...because home doesn't happen overnight.

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.*

Congrats to Jacey! She enjoys peace and quiet by taking a walk through her neighborhood.

Have you seen Jennifer Squires Ross‘s work? If not, allow me to introduce you to her photography.

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Jennifer has been photographing professionally for nearly two decades. When she first started out, artificial lights and dark rooms were all the rage. These days, Jennifer prefers to take a more organic approach using natural lighting and highlighting what matters most.

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Nature is a common theme in Jennifer’s work. From golden scenes to foggy beaches, I admire her ability to capture the magic in landscapes.

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There is a dream-like quality to her images that summons tranquility and stillness in whomever gazes upon them. I find myself breathing deeper and more easily when I look at Jennifer’s photographs.

Could your home use a dose of peaceful photography? I could sure use more peace and stillness in mine! See details below for the chance to win some of Jennifer’s amazing work.

PRIZE: one $200 gift card to Jennifer Squires Productions

RULES: You must be at least 18 years old. One entry per email address. This giveaway is open to international contestants!

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post proclaiming “SHHHHH!”

DEADLINE: Enter before 9:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, June 2nd. One random winner will be chosen and announced Monday, June 3rd.

WHILE YOU’RE AT IT: Since we’re talking peace and quiet…tell me how you bring some into your everyday life. If you have little ones, is going to the bathroom by yourself and locking the door the only peace and quiet you experience? Do you live near the beach and enjoy early morning walks before the rest of the world is awake? Or maybe you meditate on a regular basis? I’ll go first. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious by all the noise / mess / chaos that three kids can make, we go to the library. The kids know they have to be quiet at the library and they love to discover new books. Everyone instantly relaxes as we browse the aisles. It’s my favorite place away from home. The peace and quiet of the library follows us home too. I let the kids borrow a few books each. As soon as we hit the door, they flop down on the floor and get lost in their own little worlds. It works every time.

BUT, WAIT!, THERE’S MORE: Use the discount code TWEAKING13 to score 20% off all landscape photographs now through Thursday, June 6th.

Thanks Jennifer!

images: Jennifer Squires Ross

225 Comments

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I go for a run!

30.May.2013

SHHH! I live a pretty quiet kid free life :)

30.May.2013

SHHHHHH!!! With little ones around I try to sneak in a few seconds of peace and quiet when I go to the bathroom… I get about 2 seconds until they find me and open the bathroom door.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! With a 6 year old and a 7 month old even locking the bathroom door doesn’t always work for peace and quiet. Taking a hot bath with a good book and a drink after everyone else is asleep is my favorite way to unwind. When I don’t fall asleep first!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! Send the kids to Grandmas!

30.May.2013

SHHH!
With 2 little ones in the house, we do morning quiet time in addition to afternoon naps. That’s the perfect time for me to get my own things done, work on the house, or just relax before the day really gets rolling. It makes everyone’s day better!

30.May.2013

“SHHHHH!” I take a drive in the car…without the radio.

30.May.2013

SHHHH! I don’t have kids but I have 2 cats and a very hyper dog. When it gets hectic I take them all in the backyard and let them play while I soak up some sun amd nature. We just got a pool in the backyard too!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

I sit outside on my patio and read with a beer :)

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!!! No kids yet, but I take the dog, a cup of coffe (or wine!) and my Kindle to our back patio and enjoy the crazy Ohio Valley weather!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I go to the gym or take a quick nap after work.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!
To get the kids (4 loud little girls) to quiet down for a moment we play “Rock”. Everyone curls up and pretends they are a rock. Whoever can stay still the longest wins.

30.May.2013

SHHHH! Getting up a 1/2 hr before the kiddos, gives me some SHHHH + coffee time. :)

30.May.2013

SHHHH! I go for a walk first thing in the morning.

30.May.2013

SHHHHHH! I go for a hike.

30.May.2013

shhh! I have a 45 min drive to work. It’s my quiet time away from my family, dog, and busy work environment and coworkers. Sometimes I drive the whole 45 min with the radio off and the window rolled down. It’s a great quiet peaceful escape from a busy day.

30.May.2013

SHHH! School is almost out!

30.May.2013

“SHHHHH!” I take my dog for a walk or go for a bike ride

30.May.2013

SHHHH! I make everyone take a nap and I just sit there! Not allowed to clean or look online. Just sit and enjoy the quiet.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I put on the headphones and work in the garden, bliss!

30.May.2013

“SHHHHH!” I read to my kids on the sofa or outside in the hammock. books are magical!!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH–I watch TV shows with my husband and knit after the kids are in bed.

30.May.2013

shhhhhh i put the baby to bed early, sit on the couch with popcorn and watch mad men.

30.May.2013

Shhhhhh! I have three little ones:, 7 1/2, 5, and 2 1/2, and no family close. So quiet time is super hard to come by. Honestly, I get my peace and quiet after the kids go to bed. I don’t go to sleep until really late because I appreciate that time so much. And once a month I go to book club and it’s a nice drive in rush hour traffic – either I turn everything off and savor the silence or blast MY favorite music and sing like a lunatic.

30.May.2013

SHHH! On weekends, sometimes my hubby will get up with the kids and I stay in bed. Most times I don’t sleep any longer, but I enjoy the muffled laughter and chaos from the comfort of my bed!

30.May.2013

SHHH. Kick of the shoes and relax with the Mr.

30.May.2013

SHHHHHHH!! I don’t have children, but my sister just recently moved in with a 5 and 7 yr old…Have yet to find anything that works. Currently accepting suggestions. lol

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! Watering the garden at the end of the day . . .

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!! I’m with Liz, locking the bathroom door doesn’t necessarily work, hee hee. I steal a moment here or there — after work, before the baby and hubby return home (although it’s tough not to work on laundry, etc) of after the baby’s gone to sleep…or, last night was gloriously quiet thanks to a storm-induced power outage. ‘Twas nice!

30.May.2013

SHHH! I wake up early to exercise before the rest of my family gets up. It is my alone time, and I love it!

SHHH!! The baby is finally asleep, and it’s ME time :)

30.May.2013

SHHH! I go for solo runs on my lunch break. Taking some time in the woods in the middle of the day really helps me break up the day, and take a mental break from whatever I’m working on that day. Working right near a waterfall doesn’t hurt!

30.May.2013

“SHHHHH!” I ride my bike to work while the sun is still rising, the deer are still grazing, and nobody else is on the road.

30.May.2013

SHHHH! A glass of wine on the weekends once the little guy is in bed.

30.May.2013

SHHHH!

Getting the kids to bed early allows for some peace and quiet!

30.May.2013

SHHHH! A glass of wine and a good book brings the peace for me

30.May.2013

Shhhhhh! Running is my quiet, happy place.

30.May.2013

SHHH!
We have weekly trips to Barnes and Noble, hubby and I get Starbucks coffee and the two kiddos get cream based frapps. I get to catch up on all the home magazines while the kids read books and play with the puppets and train set…..ah heaven

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! Locking the bathroom door would only antagonize my daughter. I dream of our lighthouse at our summer house and how we will be there in less than two short months.

30.May.2013

SHHH!

My girls are finally starting to play nice together for more than a minute at a time and since we moved their playroom is upstairs. Instant quiet for mw when I am down stairs! I can usually cook dinner in peace.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I take a walk through my neighborhood.

30.May.2013

SHHH! I like to read blogs while have an early morning coffee… that’s always my quiet time!

30.May.2013

shhh!
i go for a walk

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I go to a yoga class.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!
I like to bake. I focus on it so much, I forget everyone else exists! I also like to read blogs with my door to the room closed.

30.May.2013

Shhhh……I take the baby monitor out to the dock. Look at the water without kiddios while they sleep soundly. Ahhhhh

30.May.2013

Shhhh…I like to wake up really early, before my kids and husband are awake, and make coffee and read the NYT online:)

30.May.2013

SHHH! no kids… But I like to cook something and then sit down (not in front of the TV!) and enjoy it.

30.May.2013

SHHHH! I go for a run outside when the weather is dry (which is pretty infrequent in Ireland!) and otherwise love to quietly read too, although as my work consists of alot of quiet alone time sometimes noisy choas is what I need to relax!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I am lucky enough to have an office at the school I teach at that is very very quiet.

30.May.2013

SHHHHHH! I sew after my daughter is asleep. Nothing but the sound of the sewing machine and me cursing at myself as I reach for my seam ripper. ahhhhhhh

30.May.2013

Shhhh!! I journal when i need to relax.

30.May.2013

SHHHHHH!
For peace and quiet, I go to the sauna at the Y before a workout. When it is cold out, it soothes my soul and I imagine I am on a cruise boat. When it is hot, I let the junk inside out. Great with coffee before a good run.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

I stop working on the million projects I have up in the air and sit down and enjoy the porch.

30.May.2013

Shhh. I go for a walk with the baby in the baby carrier. She falls asleep instantly!

30.May.2013

Shhh! When things get tough and noisy, nothing calms me better than a good run, preferably with some fast crazy music. But, in a pinch, a glass of wine will do.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!
watching my 7 mo old twin babies sleep.

30.May.2013

SHHHH! I take Penelope the Poodle for a long walk.

30.May.2013

SHHHH! I mediate and practice yoga daily to keep me grounded and centred!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!
I just started getting up at 5:30 a.m. and going for a walk/jog. I am not a morning person but it’s so nice to have that quiet alone time and come back to a quiet house.

30.May.2013

SHHHH!

I go outside and garden. I seem to be the only one in my family who enjoys it so they always seem to leave me alone :)

30.May.2013

Shhh! Getting up before the kiddos for a few quiet moments to start the day…yoga…going for a walk by myself. Or, as a last resort, hiding out in the bathroom for a couple of deep breaths :)

30.May.2013

Shhh! I get some peace and quiet after the kids are in bed. I’ll wander outside and spend time with my horse or lay in bed and read a book.

30.May.2013

SHHHH!!
I like to escape through reading. I can tune out my stress and live in a world with a guaranteed happy ending for a while.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I read on the train into work.

30.May.2013

Shhhh! My quiet time is real early in the morning. I make myself a cup of tea, crawl back into bed and read.

30.May.2013

Shhh!! When I need a break from the chaos of my 1 and 3 year old I build a fort by pulling my two couches together and use the pillows as a roof. The kids climb in and play together and I sit and enjoy a warm cup of coffee and I get to finish it too!!

30.May.2013

Shhh! A quick walk with the pup is very relaxing.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

We live in a quiet, country neighborhood so I like to take a walk with my dog when I need some peace and quiet.

30.May.2013

SHHHH…..
I get up before my littles (two under three) and enjoy my coffee on the balcony. It’s peaceful and the only chance I get to drink a hot beverage ha!

30.May.2013

SHHHH!

I get my peace and quiet early in the morning as I sit on my patio and watch the sunrise.

Shhh! I like to get up early before work so I can get ready in peace and quiet and prepare myself for the day. It’s totally worth the missed sleep!

30.May.2013

Shhh!

I go to the lovely dog park with just my doggie!

30.May.2013

SHHH!! My idea of peace and quiet is an early night in bed with a good book!

SHHH

Reading a book.

30.May.2013

SSSHH when I wake up first thing in the morning, I go to the bathroom and my cat jumps on my lap! It’s been my wake up routine for three years now, and I love it!

SHHHHH!

Sometimes, I turn off the radio when I’m driving by myself. Weird, but true. There’s also the calm after yoga (that only lasts until I get into my car). Those two might be related….

30.May.2013

SHHHH! Pee alone, yeah right…doesn’t happen with a 2 year old. I love nap time, my favorite pat of the day!

30.May.2013

SHHHH!

I have started meditating. It’s very centering and the calming effect it has on my mind is pretty incredible.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

Right now my most reliable source of quiet time is during my baby’s morning nap. I drink my tea or coffee, finish my breakfast if I didn’t get a chance to earlier, and catch up on blogs and Facebook. I’m looking forward to when he’s old enough to appreciate the library, though! I love the cozy quiet of being surrounded by stacks of books.

30.May.2013

SHHH! Reading helps me too! I love your story about the library–it is such a relaxing place!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

Right now with my little one my peace and quiet is in the shower. It is about the only time I get completely to myself without worrying what needs to be done around the house.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!
I go to the gym and put in my ear buds.

30.May.2013

SHHHH!

When things get overwhelming, everybody has to drop everything and go with Mamá for a walk. Cell phones stay home. We love it!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

I get up 1/2 hour early in the mornings to read. And as much as I would love to lay claim to reading classic literature or poetry, I read… uhhh… comic books. I get up 1/2 hour early to read comic books. *blush*

30.May.2013

SHHH!

I sometimes close my office door at work and take a quiet minute during the day. I also incorporate as much yoga as I can into my life!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I love to unwind in a nice hot bath while watching a favorite show!

30.May.2013

shhhh……the kids have mandatory “quiet time” for 20min everyday!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! Getting up before the kids to enjoy my coffee!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I like to drink a cup of green tea while checking emails first thing in the morning at work before things get crazy!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I love to take the dog out for a walk when I need to unwind.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

Now that the weather’s nicer in Chicago I’ve been spending my lunch break outside reading. Reading has always been my “quiet place.”

30.May.2013

SHHHHHH These would look so nice on the gallery wall I’m starting to put together in my tiny basement apartment!

-Arielle

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

I love swings. I know it seems a little weird now that I’m older but something about swinging up high nears trees and sky feels better.

30.May.2013

SSSHHHH!!
I try to make sure i have a few minutes carved out for just me. Whether thats reading the Bible, reading a book, doing some stretching…anything to just help me be quiet.

Her photography is absolutely breathtaking

30.May.2013

SHHHHH1 I get a little peace and quiet during my nightly showers. I like to do this after everyone else has gone to bed, so I’m guaranteed some QUIET me time.

30.May.2013

Shhhh! I love to bake as a relaxing activity, reading with my own homemade fancy tea latte, or adding quotes to my chalkboard bedroom door for inspiration.

30.May.2013

“SHHHHH!” Snuggle time with the little one. It puts everything back in to perspective.

30.May.2013

SHHH! No kids in our house so it’s usually pretty quiet, but I like to curl up with a book.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I just like being home with the TV off – sometimes I think all the background noise I hear is making me dumb :)

30.May.2013

Shhh…I like to flip through my Experience Life magazine while snuggled up in bed after the family goes to sleep. And browsing through House Tweaking as well!

30.May.2013

Shhh….after bedtime is when I usually get peace and quiet!

30.May.2013

SHHH! Showering is my way to relax. I know that I’m wasting tons of water with my 20 minute showers but it’s the only place I can be alone and not have to worry about the big mess of toys.

Shhh. Thanks for the introduction. Her work is beautiful. Sometimes I sit on my little patio or out by our complex pool for a little solitude. I should do that more.Thanks!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I clean. It makes me relax and get ready for the next big thing.

30.May.2013

Shhhhh. . .time relaxing by my firepit at night.

30.May.2013

SHHHH! I open up the windows and soak in the breeze and sounds of my sleepy beachside town.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I’m an elementary school teacher, so I get some peace during my silent car rides to and from school.

30.May.2013

Shhhhh….an evening walk at twilight.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I go for a run or swim. I just let my mind concentrate on breathing!

30.May.2013

Shhhhh!
After my 8 month old is in bed I take a nice hot bath with a book or magazine.

30.May.2013

Shhhhhhhh…..My peace and quiet are on my back porch. Only the birds to listen too – which usually has a calming effect on me.
That is until the neighborhood dogs get my dogs barking & then it’s back in to the house and the usual chaos :)

30.May.2013

Shhhhhh…the only peace and quiet I’m guaranteed is when they’re gone to grandma’s for a few weeks each summer.

30.May.2013

SHHH…i get peace and quiet by going to yoga every couple of days!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

I like to clean. I get in a zone with some music and just go until my house is spotless. It only lasts about a day or two, but during that short time I feel so “zen.”

30.May.2013

SHHH …..

I live alone so it’s always quiet. I like to go for a fast walk if I’m stressed or anxious.

30.May.2013

SHHH… I sit under the tree in my garden. Flowers blooming from spring to frost.

30.May.2013

SHHHH! A long walk always clears my mind.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!
I am a teacher so my time away is lunch! I eat in my room, and have “me” time which includes looking at blogs! Thankfully more quiet time is on its way soon with summer!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

Yoga!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

I work nights, so when I’m off I stay up much later than my husband, usually. The house is so peaceful and quiet, especially when our kitties are sleeping in the living room while I putter around the house.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

I get plenty of quiet time, as my kids are older teenagers and not around a lot. I love this time of year though….grab my book and head to the patio for a little sun and quiet time.

30.May.2013

SHHHH!
As a city-dweller who grew up in the country, I love to go back to my parents house to be outside.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I like to read in bed after everyone else is asleep. It’s time I know I won’t be interrupted.

30.May.2013

Shhh!!
An early morning run normally does it :)

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! i work in washington d.c. it’s a beautiful city with all kinds of neat little nooks and crannies. at the end of a particularly long day (when the weather’s warmer), i head over to My Spot on the bank of the potomac. lying on my little blanket under a huge weeping willow, i read, listen to music (or the waves lapping on the bank) and watch the sun go down. totally refreshing!

30.May.2013

SHHHH! Oh wow! Her work is amazing! So peaceful! Thank you for the giveaway!

30.May.2013

SHHHH! Take an exceptionally hot bath, and read a book while doing so.

30.May.2013

Shhhhhh. I light a candle and have a glass of Cab

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I go for a run in the mornings…it is me time with no kids!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! Beautiful photography…

30.May.2013

SHHHHHHH!

I like to make birdhouses out of children’s books…

30.May.2013

SSSSHHHH! I enjoy a glass of wine after the kids are in bed

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! Being an empty nester I get all the quiet I need. But I do sometimes go onto the patio with my ipad to get away from hubby’s tv. Like right now!

30.May.2013

Shhhh! I sit quietly before the Lord and breathe!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!

I like to find a quiet place with my laptop and indulge in some guilty-pleasure home decor blog reading! ;)

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I sit down to write when the baby is napping and my older boy is in school.

30.May.2013

SHHHHHH!!!!! I escape in a book.

30.May.2013

Shhhh! I like to go for a swim or a run!

30.May.2013

Shhhh I do Zumba!

30.May.2013

Shhhhhhhh! Book. Outside. Beer. Mostly in my dreams.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!
Hammock. Ceiling fan. And shut the door firmly on my way out. :)

30.May.2013

SHHHH! I like to take time to read for awhile before going to bed.

30.May.2013

Shhhh! Giving the kids new books from the library gives me some quiet time!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I get up way earlier than my honey does (our kids are grown), so I usually have at least 2-3 hours to myself in the mornings. LOVE that time…

30.May.2013

Shhhh!! I go for long walks.

30.May.2013

Shhhh! I get up early , before the rest of the house and enjoy a quiet hour to myself.

30.May.2013

Shhhh….. One day, when my kids are grown, it will finally be quiet in my house and I will cry and wish it wasn’t!

30.May.2013

Shhhh! When I get some quiet time, I read my favorite blogs! House*Tweaking is my favorite!!!

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I hide in the bathroom and read blogs on my iPad. (I might be in there now…)

30.May.2013

SHHHH! I lay in bed and read or write to savor my quiet time :)

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!
I have a 3 yr old boy and a 5 wk old daughter with colic so peace and quiet is almost as rare as a decent night of sleep. To settle my daughter down I put her in a Beco baby carrier and pace the floors to soothing music.

30.May.2013

SHHHHH! I love to curl up and relax with a great book :)

30.May.2013

SHHHHH!
My happy, quiet place is a walk along the river alone where I can find the perfect quiet spot to read my book.

31.May.2013

SHHHH!!! I go to a kickboxing class.

31.May.2013

SHHHHH! :) i’ve started tackling my small garden this year, so that’s where i go to settle my mind. i love it!

31.May.2013

Shhhhh! We are fortunate to live a couple of miles from the beach in so cal so we take full advantage! Whether spending all day there, parking to watch the sunset, or driving down the coast for a fresh fish lunch the ocean seems to chill us all out.

31.May.2013

SHHH. I curl up with a book!

31.May.2013

SHHHHH ! I think weeding the garden is a pretty way to empty ones mind …

31.May.2013

Shhhh. An early morning walk before the world wakes up.

31.May.2013

SHHH!
I have three children, so my time for peace and quiet means that I get up very early (usually 4:30) so that I can have my cup of coffee and read my favorite blogs. I know its early but to me it is so worth it and I love it that even the outside world is still dark and quiet at that hour.

31.May.2013

“SHHHHH!” No kids to break the quiet, and the neighbors are easily masked by the TV :)

31.May.2013

SSSHHHHHH- I get my quiet time in if I wake up an hour before my kids. I find that this is the best and sometimes only time I have to myself

31.May.2013

SHHH! I wake before the kiddos for coffee and quiet.

31.May.2013

SHHHH! Those pictures are fantastic!

I like to take a moment to stop and enjoy nature – outside, in the country, wandering around my neighbourhood, just looking out of the window… I find the rhythm very reassuring.

I also like libraries and reading :)

31.May.2013

SHHHHHH, sitting in my backyard having my morning coffee.

and PS, I love Jennifer’s work, just ordered another one.

31.May.2013

SHHHH! i live a pretty quiet life, but a trip to Newport is always relaxing :-)

31.May.2013

SHHHH! Yoga yoga yoga!

31.May.2013

Shhhh! I get up early, before my husband is awake, so I have a little time to sit and read, drink coffee and cuddle with the kitty before heading off to work and the rest of my day!

31.May.2013

SHHHHH! I love to sit on the front porch and unwind. I can watch the neighborhood go buy from a distance. It’s nice way to unwind after a busy day.

31.May.2013

SHHHH! I go for a nice long run for peace and quiet! =)

31.May.2013

SHHHHH!
When I can, I take a nap with my kids. We all wake up happier and more peaceful.

31.May.2013

SHHHH!

I sit outside on my back deck with a book and let the pup do as she pleases.

31.May.2013

Shhhh! I like to get outside and enjoy nature.
That rainbow picture is amazing!

31.May.2013

Shhhh! I relax on our deck and watch the wildlife…cardinals, jays, finches, chipmunks and more! Love the blog and the photography!

31.May.2013

Shhhhhhhhh….. I relax befor the baby wakes up,

31.May.2013

Shhhhh! I don’t do it as often as I would like, but there’s no better way to relax than to do a little bit of yoga : )

31.May.2013

Shhhh! (Un)fortunately my quiet time is the 8 hours I’m at work!

31.May.2013

SHHHH! I go for a quiet walk around the neighborhood, preferably right before dusk.

31.May.2013

SHHH! The evenings are pretty cold here (Calgary, Canada) even in the summer, but when I can I like to head out to the backyard with a glass of wine after my daughter goes to sleep. We live in a fairly urban neighborhood and I love to listen to all the sounds from the street and the nearby parks.

31.May.2013

SHHHHH! A tumbler of coffee while I walk my dogs down a wooded trail with my love. It’s so relaxing, the air is crisp and I enjoy the sounds of nature.

31.May.2013

SHHHHH! I relax with a hot bath in my new soaker tub.

31.May.2013

SHHHHH! I don’t have my own kids yet BUT I teach Kindergarten. Enough said? Quiet rarely exists with 20 5 year olds around you, which is okay as they’re busy learning, exploring, discovering. Yet there are times . . . books help, me using a really quiet voice helps, running outside helps. For me, having a beautiful classroom that I love is also huge. I have a series of photographs hanging in the classroom and could certainly add more (though I’m sure I’d keep it at home:).

31.May.2013

SHHH!!! Peace and quiet– only found if both kids are napping at the same time! I sit back with some tea, read a blog or two, watch some of my favorite youtube channels and if I can squeeze in a nap too, its a miracle. :)

31.May.2013

SHHHHH! I go running!

31.May.2013

SHHH! i organize!

31.May.2013

SHHHHH! I go for a run for my alone time.

31.May.2013

SHHH! I love to just sit outside in the sunshine. Something about those rays always keeps me calm.

31.May.2013

SHHH! Since the birth of our first child in January, I find that sewing items for the baby (during naps, of course) has given me a little peace and quiet. It clears my brain of all its clutter when my goal is to sew in a straight line!

31.May.2013

SHHHH! A nap usually works wonders for me

31.May.2013

SHHHHH!
I leash up our dog and go for a long peaceful walk. It does double duty in that t helps to tire out my young pup and it helps me chill out.

31.May.2013

SHHHH! No children yet, so quiet moments are easier to come by in my home :) but I like to curl up on the chair in our bedroom and read a book if I’m seeking some alone time

31.May.2013

SHHHHH!

I sequester myself to the master bathroom and soak in a nice warm bath with a great magazine. Sometimes it’s at 5am, sometimes it’s at 9pm. No matter the time of day, it’s wonderful!

31.May.2013

SHHHHH! Every day I spend at least 5 minutes with my little pup on my lap. We snuggle and I rub her belly. It’s become such a routine for us that I feel like I’m forgetting something if we don’t do it. It’s just so nice to turn off distractions and spend a few moments with the little dog that stole our hearts

31.May.2013

SHHHHH! I like to get some peace and quiet in the shower. I just stand there and let the water relax me!

31.May.2013

SHHH! I put the kids to bed then hide out in my bedroom with a book or a mindless tv program!

31.May.2013

shhhh! I love a nice quiet and peaceful morning run.

31.May.2013

SHHHHH! I either go for a walk in a forest preserve (I wish we had a beach nearby…), or I curl up with a good book (or a blog!)

31.May.2013

SHHHHH!
Nap time is my favorite time of the day! Two of the littles nap and the older of the three has quiet play time in his room. I would go crazy without that little recharge in the middle of my day!

31.May.2013

SHHHH…curl up on the chair in my bedroom and read a book.

31.May.2013

SHHHHH!

My “quiet time” is usually filled with picking up after the children, putting away dishes and laundry, and tucking everyone in- then I get a quick 10-15 minutes to drink tea with my husband beforer bedtime. Blissful.

31.May.2013

SHHH!

Quiet time, is being along in my house with no husband room-mate. Just me, the puppy and a few minutes in the morning to enjoy a book and coffee.

31.May.2013

Shhhhh! I take a minute for a magazine…easy to pick up and easy to put down.

31.May.2013

SHHHHH!

I get peace and quiet at the kids’ afternoon nap/quiet time.

31.May.2013

SHHH! DVD players with headphones in the car for the kids. Always gives me about 20 peaceful minutes of driving “alone” before squabbles break-out!

31.May.2013

SHHHH!
I use my headphones!

31.May.2013

SHHH! A few quiet minutes with my iPad.

31.May.2013

SHHH!
I like to curl up in bed with a good book!

31.May.2013

SHHHHH!
This may sound crazy, but I love swimming partly because of the quiet. Only the sound of the water in my ears as I swim back and forth. Laps can be boring but it is also really soothing.

31.May.2013

SHHHH!
I go for a run! It is my escape:)

01.June.2013

SHHHHH! I love to weed the garden, no one else in the family can say that so I am mostly by myself out there.

01.June.2013

SHHHHH!
I get a book out and read while my daughter is reading – at least 15 minutes a day!

01.June.2013

SHHHHH! I hole up in my bedroom and read. Which makes me happy to see the library idea — such a good one as my kids will definitely come home, flop down and read. We always feel so rich when we come home with a stack of good books to choose from.

01.June.2013

SHHHHH! I like to read my kindle in bed late at night by myself, after the kids go to bed, and before my hubby comes to bed. It’s pretty much the only quiet time I get each day.

01.June.2013

Shhhhhhhhhhh…..long, hot showers before bed.

01.June.2013

SHHHH!

Snuggling in bed with my pit bull is my favorite way to relax at the end of the day.

01.June.2013

“SHHHHH!” Being a mother of 4, I rarely get quiet time at home, but I get it during my watercolor class. Three hours of peace and creativity. My next project is taking a photography class.

02.June.2013

Shhhhhh I like to read every night before I go to bed. That’s my little bit of quiet in a busy day.

02.June.2013

SHHHH! I go for a run to clear my head.

02.June.2013

SHHHHH! Just found your blog through YHL and I love your style!

02.June.2013

SHHHHH! My quiet time is during my work commute. Otherwise, my 3- and 5-year olds or my job keep me super busy…the drive quiets my mind transitioning me from one job to the next. Thanks for the opportunity!

02.June.2013

Shhhhhh!

I have a 4 week old baby who loves being vocal. Haha! So, when I’m able to take a shower, that’s my peace and quiet away from the noise.

02.June.2013

SHHHHH! I curl up on the couch with a good mystery novel.

02.June.2013

SHHHH!! I go in our quiet bedroom and take deep breaths.

02.June.2013

SHHH! I get up earlier than everyone and eat breakfast alone.