We all have favorite moments, favorite things, and favorite people. This book page tablescape is my favorite tablescape, and I've create a few. I created it last year with what was around my house....books, mason jars, and crabapple blossoms.     It came about because of some lovely limitations and forced me to be super creative. I'd love to hear about your most creative moment and how it came to be.       And now...on to our party!   Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline    ~   Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday Stephanie Chan from The Silly … [Read more...]

Welcome to our first edition of Extraordinary Inspiration for Your Weekend My motto is "Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary?"   I can't believe how many of you link up truly extraordinary and inspiring projects at our Project Inspire{d} Link Party each week.  You amaze me with your talent. I have such a difficult time choosing just a few posts to feature from the many links.   With that in mind I decided that it would be fun to recognize more of you who not only link up to the party, but specifically those who stop by An Extraordinary Day to link up. We will continue to have our usual features … [Read more...]

Memorial Day, a Day of Remembrance. What a debt of gratitude we owe to those who have given their lives in sacrifice for our dear country.  May God's protection, guidance, and blessing be on each one currently serving and their families.  And may we never forget the cost.     I admit it, I'm a pretty patriotic gal. Usually, each year between Memorial Day and Independence Day I like to decorate with red, white, and blue around my house to show my country's colors.  Last year, I put this little window vignette together.  Maybe it will inspire you to decorate with red, white, and blue … [Read more...]

I can't believe how fast the days on the calendar tick off. We're just a little more than a week away from Memorial Day.     Last year I created a truly homespun and patriotic table.  It's one I really enjoyed a lot, too. I hope that you'll be able to take away some Memorial Day tablescape ideas that you can use for your celebration this year. Click here to see lots of photos and inspiration.   What do you usually do for Memorial Day weekend? Do you have a party planned?   Speaking of party....I am sooo excited that you have joined us again this week. I … [Read more...]

We had a beautiful weekend here in our neck of the woods. Everything is in bloom and Spring is showing off in high style. Today...I thought I would share with you one of my favorite tablescapes....   Black and White Polka Dot Spring Tablescape   This was such a quick and easy tablescape to put together.  Stop here and find out how it all came together. I had no idea that it was so popular on Pinterest....it was pinned more than a thousand times. :)  Wow! There's something about the classic look of black and white, but if I would do this again, my next color choice would be coral. … [Read more...]

My friend Jennifer Carroll who blogs at Celebrating Everyday Life has just finished the Anniversary Edition of her extraordinary magazine, Celebrating Everyday Life.  It's chock full of the most amazing eye candy, recipes, crafts, home decor, and even a fabulous interview. Here's a sneak peek of some of the deliciousness that awaits you! Pretty amazing...wouldn't you agree? I hope you will purchase your fabulous copy here. Did you enter my 2nd Blogiversary Giveaway from DaySpring? Be sure to pop over now....the giveaway closes Tuesday at 9 PM EDT. And now...on to our party!  Mary Beth … [Read more...]

Spring planting season is around the corner for those of us who live "up north." Right now it's a great time to plant trees and yummy blueberry bushes. Do you have any blueberry bushes?  I can't wait 'til I'm able to have my own fresh picked organic blueberries. Yum!!   In the meantime, I'm dreaming of flowers to plant once we are frost-free. Do you have "go to" favorites every year, or are you into experimenting with colors and heights and textures? I do have a few "go to" favorites.  But, they will always be used in the midst of my experimental containers.  Because there is always … [Read more...]

Hope you had a great Easter celebration! We enjoyed a wonderful service at church, a delicious dinner, and the most gorgeous weather. Speaking of weather.  It feels like summer today!  After this very long winter it's amazing! No doubt you were busy over the holiday weekend.  Just in case you missed this...I shared some Last Minute Ideas for Your Easter Table, including a place card printable and tutorial, egg decorating idea, and recipes.  "Pin" for next year here.     When the weather gets warm, many of us start thinking about planting flowers. How do I know this?  My tutorial on how … [Read more...]

You might remember this Easter subway art printable from last year. This was the first time I had never created something like this and was amazed at the wonderful reception it received. So....I thought that I would feature it again, just in time for Easter.  Though certainly it would be lovely all spring or even longer.    Click here to download your 8x10 Subway Art Easter Printable.  For personal use only.           It's that time we've all been waiting for....    Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline    ~   Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday Stephanie Chan … [Read more...]

Do you realize, Easter is less than two weeks away?! I haven't even begun to think about Easter decorating.  But, I know many of you have it on your mind. In fact, this rustic burlap Easter egg wreath I made last year has been getting lots and lots of views this year.   I love that it was quick and easy and inexpensive to put together.   And there's plenty of time if you want to make one too!   Here's a glimpse of what was extraordinary on the blog this past week....   Sharing Encouraging Words | Joy Day! Celebrate Your Joys     Now...I can't wait to see … [Read more...]

Today feels like spring!  Finally! We haven't managed to keep the sun shining...but I can't complain when it's 60 degrees!! I even got a chance to get outside and play in the yard a bit.     I thought it would be fun today to revisit a popular post from last year.... This shabby spring window sings spring and the little birdies make me happy.   Right now, my window is slightly open and I can hear birdsong.  It's the most wonderful thing.  After a long winter, it's music to my ears!!   Here's a glimpse of what was extraordinary on the blog this past week.... The Promise of … [Read more...]

What are your favorite spring flowers?     I confess that I'm a traditionalist. I love forsythia and tulips and daffodils and hyacinths and anemones and hellebores.   Yeah.  Pretty much everything.  [wink] Which pretty much explains why I created this spring tulip wreath with forsythia.     Although I made this wreath a while back, it's still perfectly in style today. All the details on how it all came together are here.  Just in case you want to try your hand at making a spring tulip wreath. And if you missed seeing my crisp white spring mantel...click … [Read more...]

 May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long. Irish Blessing  This year I used book pages to help decorate the mantel for St. Patrick's Day. If you missed the post, check it out here.   And now, on to our Extraordinary Link Party....   I am so excited to join with Mary Beth from Cupcake and Crinoline, Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday, and Stephanie from The Silly Pearl, my co-hosts here at Project Inspire{d} to see what you've been working on this week!  Your … [Read more...]

Back in October I wrote a 31-Day Series, "31 Extraordinary Days to Be..." In a nutshell I took us on a journey to learn to Be…  fully and beautifully alive in our “skin” and in our homes and beyond.     Each week during the series, I addressed how we could Be...Encouraging. It's always great to be on the receiving end of encouragement.  Some of you are amazingly encouraging and I have been the blessed recipient of your kind words.  Others of us don't come by it naturally, so I put together a list of 52 Practical and Thoughtful Ways to Encourage Others.  Essentially one for each week … [Read more...]

  With St. Patrick's Day coming soon... I put together this old Irish Blessing Printable for you.    Download this FREE 8x10 St. Patrick's Day PRINTABLE for personal use ONLY   I love using graphics and pictures in vignettes.  Maybe you would like to frame this FREE Irish Blessing printable and use it in a St. Patrick's Day vignette.     And now, on to our Extraordinary Link Party....   Thank you so much for coming by and sharing your extraordinary creativity and ideas and tips each week.  I truly appreciate you!  And...I can't wait to see what you've … [Read more...]

Have you ever noticed that when you come to a river, or any running body of water, you pause? Last weekend we went for a morning walk.     When we got to the river, we carefully walked a lumpy path carved by massive tires and made our way close to its shore as we could get.   And we paused. Yes, I took lots of photos....breathed in the beauty....and most of all...lost my hurry. Pooh Bear said, "Rivers know this: There is no hurry, we shall get there some day." Ahhh...what's your hurry?     And now, on to our Extraordinary Link Party....   Thank you so … [Read more...]

Winter weather seems to be the topic of conversation everywhere. Did you get snow?  I love hearing the excitement of those of you who are experiencing the first real snowfall in a long time.  Please tell me you celebrated by making snow ice cream. Yesterday the sun was shining here in the Mitten State, for a while, and the temps were all the way up to the low twenties!  My husband and I celebrated by going for a long walk at a local park.  The best part was walking on some of the frozen marsh.   I know...it doesn't take much for me.  [wink]  And of course, I took a bunch of photos … [Read more...]