domestic bliss and tranquility

true love x 2!

In addition to making a DAMN FINE BANANA CAKE, because she knew it was my favorite, and she wanted to make my birthday really special, which she did, and it was :)---- my M-I-L, Carolyn is the ultimate domestic doyenne.

Being at her house is so RELAXING, first and foremost because of the pleasant company, but also because it's just very CLEAN and very comfortable. It's outfitted with the all thoughtful small details that make guests feel immediately at ease, and find everything they need is already provided. And the smell of delicious food cooking (always) adds to the feeling of HOME at her house.

You already know from reading previous posts, that her home it also an atmosphere of warmth, caring, support, and unconditional love. So--it is even more enjoyable because of her domestic skills. She doesn't just go out of her way for MY birthday, every person she loves recieves her loving attention during their uniquely important moments.

It is on her skillful creation of HOME, in every meaning of the word, that I base my aspirations. Not only for the comfort of my husband, because he's accustomed to such a high standard of care and creature comforts, because his MOM and DAD did such a good job, but also for the health and comfort of Isaac. :) I am so fortunate to get to be a stay-at-home mom to him. We wanted him to have the same nurturing home environment that Dave grew up with.

Maintaining this environment of delicious home cooked meals, uber-cleanliness, uplifting and inspiring beauty, and loving attentiveness, is a huge priority for me, not only for Isaac's well-being, but for Dave's as well. It's my way of saying THANK YOU while his responsibility load is so large--with law school and working full-time--very difficult and challenging. Thank you Dave, for all your hard work. My mom and I appreciate being the beneficiaries.

Consequently, my home is SO CLEAN right now. There is nothing that feels better or more luxurious--than a clean, well-appointed, beautiful home. For the first time since we moved in, the clutter is cleared, and I was able to clean really deeply--everywhere. We're talking cleaning the floors on hands and knees and dusting the blinds---clean. Prior to this we just had parts clean and parts dirty.

I've always been good at keeping the homemade meals coming and the freezer full. Dave absolutely LOVES food, and he is quite an talented gourmet cook, so his expectations for good FLAVOR are high. I love food too--though, I enjoy very low-brow comfort food as much as the dramatic, flaming Steak Au Poive or the exotic Thai dishes Dave makes. Mostly I love cooking for how much it intensifies the feeling of home--- filling the house with such enticing smells wafting through the air.

Some things I learned recently:
--Used dryer sheets take away soap residue on glass shower doors. Sparkling!
--Baby wipes make excellent dust cloths on non-wood surfaces.















tummy time is happy time--especially on our new play yard from grama!


Everyone knows how good it feels when your house is CLEAN. When my house is this clean, I always want to invite everyone over to enjoy it. Previously, that has meant FRIENDS while we lived in Seattle. We will certainly miss our huge blow-out parties as well as intimate gatherings with our good friends. :(

Now it means FAMILY too since most everyone lives near here. And in our short time here we've hosted family events and houseguests a number of times already!

I love that our home is becoming a HUB of hosting and entertaining in our extended network of friends and family. And I absolutely love providing such a nurturing, relaxing, nourishing and beautiful space for everyone who spends time here. (pictures as soon as I hang the art and the curtains :) )

Our next big gathering is THANKSGIVING. I hope all of our invited guests can make it. Believe me, the food will be delicious. And, oh, how I wish you could join us!

Miss you! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.