Playfulness

If you know me and you know me well you know I am a very task oriented person. Chop it up to being the oldest of six, or that I was homeschooled for the latter part of my education, or just to my personality, regardless I am a bonified list maker. My list making abilities have changed over time and usually the list only exists in my head, but there are times where I must write it all down, get it on paper as to not forget and lose focus.

Well, sadly, playfulness is not usually entered on my "list of things to do" and with two toddlers under the age of three there is A LOT of playfulness that goes on in our house. Don't get me wrong, I play with my kids but it is normally during "scheduled times."

On this particular day Doug wasn't going to be home until really late. I decided to keep the kids home that afternoon - not fill it with one of my tasks - like running an errand - and I decided to get creative. Charlotte and Douglass Charles were thrilled when I took the tent outside in our "woods" and prepared dinner and brought it out for them to eat at our little campground. Originally I had thought we would eat in the tent, but I soon discovered there was no way we were going to accomplish that with those two kiddos - who turned the tent over within five minutes of it being outside.

The kids LOVED it. We played, ate, played and went back to eat some more. Then we pretended to be airplanes - including me - and flew down our hill buzzing away in the wind. Then we were off hopping down the hill like rabbits - hop, hop, hop - and then it was back to airplanes again.

We had such fun that evening - just playing, enjoying each other's compnay. It was fun to join in the world of a one and two year old for an hour or so - putting my list aside - relishing those sweet squeals and giggles as mommy made a complete fool of herself.

Here's hoping you add a little playfulness to your day!

It's A Big Deal!

So, does this look familiar, yet different. Yep, I have had a little name change over here at The English Pea. Last week I filed my paperwork to become an official Limited Liability Company. Feels like kind of a big deal and I guess it really is - a big step for me and one that I wasn't sure I would ever make.

Now, I will be brief so as not to bore you with business details, but the name change basically came about because there is actually another business with the same name - sort of - in the state of Georgia. So... in order to differentiate myself from this business I had to make some alterations.

Just fyi... if you are ever in a place where you are starting your own business with a name you created there are several things you need to do and one of the first is to file a name reservation with the State. If I had done this back when I selected the name over two years ago this would have never been a problem (as the other business was just formed in August). Lesson learned, but I am kind of excited about the new name and an even newer look - a little more sophisticated if you ask me. Would love to hear your thoughts!

32

This weekend I celebrated my 32nd birthday. I swear I don't know where a year goes, but it doesn't seem like it was that long since I celebrated my 31st.

Friday was a pretty normal day - as most birthdays are - but my in-laws came in and treated me to dinner. The whole fam went out and then we headed back here for cake and gifts. Doug also gave me the beautiful yellow flowers you see here and they have been a bright addition to the kithcen table - especially over a somewhat rainy weekend.

I truly felt like the 25th was my celebration day. Suzie insisted that I not let my birthday pass quietly (which was my initial desire) and talked me into having a couple of friends meet up for brunch on Saturday. Anna, Amy, Suzie and I headed over to Marietta Square for some girl time at Sugar Cakes. I thoroughly enjoyed my morning off and time catching up with friends - Thanks, Suz, for "talking me into it."

The true highlight of the weekend for me was Saturday evening. Doug's parents graciously offered to keep the kids so Doug and I could have a date night. We headed back to the square and ate at Simpatico - where I had a delictable lobster mac and cheese and a couple glasses of my favorite reisling. Doug and I also wandered around some shops, casually looked around at Barnes and Noble (which I haven't done in a LONG time), and enjoyed some ice cream before heading home.

It truly was a relaxed and fun weekend and I appreciate all those that wanted to make it special. Despite my wanting to pass this birthday quietly, I think we celebrated it up quite well. :)

Happy Day

Today I am kicking off my birthday with my giveaway winner - plus a few hugs from the kiddos, my free cup of Starbucks, and some awesome grocery shopping. :) Congratulations to Emily Branch on winning your choice of halloween bag tags/cupcake toppers. :) I will contact you to get specifics on what you want.

Happy Day!

Last Chance...

to enter my Trick or Treat Giveaway! Click here to enter. I will announce the winner tomorrow.

And isn't this little spider headband cute? I am not a big fan of large things in babies' hair (I know, some of you like it the bigger the better. Just not my style), I do think this is quite fun for the holiday. You can find it here.

Have a great day and good luck on winning the giveaway!

Personalization

There is no art to personalization, but it is amazing how something so simple can make one feel so special. I am sitting, right now, in a coffee shop in the town where I live - trying to accomplish some important paperwork and gear up for the holidays. I looked up and saw a sign in this local place - "Happy Birthday, Lisa!" This little shop knows their customers, calls them by name, welcomes them and seems to already know their order. I don't know about you, but these kind of gesutres always make me feel special - and it is just the simple mention of their name, their order, what makes them unique and special.

This is one of the things I love about my business - being able to personalize a card, the color, a symbol that best recognizes a personality, a preference, and favorite. So thanks, little coffee shop, for reminding me what makes my little corner of commerce so special to me - personalization!

A New Arrival

The kids getting aquainted with their new cousin


Charlotte "holding" Kiersten's hand


Proud Uncle Doug holding his niece

Last Monday we welcomed a new member to the English family. Doug's younger sister, Meg, and her husband, Grant, welcomed their first child, Kiersten Marie into this world. Grant is an officer in the military and thankfully they are posted close enough to us for to make a trip this weekend to meet the newest member of our family.

This is Doug's first niece on his side of the family - and as many of you know - it is just different when your siblings have the children (instead of inlaws). Oh, you care for all the kiddos equally, but sharing the joy of children with someone as close as your sibling is just special. Doug was so excited about that little girl he went down the day after she was born after work to meet her. He couldn't wait until the weekend.

She is a precious little thing and we are thrilled to have a cousin to eventually play with on the English side of the family (Charlotte couldn't understand why baby Kiersten was always sleeping and didn't want to play with her on Saturday). :) Congrats Meg and Grant on a beautiful baby girl!