Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Cleopatra Sofa

An absolutely beautiful sofa, available from Victorian Trading Co.


I've always wanted a couch like this, and recently I've become aware that I'm into furniture that has a silver painted over wood look to it so I would definitely want to see how that would turn out on this piece. I am certain it would look stunning.

The price is a bit high on this piece, but I think it's expected for something like this. A little give and take may make the price not seem so bad with getting other pieces to complete a living room with it that are cheaper in prices. I'm on the lookout at gathering up furniture to finally have my dream living room (different from our den which is basically our real living room). If I can acquire this sofa, it would definitely be a great start and set the tone off right for an amazing dramatic look.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

No Stress Chess

My son's birthday was on the 28th of January--he is now 7 years old! We gave him a Super Mario Bros. themed birthday party that following Saturday. My parents sent him an Amazon e-gift certificate which part of it I used to order him No Stress Chess. Gavin and I played this together tonight and it is such a neat way to get kids to remember the chess pieces' names and how they move on the board. Gavin was delighted and excited all throughout the game. We played 2 rounds before I noticed it was past his bedtime. He wanted to keep playing.


The game uses cards which show how the pieces move. It is called No Stress because with the beginner style game you just abide by which card you draw. If you draw a knight card, then that is what you must move if you can. The game is still quite exciting even though it allows you to be able to take more risks. And you don't have to use the cards to play but it IS a fun alternative style along with it being a great learning aid for kids (and even for adults!).

Gavin has set his alarm to wake up earlier tomorrow morning because he wants to play when he wakes up before school! I am so happy he is enjoying this chess game so much because he really likes playing Monopoly and I think this outshines Monopoly for him by far. I must say I hate Monopoly so much. To me, having to sit and play Monopoly is like being forced to sit through torture. I just get so bored and restless with that game, so much so that I feel like jumping out of my chair, screaming and running out the door. So I am ecstatic about my boy learning all about chess now! Chess is a game that keeps me engaged.

One day I will buy Gavin a really nice chess set for his room. I still want one of those Alice in Wonderland ones for myself. Brian has one that I bought for him some years back that is really cool. I think everyone should have a chess set that really reflects their own style.