Our puppy girl, Jemma Jane, is 12 weeks old today.  She loves hanging out or napping on our hardwood floors.  I guess that they feel nice and cool to her.  We have finally found something to satisfy a good amount of that puppy chewing – something other than our fingers and toes, that is.  Dave found these twisty beef-flavored chewies and they have worked wonders to keep our puppy busy.  Thank you Petsmart!

Father’s Day is Sunday June 20th, only a little more than a week away.  My kids have been looking at some ideas of things to make for Dave.  They love making stuff for their Dad especially when they know he’ll use it or take it to work to put in his office.  I remember making a coin bank for my Dad out of a cleaned out lidded canister.  Wonder if he still has it?

Martha Stewart has come up with the best ideas for Father’s Day gifts and crafts for the kids to make or put together.  Here are some of our favorite ideas from www.marthastewart.com.  As always, Martha rocks!

Map Coasters
Cutout Frame
Photo Bookmarks

Belt Rack
Cardboard Frame
Car-Wash Kit

Our English Springer Spaniel puppy is 11 weeks old today.  Jemma has been with us for almost a month and is quickly becoming a part of the family.  Our girl really enjoys playing in the backyard and eating sticks – try not to notice our awful patchy grass in this photo.  Just look at those puppy dog eyes!

I am introducing a new section of the website.  It is called, ‘What I’m Reading’.  I am always reading five or six books at a time.  Out of those one is usually on a subject that I really want to know more about, one is a classic (old or new), and one is popular culture related or more of a grown-up picture book - such as a decorating book by a favorite designer.

It always fascinates me to hear what books other people are reading or what their favorite books are.  My parents have both read hundreds of books and passed this love on to myself and my little brother.  I am very proud to say that my kids are also voracious readers, so I guess that our love of reading truly runs in the family.

I hope that you enjoy the new What I’m Reading section of Mom About Town.  Every month I will post on the books/articles that I am reading.  Did I ever mention that books are my favorite gifts to give or to receive? 

The Essie Nailpolish Summer 2010 Collection is here.  There are some great colors.  I know that many people are talking about whether or not they would wear the green.  It is so bold!  I do not think it is for me but I love Demure Vixen and Miss Matched.  What do you think of the colors here?  Would you try the green shade called Pretty Edgy?

I signed up for Essie’s mailing list and get previews of collections.  I have also gotten special offers such as for free shipping on orders over $40.  So sign up for Essie’s mailing list.  I wonder what new colors fall will bring. 

Last week’s unusually high humidity and 90° temperatures (unusual for June in PA) have finally cooled down.  Time to open up the windows and screen doors and get some fresh air circulating through the house. 

We got this gorgeous retro Hunter electric tabletop fan a couple of months ago.  It was normally $60 at Target but it was on sale that weekend and we got it for $45.  What a find!  I give my sweet husband Dave full credit for that one.  It is in the boys’ bedroom right now. 

I was inspired to look for a retro fan, by this post from last summer.  It was on the blog/website of one of my favorite bloggers, Lauren Leiss at Pure Style Home.  She is a designer and mom with great style.  She enjoys interesting finds just like I do, even from Target or Walmart.

Here are some other cool retro-looking electric fans to check out with the links.

Blue Minka-Aire Retro Desk Fan
Casablanca Zephair Portable Desk Fan
Red Hunter Retro Table Fan

Restoration Hardware Retro Chestnut Fan
Lowes Bronze Retro Table Fan
Lamps Plus Retro Nickel Fan