My Own Personal Bistro

Weird weather in Colorado lately. It's either been beastly hot, or raining. My back deck has not been a place of refuge, as it's alternately soaking wet or a blazing inferno!

However, when I have a precious few minutes and the kids are napping, I've been trying to get outside just to get a change of perspective. So much more refreshing than running around folding laundry or cleaning the house!

My front porch has a cute little bistro table that's in the perfect shady spot. Even just five minutes out here can change my day!

Most of the time this spot in my house sits forgotten. I'm so glad I've rediscovered it!

Introducing the Rice Pad

For those of you dealing with cold weather this winter, I have something that has completely made my curling-up-on-the-couch time much more cozy.  I will be the first to admit that I did not make this, but that I think you could if you have any basic sewing ability (which, we will all agree, I do not!).

This, my friends, is a rice pad.  It's a simple piece of fabric sewn up into a square, filled with plain white uncooked rice.

Mine has a little cover that can be removed with a piece of Velcro.  And yes, those are teddy bears on the fabric.  Yes, my nickname from childhood is "Care Bear."  And yes, my mommy bought this for me!

Here's a good photo of the interior bag.  Just a super-simple square filled with rice.  I have heard of people adding dried lavender or some other good-smelling thing to the rice.  Mine is just plain.
On a cold winter night I throw my rice pad into the microwave for 3-4 minutes.  Then I can curl up on the couch with it, or put it in my bed to warm my tootsies!  It's really convenient because, unlike a heating pad or electric blanket, I don't have to get up and turn it off if I fall asleep.  It just cools off on it's own, which is safer and also more convenient in the middle of the night!  It stays warm for about 1-2 hours, depending on how long you've microwaved it.

So if you have a spare half an hour, some extra material and some uncooked rice, whip up one of these little guys!  I just love mine!

Is It Too Early For a Bubble Bath?

Yes, it's Monday.  I already need a bubble bath!  So I figured it would be a good time to do a little post on my master bathroom...after all, I can't be the only one who feels this way, right?

The other day, Nina and I came home from the pool all greased up from sunscreen, so after dinner I filled up the bathtub.  Although I love these candles in my bathroom, I think this is probably only the second time they've been lit in...six months?  I just don't usually take the time.  But I should!

My favorite thing about the bathroom is my little chandelier.  I always thought it needed some dimension above the bathtub, but didn't want to mess with running new electrical wiring to put up an actual light fixture.  My solution was to head over to my favorite antique shop, and I came home with this wrought iron thingy for about $25.  Not bad for what a big statement it makes!
When I actually light all the candles, it is practically daylight in there!  A bubble bath was the perfect way to de-grease myself from sunscreen, relax, and even get rid of some of those pregnancy aches and pains I've been having lately.  Perfect ending to the day!  I hope you find something just as relaxing on this Monday...