Let's Go Play!

The weather has felt particularly summery lately—not the oppressive heat of Australian summer but the familiar just-hot-enough heat of Illinois in July. Now let's not forget it's February, so it really doesn't make any sense that it feels like mid-summer, but let's go with it. So, I thought today we'd look at some fun summer day backyard activities. If you're here with me in the heat, let's have some friends over this weekend... if your summer is still a few months away, well, turn the heat up and poor yourself an iced tea and have a rousing game of pretend.

teepee // table with umbrella // outdoor movie // clothesline tent // tire swing // soda // play house // badminton // picnic // figure 8 // sprinkler
And since we're on the topic of reliving childhood, look at this fun project from photographer Irina Werning. The idea was to take an old photograph and have the subject recreate it as best they can. Hilarious and charming.

Terrible Yellow Eyes

I was recently cleaning out and organizing the ridiculously large pile of bookmarks I've amassed when I came across a link to "Terrible Yellow Eyes". This is good stuff. It's a collection of art started by Cory Godbey that is based on the beloved story "Where the Wild Things Are" and the art of Maurice Sendak. I wish I could say that I had the book when I was little and that I loved it more than anything, but unfortunately, it wasn't a childhood favorite. I recognize it's appeal and importance though and fully appreciate the artwork. When the trailer for the movie version came out it gave me chills. The cinematography and costumes and that song... amazing. The film was actually quite sad, but I loved it. The whole thing was very mature and childish at the same time. I digress...
The artwork created for this project is really stunning. And you can tell that these people really love and understand Mr. Sendak's vision, while still offering a unique perspective on the story. Even if you saw it when it was current (the collection ran from May 2009 - January 2010) you're going to enjoy the reminder. I sure did.



I need to see the movie again. And read a child a book. Happy weekend everyone!

Little Ladies

I love paper dolls—always have and probably always will. I love the easy outfit changes and those funny tabs and the fact that they were cheap enough that I could afford an entire wardrobe! I also have always been a fan of the Colorform playset. Those were generally more focused on environments than clothing options but the fun to be had was glorious. When I ran across these wall decals from Mae I was in love. They're paper dolls that are actually vinyl decals for your wall! They are adorable and would be so fun in a little girls room or a not-quite-so-little girls room. I was thinking they'd be so great in my office! Can't think of a creative solution to a problem? No worry! Just dress up these cuties until you've figured it out. Or until it's quittin time...


These childhood memories got me thinking about little girl's spaces and I just knew the ol' internet would have some lovely rooms to inspire or admire. I was certainly not disappointed!



So great right? And there are plenty of ideas in these rooms to inspire adults. I would go crazy for that Funny Girl poster or that cluster of paper flowers/lanterns. Oh the dreaming and pretending you could do in rooms like these!
Sources: Just Say Mo // Design*Sponge // Simply Grove // Oh Dee Doh // Fresh Home // Decor Pad // Sugar and Spice