Two of the three munchkins are sick. Snot and phlegm are everywhere. There are not enough tissues in the house. The everyday responsibilities that come with being a parent {piles of laundry, piles of dishes, piles of other stuff, putting something edible on the table, dentist appointments, school parties, wiping noses, changing diapers, helping with homework…why am I telling you this? You know the drill.} suddenly feel very monotonous and tedious. I blame cabin fever and there is no sign of spring in sight.

I’m craving a project. One that does not involve carving a bar of soap. Yes, I’m talking to you second grade art teacher. Thank you. Thank you for sending home a bar of soap to shave and prod and poke and toothpick and sculpt and cut into a work of art. Layne made the most beautiful pile of soap crumbs which Mabrey promptly ate. I understand why you made this a home project. Thankyouverymuch.

I’m fulfilling my parenting duties today then as soon as HH gets home from work this evening, I’m headed to IKEA. Alone. I warned HH last night. Please tell me someone else out there considers kidless outings to IKEA and/or Target mini vacations. And, mark my words, I won’t feel guilty. Listen up mommy conscience. I WILL NOT FEEL GUILTY.

Of course, I need a shopping list. Of course. If I don’t write stuff down, it doesn’t happen. Hell, sometimes even the stuff I do write down doesn’t happen. And that’s the kind of week it has been. A week of writing stuff down then nothing happening. Because of snot and soap. Both of which, I’ve discovered, Mabrey has an appetite for. Sugar and spice and everything nice, my a$$.

FYI – To fully experience my moodiness, please replace “stuff” with “sh*t” in the previous paragraph.

Here’s my shopping list.

IVAR shelving or RIBBA picture ledge? I can’t decide but I’m finally doing something about the surround sound speakers behind the couch.

BRANÄS basket I’m finally doing something about the clutter in the boys’ shared room.

LAPPLJUNG RUTA I’m finally buying this pillow after talking about how great it/the price tag is. But what a horrendous name!

NUMERÄR countertop + LERGBERG trestle leg We’re finally DIYing a table to put behind the sofa.

Seven o’clock can’t come soon enough.

Click here to see who won this week’s Jack & Ella Paper Press giveaway!

images: polyvore collage by Dana Miller, linked within

Last year I curated an event for Joss & Main which featured many items that would have worked well in our previous house. We were living in a temporary apartment at the time because the Underdog was under construction {and still is to some extent!} and unlivable. I had a lot of fun putting together the collection. So…I was super excited when the head honchos at Joss & Main contacted me again a few months back and asked me to curate another event.

What’s that? You want me to pretend shop from the comfort of my bed in my pj’s while my kids are sleeping? Yespleaseandthankyou.

The event is now live and you can browse it here! The theme is “Keep It Simple” and it’s a tad more masculine than my last collection because I tend to be leaning that way with our current home’s decor. I don’t know about you but a midcentury ranch feels masculine to me. Am I right? I also incorporated a few items related to our renovation like penny tile and a kitchen faucet. Above are just a few of the items featured in the event. If you’re interested, hop on over and peruse the entire collection for inspiration and easy shopping. I’m telling you straight up that I do receive a small commission from the event – any and all of which I promise to put towards my decorating fund since events like this and my writing contributions elsewhere are how I bring home the bacon now…when I’m not literally bringing home the bacon.

If you’re not already a Joss & Main member, you can sign up for free here.

Thanks for looking and shopping in advance!

image: polyvore collage by Dana Miller, Joss & Main images