I love this house

We recently had some of our family stay with us and this is what our sweet nephew (who's about to be 8) left for us on the board in the garage. 



How wonderful is that?  I love this house too, not for it's looks or material aspects of it, although I am posting about some home improvements today ;)  But more for the activities and beings it houses and holds.  Your home really can be your sanctuary, I enjoy it just as much when it's empty of activity and I'm alone in the kitchen or the garden, or even the laundry =) 

Before our houseguests arrived we were fortunate to have our new toilet arrive.  We ordered from BGreen here in Ann Arbor and love it.  Also a side note that a toilet will fit perfectly in the back of a Wrangler, actually lots will, don't underestimate the little cars ;) 



It's a Caroma Caravelle 270 and uses 0.8 and 1.6 gallons per flushes.





the big trap reminds me of Italian toilets =)



and the #1 and #2 flushes ;)



Our last new flooring for a while is here too, we decided on cork tiles, I'm pretty excited I think it will be nice and 'soft'.  This we ordered from BGreen as well, it's the Nova brand and nice and simple looking.  If you're looking for a splash of color or a pattern they have some really gorgeous ones. 





the big roll of cork underlayment



Ok, so the garden is growing so well, we've had the best weather so far for it!  The lessons that I've learned so far are that zucchini get frickin huge and will try and take over the world if you let it...and strawberries would really like a patch to grow in AND they winter over here, so cool!

the zucchini getting big and tall



tons and tons of zucchini blossoms =)



the strawberries reaching out looking for some soil.  We are now planning to put a patch in for them.  We must construct a fence first for the gypsy cat (who I think Maggie happens to be fond of, aww =)  We have (ok mostly me) been eating berries every few days from the pots. 



Much cilantro has been harvested and used in smoothies, salads and guacamole.



and lots of green harvesting and washing, yea for organic home gardens!!!



This guy came crawling out of the current havest, isn't he cute?  He was transported back outdoors (there's no bug squishing in this house)  The harvest before a snail sans shell was crawling out ;)  Good to know that our soil and food are alive and teaming with all kinds of critters.  In fact I'm wondering if that little worm is what's been sharing the kale with us ;) 



lacinato kale doing well



we have young toms, hip hip horray!



green beans with flowers



the slow growing cucs have blossoms as well now



the Little Gem Romaine that is super good. 



sweet sweet basil, oh how I love thee



on overview of the end with the carrots and leeks coming along and the cilantro starting to go to seed (which you can save, it's coriander)



My recent bfast desires have been chia gel with fresh berries and of course a sccop of Naturally Nutty =)



Here's a random recommendation for dishwasher soap, I LOVE this Biokleen powder.  It's not the cheapest one, but this canister will last a long time and does a great job of washing using a small amount.  It's the only one in my experience that removes the coffee and tea rings from our white Fiestaware. 



Have a lovely lovely day!