Tween / Teen Boy's Bedroom Makeover {Modern Farmhouse Style}

My main house project goal for the summer was to makeover our oldest son's bedroom. Hudson is 12 years old and has had the same bed since he was two years old. He's an athletic guy, who is almost as tall as his mom (hard to reconcile when in my heart, he is still five. ;). It was time for a bigger bed and updated style.

While I hoped to be able to incorporate the farmhouse feel we have in the rest of our house, I really wanted Hudson's room to be what he wanted too. So, I asked for his input. His list included: palm trees, sports and a mix of rustic and modern...

A Summer Goal and Inspiration Pieces...

It's the last week of school before summer. With Seattle temperatures in the 80s and 90s, it definitely feels like summertime!

I'm looking forward to slower mornings and enjoying lots of family time and adventures. Our big trip this year was back in February when we visited Spain and France (and New York City along the way!). So, while we won't be going too far this summer, we do hope for lots of day trips and maybe a few overnighters. 

When it comes to home projects, I hope to get a few done this summer. 

First on the list is re-doing our oldest son Hudson's bedroom. He is 12 years old and could use a bigger bed and some updating in his room. 

There are two pieces I'm using as inspiration for the design of his room.

I Heart France {Give-Away!}

The first time I visited Paris, I was in college. I kept looking for cameras following me - I felt like I was in a movie! :) I had never seen such architecture, art, history, fashion, cathedrals and cafes. I was so nervous that I was going to miss something, that I zipped through almost all of the "must-see" attractions the first 36 hours I was there! 

The second time I was in Paris was while I was working in aerospace. I was there to attend the Paris Air Show. I "had" to stay over the weekend because the airfare was cheaper that way. C'est la vie!

I savored some leisurely time at Cafe de Flore - observing that 'je ne sais quoi' that Parisians seem to have. A chocolate croissant and cafe au lait made the people watching all the sweeter. I was just taking one for the team. 
(So glad the company saved on the airfare! ;)

Then, when our oldest son Hudson was almost two and I was pregnant with our second son, Noah, I told my husband that Hudson and I would accompany him on a business trip to Montreal and Stockholm... IF we could squeeze Paris in between. 

I smile thinking back now. A pregnant lady and a toddler give new meaning to "business travel." He was probably wondering what the upside for him was! He was kind (and smart!) to never bring that up when he took us along.

I'll never forget Hudson running and playing in the park in front of the Eiffel Tower, wearing his little Paris t -shirt. It was a special time in Paris, walking along the Seine and visiting the Notre Dame, this time with my loves.

I've never been to the French countryside, but I dream of going. Until then, I love reading books about Americans who have moved to France. Their adventures and the differences in culture are always so entertaining. ;) 

When I came across two of my all-time favorite French reads, while perusing  a second-hand shop, I knew this give-away was meant to be! 

On Rue Tatin is a book about Susan Loomis' move to a picturesque town in Normandy, where she and her husband restored a dilapidated convent for their home, raised their children and now own and operate On Rue Tatin, a cooking school.

My Life In France is a wonderfully informative and charming story of Julia Child's time in France, which began in 1948. Her sheer joy of French living, closeness with her husband and passion to master (and teach) the art of French cooking shine through in this touching memoir.

So here's how to enter.... 

Please leave a comment about anything related to France. It may be something you enjoy - like a French food or decorating style, something you would like to see in France or a French book or movie you'd recommend! 

Once you comment, you're entered! 

One random winner be announced next Friday, February 21st. US residents only. 
The winner will be mailed On Rue Tatin and My Life In France.

Oh, I hope you win.

Happy Valentine's Day!

xo

Sharing with:
Thoughts from Alice
Dwellings - The Heart of Your Home
Cozy Little House
Stone Gable
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style

Katherine's Corner
French Country Cottage

Fun Kids Valentines!

Our house is taking on a "crazy lady's workshop" vibe. 

You know those times when you're prepping for a special occasion and it just doesn't make sense to pack-up things when you're going to work on them again tomorrow? 

That's where we're at with valentines, valentine boxes and an upcoming birthday party. Thus continues the love/hate relationship with Pinterest. (99% love)

So, bless you for being here and letting me share some cuteness from the mess...You're the best kind of therapy! ;) 

Lincoln is excited to pass out these Super Hero valentines to his Pre-K buddies!

Thank you to Little Bit Funky for sharing this adorable DIY and Less Ordinary Designs for the great (free!) printables.

Next up, Minecraft valentines were a no-brainer for our virtual miner, Noah! 

I found these cool valentines and creeper candy wrappers on Over The Big Moon. They even have pink versions for girl gamers (anyone?). And again, they are free!

Hudson went with some fun Seahawks football valentines for his friends. Taped to the backs are packs of skittles - Marshawn Lynch style.

I purchased these downloadable printables on Etsy.

It's hard to believe it's this guy's last year to do the Valentine's Day thing at school! 

I think he's okay with that. :)  

Passing out valentines is such a sweet childhood tradition. 
(And perhaps a bit more work than in our mother's day!) 

Any projects threatening to take over your house? 
Stay calm and craft on. People are counting on you.

Thank you, kindred spirits, for being here.


xo

Sharing with:
Cozy Little House
Coastal Charm
Dwellings-The Heart Of Your Home
Jann Olson