fables, photos and gaston

Sometimes when my children say or do something fun, crazy or weird, I wish I could take that moment and just cork it up in a bottle so that years and years from now, I can open it and laugh, wince or cringe again.  I find stories much more interesting than facts.  When I think about my ancestors, I am much more interested in how they felt about something, or hearing their version of an event than just knowing the exact day or time in which it happened.  I've never been the best at keeping up with logging each and every cold, pound and inch my children take, but I have found that taking their picture and writing stories about them the most amazing way to capture our family.  Every year, I do an (exhausting) photobook.  Even though they are long at 90-100 pages, they are worth it.  Each year on Mother's Day, we offer one to my mom, one to my mother-in-law and one will go into each of the children's hope chest.  Journaling has been fun, because the kids can get in on the action and draw and color things too.  I write anything that I find interesting, that maybe no one else would ever know about.. maybe the way Mila tells a story, or how Remi sings in his crib and Arnaud and I will even write them letters.  I love to photograph their favorite objects, like Remi's Gaston, the gorilla and even art projects, like Mila's "peacock" partly out of fear that I will loose them.  At least we'll have a photo.   It's so fun to capture their "Diego" and "Baby Cat"  periods in the way that most think of art.  Because it is their life and I find it my favorite artform.  

learn create and inspire

My friend, Siobhan Lyle is an amazing woman, wife, mother of three adorable children and aside from all of those full time jobs, she is the owner and creative master at The Blue House Ann Arbor, A handmade studio.  This place is full of inspiration, life and ideas for how to make your nook a creative and handmade one.  I know I've always wanted to learn how to take better pictures, to knit, to screenprint a canvas, to lead by example and "made things" with my children, but I've always sort of wondered how to squeeze it all in between laundry and dinner and I definitely do not want to spend a fortune and a ton of time on University art classes.  So when I found Blue House, I also found my creative self, on a budget, and yes, easily.  There are so many awesome workshops to take, but even better, you can shop there for local handmade goodies, throw your kiddo an amazing birthday party and if you are an artist with the need for a place to work, Siobhan events rents out studio space.  http://www.bluehouseannarbor.com/

gloves and belt

A girl walked into Anthropologie yesterday and was so charmed by this front window display.  I always say that I'd love to just pack up and move my whole family into an Anthro store, and this dress explifies why I admire their merchandising and design.  Creative, fresh, boho and different from the norm.  It is made entirely from dyed cotton gloves.  Tres Belle!

welcome and bienvenue

Hi!  I'm Jaimi.  With the new year come new beginnings, resolutions and I don't know about you, but I'm always full to the brim with inspiration to start something new.  Nook and Burrow is my beloved new blog where I will share my life, favorite things, life lessons and anything inspiring.  Nook is a great word that means my small little space in this world, but it also means "corner".  I realized that since I was born, I have lived in seven different homes, and with the exception of one, they have all been on a corner.  I guess I like to live on the edge, or it is just a fun coincidence.  Also, Burrow, is a term that feels so safe, warm, comforting and full of love.  Pretty much how I have felt since meeting my husband, Arnaud and having our two amazing babes, Mila, 3 and Remi, 1.  I'm new to the blogosphere, so please be patient.  I will soon be posting more, adding photos and getting the swing of this new way of expression!  See you soon!