Grace. Daily Grace. I don't know about you... but I need an abundance of grace to get through the day. Good thing God's grace is constant and overflowing. What about my grace? Sometimes I am not all that gracious. It's hard to understand how we can be given so much and then turn around and be stingy with what we have. I'm not talking about stingy with stuff... I'm talking about stingy with grace. How are you in the patience department? Me? Not so good. In fact, my husband often points it out to me. In a good way which … [Read more...]
Having lunch or a day of shopping with a good friend is pretty special. But, those few hours go by too quickly. How many times do you wish for some extended times without an agenda? Last week I went out-of-town to I spent some time with one of my favorite friends. We've been wanting to get together for quite a while. Finally, it was the right time for both of us. And though I could have driven back and forth any number of times, she invited me to be her house guest for most of the week. And it was wonderful. Mary Beth and I worked together for several years and I … [Read more...]
What's your favorite sweet treat? If you're like me and a gazillion others... there isn't much better than a chocolate chip cookie. Unless it's a chocolate chip cookie with a cup of cocoa. Recently on Facebook I shared a recipe that looked really good and one of our An Extraordinary Day readers mentioned that she had a similar tried and true recipe that she LOVED. I asked if she might share it with me. Last night I whipped up a batch and shared them with friends and they were a hit. And because I can't keep all good things to myself... I had to share it with you. Thankfully, … [Read more...]
Wow! So much St. Paddy's Day inspiration at last week's Project Inspire{d}. Here is just a wee sampling of the magical St. Patrick's ideas you shared with us! 17 Magical St. Patrick's Ideas Shamrock Cookies from Christianity Cove Rainbow Jello Snack from Christianity Cove St.Patrick's Day Thread Spools from Kaleidoscope of Colors Dollar Store Decor to St. Patrick's Day Pillow from Virginia Sweet Pea Cupcake Liner St. Patrick's Day Trees from Little Miss Celebration Mason Jar Tea Lights from Upstate Ramblings Shamrock Shake from 3 Kids and a Fish Lucky Charms Popcorn Balls from 3 … [Read more...]
Wouldn't you love to make a sweet treat for family or friends that looks like you slaved for hours in the kitchen? I've got just the dessert. I'll keep how easy it is to make a secret if you will, too! While browsing Pinterest for pink flower arrangements, the cutest little pastry caught my eye. Of course I pinned it. And then I forgot. I'm so glad I remembered the dainty envelope fruit tarts, just in time for Valentine's Day. These dainty envelope fruit tarts are super simple and easy to create. And best of all... they'll be the talk of the town! Okay... the … [Read more...]
Are you a chocolate lover? There's a saying I've seen floating around the internet for quite some time... Chocolate makes everything better. Today I'm here to tell you that chocolate hot fudge sauce makes everything better. Okay, maybe not everything. But surely, it's the finishing touch to a brownie and ice cream sundae. I have to tell you, I'm a recent convert to hot fudge sauce. Recently my friend made it for my husband's birthday. And as you might have guessed...I was skeptical. Why? Because I was always disappointed whenever I ordered a dessert anywhere topped … [Read more...]
Super Bowl Sunday is a big day for football fans, food lovers, and viewing super expensive TV commercials. I'm good for a little football as long as the game is exciting. Of course I like to nosh with the best of them and enjoy catching a few commercials. But, I have a hunch that it will be hard to top this commercial. What are you looking forward to doing? If you're hosting or attending a party, you'll want to check out the ideas curated by me and my Project Inspire{d} co-hostesses.... Follow Diane :: An Extraordinary Day!'s board Super Bowl :: Game Day Food & Favors on Pinterest. One of the pins … [Read more...]
I'm super excited about this week's features! But, before we check them out, I want to remind you to check out the fabulous.... As a gal who loves to create, I think The Ultimate DIY Bundle is a truly fabulous library of eBooks & eCourses for anyone who wants to dabble or get serious with sewing, photography, baking, painting, doodling, home decor, writing, and more. Plus... you must check out all the FREE bonuses. This amazing deal ends in just… Pick up your copy right now, before it’s too late. Or, learn more here. Now on to our features! This week there were lots of … [Read more...]
Just reading the words, "holiday entertaining" makes some people start to sweat. Whether you're a pro or struggling to get it together to host a small party, here are... 7 Tips for Stress Free Holiday Entertaining One :: The gathering is not about YOU... it's about your guests. Whether you've been entertaining for years or you've been trying for years to get enough gumption to invite friends to your home...remember the party is not about you. It's not about how good your cooking is or isn't. It's not about how beautiful your home is or isn't. It's not about the size of your … [Read more...]
Farmhouse Christmas Vignette I bet you are in the process of making your home MERRY AND BRIGHT! Decking the halls and doing Fa-la-la-la-la fun things this Christmas! I am doing that right now too! One great way to give your home a festive holiday look is by creating Christmas vignettes. I'm so thrilled to be a part of Diane's CREATING CHRISTMAS MEMORIES WITH VIGNETTES. And I am soooo happy to be here at AN EXTRAORDINARY DAY today!!!! A big thanks to Diane for letting me visit her beautiful blog and be part of this wonderful series! My favorite vignettes to create any time … [Read more...]
I'm so excited you can join us for the follow-up to our Christmas Sweets & Treats Blog Hop. Yesterday, I joined with 33 super talented bloggers to bring you my Snowman Sundae and a fabulous round-up of Sweets and Treats from each of them. If you missed it... click here for a plethora of delectable delights. Christmas Sweets and Treats Linky Party Brought to you by... My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia :: Domestically Speaking Cupcakes and Crinoline :: Yellow Bliss Road :: Setting for Four Stone Gable :: A Pumpkin & A Princess :: An Extraordinary Day Twelve O Eight :: A Night Owl :: At … [Read more...]
Are you looking for a family friendly sweet treat for the grand finale to the big dinner? How about dessert that you can pretty much make ahead, quickly assemble, and then serve with great aplomb? I've got just the thing for you... Snowman Sundaes A snowman sundae is sure to be a hit. I love that there's no baking involved. It's really more like craft project dessert. If there's a children's Christmas party on your calendar, you can even let the kids do everything except scoop the ice cream. They'll have a ton of fun creating their own snowman sundaes, for … [Read more...]
Christmas is just 24 days away. Are you feeling a little bit stressed? Today I'm here to help take away some of the shopping stress. Take a deep breath and explore my... Holiday Gift Guide for the Entertainer ~ Part 1 *this post contains affiliate links* I love Christmas time! Decorating my home and hosting open houses and dinner parties make my heart sing. But, I know that it isn't necessarily the easiest thing for everyone. In fact, it can be down right daunting. That's where this Holiday Gift Guide for the Entertainer comes in... One thing I always do for open … [Read more...]
Are you ready for Thanksgiving? I confess... usually I have plenty of plans made by this time... but I don't necessarily do well in the execution department unless I get all the details prepared a week in advance. Let's just say someone might have had a meltdown. One thing I like to do is have my table planned out and set ahead of time. For me, that is an important detail that gives me a lot of peace and joy. This year I created an Oak Leaf Thanksgiving Menu Frame for the buffet. You can read all the details at Mod Podge Rocks. And speaking of Thanksgiving … [Read more...]
Table art. If you're the creative sort, you not only enjoy setting an inviting table, you probably like creating something pretty for it, too. We are each blessed with some sort of creativity. I like creating with my hands and my camera lens. Sunday was one of those days when nature's bounty, creativity, a special gift, and beautiful weather all converged at the same moment. It was an amazing few hours. I had so much fun setting the table and photographing it. My husband, who so graciously went with me to the park to lend a hand, kept hearing me talk … [Read more...]
I have a special message for Mother Nature... No more snow! Holy Cow! It isn't even Thanksgiving yet!! Since she no doubt is covering her ears... I'm covering my eyes... and pretending there is still green grass and falling leaves... and all things wonderfully fall. Who's with me? Are you ready for Thanksgiving? Here are some Thanksgiving tablescapes from the archives that would be extraordinary for your holiday dinners. I hope you find a tip or two that you can use this year. Cozy & Warm Homespun Table Setting Mixing Gold & Silver for Thanksgiving Table … [Read more...]
Do you remember those days as a child when you would collect fistfuls of autumn leaves? Maybe it was just last week that you found yourself picking up pretty leaves on your walk? Please... "Pin" - "Tweet" - or "Share" this image! I'm always on the look out for creating home decor with nature's bounty. It does seem that Mother Nature couldn't deliver any more leaves than she's been raining down on us the past few weeks. Actually, it's all been quite convenient for me. I have been planning an autumn tablescape but feeling like there was an important missing … [Read more...]
