In my Family Friendly Interiors work, I often encounter families who want to create a playroom just for the children.  When I hear this, I strongly urge them to reconsider.  A room designated just for toys often goes unused.  Children like to be where the action is.  They like to be around their parents, even if they are playing parallel to their parents, they like to be near.  Humans are social animals and we enjoy

It is wonderful to see how many families are embracing Montessori philosophy and bringing it into there homes. There are many blogs by moms about how this is working for them, some Montessori trained, some self-educated, and all with a unique point-of-view to share. One key element to consider when bringing Montessori home is the prepared environment. The environment is its own “teacher/guide” for children.  It is through living in a prepared environment that children learn.

I love to cook, bake, eat…but when it comes to packing lunches for school, I feel like I’m always at a loss.  I don’t know if it’s the pressure of creating a balanced, tasty, yet convenient lunch that will travel well and not need too much refrigeration or if its the little part of me that hurts inside when I use a prepackaged food item because I was just not prepared enough or creative enough? I’m sure