The other day, I let little Stephanie step into my home. She wanted to borrow some cocoa for brownies, so I walked over to the pantry leaving the front door open and she came inside. I watched as her eyes danced around, taking it all in.

The next day, she came over again, but this time she brought a friend. Maybe she told them, ‘I saw the inside of Ms. Barb’s house’, and the friend didn’t believe her, so thought they would try it again. I was in the middle of cooking dinner, so I stood in the doorway to see what they needed, but thought it was cute they gave it a shot.

Over the weekend, I made hummus using the little guy and it was delicious. A friend suggested to let chickpeas simmer all day in a crockpot to get them really tender which makes for super creamy hummus. Once they’ve cooled, I flash freeze them by spreading them on a cookie sheet and placing it in the freezer for a few hours. Then, I store them in portion sized freezer bags to make hummus at any time.

Last October, I found this little clay dish on clearance at World Market and brought it home. It reminded me of a miniature soup terrine and even though I wasn’t sure what I would use it for, I loved it and knew that it would eventually find a purpose.

This little dish has been assigned to hummus and the wooden spoon makes scooping and spreading the hummus magical. I’ve realized how much of my life revolves around buying little things because I love them and will eventually use them, but not for their intended purpose. Years ago, I fell in love with a pot for a plant, but use it as a kitchen tool caddy. Instead of hanging every picture on the wall, I like to prop them atop cabinets. I purchased the pictured dish at the same time I bought the trinket tray, which what was designed for random items, but I saw a morning beverage tray.

This is probably more easily achieved living solo, but if you share your home you could have a room of whimsy, or a touch here and there. Once we stop taking life so seriously there’s a spark of playfulness just waiting to seep into our structured lives. We are responsible for the environment we create and I cannot imagine living without a life of whimsy.