-boy, I fell in love with Lainey. I love me some good snark, which she brings, BUT she also has a graciousness and warmth that I didn't really expect. After the show she spent an amazing amount of time talking to the audience and seemed genuinely grateful and interested in what they had to say.

So, in short, if you are thinking about visiting the set of The Social for a live taping- do it! I have been to the other major Canadian talk shows as an audience member and I can honestly say that this was my best experience.

Oh, and one more thing. That blonde in the white pants in the picture below- don't you think she would be an AMAZING guest to speak about the 'mom blogging' phenomenon (maybe even provide a round-up of what's hot on the 'mom blogs' for their site on the regular...)? I mean, she just looks right at home with that group of ladies. And did you SEE how often she was shown during the show?? Just hinting... hardcore. Put me in coach!

The hosts, my sis, my mom and me...great day!

A Birthday

Tomorrow I turn 33.

I'm not sure why, but it's a difficult number to get my head around. Maybe it's because I don't feel 33. Maybe it's because 33 makes me feel like I am "in my 30s", which seems old to me. Maybe it's because 33 sounds so grown up and makes those crows feet around my eyes seem legit- they're there for a reason now.

Regardless, I'm just not looking forward to this birthday.

Despite my awesome life. Despite all the accomplishments and milestones. Despite being genuinely happy and satisfied (with everything but my age). Despite the much needed pampering I will enjoy (this hair needs to be blonde again!!!).

But, no matter which way I slice it, tomorrow I am turning 33- another year full of possibilities and unknowns. Here's hoping it's a fantastic one!

I Could Have Been Amanda Lindhout...

From the day I heard of Amanda Lindhout's kidnapping in Somalia, I was sick with worry.

I don't know Amanda. But in some (perhaps trite, self-serving) way, I feel like I do. I feel like I could have been Amanda. 

Perhaps it is the similarity in age, the similarity of growing up in a small-Western Canada town, the similarity of a desire to work as a journalist, or just the shared desire to be in the world- there was just something about the look in Amanda's eyes in the pictures that flashed across my computer screen (Albeit, not often enough. The under-reporting of her story was always a mystery and tragedy to me.). I saw myself.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to write for a living, but I decided not to go to journalism school when I was accepted because it meant moving to a city I didn't want to live in- I earned a degree in History and then Education, instead. 

But that burning inside of me to write? It was still there. And occasionally I would see a story on the television, or hear something on the radio, and I would remember how much I had once believed my words could make a difference in the world.

I played around a bit and wrote about issues with Aboriginal youth in Saskatchewan and the need for improved post-secondary opportunities- those stories got a bit of attention- and I dreamed of writing for the disenfranchised, poor, disposed and forgotten on a larger scale. I knew I could do it and I could make a real difference.

And just when it seemed that my opportunity was on the horizon... 

I moved to Toronto and I met my husband. 

We set down roots and I began working as a teacher. And I was happy doing that. But those roots meant that the 'adventure' of traveling and being a voice to the voiceless were permanently put on hold and I had to turn down (always unpaid, in my case) opportunities to immerse in other cultures and write about my experiences. I accepted that because, deep down, there was a small part of me that was afraid of my dream and what might happen to me should I follow it.

So when I first heard Amanda's story in 2008, it really stirred something inside of me. 

She was a year younger than I was, with that same burning desire to write and bleeding heart for humanity. But she had done what I had chosen not to do- she had put herself out there in the world in a way I had shied away from. With every news story I read (and I read them all), I saw what my future may have been.

I'm not sure that I'll ever be able to read her memoir- A House In The Sky- in its entirety. I want to, but perhaps it strikes too close to home for me, as a female whose dream of overseas journalism would have likely taken me to the exact places Amanda travelled. Perhaps my bleeding heart can't take even a small taste of the atrocities she faced in Somalia.

But her story post-Somalia- that I can read. Her gracious spirit and the humanitarian work she has thrown herself into is truly a gift to all of us. The rarity of seeing a woman who has faced so much and yet come out on the other side with such strength is not lost on me. 

And so I keep Amanda's name as an alert on my newsfeed. I still read every single story that mentions her. I still think about her all the time. Yes, because she lived through my single greatest fear but much more because she shows me, time and again, the power of words, the importance of telling stories for those who can not, and the strength of the human spirit to overcome. How her story reminds me of my dreams to speak for those who cannot, and how those dreams are not (as I had once thought) gone.

When you celebrate 10 years...

Ok, so my 10 year anniversary celebration was supposed to happen in Paris. Or Italy. Or Greece. Heck,  I'd even thrown out the possibility of Germany or Sweden.  In essence, I was supposed to celebrate 10 years of marriage in Europe  (or very, very close).

But we didn't.

We couldn't.

We have two very young kids and a week away to spend all our savings was just, well, not in the cards.

So we improvised. And we sped down the highway, about an hour and a half from our house, to stay in Niagara Falls.

A place we have been quite a few times...but a place we have never been to celebrate 10 years of marriage. So we agreed to have as much fun as we could pack into two days!

On our drive down, we stopped off to do a bit of wine tasting. No trip is complete without a visit to Niagara's wine country. Our first stop was Reif Winery. A winding path lined with mature trees leads you into this estate winery, where you can sample (and purchase) the best wines Niagara has to offer (in my humble opinion). We opted for two bottles of their Shiraz and two bottles of their Riesling. *pro tip- if you purchase wine, most wineries will waive the 'tasting' fee (generally between $5-$10 per person).

The first time we visited this gem, it was a teeeeeny, tiny establishment with some tasty wine. It is now one of the loveliest wineries in Canada.

We shared our tasting glasses (one of us had to drive, of course... white for him, red for me. Who am I kidding? White for me too!)

After leaving Reif, we stopped in at a few other wineries nearby, just to make sure we weren't missing out on any hidden gems (we weren't but that won't stop us from trying!) and made our way to our hotel.

We stayed at the Doubletree Hotel, which is about a 10 minute walk to the Falls. It's also a 10 minute walk to Clifton Hill (where all the fun happens). And it is the quietest, cleanest, loveliest hotel in Niagara Falls. With an indoor salt water pool and two hot tubs (one indoor, one outdoor), a sauna, a fully equipped gym, and a Starbucks right in the hotel lobby, it is the perfect 'getaway' hotel. Sure, there are hotels that are only a 5 minute walk from the Falls, sure there are hotels that a bit glitzier (with casinos and free drinks) but I have never been disappointed when I stay at the Doubletree. *pro tip- you get a fresh, warm cookie (one per occupant)on your arrival at the Doubletree. They are so, so good and so, so welcome after sitting in the car for hours!

And then we just did what any couple celebrating their 10th anniversary should do...

We fell asleep:) No, really, those beds are crazy comfortable. We slept like little babies (although we didn't go so far as to sleep in separate beds- we'll save that for our 20th anniversary).

But then we got our butts out on the town and really celebrated our 10th anniversary.

We went to Margaritaville (mucho disappointment). The wait was crazy long, the service was awful, the food was freezing and too expensive. The only saving grace was that the drinks were HUGE!

Chris fell asleep waiting to be seated. I was having a blast (you know, the drinks were REALLY REALLY big!)

We went on the Maid of The Mist. For about $40, the two of use heard the roar of the water and felt the mist of one of the world's seven wonders up close and personal. I had done it once before, but it was Chris' first time. And it was so spectacular- I cannot tell you how amazing it is to see that kind of beauty up close. *pro tip- go early in the day (before 11:00 am). The lineups will still be about 20 minutes, but they will move quickly. After 11:00 am, your wait can be hours!

The Maid of the Mist, all ready to go!

The majesty of the Falls. So much mist, our camera was soaked! (and so were we!)

Our Pam & Jim moment (you did watch The Office, right?)

We rode the GIANT carousel on Clifton Hill. It was $25 for the two of us, but we had a great time, met a lovely couple from Bolivia while in line, and had the best view of Niagara Falls...

stunning at night

Oh,  and totally got photobombed. *pro tip- go at night! The view is killer and it just feels more fun.

Ummmmm, do you see what I see? (and I just want to mention it was very humid, which explains the hair)

We drank (SO MUCH!) champs and ate a steak & lobster dinner all while taking in a gorgeous view. (The Keg-overlooking the Falls- treated us like royalty!) Every single time we visit Niagara Falls we make a reservation at the Keg overlooking the Falls. The service is outstanding, the food is always fantastic, and the view (no matter where you sit) is great!! I called ahead to have champs waiting for us on the table (how romantic of me) and the manager could not have been more amazingly helpful! *pro tip- you must make a reservation! We watched people be turned away the entire evening (and this was a Thursday!).

Champs. (you do watch Real Housewives of Orange County and understand what I'm talking about, right?)

The view from our table. No zoom. Just this.

We had ice cream every night.

We got new rings... one tattooed for eternity, one encrusted with diamonds. I didn't even ask for it- he just did it all on his own.

His tattoo. We were established as a married couple in 2003. This is the most romantic thing he has ever done for me- hands down.

As if the tattoo wasn't enough, he went and added some sparkle to my ring finger. Oof.  This guy!

We were straight up insane for I-Hop (helllllllllllllllo peaches and cream french toast. It was ah-maz-ing)

So much goodness.

We stayed up late! We woke up early! (of course)

We visiting Kurtz Orchard Market and got fresh-off-the-tree peaches and plums, and an assortment of homemade jams and butters for our babysitters (also known as our parents). This market is such a gem- you can get fresh pies, jams, butters and an assortment of oils and spreads. They also serve food to go, so stop in for lunch during your wine tasting adventures! *pro tip- if you spend over $50 they will generally give you 'free wine tasting' passes to a few wineries in the area, so stop there BEFORE you go on a drinking adventure!

Free samples! I'm there!

We walked endlessly. But we had so much fun doing it!

10 years. Crazy to think that a 22 year old and a 23 year old who had not even known eachother for a full year when they said "I Do" made it this long.

Us, 10 years ago. So young. So happy. So not aware of digital photography (yes, I took a picture of my wedding picture).

Us today. Using technology. Oh, and living a really freaking amazing life!!!

Might not have been Paris, but it was an amazingly great time!

*PS- did this sound like I was given anything for free? I wasn't (I PROMISE EVERYTHING CAME OUT OF MY OWN POCKET). (so when I tell you Margaritaville sucked and the Keg was amazeballs, I mean it!)

The Column

I suppose it's time that I announce on my blog that I have started writing a column for the Toronto Sun.

With a focus on parenting/education issues, it is a writers dream to have people read about your (intelligent? educated? interesting?) personal thoughts on topical issues.

If you're interested, here are my columns to date:

Schooling A Culture of Mediocrity

Giving Birth to Postpartum Depression

For New Teachers- Too Little, Too Late

Hands Off My Kids' Lunch

It's Never OK to Leave Kids Alone In Cars

Canada Has a Daycare Dilemma


I am in the process of adding a 'writing' tab to the top of my blog. In the future I would love to have a website dedicated simply to my writing, as (knock on wood) the articles have been coming fast and furious. Until then I'll be linking you up on facebook (have you liked my page yet?) and on the blog:)

I love constructive criticism, I love to hear your thoughts, I love to know you're reading and what you'd like me to write about.

If you have any ideas/thoughts to share, please email at sleepingisforlosers@yahoo.ca.

Dreams come true. Really, they do.

The Happy House Challenge

Each month I have dedicated myself to a task:

January- no alcohol (done! It was easy because I don't really drink very much, but my body needed a break after all the Christmas festivities)

February- Ab Challenge (done! I liked it but I'm thinking a squat challenge is in order next)

March- run a 5K (done! Well, it was at home- not a race like I had planned originally- but I still did it and am counting it as a win)

April- zero credit card debt (done! We have a teeeeeny tiiiiiiny line of credit to pay off and we are consumer debt free!)

That brings us to:
May, June, July, August, September.

I have dedicated these months to making my home happy. I mean, fun and joyous and happy, because (full disclosure) the winter months were not always that happy. 
We had a lot of fights as we tried to navigate my working from home balanced with the kids' needs and my husband's job. There was a lot of 'it's your turn now' and 'can we afford to do xyz' and 'STOP FIGHTING NOW! I AM SO SICK OF THIS! KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF YOUR BROTHER! NO YOU CAN'T WATCH TV! STOP TALKING' (all usually shouted by me, and only when the windows are open of course so the entire neighbourhood can think I'm a psychotic mother).

Balance has been a hard thing to strike, but in the past two months I have seen the lack of balance affecting my kids more and more. Thus, the Happy House challenge was born.

Hanging out at my parent's 'summer home'

My challenge is to just have fun, every day. Yes, we will still fight (my feisty redhead and terrible-two year old will make sure of that) but we focus on one fun thing every day.

A tickle fight, a wrestling match, painting rocks, making a craft, hide & seek, singing songs, playing in the sprinkler, eating popsicles, riding bikes, hiking, catching minnows, making cookies, watching ants crawl, drawing the sky on our driveway in chalk, dancing, playing with our friends, visiting the zoo.

Fun.

And then we talk about our fun thing during dinner. 

'What was the best part of your day?' I ask.

And then we talk and laugh and plan for the next day *usually this takes about two minutes before someone makes a poop joke because, let's face it, they're two and four year old boys. Talking isn't their most favourite thing to do unless it involves poop or toots or burps or ninjas.

But the key is fun. Even if it's 5 minutes- just some good fun once a day.

And I think it has made the 'work' part of my life easier. And I think it has made the 'kid' part of their life better.

Balance is a tricky thing. I doubt I'll ever get the hang of it, really.

But FUN? Fun I can do.

How are you making your house happier this summer?