This week's Project Inspire{d} party was filled with patriotic creativity! So many mouth-watering treats were shared... just perfect for the 4th of July. Whatever you're doing to celebrate... there's something here that's sure to please your crowd! Now get your pinning finger ready for this week's Great Ideas! Sweet and Tasty 4th of July Treats Watermelon and Blueberry Straws from Simply Suzanne's Sweet Cream Berry Shortcakes ~ I Should be Mopping the Floor Red, Blue and White Chocolate Mousse from Sweet and Savory by Shinee 4th of July Marshmallow Pinwheels from Home Cooking Memories Patriotic … [Read more...]
Fourth of July is probably my favorite holiday to celebrate. More likely, it's the height of summer and I want a reason to party and celebrating our country's independence is the perfect excuse. Then again, what other holiday has flags to wave... or even a theme, design, and colorway all its own? Today I thought I would put together a few ideas to help you throw your own 4th of July bash... simply, beautifully, and easily. Most parties are all about the food. But, I confess... I am usually about the presentation. The two can easily be melded together. The key is to have fun prepping … [Read more...]
It's time for Project Inspire{d}! Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline ~ Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday Stephanie from The Silly Pearl ~ Diane from An Extraordinary Day Thanks for choosing to party with us! Hope your week is off to an extraordinary start! Yesterday was incredibly beautiful for the longest day of the year. But, today, it's another rainy Monday. Maybe I should call it Monsoon Monday. Lot's of "weather" predicted through the night. Hopefully is dissipates... I don't wish this on anyone. Just for fun... I thought I'd open up the archives: If you're into doing a … [Read more...]
This week's Project Inspire{d} party was extraordinary! Thanks for sharing Project Inspire{d} with your friends! It's so great seeing new blogs. And WOW! the creativity blows me away! I LOVE summertime entertaining outdoors. There's something about being outside that makes everyone relaxed and carefree. And what's better than finishing off a cookout with s'mores around the fire after the sun sets? Today's round-up is filled with ideas for making your outdoor spaces the perfect places for summer entertaining... or just for family. So... come on and see what caught our eye this week! And get your pinning … [Read more...]
It's time for Project Inspire{d}! Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline ~ Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday Stephanie from The Silly Pearl ~ Diane from An Extraordinary Day Thanks for choosing to party with us! Hope your week is off to an extraordinary start! It's been raining like cats and dogs around here. I even saw a pretty green frog swim across the sidewalk!! Yikes!! We needed a little rain... we've got plenty now. And along with the rain came a new crop of mosquitoes. Today I thought I stroll around the yard instead of sitting down inside to chat with a friend. Not a good idea. … [Read more...]
One of my favorite pastimes is taking pictures. Even before digital cameras I took boatloads of pictures. That was sort of expensive. The beauty of digital cameras is that you can take several shots in hopes of getting the right one. And I do. Rarely is my first shot a keeper. I've been taking photos for what seems like forever. But if you were to look through my photo files you won't see lots of pictures of people. That is one area I need improve my skills. Taking photos of people is different than snapping shots of nature. That's one area I need to improve for … [Read more...]
In my neck the woods... it's the end of the school year. Others I know have been finished with school for a month. And still others are about to embark on their last week, plus exams. Whether you have kids or not... does the end of the school year feel like the beginning of summer? I'm not attempting to play 20 questions here... but what's summer like for you? Is it the start of some well-earned freedom? Is it the same-o-same-o? Or is it something else? As I was reading Psalm 19 from The Message Bible I thought... the beginning of summer is a great time to have a New Year's resolution. … [Read more...]
This week's Project Inspire{d} party was filled with amazing creativity! June 14th is Flag Day and the Fourth of July is just around the corner! Now's the time to get your crew together to make patriotic crafts and festoon your home in red, white, and blue in shapes of stars and stripes. Wish we could get our craft on together. Wouldn't that be fun? Get your pinning finger ready for this week's Great Ideas! 16 Patriotic Crafts to Make at Home American Flag Pallet by Diva of DIY Patriotic Wind Catcher by Greco Design Company Tic Tac Toe Game by Reasons to Skip the Housework Buttoned Up … [Read more...]
I have several friends going through hard times right now. One trying desperately to regain her footing after divorce, one recovering from a bad fall and brain surgery (with a setback today), another fighting a debilitating virus for 8 months with no end in sight, one struggling through the process of seeing her sister-in-law go from home to hospice, and still another dear friend in the throes of dealing with a family member battling addiction. Tremendously hard times. My difficulties seem small in comparison. Yours may dwarf those, or possibly you are in a time of calm. When we are faced with … [Read more...]
This week's Project Inspire{d} party was so much fun! So many fabulous recipes for summer were shared this week. Lots of you are finding a perfect way to cool off and wow your family and guests. Get your pinning finger ready for this week's Great Ideas! 16 Cool Summer Treat Recipes PinkLemonade Cupcake Ice Cream Cones from Atta Girl Says 3-Ingredient Lemon Mousse from The Kitchen is My Playground Homemade Chocolate Magic Shell Recipe from Saving Everyday Rustic Plum Compote for Ice Cream from Oh My Sugar High Pina Colada Popsicles from Better in Bulk No Churn Funfetti Cake Batter Ice … [Read more...]
It all started with some branches from a flowering tree in our yard. One of the most lovely surprises you can have in a new-to-you home is the discovery of flowering trees and bushes. We had no idea what this white blooming beauty was, but the branches were many and heavy laden with blossoms, so I decided to cut a few and bring them inside. I will have to say, the blossoms did not have the most pleasing fragrance. But, their beauty was spectacular. Today I want to give you a little inspiration, so you too, can create a vignette with flowering branches. My … [Read more...]
It's time for Project Inspire{d}! Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline ~ Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday Stephanie from The Silly Pearl ~ Diane from An Extraordinary Day Thanks for choosing to party with us! Monday nights are my favorite nights. And I can't wait to see all your extraordinary inspiration and great ideas. Last week you amazed me with all your summer ideas. Just in case you missed all the extraordinary goodness from this past week... Still I Will Say, God is Good | JoyDay! Plus...Project Inspire{d} Link Party Features: Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes Stop back … [Read more...]
On a scale of 1 to 10... how would you rate your week? Some weeks are really hard. If you rated your week closer to 1 on the scale would you still be able to say God is good? In the midst of the good and the bad I've been learning... Regardless of my circumstances, God is good. All the time. I want that for you. But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. Psalm 13:5-6 NLT What a great verse to meditate on when you're in a difficult circumstance. It's especially good if you … [Read more...]
This week's Project Inspire{d} party was so much fun! There were so many fabulous ideas for summer living shared this week. Lots of you a finding the perfect way to cool off and wow your guests with delicious and refreshing summer drink recipes. Many of us are enjoying the start of summer. But as much as we are relishing the beautiful weather, we are painfully aware that many of you have had too much rain and flooding and cannot wait to see the sun shine again. Our prayers are with you for relief and a speedy clean-up. And now onto the features... Get your pinning finger ready for this week's Great … [Read more...]
It's time for Project Inspire{d}! Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline ~ Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday Stephanie from The Silly Pearl ~ Diane from An Extraordinary Day I'm so excited that you could join us tonight. Monday nights are my favorite nights. And I can't wait to see all your extraordinary inspiration and great ideas. Thank you so much for blessing us with your presence. Just in case you missed all the extraordinary goodness from this past week... Greater love has no one than this... Thanks to Facebook I've Got a New Mind-set | JoyDay! Fun and … [Read more...]
On this Memorial Day we remember. Bravery. Fear. Love. Hope. Selflessness. But, most of all we remember the ones who gave it all up for this thing we call Freedom. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13 Thank you soldier. Thank you for your sacrifice. For your ultimate gift of love. And thank you dear one for the courage it took to give that last hug and kiss. Oh how blessed we are to have liberty in this time and in this place we call "the land of the free and the home of the … [Read more...]
While on Facebook, of all places, I was prodded to change my outlook. I read a phrase that stuck with me. Forget talking about your troubles. Talking about our troubles is a bad habit for most of us. It's what we do. So if we can't talk about our troubles...what do we do? Celebrate our joys! I have a good friend that I chat with irregularly via email. At this time in our lives it's the best form of communication. It's efficient. When we get the chance to talk on the phone....it's a looooong talk. And we usually don't have time to do that very often. Today I … [Read more...]
