Okay- let's talk bedding. I have spent hours searching (online and in stores) and I keep coming back to the RH bedding. So I went back to my store today. They were out of about half of what I needed and wanted so I ordered it (w/ free shipping) and I should have it ALL by the end of the week. Here is what I decided on. 1 King Duvet Cover in the 18th Century Medallion (in link above.) Pacific, so it does have a hint of blue. 2 Matelasse King Euro Shams in Fog (also linked above) 2 Lumbar "accent pillows" in cashmere.. one for each sham. I brought home 2 colors- a gray and an icy blue and need to choose. 1 Matelasse coverlet to act as a blanket- will be between the duvet cover and sheets. ***bought in Eucalyptus which is an icy blue color. The salesman talked me into this and I an really second guessing this for 2 reasons. #1- $179 is a LOT of money for a blanket that might not been seen. I could find a blanket at HomeGoods for $39 that would be fine. #2- *if* I stick w/ it, should I exchange it for Fog (color) so it matches the shams?? I really like the pop of color, but let's say, in the summer time, I decide to let the coverlet show more... wouldn't I want it to match the shams? Or am I trying to be too matchy-matchy??? (a problem of mine.) Wdyt??? Solid choices? I do need to get a king, light weight duvet on order. Any recs? I will go ahead and link the Matelasse coverlet again... *if* I keep the coverlet, should I switch to Fog? wdyt? thanks! Here is a link that might be useful: RH Matelasse

This is alluring.... I love sleeping outdoors. But it's been two summers since I actually did it, and it wasn't on a swing. Just in the middle of the side yard, nothing but sky overhead. A porch bed would be awesome. But practical matters have always scared me away from actually having one, amongst them: - How do you keep bugs away? - How do you keep it dry in a windy rainstorm? Do you have to cover it up when not in use? - Can you use regular indoor sheets and pillows? Won't they become mildewy unless you only bring them out when you use them? - How do you keep it clean? All my outdoor furniture seems to collect dirt and sand within days of being cleaned - And finally, where do you all live that you'd even consider sleeping on the *front* porch? I'm in a quadplex and my neighbors and flatmates would undoubtedly wake me up whenever they enter or leave their home (it's a shared patio). Not to mention the cars driving by, people walking by, etc. I can see this working in a rural setting. Maybe in the 'burbs. Definitely not in urban areas like mine. I'm in the minority around here even being comfortable sleeping outside in the back yard. Or do you just want it for looks and for daytime use as a hammock/swing?

The secret is to cover it with an itchy grey wool carriage blanket. Worked for grandma! I just visited her old house yesterday and the old sleeping porch. It was about half the size that it was in my memory. I know some folks who put up a tent in their backyard and also you could use mosquito netting over the bed or put it in a gazebo. I did find a wolf spider in my bed while sleeping in a friend's tent. I spent the rest of the night on the porch on the couch. It was nice while it lasted. I have a bed on my porch but the yard is so noisy with road traffic it isn't as nice as I would like it to be.

This may be more for next year but there is a lot to do in PA for kids-- a home base in Phila or the Phila suburbs would make for easy drives to the Crayola Experience, Legoland and the Strasburg Railroad -- also while our own Jococo's Longwood Gardens is not a children's venue, children love it! There are wide open spaces to walk and a magical children's garden. I don't know if they allow children-- but you'd have to make a stop at Baldwin's Book Barn also! There is plenty to do in Phila proper too. Spruce St Harbor is just a nice place to relax with hammocks and Adirondack chairs right on the water-- and I have always loved the little parks at Washington square, Rittenhouse square, etc. Nothing more than benches and greenery but still a nice place to break from the concrete. Em is probably a little too young for the Franklin Institute but I'd check out the exhibits to be sure. Some of these places are an hour or so from Phila.. I listed only Strasburg railroad from Lancaster but there are many other attractions there too and a vibrant downtown art/food culture that you'd never expect from a region known primarily for the amish culture. And then of course, closer to my neck of the woods is Hershey with all its attractions. I definitely think you could have a fun time-- crafted to your adult interests and Em's too!