This past week, I've been in the midst of some major organizing. Raise your hand if that's you, too. My organizing isn't exactly what you'd expect. I've been spending my time organizing the blog to hopefully make your experience here even better. Most of things I'm attempting to do require me to do some research to figure out how to do it... before I can even start. If you're a blogger that tries not to rely on an expert/designer, etc., you know how much time this takes. I must say there's a lot of satisfaction from the accomplishment. However, because I don't have many posts completed in advance, I … [Read more...]
This has been a week of COLD temperatures. Brrrrrrrrrr..... Many of you are experiencing super cold weather and snow. Here in Michigan we've had both and the forecasters are saying we can look forward to the temps dropping well below zero for a few nights. I get the chills just typing that out. ;) Yesterday I took one of my cameras outdoors to snap a few photos in the cold and snow, only to have the battery immediately fail because it was so cold. I went back in for my telephoto camera and snapped this. When I was growing up, Michigan's slogan was "Water, Winter, Wonderland." That slogan has since … [Read more...]
Today is my one-year anniversary of partying with my wonderful co-hostesses... Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday Stephanie from The Silly Pearl and YOU!! I'm so blessed to team up with Mary Beth, Malia, and Stephanie... the smartest, most creative, and sweetest gals ever. It's so much fun working with them and getting to know each of them. (Love you gals!!) And thank YOU for coming by each week and linking up your extraordinary ideas and projects. You all are the BEST!!! Thank you so much for your warm and lovely comments, too. Your talents never cease to amaze … [Read more...]
Raise your hand if the Christmas season gives you a sensory overload. Now don't get me wrong... it's not a bad thing. I love every. little. thing. about Christmas from the trees to the sparkling lights and all the amazing savory and sweet treats. What's especially good for me... all that goodness decreases my appetite. I'm probably one of the few who lose a pound or two at Christmas. Before you get all jealous or start rolling your eyes I need to confess... I can get in big trouble about the time Valentine's Day rolls around. Yup... that's my season to over indulge in everything chocolaty and … [Read more...]
I can hardly believe it! It's late December and there isn't a flake on the ground here in Michigan. After last year's deep freeze and over abundance of snow... I'm loving it! In fact, I think that I'll celebrate with paper snowflakes this year. :) After Christmas do you transition to winter home decor? If you're trying to figure out how to transition your Christmas decor to winter, this just might be the perfect idea for you. If you'd like to see some of my other ideas, check out a guide I wrote for eBay. Click on the pin here. It's time for Project Inspire{d}! I am so … [Read more...]
Wow! That was fast! I cannot believe how quickly the Christmas season zoomed in and out this year. We were blessed to have had some special time with my husband's family, plus a brief time with dear friends we rarely see. I know the holidays are not wonderful for everyone. But, I do hope in the midst of it all, you were able to sense God's amazing love for you. It's that love that brought us the very best gift we'll ever know. Do you ring in the New Year with family and friends? However you celebrate, large or small, quiet or loud, we've got some delicious New Year's Eve menu ideas from this week's Project … [Read more...]
How would you like to make your holidays brighter? I'm so excited to be able to give you the opportunity to win a $250 Visa gift card courtesy of BlueMountain.com. Someone is going to be super blessed! Last week my friend Melanie linked up a Christmas post to Project Inspire{d} that touched my heart. She talked about how much she had to do for Christmas, how her decor wasn't really blog/magazine worthy, and then she shared this... My old, plastic light-up nativity set may seem cheap to some, but my kids absolutely love it. They spend time outside carrying Baby Jesus … [Read more...]
How would you like to have an extra $250 to spend over the holidays? Of course you would! Hurry on over here... and enter my GIVEAWAY for a $250 Visa Gift Card! Speaking of the holidays... You all brought a ton of Christmas creativity to Project Inspire{d} this week. Here are just a few sweet ideas that caught my eye... 7 Peppermint Treats DIY Peppermint Sugar Scrub by Tabler Party of Two Make Peppermint Sugar Scrub by Living on the Cheap Chocolate Chunk Peppermint Cream Cookies by Up State Ramblings Vanilla Peppermint Body Butter by Robynsview Skinny … [Read more...]
I love wreaths! Typically you can find a wreath in almost every room of my home. Especially at Christmas. Last year I had so much fun playing with this white birch for a table setting that I decided to make a natural white birch wreath, too. It's not round like a "normal" wreath... which makes it even more fun for me. If you're still trying to get some Christmas decor up on your walls or doors, there is still time. If you try make a wreath like this... please let me know. I'd love to see yours. It's time for Project Inspire{d}! I am so glad you're here! Before we get … [Read more...]
Time. No one has enough. When it comes to creative holiday craft ideas, I like projects I can accomplish quickly. This grapevine banner wreath was a quick and easy project. I know you'll love making one too. It's guaranteed to make a statement wherever you hang it. Speaking of creative holiday craft ideas... You all brought a ton of creativity to Project Inspire{d} this week. Here are just a few cute and crafty ideas... 10 Cute & Creative Holiday Craft Ideas Joy Vintage Doily Christmas Banner by Electric Red Barn Brown Paper Packages by Delineate Your Dwelling Piped Basket … [Read more...]
Ready for a hot holiday tip? Do you take pictures of your past holiday decor or table settings? If you don't, I urge you to do that. Bloggers have a tendency to take lots of photos, and I was "guilty" of that in my pre-blogging years. But, now as I look back, I'm so glad I did. It helps me remember the good ideas and get the creative juices flowing when I'm tired from all the festivities and I might still have some decorating to do, or tables to set for those special dinners and parties. Why not create a special file on your computer, just for holiday decor you want to remember? I think you'll find … [Read more...]
Fun things are happening this week on the blog, including two blog hops that I'm blessed to participate in. I'm super excited about this one that is totally about a whimsical way to enjoy a treasured memory that many of us have... bringing home the Christmas tree. Speaking of Christmas trees... This week you were in the true spirit of Christmas and from all your shared creativity, Malia selected: 12 "Tree"mendous Christmas Tree Ideas Vintage Christmas Tree Delivery Truck by Sadie Seasongoods Pallet Wood Rustic Christmas Coasters by Scrapality Birch Branch Christmas Tree from … [Read more...]
It's Cyber Monday! Raise your hand if you've been shopping for deals online. I want to make your Christmas shopping a breeze, so I joined with some of my blogging pals and created the The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide. Here's my part. I'd love for you to stop here and here and check out all the goodness. And if you choose to purchase through the links there... you will make my day and help support me and An Extraordinary Day. Mwah! And now... It's time for Project Inspire{d}! I am so glad you're here! Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline ~ Malia from Yesterday on … [Read more...]
Did you realize tomorrow is the first Sunday in Advent? I missed the memo. Just in case you're a little behind, like me, here's my not so typical Advent wreath from last year. Observing Advent is a great way to prepare for the true meaning of Christmas. If you need a few ideas for observing Advent you'll want to check out this post. And speaking of Christmas... This week we have some Great Ideas! for our weekend wrap up, just for YOU! Our features from Project Inspire{d} are all about the colors Red and White ~ everything from food and drinks to … [Read more...]
I cannot believe Thanksgiving is just about here! Did someone push the accelerator button? Because time seems to be whizzing by at warp speed. All the more reason to take a few minutes to slow down... breathe... and acknowledge our blessings. I love this quote and printable from the archives... “When it comes to life the critical thing is, whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” Gilbert Chesterton I know you'll want to download my free gratitude printable, to post at your work station, on the fridge, or even frame and place in a vignette for a constant … [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...]
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...]
