the summer I was 34

Today I am sharing in a few fotos of the house from over the weekend accompanied by lots of words.

Summer is serious right now. Relaxing and lazy while also frantic and exhausting. Our days and nights have been filled with activities and plans. Since moving to the new house I have been super ambitious about hosting friends and learning how to entertain. It has been really fun and something that we never really felt equipped to do at our old spot for whatever reason.

On Saturday we hosted my in-laws and out of town family from Australia for an Italian dinner that Mike's mom and aunt and sister made. All we had to do was set the table and pour some vino. I also provided mini ice cream cones from trader joe's frozen section. 

The new house is still fairly empty which makes entertaining actually quite easy cause there is rarely much to do to get the house in order before friends and family come over. 

dining room

We have had a few trips to Ikea in the past month and most recently on Saturday all three of us went, phew! I unexpected picked up a couple sets of markers and paper. Coloring has proven to be a time consuming and peaceful activity for him. Only drawback is when it ends up on my freshly painted white walls. I am happy to report that the red stripe I discovered on the wall above was quite easy to remove with just a rag and water.

Our old house still has most of our stuff in it 'staged' because it has not sold yet (tear) so we are living the minimal life which is feeling super good. And has us nearly convinced to get rid of 90% of what is at the old house. That would feel so good.

The below set up is actually now outdated, we moved the credenza to the other side of the room below a big picture window and it feels much better there.

living room

Bringing some of our old pieces into this new home is quite revealing. It is exciting to see the pieces take on new and familiar roles all at the same time. The artwork & framed photographs feel like they are doing most of the heavy lifting to make the house feel like home.

Momo's room

For a handful of reasons we didn't bring Mario's crib to the house. Most obvious reason being that he is 3.5 years old but also the staging I referenced above. 

I found this bed at a neighbor's garage sale the week after our offer was accepted and loved how classic it was. Mike and I went back and forth on twin bed versus full but I bit the bullet and got a bed he could have for as long as he is in the house. Plus it was $60 so felt like a no brainer. 

The matador painting was hanging in our bedroom at the old house and we named him Benny Gomez when we bought him for $10 at goodwill 4 years ago. Probably my fave goodwill find ever.

kitchen serenades, very normal

On the subject of goodwill. I bought the below guitar with strap last week while on the hunt for a LARGE mirror. I didn't end up with a mirror but I did score this guy. Mario was stoked. As gifted it to him I told him that August is a BIG transition month for him. He does not have school/camp and we are doing lots of family things and travel. I told him this guitar is for boys who DO NOT poop or pee in their pants. And he is only allowed to play with it if he has been a good listener and good at using the potty.

He has been happily using the potty and singing 'this land is your land, this land is my land' as often as he can. Super duper sweet. Potty usage is at 90%.

Thats all from me, hope you enjoyed my journal entry, lol.

Also, if you or anyone you know is looking for a  cute spot in SE Portland please let me know we can cut you a reader discount & maybe even throw in some of our old furniture too :)

xx