Make Easter brunch amazing with this easy and inexpensive Easter centerpiece idea. Simple and colorful, you'll feel like you're celebrating Easter in a garden. It's been a while since I've been totally excited about something I've created and this Easter centerpiece and tablescape are my very favorite. I cannot express the happiness I feel every time I walk in the room. A few of my wonderful friends got together with me for a blogging challenge where our goal is to Make Something From Nothing. It's all about being creative with the gifts and talents our Creator has given us … [Read more...]
Have you ever read a passage of scripture that intrigued you and you wanted to know more? This week I came across this verse... “May the beloved of the Lord dwell in security by Him, Who shields him all the day, And he dwells between His shoulders.” Deuteronomy 33:12 Can you guess which sentence jumped out at me? It was... "And he dwells between His shoulders.” This scripture was part of a blessing that Moses gave to the twelve tribes of Israel prior to his death and this verse specifically was a blessing for Benjamin and his tribe. I know that all the blessings … [Read more...]
Are you a fan of the popular HGTV show, Fixer Upper? Joanna Gaines and her talented husband, Chip deliver amazing home transformations each week that are so creative and inspiring. I have to say their show is my favorite, by far. Jo's decor style could be described as farmhouse with a little industrial vibe and has become very popular. This week some amazing bloggers linked up their fabulous Fixer Upper styled home decor projects at Project Inspire{d}. Take a few minutes to kick back, relax, and check out ALL the features... and don't forget to pin this and your favorites, too. 12 Fixer … [Read more...]
Have you ever come across a sign or a quote that made you stop and think? I was reading a magazine the other day and there was a sign in the publication that said something about "doing good.' I thought having a quote like that on the wall would be a great encouragement to help me think about caring for others and not being so much about myself. Shortly thereafter, I saw this quote by Thoreau - Be not simply good - be good for something. Many of us belong to the Good Girls' Club. We follow the rules, keep our rooms clean, say "please" and "thank you" and even do … [Read more...]
We live in a shaky world. It seems there isn't much we can count on. ONE thing we can depend on is GOD and his never ending loving kindness. The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace.” So says the Lord who loves you. Isaiah 54:10 Think about the past week. Not to dwell on the negative... but were there people who let you down? And no doubt you let someone else down, too. Some of it may have been purposeful... generally, we try yet we fail, we care yet we're selfish. Though relationships and nations may appear … [Read more...]
Are you Irish? I'm not. Good thing we don't need our veins to flow with Irish blood to enjoy celebrating St. Patrick's Day... especially when it comes to some delicious sweet treats. I'm a huge fan of peppermint desserts and a delicious minty treat is definitely my pot of gold. You have actually hit a "pot of gold" in recipes that will be a huge hit for sure. The Minty Shamrock Cheese Ball has captured my interest and I think I just might need to make that for my small group meeting the week of St. Paddy's Day. There are a dozen treats and drinks here that you'll want … [Read more...]
Today I want to show you a fun and Inexpensive Winter Vignette that evokes a soft and cozy feeling and can be put together for just pennies. Once we had our little Valentine's Day celebration with our neighbor kids, I was so ready to switch up the wall and side table in my living room. When I first put it together I absolutely loved it and it made me smile every time I walked in the door. But, once Valentine's Day was over... I was ready to get my creativity on and have fun making over that spot. One of my favorite color combinations is really not … [Read more...]
Have you ever had one of those days? My day challenged me on several levels. Maybe because I'm the queen of self-doubt. How about you? Do you second guess yourself, too? I came across this quote from Benjamin Spock, the famed parenting/baby doctor: Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do. This sage advice was aimed at parents who thought they didn't know anything about parenting. Yet, it's pretty good advice for most of us. It's easy to think someone else will know more or might have more experience when really, you already are well prepared. You … [Read more...]
Most of us don't like confrontation. It is something I try to avoid if at all possible. But, there's something else that recently has made me feel even more uncomfortable... observing friends being shut down for interjecting thoughts or ideas that may be contrary to the listener. Open communication and a free exchange of ideas are so important to me. A respectful, kind, and friendly discussion is one where we actually listen and then speak and generally it's a rather enjoyable experience. I am terribly uncomfortable when people think their ideas are the only ideas and … [Read more...]
With this unseasonably warm weather we're having, I'm itching to get my paint brush out and give something a little painterly makeover. This week's features from Project Inspire{d} will have you on your way to the paint store, or a least the craft aisle, before the weekend is over. I just know that with 30 winsome projects you'll be inspired! Take a few minutes to kick back, relax, and check out all the features... and don't forget to pin this and your favorites, too. Get Painting with ONE of these 30 Practical Painting Projects Adding Porch Railings for Curb Appeal … [Read more...]
This morning I read this verse from 1 Corinthians and sort of felt like it was a slap in the face. Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 As I think back over the past 24 hours I know I had moments of impatience, selfishness, envy, and pride. I wanted my own way and though I probably didn't notice it, was probably irritable or touchy. Grudge … [Read more...]
It's almost Valentine's Day and you're feeling like it's too late to put up any Valentine related decor? Banish that thought! I'm here to tell you it's NOT too late! You're going to LOVE these BEYOND Valentine's Day Decorating Ideas! This week's features from Project Inspire{d} had some fantastic home decor ideas for Valentine's Day that you will want to leave up all year long. Seriously... keeping the spirit of love alive in our homes throughout the year is a very good thing. Take a few minutes to kick back, relax, and check out all the features... and don't forget to pin this and your … [Read more...]
Do you love fresh flowers but think arranging them is just too hard? Think again! I'm here to show you that you can create a stunning Valentine's Day centerpiece with zero experience or skill. Once you see how EASY it is to do, you'll be making table arrangements for every holiday and occasion. In fact, you don't need a reason other than... Fresh flowers! I created this beautiful floral arrangement for an intimate dinner for two on February 14. You can see more of my Valentine tablescape here. Let's get started! To begin you'll need a few supplies: Pruners or … [Read more...]
Shhh! Don't tell anyone, but my dear husband and I aren't very romantic. I think I would like it if he was and I think he'd like it if I was. But we aren't. Not that we haven't tried. In our early years, we thought we were being romantic by purchasing pretty new sheets for our anniversary. We'd go out to dinner dressed to the nines. We've had fancy foods at our bedside. And my dear husband has sent me countless gorgeous floral bouquets. All romantic sounding things to do.... but bells don't ring and birds don't sing. He brings me flowers and … [Read more...]
Here it is, almost a week before Valentine's Day! So often we focus on the romantic side of Valentine's Day and yet we all are not in a place where romance is a part of our lives. BUT... we all need love. We need to love and be loved. We need people. We can't walk this journey alone, can we? The best way I know to be loved is to love others. Maybe if we focus on others and loving others well, when we get to the end of our lives we'll be like the velveteen rabbit. And what could be better? Let's do our best to remember this... “Keep love in your heart.” To … [Read more...]
Wouldn't you love to bake and Package a Chocolate Valentine's Day Gift for family and friends using recycled items and things you have on hand? This edition of Make Something from Nothing is all about Valentine's Day Gifts! Who knew recycled tuna cans and cardboard saltine cracker boxes would help make these adorable and delicious gifts you'll LOVE to give? Be sure to stay until the end to see the creative gift ideas my friends, Jennifer and Mary Beth are sharing this month too. What's your love language? Is it receiving gifts, words of … [Read more...]
"Never take your eyes off the master because he knows things you don't." Lysa Terkeurst Friday night I had an opportunity to attend a woman's gathering at my church, something I rarely do. One of my dear friends mentioned it and we decided, last minute, to go together and I'm so glad we did. It was a thoughtful time of live worship with an all-girl band at our church and there was a simulcast so we could watch, with other women around the world, wonderful and challenging speakers like Lysa Terkeurst and Ann Voskamp. I took a few notes, but this quote from Lysa -- "Never take your eyes off the … [Read more...]
