Hi Dana,
Coming out of lurkdom to comment for once! I was not a fan of the MARSTA drawers. They looked great from across the store, but for me were a real disappointment up close! They have a strange plastic feel and the faux wood inside the handles is even more plastic. : /

Hey, I can’t remember how old Layne is, but you might consider looking into junior Civil Air Patrol for him. My fourteen-year-old joined last summer and really likes it. It’s kind of a combo of military (Air Force) and scouts, with a rescue bent. Anyhow, they do regular orientation flights and the boys get to take control of the planes. They fly out of Wright Borthers Airport, over by Austin Landing. Your young pilot could be in the air soon!

I guess if I had read for about three more seconds, I would know his age. Oy. Anyhow, I think they’re eligible to join CAP at 12 or 13.

I seriously have GOT to read all the way through before commenting! I didn’t know your previous McMansion was in Lebanon! That’s where I live now, AND we moved here four years ago, so I guess coming in stage right as you were exiting left. Would you mind messaging me the address? I would love to see where it is, how far you were from me, and possibly indulge in a Sliding Doors-type fantasy where we are bffs. (If that is way creepy, you can totally decline.)

I always love the links you find, and the fact that you stalk nearby houses! I do that too.

I just found this site: http://circaoldhouses.com/ and am OBSESSED. Have you seen it before? Check out the homes in Ohio — you’ll be dreaming about them forever. :)

I always worry about the self-tanners getting on my clothes and making them look dingy – have you had any issues with this?
So glad that Layne had a great “first flight” – my son did this too, at a very young age, and he loved it! The flight attendants took such good care of him – I was the one who freaked out (on the inside) every time he flew!!
Leah; )

Hi Dana – thanks so much for taking the time to check out my blog/instagram and sharing – you know how to make a girl feel good! And clearly we love our RTA cabinets and highly recommend them, especially for people that aren’t afraid to play with tools…
p.s. My seven year old already has feet as big as mine – don’t you wonder when boy feet will ever stop growing?!

I always adore these posts. I love hearing about the simple things going on in life and the links are always so interesting. So glad you continue to share these posts.

Congrats to your son. I think you have an adventurer on your hands.

I am an uneasy flier, every little lurch or bump scaring me so much. Brave boy! Of course, at his age he would never admit fear! Yes, he does have rather large feet-I noticed as well. ;^)

Dana, please, oh please, do not refer to parenting with an out of town spouse as “single parenting”. You are married with a loving spouse who cares for you and your kids and provides emotional and financial support! Being blessed with those things and lacking only physical access to your husband is nothing like what it’s like to truly be a single parent. When married, stay-at-home moms refer to being a “single parent” when their husbands are traveling, it is truly an insult to actual single parents. Please know this is not an attack- I imagine you’ve never thought of it like this. :)

We checked out those IKEA drawers…they look really cool from a distance, but I felt the wood grain effect looked really fake, which turned me off. Maybe if they did a painted look in the cutout, I’d be more into it, because it’s a really cool idea.

That was my concern when I noticed that the inserts are actually foil stickers :(

Layne’s shoes are already too big for me!

I’ve been using it for about two weeks now…maybe 4 applications total? I don’t want a “tan.” I just want a healthy glow instead of the gray hue that took over my skin this winter. It’s worked so well with no problems getting on my clothes, towels or bedding. I apply after showering and exfoliating with a loofah. I did splurge for the recommended application glove which keeps my hands from turning colors. I use it to apply like a lotion. I don’t usually have a ton of time to sit around and wait for it to soak in…I maybe let it absorb for 1-2 minutes and then get dressed (clothes or pi’s depending on the time of day). I’m really happy with it. It doesn’t look out of place at all – just glowy and healthy.

No, you’re right! I am well aware that my weeks without Steve don’t even compare to true single parenting. That was what the ;) was for, so I really hope single parents don’t think I’m undermining their responsibilities and hardships. I definitely didn’t mean to offend anyone and, if I did, I apologize.

Oh no. This is bad. Very, very bad. (In the best way possible, of course.)

Really?! He would love that.

That’s what I was afraid of. Great concept, poor execution?

Someone owns that beautiful house but they’re not selling it or living in it? Blasphemy.

Thanks for the self tanner recommendation! Do you apply to your face and neck too? Any tips on avoiding a weird line if you don’t? I’m always afraid of an orange face or a weirdly separate head-neck.

I looked at these over the weekend. I thought about buying some real wood veneer and making my own inserts. That said the doors themselves felt… hollow?.. compared to the others.

I use it sparingly on my face and neck…mainly on places that would be hit naturally by the sun…forehead, cheekbones, bridge of nose, etc. I haven’t had any issues with actual lines. It produces a nice glow, no tan lines!

I know. It’s so empty and sad. I would totally keep it company.

Oh wow, thank you so much for this information – I think I may have to give it a try! My legs haven’t seen the light of day in such a long time….: D

I recently heard it referred to as “solo parenting” when your spouse is out of town. I’ve adopted that for when I’m alone with my 3. ;)

I like it.